RED CROSS SOCIETY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5600, 2 April 1943, Page 2

RED CROSS SOCIETY

TE AWAMUTU SUB-CENTRE

ANNUAL MEETING HELD The annual meeting of the Te Awamutu Red Cross was held in the Depot, Alexandra Street, yesterday, Mrs C. G. Downes presiding over a good attendance of members. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames L. G. Armstrong, O’Brien, Law, Steer. Wynyard and Jourdain. PRESIDENT’S REPORT Mrs Downes’ report read:—

“We come to the end of a year successful in every way, inasmuch as we have achieved a record, financially, and our members display greater zeal than ever. The existing goodwill which prevails among us after three years of work together shows that we women at home are doing our best to support the standard set by the Red Cross and St. John. Many of our members and friends have suffered bereavements, many too are passing through very anxious times. Whilst thrilled with pride at the exploits of our men, we share with their loved ones their anxiety, and to those bereaved our sympathy.

“With regret, In August-October, we received the resignations of two most valued officers—Mesdames Jeffery and Neilson. These two members proved invaluable to us, Mrs Neilson, as the treasurer (particularly during the Sick and Wounded Appeal) had a tremendous amount of work to do and did it with courtesy and efficiency. We have been fortunate in securing Mrs McClymont for the office of treasurer. We welcome her and trust she will enjoy the work with us.

“Mrs Jeffery, as convenor of sewing and goods purchasing, gave good service at a time when there was much to be done. Mrs Jeffery is our very capable representative on the Waikato Centre Finance Executive.

“Mrs Rainey was appointed to the secretaryship during the year and most successful convenor of the cards. This lady has a lot of work and does it well throughout. This year we have paid a substantial amount into the Waikato Trust Fund. The sum of £lOO was donated to St. John’s ambulance. We were pleased to be able to assist the Brigade in its worthy work. Various amounts were sent to the Headquarters Distress Fund, Plastic Surgery, Leper Fund, and several cases of distress (locally) were assisted. A trolley to be used for servicing the hospital trains arriving at Frankton has been donated to the Centre.

“To those who have contributed by donations of goods and services during the year, and to Messrs Nobes and Old for work done at the Depot, to Mr and Mrs Warburton, who so generously house us, to Mr Wanklyn, hon. auditor, and Mr Coupland, who transports all goods to Hamilton, and to the Courier for publicity, we saythank you to all sub-committees and residents, officers and members who so cheerfully and well have made this sub-centre the success it is, I am grateful and thank you for your ready co-operation. I have enjoyed the work and sincerely hope we may prove worthy of the great sacrifices being made for us.” Reports from the country branches and convenors of various sections were read. They will be published on Monday. The annual balance-sheet was read, and showed a sound financial position. ’ It was agreed that last year’s office bearers be re-elected. ALL PURPOSES APPEAL The Waikato Centre wrote soliciting co-operation in the forthcoming appeal, pointing out that in order to retain its international rights and privileges and so afford Red Cross protection to New Zealand prisoners of war and sick and wounded, the Society has had to take the stand that it could not participate in any appeal that also concerned the fit soldier, but that all monies raised in the All Purposes Appeal by the Red Cross will be placed in the Sick and Wounded Fund. The quota for each zone will be announced later. GENERAL It was decided to run the Depot on Thursday next for the Blind Soldiers’ Fund, and Mrs Downes made an appeal to town members to assist with donations of cooking and other saleable goods. The staffing of the Patriotic Depot was discussed, and it was decided to prepare a roster for exhibition at the Red Cross Depot. A special vote of thanks was accorded Mr W. Olds for his gratuitous work at the depot. It was stated that the membership of the sub-centre now, stands at 562.