THE RED CROSS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 266, 7 October 1933, Page 6

THE RED CROSS.

Only in times of war or when a national disaster calls for the service of trained men and women is the Red Cross to be seen in the full strength of the. wonderful organisation of which it is the distinguishing badge. But throughout the years of peace the work goes quietly on among a band of men and women in cities and towns, equipping themselves with the knowledge to attend to sick, wounded, or injured, so that should there come the call to service there will be a valuable supplementary unit at the disposal of doctors and hospitals. The history of the International Red Cross is .t-lie lllnininating desire oL mankind to relieve the sufferings of soldiers m war. Its founder was a Swiss, Henri Dunant, through whose efforts international conferences

on the subject of forming relief agencies were held in Geneva in 1863 and 1864. In the latter year the world famous Geneva Convention was formed, and througli it the International Red Cross Society with its headquarters at Geneva. In all 54 countries accepted the Convention between 1864 and 1907. Six years after the Geneva Conferences the British Society was established. To-day Red Cross work is carried on in 59 countries among five million members, and there is the Junior Red Cross with its million and a half membership imbued with the high ideals of the senior division, and preparing for the time when it will be able to play a'larger part within the organisation. It is matter for pride and congratulation that in Palmerston North the Red Cross has a strong and enthusiastic unit. The record achieved in the examinations for medallions reflects the keenness of the workers and the excellent training they receive. They are performing a valuable function in their citizenship, one which should appeal to a much larger section of the younger generation. The splendid work of the Red Cross . in the Napier earthquake will not be readily forgotten. It is at such times that the value of their training is revealed, and men and women have cause to be thankful that in the community there are people trained for such emergencies. Such devotion in a great cause should be an inspiration to all who are able to give their support to an organisation that prepares its members for the call that may come at any time.