ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20334, 5 September 1931, Page 4

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE.

WORK OF THE WEEK. At 5 p.m. yesterday, the St. John Ereo Ambulance had responded to 28 calls for the week, and all but two of the cases attended required transport to hospitals. The greatest number of calls received on any one day was seven, oil Saturday. Ambulance Divisions. Members of the Cliristchurch Kailway Ambulance Division held their weekly parade in the Railway Social Hall, Carlyle street, on Monday evening. Mrs Pricker, Lady Corps Superintendent, was in attendance, and after public duties for the week had been detailed, members were put through a course of triangular bandaging, and practical work, under that lady's supervision. At the close of the meeting a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs Fricker, for her attendance and the assistance she had given to members' goncrally. Seventy-nine eases (two transport to hospital) were attended during the week. Nursing Divisions. The Ohristcliurch Nursing Division met on. Monday evening, at King Edward Barracks. Mrs Bell was in charge of the meeting, and presided over an excellent attendance of members. Public duties were arranged for the St. John Free Ambulance, and at the South Hagley Park to-day. After the business of the evening Sergeant-Major Eudd took the members in drill and transport work, and at the close of the meeting expressed his satisfaction with the general progress made. of the Beckenham Nursing Division paraded as usual on Thursday evening, at the Brigade llooms, in Gloucester street. Mrs Gay, Lady Superintendent, was in charge of the parade, and after the inspection took members in improvising and first aid work. Before dismissing the parade, Mrs Gay detailed members for public duties at Lancaster and North Hagley Parks to-day, as well as on the St, JohU Free Ambulance during the week. General Motes. Ts'ew Zealand .was the birthplace of brigade work in the Dominions, an Ambulance. Division having been formed in 1892, to be followed three years later by the formation of a Nursing Division. India and the other Dominions were quick to follow this fine example, as it was soon realised that great benefit was derived from a knowledge of first aid and home nursing in countries of vast areas and comparatively small populations. •jf "X" 7^ In the. Ceylon Police Porce the knowledge of first aid is compulsory, and reexamination each year is considered essential to efficiency, while it is considered a privilege to be of assistanco to the public and, in particular, to the sick and wounded.

Centenary Celebrations. At the investiture, held at Buckingham Palace, on June 23rd, of this year, his_ Majesty the King invested: 4 Bailiffs Grand Cross, 11 Knights of Justice, 6 Dames of Justice, 4 Knights of Grace, 4 Dames of Grace, 1 Chaplain, 16 Commanders (Brothers), 4 Commanders (sisters), 45 officers (brothers), 14 officers (sisters), 24 serving brothers, 2 associate serving brothers, 19 serving sisters, 1 life-saving medal in bTonze, and 1 service medal. It was on this occasion that Mrs Sarah Ann Watkins, of Christchurch, wag invested with the Order of a Serving Sister.