A HOUSE-WARMING.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19257, 12 March 1928, Page 2

A HOUSE-WARMING.

AMBULANCE BRIGADE'S NEW QUARTERS. J A very pleasant and jolly evening was spent by members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and their friends on Saturday on the occasion ot the house-wanning in connexion with the brigade's new headquarters in Tisdull's Buildings,' Cashel street. About two hundred were present and an enjoyable programme consisting of vocal and instrumental music, recitations, and dancing was thoroughly enjoyed. The rooms were decorated specially for tho occasion, the principal features being a display of bunting and of pot plants. The rooms are most convenient lor the purposes of the brigade and provide plenty of accommodation, and are well ventilated and lighted. Already they have been in use five night's in tho week, as all the divisions are using them for their meetings. Saturday night's function proved that the rooms are admirably fitted for social functions.

Major A. L. Gray. Assistant Cora.missioner in charge of the Canterbury, Wfest Coast. Nelson, and Marlborough district, in declaring the rooms open, said that the occasion was one of.the happiest in his life. He thought that for the first time in the history of; the brigade in New Zealand they had rooms specifically''and solely for the use of the members of the brigade The work of the brigade was very clearly defined. To those possessing St. John Ambulance Association certificates, ■ either for home nursing or first, aid, the brigade provided opportunities for practice and for keeping up their skill and knowledge. But its work did not stop there; the brigade rendered service to the public whenever and wherever it was possible for its members to render it. In Christchurcli they were endeavouring to carry out the work that was started nearly a thousand years ago, and he was very pleased to be able to say that there were indications that the work of the brigade was increasing. They were extremely proud of the fact that three new divisions had been formed recently in their district. ' This meant that with these additional members they could render greater service 1 throughout the district. He extended a hearty welcome to their visitors and_ wished to impress on them that the brigade could do with double .'•the number of workers and extended a .hearty invitation to those qualified to. join its ranks. He mentioned that apologies for unavoidable absence had been received from the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrst J. K. Archer), Dr\ andLMrs M. Louisgon, Colonel and \Mrs I\ W. W. Dawson, and Dr. and Mrs T.- B. Davis. ' V /

Son® were given by Mrs T. Kennedy, Messrs C. J. Gallop, and Arthur Bell, and a duet was sung by Mr and Mrs C. J. Gallop. Monologues were given by Misses Lily and Mavis Kinsella.

Supper was provided by the officers of the brigade. The committee' responsible for the success of the function consisted of Mesdames M. A. Pyne (chairwoman), A. L. Bishop, S. Tricker, Watt, Kinsman, Cordy, Peek, Miss Harper, Dr. F. J. Borrie, and Messrs Gordon Peek, Millen, and Cuming. A matching paper competition was won by Miss Addm and Mr Gallop.