Red Cross nurses

We are fortunate that we continue to receive donations of photographs and negatives (among other things) which enhance our collection so much. This photograph came to us recently from a family member of Clara Hooker who is leading the Red Cross nurses in this parade. The group in front in (what appear to be) grey uniforms are Red Cross ‘transport’ drivers. There are photos of drivers lined up with cars and lorries and ambulances. It seems they would drive anything. The nurses served on the home front and overseas. The drivers are carrying a wreath suggesting perhaps an Anzac parade, but we don’t know that as a fact.

We can see two c. 1936 cars parked on the left, but we do know this image is after September 1939; the Commercial Hotel, a new building, appears open for business.

It is very important that photographs like this are preserved, so, if you have any and you have any concern for their preservation, do contact us.

Contributed by Perry Rice, Heritage Librarian – Photographs, Hamilton Central Library. If you have any information you would like to pass on or would like to buy an electronic copy of the photo, please e-mail heritage@hcc.govt.nz quoting: 2022.30.1