ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE OVERSEAS

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 120, 25 May 1925, Page 13

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE OVERSEAS

The report on the operations of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas for the year 1924, which has been issued by the Commissioner for New Zealand (Colonel G. Barclay) contains some interesting particulars with regard to' the work of this extremely useful organisation. I here has been an increase in the strength of the brigade, and the work carried out by members shows a most satisfactory advance. In illustration of the latter, it may be stated that during the year 7395 cases of first aid were attended to by the members, as against 6046 cases for the year immediately preceding. The number of removal or transport cases conducted was 923 against 421 for 1923, while members of nursing divisions gave private nursin<* in 450 cases. With such a record of service the brigade can fully justify itsexistence, and can with confidence approach the public for any assistance which may be required in the furtherance of the aims of the Order. Mention is made of the necessity of a more active interest being taken in the work in the larger of the country towns, where divisions should undoubtedly be established. The Order of St. John has recognised the value of the service rendered by a number of the members, one lady having been promoted from an honorary serving sister to a Lady of Grace, while six members of nursing' divisions have been admitted ns lion, serving sifters, and one member of an ambulance division admitted as an honorary serving brother. The service medal of the Order, awarded for conspicuous work on behalf of tho cause, has been granted to 24 members, while certificates for five years' efficient, service have been issued to 22 members. Tho services of the St. John Ambulance Brigade are available for all sports and other gatherings, race meetings, etc., and tho work dono has in the past been highly appreciated. An increase in the numerical strength is much required, in order to cope with the growing demands which aro being made upon the brigade's services. Gratification is expressed in tie report at the fact that Her Excellency flatly Alice Fergusson has shown her interest in the work, by consenting to become patroness of Nursing Corps and Divisions. Keen interest has continued to be taken in the various competitions which have been held, and which have tended to increase the efficiency of members. The commissioner expresses his appreciation of tha services which have been rendered by the members of the medical profession. Undoubtedly the St. John Ambulance Brigade—one of the branches of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem—whose work is on behalf of snffering humanity, deserves well at the hands of tho community.