AMBULANCE BRIGADE

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 3, 5 January 1938, Page 3

AMBULANCE BRIGADE

DOMINION WORK EXTENDED. COMMISSIONER'S REVIEW. Continued progress has been shown ir the activities of the St. John Ambulancc Brigade during 1937, according to a statement made by the Chief Commissioner, Colonel (i. Barclay. During the year nineteen additional divisions had been formed, while others were in course of formation, and the work of the brigade had been introduced into eight new districts. The attendance of members had been extended into many new playing grounds, and although the actual figures for the past 12 months were not yet available, it was Anticipated that there would be a considerable increase shown in the number ol cases of first aiel anel home nursing, antl in the transport of the sick and injured attended to by members. Many sport; bodies had expressed their appreciation of the work carried out by the mer and women of the organisation ihe erection of ambulance stations ir various towns had continued to receive attention, and the equipping of members with the regulation uniform of the brimade a satisfactory advance. During the year lectures had been given on the subject of air raid precautions. The establishment of first-aid posts on the main highways had been inaugurated antl would be extended as opportunity offered. They should prove a boon to the travelling public, as should also the temporary St. John depots set up during the holiday season at various popular resorts and motor camps. A number of members were able to visit England and attend the jubilee celeb rations of the St. John Ambulance J>! ljjnde, whiVh fallowed rloselv on the Coronation festivities. Members had also identified themselves with the Blood Transfusion Societies, which were now uikloi tho patronage of the Coninianderv of St. Jolm in New Zealand. The ( hapter-fieneral had recognised the services of several officers and members by promotion or admission into the Order or by the award of the Service Medal of St. John. The cadet branch of the organisation had continued to show marked progress, and many young men and women who had received their training in the junior divisions were now serving in the ranks of the adults Ihe CJ rand Prior's Badge, a hiffhlv coveted distinction, had been secured by several of the Xew Zealand cadets (hiring the year. In conclusion. Colonel Barclay paid a high tribute to the men and women of the brigade, especially mentioning the medical profession. Members counteel it an honour to be of service to those who suffered. Every moment of time on duty, every bit of service, was <*iven freely, and usrally after the ordinary work of the day had been done and during week-ends when all the rest of the community was at leisure. When tliet e was a e-ail for men to be on duty for a whole day. then a dav was freelv given.