FREE AMBULANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1935, Page 8

FREE AMBULANCE

TWO NEW EECOEDS

A STRENUOUS YEAR

During the year ended March 31 last the Wellington District Free Ambulance established two records, one as regards the number of patients attended and the other the milage covered by the cars. These»facts are given in the seventh annual report of the Free Ambulance Board, which states that no less than 8696 cases had the benefit of free 'transport, without a single complaint reaching the board. "The new buildings and the central position of the site have been factors in our organisation being able to cope with the increased demand made on it during the year, with dispatch and with the highest possible efficiency," the report continues. "It has been found necessary, during the year to add one extra bearer to the staff, and even with this extra assistance it is only on account of the whole-hearted way in which the entire staff faces the more or less irregular duties placed upon it that the ambulance has been able to serve the public with promptitude. "Your board desires to thank the public bodies and subscribers generally for the financial support which has enabled the board to carry on this great humane service with a credit of £17 4s 3d on the entire year's working. AN ALARMING INCREASE. Your board also, desires to draw attention to the alarming increase in accident cases. This has had a decided upward tendency during thepast five years. Inquiries elsewhere do not reveal that this is common to Wellington. Our traffic control service is operated in a very efficient manner. It is probable that the pedestrian is a considerable contributor to the number of accidents that occur. Special thanks are accorded the ladies' auxiliary for their valuable efforts during the year. The board places on record its sincere regret at the death of Archbishop Redwood, who was a good friend of the service, and thanks all, who have helped financially and otherwise to carry on the work. Particular mention is made of the honorary service given by the members of the Wellington and Petone divisions of the St. John Ambulance-Brigade, and also of the excellent work performed by the superintendent (Mr. F. Eoffe) and his Staff. . Since the inception of the service' 53,335 patients have been transported and the cars have travelled 528,846 miles. _____________