ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 13411, 1 May 1909, Page 6

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL DEMONSTRATION

The annual demonstration of the St. John Ambulance Association and presentation of medallions and certificates was held at the Choral Hall last night, and was largely attended. Dr. H. MeC. Inglis, the chairman of the Council oi tlie Association, presided, and the Hon. D. Buddo, Minister of Public Health, was amongst those present. The Chairman, in opening tho proceedings, gave a brief resume of the work of tho Association for the pasi year, and stated that 800 persons had attended the classes, as compared with the previous year's total of 581. which had been the record. Of tho 800 who attended tho classes, 403 had gained certilicates. The comparatively smali proportion of those who had gained certilicates was due to the tact that many of those who attended the classes had not presented themselres at examinations. He hoped that the tact that so largo a number had attended the clashes meant that tho Association's work would increase until a very large proportion of the population would be able to render first aid. The speaker went on to say there was some want of organisation m connection with the invalid transport service, which could only be remedied by increasing the Association's income. Ho referred to the providing of a uniformed driver or uniformed attendant. They could rest assured that as soon as the Association's finances permitted this would be done. The Hon. D. Buddo. who was received with applause, expressed his pleasure at seeing so many young people taking interest in the Association, which was one that did excellent work, and did not run counter to the work of the medical profession. Th© Minister dealt at some leiijiin with tho objects of the Association, and pointed out the necessity of many in such a city as Christchu'ch, where the vehicular- and other wheeled traffic was greater than in any other city in the Dominion, possessing training to ouablo them to render first aid to the injured. Regarding the extension of tho Association's operations outsido the city, the Minister said that it was possible for the work to be further extended in tlie country. Even if the iecs charged in the country were comparatively higher, a lecturer, or even a demonstrator, could do valuable work, and the Association would receive sufficient support to warrant it in thus extendin" its operations. Ho expressed his sympathy with the objects of the Association, and wished it success in tho future Ihe Minister presented tho certificates, and afterwards presented medallions to the following:—-Misses E \ and E. M. Baker, Mrs E. E. iWul mont, Misses Iv. A. Bloxam, G. A Buddie, Mrs E. M. Dudley, Miss E. B. Fowler, Mrs E. J. Hansen, Misses M M. Harper, B. Lochore, M. A. Maidens, G. E. Marsden, A. Mouldey E Mouldey. L. M. Pratt, B\ L. Preece. M. E. Sinale. X. B. Smith, M. A." Ward, P. M. Weir, E. 1. White. L. E. White, M. W. White, C. B. Williscroft, E. Wilson, E. G. Wright; Messrs P. E Bean, A. M. Berry, W. J. EJlis. W. Esselborn, H. H. Flitch, T. Hoskiu, C. P. O. A. J. Macpherson, W. A. McDowell, R. Ncwoll, H. Oram, L. R. Oram. A label was preseutcd to Miss Irene Staveley and Miss Gertrude Alice Buddie was presented with the gold medal given for securing the highest i]jercentago in the medallion section for 1908. In connection with the, St. John tAmbulanco Brigade silver medals were presented for roller bandaging to Misses Wardle. Pilkington and Twose: for -changing sheets over and under a helpless patient, Misses Kater and Wheeler: for stretcher drill and triangular bandaging, First Officer Muir, Oorporals Summerfield and BaggSj and Privates Thomson and Wilson. Demonstrations of various ambulance methods were then given, and wero followed with close interest by the audience. . Tho Chairman announced that a demonstration of tho use of the new ambulance van would tako place ou the Bth inst. in Craumer square, at 3.:ji) p.m. A vote of thanks was accorded the Hon D. Buddo. on the motion of .Mr C E. Salter, seconded hy Lieut.-Col. j Creswcll.