GERALDINE COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22553, 10 April 1943, Page 3

GERALDINE COMFORTS FOR SOLDIERS

Raising Funds For Welfare Work Red Cross Assistance Offered "The Red Cross is willing to help the Geraldine-Temuka Zone Patriotic Commltte in any way it can in raising this year's quota,” said Canon A. H. Norris, who headed a deputation representing the Geraldine County Centre of the Red Cross Society at a meeting of the Geraldine-Temuka Zone Patriotic Committee on Thursday evening. Other members of the deputation were Mesdames R. H. Orbell, W. W. Davies and Miss A. M. H. Howell. Members expressed appreciation of the offer and the spirit in which it was given.

Canon Norris explained that the Wellington Patriotic Council approached the Joint Council in Wellington for assistance, and a formula had been arrived at whereby this assistance could be given. Tire joint committee might or might not want assistance at the moment, but its help would be available if it were wanted. The chairman (Mr D. C. McKechnie): The committee is very concerned on one point—they do not wish to see the present system of direct giving on a monthly basis through community elected committees break down. Of a quota of £4287, only about a ninth, or £487, was required for sick and wounded and prisoners of war. The remainder was required by other expending agents for welfare work among the soldiers and for post war relief. They would not like to see two appeals which might cause confusion and a breakdown of the present simple system of collections. "We want to work in complete harmony with the Patriotic Committees,” said Canon Norris. "We are also anxious to see the quota filled as simply as possible, and we are here tonight to say our help is available at any time if it is wanted.” To the chairman Canon Norris said that money raised by the Red Cross would necessarily be earmarked for sick and wounded because they worked under the Geneva Convention. They had no definite plans, however, because these might be turned down by the Zone Committe. They were just offering help if it were needed. In reply to Dr. L. Carrington Mail, Canon Norris said that many members of the Red Cross were assisting as individuals. If they assisted as an organisation it was necessary to earmark the money for sick and wounded. He was not in a positon to know whether the financial requirements of the Joint Council had been adequately met by the National Patriotic Fund Board, but he took it that the needs had been met. Feeling of Confidence The chairman: The amount budgeted for the sick and wounded and prisoners of war this year is £562,500, but the Government has contributed £340,000, leaving only £222,500 to be raised by public subscription. Difficulty had been experienced in raising funds in the metropolitan areas, but the position was different in country districts, which were well organised. They did not want to break down the present principle of direct giving. Canon Norris: I am entirely with you on that point. We do not want to have divided sympathy nor do we want divided action. However, our help is available if it is needed. The chairman: We want to create a feeling of confidence that this appeal is going to succeed in raising the full requirements for all purposes. People are busy, many of the farmers trying to do the work of two or three people. We know that you, as well as ourselves, want to see this money raised with as little fuss and the smallest expense of time and energy possible.

Mrs R. H. Orbell: We realise that your plans are already mapped out and the Red Cross will co-operate as much as they can.

Mrs W. W. Davies: We hope that your appeal will be fully successful and that there will be no need for our help. The offer is there, however, if it is wanted. Canon Norris: You have made your plans and at the present time do not need our assistance, but we felt we should offer help in case it was needed as in Wellington. The chairman thanked the deputation. The Zone Committee appreciated their offer of help. The Mayor of Temuka <Mr W. H. McMillan) congratulated Canon Norris on the fair-minded approach of the deputation. Their offer of assistance was greatly appreciated. If every organisation in the zone would assist in that spirit there would be no difficulty in raising the quota. After the deputation had retired, Mr J. Acland, M.P., said he appreciated the way the Red Cross had given their moral support. It was agreed, on the motion of the chairman and Mr W. H. McMillan, that a letter be sent to the Geraldine County Centre of the Red Cross expressing the appreciation of the Zone Committee of the moral support given by the deputation and their common anxiety that the quota for the district would be fully subscribed.

ZONE PATRIOTIC COMMITTEE At a meeting of the GeraldineTemuka Zone Patriotic Committee, Mr D. C. McKechnie was re-elected chairman, with Mr W. H. McMillan as deputy-chairman. Mr P. G. Withers was re-elected secretary. Messrs D. C. McKechnie and W. H. McMillan were elected delegates to the Canterbury Provincial Council, with Messrs P. G. Withers and E. R. Comer as deputies. Messrs J. Acland and W. H. McMillan paid a tribute to the work of the chairman and secretary. The chairman welcomed Mr P. M. Talbot, a new representative from tne Geraldine County Council, and Messrs G. A. N. Bolderston, B. Trumper, E. R. Comer, W. E. Patrick, P. Thomson, W. S. Crotty and R. E. Mcllwrick as representatives of the Geraldine and Temuka Inter-Zone Committees. PERSONAL Messrs P. G. Withers and P. W. Morgan left yesterday to attend a conference of the Returned Services’ Association in Christchurch. At a meeting of the South Canterbury Justices’ Association the chairman (Mr G. H. Andrews) referred to the illness of Mr Malcolm Campbell, a vice-president, and expressed the hope that his health would soon improve. NEW MINISTER WELCOMED A warm welcome was extended to the Rev. E. R. E. Ross and Mrs Ross and family at a welcome social in the Geraldine Presbyterian Hall. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. F. Nichol, the interim-Moderator, and speakers included the Moderator of the Timaru Presbytery, Rev. P. Keen, the Revs. Canon A. Norris and F. O. Prosser (Anglican and Methodist Churches), the Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie), Adjutant Spershott (Salvation Army), Mrs J. Gilles (Presbyterian Ladies’ Association), and Mr K. Mackenzie (for the congregation and the Sunday School. An induction service, held in the Geraldine Presbyterian Church, was conducted by the Rev. P. Keen. Mr Ross thanked the congregation for the warm welcome. Supper was served by the ladies of the congregation. A number of items were given. TOWN AND COUNTRY FAIR Arrangements are now well advanced for a town and country fair at Geraldine on Saturday, April 24, in aid of the Geraldine Inter-Zone Patriotic Funds. A strong committee, under the chairmanship of Mr W. C. Crotty, has been meeting regularly, and arrangements are now nearly completed. The conveners for competitions and stalks -'Messrs A. J. Burmester and W. S. Crotty) reported that excellent progress was being made.

The prospect of full entries in the horse and pony events from throughout South Canterbury was reported by Miss Williams.