RED CROSS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 827, 4 October 1916, Page 8

RED CROSS.

OF WOMEN'S SECTION. The usual meeting of the Women's Section of the Red Cross was held this morning. Mrs "Walter Hill (in the absence of Mrs Boyle) presided, in conjunction with Mr A. E. Rhodes, chairman of committees. The financial statement showed that there was a credit of £57G7 2/9 in the bank, including the amount colteeted on "Our Day." Mr Rhodes stated that all the "Our Day" money, in cash and promises, would total between £7OOO and £SUOO. He congratulated and thanked all who had helped to bring about such a desirable result.

Reports were read as follows, each referring to the work of the past mouth: —Material was purchased to the extent of £1350 16/-, and wool to £139 8/2. Garments received during the month totalled 15,728; 115 cases wore sent away to the War Contingent Association, the British Red Cross (including bandages for Russian Red Cross), and the transports; and 107,000 bandages were made. Regarding the latter, Mrs Lavie said that her department had been calculating what amount of bandages would be required for those mentioned in the wounded lists published on Saturday and Monday, and had worked it out at 9000 per day for the next six weeks. As only about 1800 were being sent away per day at present, workers would require to make a much bigger effort for the future. The City Branch reported a considerable falling-off, chiefly as a result of the contradictory reports that had got into circulation regarding the necessity or otherwise of sending garments, etc., and also because many people felt that money was needed to a greater extent than garments. However, arrangements wore being made to give a fresh impetus to the work, for which there were ample funds in hand. The Missing Soldiers' Branch announced its first anniversary, and stated that since its inceptiou it hail dealt with 246 cases. The expenses dnce July had been £7 16/-, and they had a credit balance of £29 8/6. The branch anticipated a considerable amount of work, consequent on recent events. It was reported that comforts and clothing had been sent to the Soldiers' Convalescent Home at Hanmer, ami that the committee invited donations of hooks, magazines, deck chairs, walk ing sticks, dried anil tinned fruits, etc., for the same place. Clothing had also been sent to the Christchurch Hospital for the use of soldier-patients. A cheque of £IOO had been sent to the High Commissioner, London, for division amongst New Zealand nurses, by way of Christmas presents, and a sum of £lB was being retained for nurses in New Zealand:

Mrs Hill thanked the branches for their activities, ami urged continued and increased efforts in Red Cross work. She reported having visited 2! country and suburban branches dining the month.

A letter was read from Miss Thurston, matron of the Walton-ou Thames Hospital, conveying thanks for tl dona tion of money sent from Kowai and Springfield, which would buy many extras and comforts for the men. IShe also acknowledged with much gratitude the help sent from all Canterbury centres to the Waltou-on-Thames Hospital.

Mr Khodes announced that Mr Bernard Tripp (Red Cross Commissioner lor Egypt) was now on his way home, and asked the ladies if they would like to meet him on his arrival back in Canterbury. The meeting signified that such w r as its desire, and Mr Rhodes promised to arrange the matter.