GREATER ACTIVITY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 128, 26 November 1938, Page 15

GREATER ACTIVITY

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

ASSOCIATION

An increase in the training of cadets in first aid and home nursing was reported at a meeting of the Wellington Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association. Sir James Elliott presided. The secretary (Mr. C. Meachen) reported that 162 cadets (boys and girls) had been granted certificates. Since April la total of 37 classes had been examined, made up as follows:—First aid 17; preliminary first aid, 12; home nursing, 5; home hygiene, 1; and preliminary cooking classes, 1. Certificates issued totalled 474, and 11 candidates failed to qualify Through the courtesy of Major carton, New Zealand Staff Corps, arrangements were made for Sergeant Taylor, of the New Zealand Permanent Staff, to give two lectures on anti-gas train-, ing. Sergeant Taylor dealt mainly with first-aid treatment for gas casualties and the de-contamination of per? sonnel and clothing. ffhe training in first aid of police probationers at the police training depot was continuing. The practical instruction this year was being given by District Officer* E. Gilberd, and the examination was being undertaken by Dr. Arthur E. Palmer. The work had been of a very high standard and the Commissioner of Police had expressed his thanks to the association for its work".

Sir James Elliott said that the centre had been asked by the New Zealand Commandery of the Venerable Order of St. John, at the' request of the Minister of Health and Education, to carry out first-aid instruction in the schools during February, 1939. The necessary organisation was being put in hand immediately and the schools in the Wellington Centre's territory, which included Hawke's Bay (as far as Napier). Nelson and Marlborough, Wairarapa and Palmerston - North, would be circularised, and the supply of qualified instructors offered. A special syllabus' would be drawn up to aid instructors. Details were being prepared by the commandery.