RED CROSS WORK

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXI, Issue 8833, 16 October 1942, Page 1

RED CROSS WORK

ACTIVITIES IN EGYPT COMMISSIONER’S REPORT " MEN WELL CAKED FOR A further report of the activities of the New Zealand Bed Cross Commissioner in the Middlo East is now to hand, and gives a full outline of what is being achieved in that important area.

Since the recent hostilities commenced, the Commissioner has had a considerable amount ot additional work to do, but, as he states, all the helpers, both voluntary and other, rose to the occasion, and at the time of making the report (July 15, UM2) ho stated that “since the Division has been in action there have been, large numbers of casualties, and our men have been admitted to British hospitals in all areas.” Gifts Greatly Appreciated These extra patients called for additional travelling. As each man was visited, lie received the following articles: Towel, soap, writing pad, envelopes, pencil, 20 cigarettes, toolh brush, tooth paste or powder, razor and razor blades, shaving brush, shaving soap, comb. handkerchief, mirror and matches. These articles were really necessary, as some of the men had only the clothes they stood up in. and the gift, which was from the .Sick and Wounded Fund, was greatly appreciated by the recipients.

The same treatment was accorded to all New Zealanders, irrespective of where they were located. So as to bo sure the men were not forgotten, the Commissioner arranged for a member of tho staff to visit Alexandria, where all men pass through, and the gifts were made to the men as they were transferred from the desert to the vehicles taking them to the hospital. No Soldier Forgotten As most of our units were withdrawn from Syria and other places in that vicinity, it was found necessary to transfer the Red Cross details also. Caro was taken, however, to sec that those New Zealanders who were left behind were not forgotten, and the Commissioner arranged with tho Offi cor Commanding tho hospital to have the chaplains make weekly issues to all patients. The arrangement was still in force at the date of the report and was working most satisf-ic torily. Further additional supplies arc being sent from time to time as necessity arises. It was hoped that the Commissioner would be able to make a personal visit to the No. 3 hospital in that area as soon as conditions allowed. Since the Commissioner’s previous report, opportunity has been taken to meet the Bed Cross representatives

of all other countries that area, the' result' being that he met the British, Indian, South African, Australian and American Bed Cross representatives, and contact was also made with representatives of the International Bed Cross from Geneva. These contacts will prove of inestimable value. Books In Demand The library side of the hospitals is one of the main divisions of help, and the Commissioner is most active in seeing that the men are well provided with good reading matter, and regular supplies of all kinds of books are added to those already in the hospital libraries. Books are also issued In the casualty clearing stations, field ambulances, rest homes and camp hospitals. Generally speaking, the work of the Commissioner and his staff has increased considerably, but, with the arrangements now operating, it is possible to visit every patient and leave a small gift from the Sick and Wounded Fund. It is also possible to see the men on board the homewardbound hospital ships. During the recent, campaign, all kinds of available foodstuffs were sent to the field units for distribution, and the action was much appreciated. This is a new departure and the receipt by the sick and wounded, so near to the held of operations, of these gifts will no doubt let the men know their wants are being taken care of as near to the field of action as is possible.