GERALDINE RED CROSS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23322, 4 October 1945, Page 3

GERALDINE RED CROSS

Tributes To Depot Workers Fine Record Of War Service Tributes to the work of Mrs R. H. Orbell as Red Cross depot controller at Geraldine, and to her assistants, were paid by members of the executive of the Geraldine Red Cross Centre The meeting agreed “that in accepting the resignation of Mrs Orbell, as honorary depot controller we place on record in the minutes, the splendid work carried out by Mrs Orbell and her staff of volunteer workers throughout the war period, and express our appreciation of the efficient manner in which they carried out a tremendous volume of work, both for servicemen and servicewomen and people in distress at considerable sacrifice both in time and freedom to themselves.”

In moving the resolution, the Mayor (Mr D. C. McKechnie) said that the whole district knew the depot had a wonderful record of work, but few realised what the work had involved for Mrs Orbell and her volunteer helpers. Week after week they had attended the depot, sometimes at great inconvenience to themselves. They had carried out a big job in an efficient and creditable manner. The resolution was seconded by Miss A. M. H. Howell, who said that people in the district appreciated what had been done by the depot workers, but few realised the volume of work involved. The chairman (Dr F. A. Scannell) said that Mrs Orbell's work was worthy of special recognition. Time and again the Centre had pushed work on

to her and it had been carried out efficiently. Those close to her '.'.ere best able to evaluate her service. The need for personnel and a room to carry on the work of gathering food and material for Corso and Unrra was discussed, and it was agreed to appoint a committee comprising the Rev. E. R. E. Ross Mrs P. W. Hislop. Miss A. M. H. Howell and Mr D. C. McKechnie. with power to act. Pleasure was expressed when Mrs Hislop reported that Mrs J. M. H. Tripp, foundation chairman of the Centre, had represented the New Zealand Red Cross at Geneva. She said that Mrs Tripp was expected home at the end of the year. Appreciation was expressed of the work of the St. John Ambulance, and it was agreed to vote £lO toward the Geraldine Association’s fund for a new vehicle. It was also decided to draw the attention of Sub-Centres to the appeal being made by the St John Ambulance and suggest that they might assist by raising funds toward the cost of a new ambulance. The Centre Commandant (Mrs L. E. Williams) said that members of the V.A. Detachment worked very closely with the Ambulance, and frequently helped with the provision of trained personnel. The ambulance was carrying out a splendid work. It was agreed to send letters of thanks to Mr A. J. Willoughby for making his room available for Detachment work during the war years, and also to Mr W. H. Kirk who loaned a shop free of cost during the war for depot purposes. A letter was received from Corso stating that home made soap, vegetable and flower seeds, radio receiving sets with pick-ups, and wool for spinning were required for overseas. A letter was received from Mrs J. M. Little, president of the Geraldine Women's Section of the R.S.A. stating that the section would accept' the responsibility of organising the hospitality scheme for returned men.