THE ULSTER VOLUNTEER FORCE HOSPITAL AN APPEAL.
[TO THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.")
Sin,---May I ask through the columns of your paper for help in support of the Ulster Volunteer Force Hospital, which was placed at the disposal of the Imperial Government for the use of wounded sailors and soldiers, and is now being fully availed of for that purpose ? This hospital has been organized entirely by the Ulster Volunteer Force, and is being maintained in groat efficiency by Ulster Unionist workers. In response to a request made some time ago to General fir George Richardson (who commands our Ulster Volunteers), the accommodation of the hospital was increased from one hundred and thirty-six beds to two hundred and sixty-six. As an Ulsterwoman, may I venture to appeal to those friends who have so kindly helped me in the past, and to those who may be good enough to do so now, for generous support of the undertaking ?
It is, I think, well to add that the eases sent by the military authorities to the hospital are of all creeds and politics, and it is needless to say all are agreeably welcomed and cared for. Ulster has subscribed more than £16,000 to equip this hospital, she has also contributed to war funds £165,000, also twenty-four motor ambulances fully equipped, and she has given to " Kitchener's Army" (exclusive of Reservists) fifty-five thousand new recruits, which includes thirty-two thousand from Belfast alone, so surely she has done " her bit," and may now fairly look for a little outside help. If there is any balance in hand at the end of the war, it is proposed by General Sir George Richardson e nd the Committee, with the consent of the subscribers, to devote it to the U.V.F. Patriotic Fund, which has been formed for the benefit of all the members of the Ulster Division and other members of the U.V.F. who shall have been disabled in the war, and their dependants, also of any other individuals whom the Committee may think right to include.
With the noble gallantry of the Ulster Division at the battle of the Somme still fresh in all minds, and with the knowledge of the many bravo Ulstermen who there endured death and wounds for their King and country, may wo not feel that many will be found willing to help forivard liberally the good work of the hospital ? To those who can kindly see their way to help us I will send a receipt for any sum, however small, I may receive, signed by my Honorary Treasurer, Godfrey Fer- guson, Esq., J.P., and when the collection is complete I will put the namo of the subscribers in a Belfast newspaper, and send to each subscriber
a copy.—I am, Sir, &c., BLANCHE GRIERSON, Alberta, Antrim. Road, Belfast. Wife of the Deals of Belfast.
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