THE RED CROSS SOCIETY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10756, 30 April 1913, Page 8

THE RED CROSS SOCIETY.

("Tho Queen.'')

Sixteen years ago a Swedish chemist named Nobel dic-d at Ban Remo. He was tho inventor of one oi the most terrible explosives of modern times, and out of the lingo fortune ho made a large suiu. was yet aside as a prize for whoever shall be judged to havo done tho greatest service to humanity, either in suppressing war, mitigating its horrors, or Liy some other means of forwarding peaco on earth and goodwill among men- One of the recipients of this prizo was a man called Dtinanf, who nearly fifty years ago had been in the neighbourhood of a great battle, and had been so deeply impressed by tho fearful suffering caused' through absence of proper nursing that ho wrote a book on tho .subject. The words in that book rang through Europe. Never bad the unspoakablo horrors of war been described in more vivid words: " There was water ; there was food ; yet the wounded died of hunger and thirst. There was lint in abundance, but there were not hands to lay it over the wounds." Dunant received half the Nobel prize—five thousand pounds—and the lied Cross Societies of the world' were tho outcome of his book.

A fow people who had been deeply impressed by what they had read met at Geneva to decide on a course to be pursued. Invitations to the Governments of Europe were issued for a conference to trj r to come to sonic mutual agreement by which international cooperation for the care of the wounded in timo of war could be secured'. Tho idea ivaa eagerly adopted, and was so well organised and developed that at tho present day the only countries who have no Red Gross Societies are China, Mexico and Brazil. The question of a badge was raised at the Geneva Conference, and it was decided, out of compliment to Switzerland, where the idea originated', and whose flag was a white cross on a red ground, to reverse the Symbol and. use a red cross on a white ground. The idea once started, all countries hastened to organise. At the outbreak of the Franco-Ger-maji War there existed in England a society to aid the sick and wounded in time of war, and it immediatelv appealed for funds to provide help for the sufferers in that awful struggle. So hearty was the response that in a short time it raised three hunched thousand pounds, while offers of personal service f>ourod in. A German society on simiar lines collected about six hundred thousand pounds, and altogether a sum of nearly three millions of pounds was raised bv the nations of Europe. The work of tending and nursing the wounded was so highly esteemed by Queen Victoria that she instituted the Royal Order of the 1 R-ed Crass, arid today the names of about two hundred and fifty women are inscribed on tho roll of honour. The present British Rod Cross Society was founded in 1905, and incorporated in 1908, with the object of furnishing aid to tho sick and wounded in time of war. supplementary to that provided by the medical department of the Navy and Army. The King is patron, and the chairman of the executive committee is Sir Frederick Treves. IXiring the prewar units of the British lied Cross Society are with each of the allied' armies. The Balkan States have each their own society. Servia, Montenegro and Roumania 'founded theirs in 1576; Greeco followed in the ensuing year. Turkey's was instituted about eight vears previously under the symbol of tiie Red Crescent ; a committee of ladies has lately been formed in connection with it wlnc-h has the support of several princesses of the Imperial Family and women well known and respected in Constantinople. There are already over 400 members, including about fifty Greek ladies, besides Armenians and Jews, and they are working with their Mussulman sisters in friendliness and harmony. Leaders of the women's movement in Turkey hope that this society will be one of the chief means of bringing together the women of the different races in Turkey. The Red Cross Society in Servia is a highly organised and well equippel body. The State gave permission a few years ago for a lottery to be held to supplement its funds. There was a splendid response, and the money was well invested. Another efficient Servian society for rendering help in time of war is the Kolo Sestara, which corresponds to the Englishwomen's volunteer aid detachments. It was formed in 1908, its members belong to the upper classes, and e&ch holds the Red Cross certificate. So well organised are these bodies of women that a correspondent for one of the leading papers at the front tells us that every second woman in Servia appears to be working in connection with a Red Cross organisation. In Greece the Union of Greek Women drops all subsections of its work in time of war, and, under the title of the National Section, its members devote their whole time and strength to their country's need. They work under the direction of the R-ed Cross; and distinguished themselves during the war of 1897, when their aid was invaluable. Russia is one of the most enthusiastic nations in Red Cross work. She has organised a taxation on every railway ticket and permit for foreign travel, which brings in about £25,000 a year. Among tho most interesting of all the Red Cross societies is that of Japan, and its magnificent organisation roused the admiration of Europe at the time of the war with Russia. It was founded in 1887, and is one of the most important, institutions ill the country. The first committee consisted of princesses of the Royal House and other influential women, and the Empress is president. Committees of ladies have been formed in different parts of Japan, who take akeen interest in the work. The chief aim of the society is to provide highly trained nurses in time of war; hut they are so efficient that there is a great demand for their services in private families and hospitals in days of peace. The training is most thorough and systematic, and the course lasts three years. The first vear and a half is devoted to theoretical instruction, and the remaining time to practical work. No probationer is taken younger than seventeen or older than thirty, and tho age limit for head nurses is fifty-five. At the end of the course the most efficient receive a further six months' instruction at hospitals the society has started in different places. During training the women receive a monthly allowance. They take a. vow, which holds good for fifteen years, to give their services to their country whenever needed. The good the Red Cross Societies have done in the world is incalculable, and is acknowledged by all; but one effect of their work is seldom noticed, and yet it is most important. They have been the means of bringing together women of all nations and creeds in a great international sisterhood, whose members work for the benefit of humanitv. The wide outlook and large experience thus gained has had pood results on the whole position of modern women.