RED CROSS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21646, 6 May 1940, Page 8

RED CROSS

Timaru Sub-Centre The Year’s Activities The annual report of the executive of the Timaru Sub-Centre of the New Zealand Red Cross Society is as follows: — The Timaru Sub-Centre was inaugurated at a public meeting convened by Mr W. G. Tweedy. Mayor of Timaru, on April 8. 1939. in the Borough Council Chambers. Mr N. A. Grant, Waimate. for many years a member of the Dominion Executive of the N.Z. Red Cross Society was present and gave an interesting address on the work cf the Society in peace as well as in war. Tire following officers were elected: President. Mr W. G. Tweedy; chairwoman. Mrs E. A. Scott; hon. secretary, Miss F. L. Ziesler; hon. treasurer. Miss M. O'Callaghan. At a meeting held on May 8. 1939. Mr T. D. Bridger, Director-General of the Society, spoke on the aims and objects of the Red Cross. At this meeting vice-presidents were elected and the committee was given power to add to its numbers. An inaugural year is always a difficult one, and we are most grateful to those members of our committee who addressed meetings in the country after which sub-centres were set up. In August. Mrs E. A. Scott tendered her resignation as chairwoman as she felt she could be of more use in the instructional branch of the organisation. Mrs W. G. Tweedy was elected chairwoman and Mrs Scott was appointed lady superintendent. We express gratitude to Mrs Scott for her valuable work as chairwoman at a time when efficient organisation was essential in arranging for classes and lecturers. Instructional The times through which we are passing have focussed attention on the importance of this branch of our organisation, in consequence of which there has been a phenomenal demand for classes in First Aid. Home Nursing, Hygiene and Sanitation and Transport. The standard of proficiency has been most satisfactory. Since our classes started in June 240 of our members have attended classes. Certificates have been gained as follows: First Aid 97, Home Nursing 142, Hygiene and Sanitation 65. Motor Transport 25. Thirty-six of our trainees have completed 60 hours training at the Timaru Hospital. We express our grateful thanks for most valuable services rendered by members of the medical and nursing professions, by the transport officer, the health officers, by members of St. John Ambulance Association and Toe H. We wish to thank also the SC. Hospital Board for the use of a lecture room and the matron and the medical superintendent for their assistance and courtesy at all times. Our thanks are also due to the Boys’ High School for making splints for Frst Aid Training. By kind permission of the Timaru Gas Coy. a pleasant function was held in their rooms in December when certificates were presented by the president. On the same evening a most instructive address on camp hygiene was given by Miss M. E. Marriott. 8.A., Commissioner of the Girl Guides, to whom we are deeply indebted. Our thanks are due to the management of the Majestic Theatre for part proceeds of a picture entertainment for which our committee sold tickets. The committee assisted at the annual appeal day for St. John Ambulance Association. By this effort £35 was handed to the Red Crass Society. On February 29 the sum of £32 13/3 was raised by a card party held in the Bay Hall. Voluntary Aid Detachment The first Voluntary Aid Detachment to be organised in Timaru was formed in December. 1939. with the following officers: —Commandant, Mrs R. D. King; assistant commandant, Miss L. Cartwright; lady superintendent Mrs E. A. Scott, R.R.C.; head section leader. Miss B. Bell; medical officer. Dr. W. H. Unwin; pharmacist, Mr L. A. Waters; quartermaster, Sergeant Major Mathieson; section leaders, Mrs W. McLennon, Mrs R. T. Turnbull, Mrs H. J. Washer. Miss J. Brown, Miss I. Leggott, Miss M. Sparkes. At all times our V.A.D’s have given their services most willingly. They assisted at the children’s health camp in January, at the creche at the centennial picnic, and sold badges on St. John Ambulance Appeal Day. In addition to this they have been called upon to give assistance at the Timaru Hospital during exceptionally busy periods. When necessary they have helped the District Nurse in her work.

Our V.AD’s have practised regularly. This has been made passible by the generosity of Mr D. C. Turnbull, who has kindly placed at our disposal two rooms in the Oxford Buildings. One drill parade has been held under the leadership of Sergeant Major Mathieson.

Our sincere thanks are due to Mr B. L. Blodorn for his kindness and advice with regard to procuring uniforms, and to the staff of Messrs Herberts Ltd. for embroidering veils. We express gratitude to the vestry of St. Mary’s Church for granting us the use of St. Mary’s’ Hall in which to hold detachment meetings.

The statement of accounts shows a balance in the P.O. Savings Bank of £B7/4/11. Our treasurer Miss O’Callaghan. resigned from the position, on leaving Timaru. We are grateful to Miss O’Callaghan for her valuable assistance and wish her every success in the future. Miss L. Wills has kindly taken the position of treasurer, and we thank her for her help. We regret losing one of our committee members. Mr Guy Rhodes, who is on active service. Wherever he may be Lieutenant Rhodes will carry with him the good wishes of us all. We extend warm thanks to the South Canterbury Automobile Association for the use of their committee room in which to hold meetings. We wish to thank Mr W. W. Garton and the N.Z. Refrigerating Co. for continued assistance in typing circulars and to Mr F. G. M. Raymond for auditing our balance-sheet. We express gratitude to the Timaru Herald Company Ltd. for printing cards free of charge.