RED CROSS ACTIVITIES

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1927, Page 5

RED CROSS ACTIVITIES

REPORT FOR PAST YEAR. MUCH VALUABLE WORK DONE. ~Tho executive council of the North Taranaki District British Red Cross Society met on June 10. Present: The Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson), president, Mesdames W. Morey, M. Spurge, Anderson and the Rev G. H. Gavin and Mr. L. N. Johnston (Waitara and Urcnui), Mrs. A. Patrick. Sister M. Corkill and Messrs. H. C. Morgan and K. R. Taylor (New Plymouth;. Considerable correspondence relating to the proposed utilisation of the services of the Red Cross nurse in co-or-dination with the Health Department for North Taranaki was read and discussed. The council approved the action of the New Zealand executive in its negotiations with the health department through Dr. Watt, Deputy Director General of Health, to the effect:—-' “That the New Zealand Red Cross Society is agreeable that the proposal be given a trial extending over a period of 12 months in Taranaki, the department to subsidise'the ,-ociety on £ for £ basis, the appointment of an additional nurse to be ecVtingent upon the people of the district served agreeing to find at least one-third of the cost entailed bv such appointment.'’ The annual report and balance-sheet for the year ending March 31 was then adopted. The bank balance showed a credit of £B3 8s Id. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: President, The .Mayoress (Mrs. F. E. Wilson), council, Mesdames A. Patrick, Foord, F. M. Syme, Dixon, Rev. G. H. Gavin, Messrs. L. N. Johnston and H. C. Morgan;. secretary and treasurer, Mr. K. R. Taylor. The president’s report stated: “The council met on four occasions during the year, when the delegates from the various branches had been enabled to bring instances of general interest before the central committee and work in harmony towards adopting a policy for the benefit of the community throughout the district. “It might not be generally known, but health talks in schools had been carried out by the nurse through the courtesy of the headmasters of the various schools, to whom they extended thanks for the privilege. “The resignation of Miss Jessie Carruthers (secretary and treasurer) was accepted with regret. “In January of this year the council received official advice of the retention of Sister Corkill for a further 12 months as the Red Cross nurse for North Taranaki. “Branches were circularised suggestnig that a list of voluntary helpers (with experience) be compiled. These helpers would be available in combating an epidemic of influenza should the occasion arise. “With regard to stretchers, first aid outfits and notices, the Waitara and Urenui branches had been most active and had placed stretchers in various places on the Main North Road on or adjacent to Mt. Messenger.” The report of the District Nurse (Sister M. Corkill) stated: Home nursing classes which, in 1926 had a membership of IDS, now stood at B‘J and were made up as follows: New Plymouth 20, Waitara 19, Girls’ High School (junior) 28 and Stratford Diocesan School (junior) 22. In the examinations held at the end of the course all of the 46 entrants passed.

In reference to first aid classes in 1926, Urenui (Dr. E. Fossey) had a membership of 20 and Waitara (Dr. Fossey) 35, a total of 55. No class had been held in New Plymouth, as an agreement had been made with St. John’s Ambulance Association by which the Red Cross members attended the St. John’s classes for the year. In the examinations held after the course 14 passed out of 15 entries. Six New Plymouth Red Cross candidates from St. John’s Ambulance class sat for the examination and passed. In 1927, the New Plymouth (Dr. Wilson) membership was 36, and that of Stratford (Dr. D. Steven) 17. Ten members of various classes gained the advanced certificate and medallion, one member, Mrs. Foord, of Eltham, gaining a bar to- her medallion. Health talks had been given in St. Mary's school, Str:,‘ford, Moturoa, Westown, Urenui, Waitara and Eltham schools. Last year talks on home nursing had been given at Pukearuhe, while these talks had been continued once a month this year. Junior Red Cross circles were now in the following schools: Moturoa, Westown, Bell Block, Waitara, Urenui, Mimi, St. Mary’s Bird Road, Eltham, Oknto and Warea. Very good work had been done by these circles, the spirit of service to others being continually demonstrated. This year new circles were being enrolled. Public lectures on . health subjects were given by the following members of the medieal profession in New Plymouth. Stratford and Eltham: Drs. E. A. Walker, G. Home, E. D. Brown, 11. B. Leatham, E. F. Fookes, P. C. Davie, G. H. Thomson, D. Saunders, Gray and W. P. Gordon and Mr. A. M. McDiarmid. These lectures had been much appreciated and it was hoped another series would commence shortly. There was a growing need for help in clothing, vegetables, medical comforts, employment, etc., and large quantities of clothing had been distributed and -weekly supplies of vegetables had been given to a number of families. Toys, books and clothing for sick children, from junior Red Cross circles at Urenui, Waitara and Bell Block had been much appreciated.