INSPECTION OF V.A.D.S

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23198, 9 December 1940, Page 2

INSPECTION OF V.A.D.S

NORTH CANTERBURY UNITS PARADE Women’s part in war service was convincingly demonstrated at English Park on Saturday afternoon, when about 300 Red Cross V.A.D.’s from the North Canterbury district paraded for inspection by Miss E. Tennent (Wellington), the Dominion chief of the organisation. Representatives were, present from Culverden, Leeston. Waikari, Hawardeh, Cheviot, and all the city and suburban districts, 28 teams taking part in competitions. On her arrival at the park. Miss Tennent was met by Miss M, G, Havelaar, and other members of the official party. After inspecting the various units, Miss Tennent took the salute at a general march past.

In a brief address to the volunteers after the parade, Miss Tennent congratulated them on their very fine dis-

play, and urged them to remember that continued and uninterrupted practice was necessary, for the call to active service might come at any time. Their training would be of national value not only in time of war, but in case of any emergency such as earthquake, fire or flood. The North Canterbury V.A.D.s, she added, owed a great deal to Mr J. G. L. Vernon, who had acted as instructor, and who was largely responsible for the very fine parade. Miss Tennent made a presentation to' Mrs Hanna. Leeston, of two Red Cross medals, one for proficiency in first aid and the other for proficiency in home nursing. First aid competitions were held during the afternoon, the services of several boy scouts being used as “patients." Finalists were: Christchurch 1 (Misses Margaret Porrett and Margaret Clewes), Christchurch 2 (Misses Sylvia Goff and Melva Watson), Leeston (Misses Jean Reid and V Brown), Christchurch 3 (Mrs Cardinal and Mrs Dawe), Christchurch 4 (Mrs Mazey and Miss Betty Ladd), Culverden (Misses Chrissie and Ellen Black). In an elimination contest, judged by the unit medical officer (Dr. F. L. Scott), Christchurch 4 was successful. This team was presented with a silver cup given by the centre commandant (Mrs J. G. L. Vernon). The Woolston Band gave valuable assistance during the afternoon.