ST. JOHN AMBULANCE SOCIETY, KAIAPOI.

Press, Volume XLV, Issue 7141, 31 August 1888, Page 6

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE SOCIETY, KAIAPOI.

On Wednesday evening a public meeting was held in the hall of tbe Kaiapoi Institute, kindly granted by the Primitive Methodist Society, to receive the report of the outgoing, Committee and arrange for classes for the current year. Mr J. Lowthian Wilson, who was voted to the chair, read a letter from Mr C. Hansen, Mayor, who was invited to preside, stating that that gentleman regretted a severe cold prevented his leaving his room at present. In opening the proceedings the Chairman briefly alluded to the noble work of the St. John Ambulance Society throughout the civilised world, its excellent system for rendering first aid to persons wounded, maimed, injured by accident, or seized by sudden illness. This laudable organisation to administer prompt assistance in the manner named, by a body of intelligent, self-denying workers, commanded supreme respect and the admiration of all sympathisers with suffering humanity. The report for the year was then read, which showed that the local branch had been nearly at a standstill. At an examination in January, four ladies and one gentleman had passed their final, and one lady and two gentlemen their second examination. Medallions had been awarded to those passing the last examination. The report pointed out it would rest with the meeting whether classes should be commenced this year, or whether the work of the Branch should remain dormant for a time. The report was adopted on the motion of Mr Cragg, seconded by Mr Haigh. After some discussion on the last clause of the report, it was proposed by Mr Cragg, seconded by Mr T. Lang, " That the Branch should be closed for the year." To this Mr Haigh moved, and Mrs A. T. Clarke seconded an amendment, "That an opportunity be given to persons wishing to .form a class to send in their names within fourteen days, at the end of which time, if thirty are enrolled, a meeting be convened te appoint officers and carry out the objects ofthe branch."' The amen dment was carried by a majority of tbe ladies and gentlemen present. A Committee, of Mrs Clarke, Mrs Glass, Miss Hills, Messrs Haigh, Cragg, and Lang, was appointed to canvass for names of persons willing to join. Miss S. J. Wilson, at the request of those present, kindly consented to continue to act as hon. secretary. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to that lady for her zealous services in prosecuting the work of the branch. After some conversational remarks, a vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.