SERVICES NOT PAID FOR

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21084, 8 February 1934, Page 8

SERVICES NOT PAID FOR

I'ASSKNCiKKS COMPLAINT OF LACK OK (JKATITUDK The failure of many persons who use the ambulances of the St. John Ambulance Association to contribute in any way to the cost of the .services was strongly criticised by several speakers at a meeting of the general committee of the Canterbury' and West Coast centre 01 the association last evening. It was emphasised by several members that persons conveyed m the ambulances were expected to meet at least portion of the cost, if in a position to do so. At present very few did make donations for services, and it was known that many of those carried in the ambulances who failed to recognise the assistance given them were quite able to do so. One member said that the time would come when the free service would have to be abolished. "The failure of those persons who benefit by using the ambulances to recognise that assistance is nothing short of scandalous," said Mr A. J. McEldowncy. "I cannot see how anyone using an ambulance does not feel it his duty to respond in some small way at least. It seems that by many the services given by the association in the city have been accepted in a spirit nothing short of base ingratitude. I feel very strongly about the subject, and intend to bring it up repeatedly until it is righted." The chairman, Dr. J. Restell Thomas, said that it was rather disappointing to see such small responses for the amount of work done. It had to be remembered, of course, that the association did not rely solely on the donations received from those using the ambulances for its support. There were other donations, and also the sums collected by canvassers. "Cannot Carry On." "Sooner or later the association will have to cry the free system off and consider,'very seriously, the removal of the name 'free' from the ambulance," said Mr C. W. Hervey. "The name should never have been painted on them. The ambulances, as is well known, are free to those who cannot afford to pay for them. Those who can pay should make fome contribution. The association cannot be expected to carry ori much longer on the meagre amount being received from those who are assisted by the service" Mr W. W. Scarff said that he felt very keenly about the position, particularly as it affected his own area (Heathcote). In his county the ambulances in one period answered 17 cases and went 155 miles at a cost of £8 4s, and received nothing from the persons assisted. The figures were almost equal to those of the city in respect of the calls and mileage. It seemed shocking to him that persons should take the ambulances to assist them and not pay. In many cases they ought to use the tramcars, but because the ambulances were free they took them. Colonel F. W. W. Dawson mentioned that years ago a system was in operation for the association, whereby those persons who could ray were asked to do so. Then the system was labelled as brutal and dastardly. Here was the association doing the other thing, but it was still wrong, he said. However, he thought that persons able to pay ought to do so.