As World War II was drawing to a close, there was broad support for a coordinated New Zealand approach to help deal with the widespread devastation and suffering. With government assistance some 30 groups joined together to form the country's official relief body, CORSO (Council of Organisations for Relief Service Overseas). China was a major focus of concern. Mme Sun Yat-sen (Soong Ching Ling) specially appealed to CORSO for qualified staff to work in the International Peace Hospitals, warning that conditions were primitive but the need was urgent. Isobel Easton-Thompson responded, and soon...