"THE HIGHEST IDEALS"

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 149, 26 June 1931, Page 10

"THE HIGHEST IDEALS"

Discussing ambulance matters further with a "Post" reporter, the president of the service, Mr. C. J. B. Norwood, made particular reference to the suggestion that a fixed charge should be made for services given by the ambulance.

"Surely," he said, "this suggestion came from those who have forgotten the basis upon which the whole success of the movement depends. How could the ambulance call for voluntary subseriytions and at the same time make such a charge? For a small weekly or monthly or yearly payment a man secures for himself, his family, and for other families the privilege of expert speedy treatment in time of unexpected need.. The members of the board, the superintendent, each member of his staff, each auxiliary worker, and each contributor is actuated by high ideals. The system as a whole is based upon the highest ideals, and when that ideal is broken the enthusiasm which'is an outstanding feature of the whole Free Ambulance service will suffer a heavy blow. Ratepayers, I am certain, do not approve of the decision of the City Council, even though the city's finances are difficult, against repeating this year its grant of £500 to tho ambulance service."

In New South Wales, upon whose ambulance system the Wellington service was closely modelled, added Mr. Nprwood, the Act under which the service operated provided, in spirit,' for the Government to make such grants as were necessary, that was, no definite amount, but adequate to keep the service going.

If local bodies were to withhold their grants through a misunderstanding of the position, said he, the service could Aave no other course than to draw upon its capital, fully required to.make permanent provision for the future, and therefore while the service would not be suspended its future would be jeopardised instead of assured.