ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 51, 23 November 1929, Page 23

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

EXECUTIVE MEETING. The annual meeting of the Dominion Executive of the St. John Ambulance Association and Brigade was held in Wellington on Wednesday. There were present Colonel the Hon. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Director of Ambulance (in the chair), and Colonel G. Barclay, Commissioner St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas. Also the following association representatives: New Plymouth, Mrs. K. Preston; Wanganui, Miss H. J. Vine; Wellington, Mr. J. AV. Jack: Canterbury and West Coast, Lieutenant-Colonel F. B. Cresswell; Timaru, Mr. J. M. Dunne; Otago, Dr. L. A. Line; Invercargill, Colonel J. J. Esson; Mr. C. S. Falconer, honorary secretary. The following were representatives of the brigade: Auckland, Mr. A. W. Probert; Wanganui, Miss M. S. Fossette; Wellington, Mr. A. 0. Richardson: Canterbury and Vest Coast, Dr. AV. H. Borrie; Otago, Mrs. Barltrop; Invercargill, Mr. AV. B. Fisher. It was reported that in one of the American cities the St. John Ambulance had conducted classes amongst adults and school children, the effect within three years being a drop in the figures resulting in deaths from motor accidents, etc., of 200 adults .and 45 children per annum. The figures had been 500 adults and 50 children. Now they were 300 adults and five children. It was agreed to take up this safety training in the Dominion. t , The annual report for 1928-29 stated, inter alia: “It is with deep regret that we record the approaching departure from New Zealand of His Excellency Sir Charles 'Fergusson. Sir Charles has taken a very personal interest in all branches of our work throughout the Dominion. Her Excellency the Lady Alice Fergusson has been a friend to our Nursing Division and District Nursing Guild, and her stay of five years among us has been an enccmragement to all who are interested in the alleviation of sickness and distress. “The Dominion was honoured by the visit from St. John’s Gate of the Bailiff of Egle, Sir John Prescott Hewett, G.C.5.1., K.8.E., C.1.E., and his daughter, Sirs. L. E. Atkinson, Dame of Grace. The Grand Prior had requested the delegation to make inquiries regarding the work of the Order of St. John in the Dominion and to report on the desirability of the formation of a Commandery in New Zealand. “The members of the delegation received an enthusiastic reception in all the centres visited and quickened interest in the work wherever they went. Owing to the illness of the Lady Margaret, Major Colin Macßae, Knight of Justice, and Lady Margaret Macßae, Dame of Justice, were compelled to retire from the delegation when in Australia. ‘(The delegation reported favourably on the proposal to form a Commandery in the Dominion and made certain recommendations strengthening the position in New Zealand previous to the formation of a Commandnry. Classes throughout the Dominion have been very well attended and there Jias been an increased interest ill all departments of work. “The membership of the St. John Ambulance Brigade tn New Zealand has now increased to 1518, while fourteen new divisions (nine ambulance and five nursing) have been formed during the year. The number of services performed during the year was 28,523, against 21,629 for the preceding year and 16,139 for 1926. In order that, information might be available as to the amount of public duty carried out on a Saturday afternoon, reports were obtained from all units as to the work done on Saturday,

July 21, 1928. The returns which were furnished show that the activity has been well maintained. . “Twelve months ago the formation of the first Cadet Ambulance Division was announced, and it it? now pleasing to be able to report that the second such unit has just been formed. It is anticipated that during the next year other districts will be able to take some action with regard to formation of Cadet Ambulance Divisions. The District Nursing Work of St. John has been carried on and the work extended. Hundreds of lives are relieved in their suffering and distress throughout each year. _ “In'regard to the transport of sick and injured, at Whangarei. Auckland, Gisborne, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, and Dunedin this work is undertaken by the St. John Ambulance Association. In AVcllington members of the brigade render valuable service to the Free Ambulance.” •’ The report recorded, with regret, the death of Lady Rhodes, the wife of the president. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes. Ladv Rhodes was a Dame of Grace of the Order of St. John and was a devoted and gifted worker in those things which made tor the best interests of the people of this Dominion. The members of the Order of St John in New Zealand desire to express to Sir Heaton Rhodes their deep and sincere sympathy;'

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