RED CROSS SOCIETY'

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 30, 6 February 1939, Page 10

RED CROSS SOCIETY'

BRANCH FORMED AT HUNTERVILLE. There was an enthusiastic attendance at the meeting called for the purpose of forming a branch of the New Zealand Red Cross Society held in the Town Hall on Wednesdaynight. Mr. R. A. Gordon, chairman of the Town Board presided. Mr. Ira J. Bridger, director-general was present and outlined the history and objects of the society. He stated that it had been functioning in New Zealand as a National movement for eight years and as it grew was meeting with great success. He treated its history from the day of Florence Nightingale until the present day when there are 63 countries in the International League of the Red Cross. The society had no religion, no politics, no nationality and no colour and its objects were to alleviate human suffering, and so far as possible prevent it. He explained that the society did not clash with that useful organisation—the St. Johns Ambulance but worked with it. The St. John movement, however, was an Empire affair while the Red Cross was international. It trained men and women in home nursing, first aid and hygiene and sanitation. He further explained that the subscription to the society was 2s 6d and for juniors Id, and stressed the necessity for the enlargement of membership for such a worthy object. It was moved by Mr. L. J. Thompson and seconded by Mrs. W. H. Aidworth that a branch be formed in Hunterville, Mr Thompson in moving the motion stating that it was vitally necessary that New Zealand be organised as it might be called upon to act at any time.

Mr. D. D. Simpson was elected president and Mesdames L. J. Thompson, W. Shindler, W. H. Aidworth, G. A. Watt, P. Weston, Messrs. Grant Simpson and Rev. A. W. Smaill a committee with power Io add. It was decided that a meeting of al! I interested be held on Tuesday, February 28. HUNTERVILLE PERSONALS. Miss Cumming has commenced duty at the local school. Miss Pat Jones has returned to Hunterville after spending some weeks in Auckland. Miss Nancy Sutton left yesterday to holiday at Napier. Mrs. W. Abel has improved in health sufficiently to leave the Whare Ora hospital and she is now staying with her daughter, Mrs. Wells. Mr. I. B. Gibbs, of the Auckland Police Force, is on annual leave and is spending a few days at Hunterville before proceeding south. Mr. F. E. Cooper, who seven years ago was in charge of the printery at the Children's Home in Hunterville, and who since has been resident at I Jerusalem, Palestine, will be a weekend visitor to Hunterville.