ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 94, 15 January 1929, Page 8

ORDER OF ST. JOHN OF JERUSALEM

DELEGATION TO TOUR NEW ZEALAND Dominion Special Service. Auckland, January 14. To investigate the work being done in New Zealand by the Dominion unit of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a delegation, comprising Sir John Hewett, Bailiff of the Grand Cross and Bailiff of Egle, and his daughter, Mrs. St. John Atkinson, Dame of Grace, arrived from Sydney by the Aorangi last evening. They propose to tour the North and South Islands, remaining in New Zealand until February 12. The other members of the delegation in Australia were Major Colin MacRae and Lady Margaret Macßae, a sister of the Marquis of Bute, but owing to the indisposition of Lady Margaret they were obliged to withdraw from the delegation. They also arrived by the Aorangi, and will remain at Auckland until February 2. Sir John Hewett and Mrs. Atkinson visited every State in k Australia, and were very much impressed with the work done. They also visited Tasmania, where the Order is not established, but they hope that as a result of their visit a unit will soon be formed.

Discussing the work of the Order in England, Sir Johu said that new departures were a road medical service for motorists, and medical comfort depots for the poor. The finances of the Order were sound, and the work generally was progressing very well. Both he and his daughter were greatly looking forward to their experience in New Zealand. Sir John said they had heard much about New Zealand, and from their reports gathered that the Order was established on a very sound and useful basis here. As a result of their visit they hoped to further stimulate interest.

Sir John Hewett sepnt most of his official life in India, where at various times he occupied posts of private secretary to the Viceroy, Magistrate, and Collector of the North-Western Provinces, an ordinary member of the Viceroy’s Council, and head of the Department of Commerce and Industry. Mrs. Atkinson is an enthusiastic worker for the Order. She is also a keen sportswoman, and hopes to find time for some fishing and shooting.