RED CROSS WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11506, 30 September 1915, Page 5

RED CROSS WORK.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Central Red Cross (lornni : ttee was held this morning at the Worcester Street, depot, Airs .Boyle pressing over an attendance oi twelve members. A welcomo was extended to .Mrs Williams, who hnrl ivi iine d from a visit to Sydnew '.Mrs'll. Holland made an explanation in regard |,o a statement published in that morning's Lyttolton 'limes (hat a meeting at. Sumner had been informed, a.s from her, that cash alone was wanted in the way of contribution;, to tho hospital ship. She had been asked over the telephone what was most needed for the hospital ship, and she bad replied that money was most, needed. She had no intention that, her reply should bo taken to indieiito ihat contributions of clothing and so forth were not acceptable. It was decided to hold the weekly meet'ng in future at 10.30 a.m. each Thuc day, and to hold tho monthly meeting on the, first Wednesday in. each month. Mr A. E. (•. Rhodes read a letter from Mr Bernard Tripp to Mrs H. F. Wigrani, dealing with tho organisation of tho Red Cross work in Australia. The organisation was very complete. Railway men had been organised to make stretchers, and school children under fourteen had up to date made 18,000 surgical splints. The hospital organisation of the Australian Army had been very highly praised. _ Mr Rhodes said that ono of the questions raided by the letter was the method of consignment of the Red Cro?s supplies. There were three alternative, methods-To consign to the Commandant New Zealand Forces, to tho Australian Red Cross depot, or to the St John Ambulance organisation at the front. Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Rhodes had been asked to report on. the present method of consignment. Members expressed the opinion that a special New Zealand Commissioner should bo established at tho front. Mr Rhodes said the matter would have to be considered at a conference ol ; the various Red Cross bodies in New Zealand. Subject to obtaining Mr Tripp's consent. it was decided to forward a copy of Mr Tripp's letter to every mombar of Parliament. It was reported that supplies for the hospital ship were coming in in a very satisfactory manner, particuFarly towels, sheets, pillow-cases and feather beds. Pyjamas and dressing gowns were now most- needed. .Mrs Bovle said that the children of the Kowai School had contributed £33, a splendid record for a small country school. Mr Rhodes said it should l>e made clear that while the Red Cross depot was prepared to accept any article for absolute salo for the benefit of the fund, if would not undertake to sell anything for the joint benefit of the fund and any other party. It was decided to recommend tho men's committee to consider the matter of obtaining supplies of preserved (dried dr condensed) milk for hospital purposes. Airs Boyle said that Mrs G. H. Rhodes had kindly consented to make arrangements for tho consignment of gifts to nurses. Miss M. ( Thurston (matron at Christchureh_ Hospital) had been consulted and a list of suitable things had been drawn up.