FINE SERVICE GIVEN

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 3, 3 July 1940, Page 9

FINE SERVICE GIVEN

LEAD FROM SIR CHARLES NORWOOD

HIS PART REVIEWED

.Tributes to Sir Charles Norwood for his services to the Wellington Free Ambulance were paid by speakers at the. annual meeting yesterday afternoon. The history of the organisation and the part played by Sir Charles in bringing it into existence were outlined by Mr. R. H. Nimmo, president of' the Wellington Chamber of Com-

trjerce

.The Free Ambulance was first introduced to Wellington by Sir Charles Norwood when he was Mayor of the City, Mr. Nimmo said. During a trip to Australia. Sir Charles saw the service in operation in Brisbane, and on his return he discussed the position with the St. John Ambulance Association and asked them if they would be willing to undertake the organisation. He stated that he would, and did, pay the fare of a representative from Australia to come over and explain the whole system. As the result of that conference it was decided to set up the organisation. The first? ambulance vehicle was presented by Sir Charles himself. The ambulance had a unique record of efficient service, and since its inception had run over a million miles.

Mr. F. Roffe was brought across from Australia on the recommendation of Sir Charles Norwood and had built up an organisation which was a credit to everyone associated with it.

■ One of the most unique features, apart from the value of the service, is that it brought to the doorstep of every home within the hospital area the services of the public hospital. The man at the top of the Rimutakas had an efficient service right to his doorstep just as had the man living in Newtown. In these days when economy was so necessary, particularly in transport, the vadue of the Free Ambulance system was enhanced, as such an organisation controlling all calls in the area avoided overlapping wherever possible. "It is a service that we are now too prone to take for granted," said Mr. Nimmo, "but it is well for the public to be apprised periodically of the efficiency of this service which is ever ready day and night. One of the greatest features is that in the event of' any emergency there is always a. battery of first-class vehicles fully equipped with trained men available at the shortest notice. Such an organisation is worthy of the fullest support, not only of public bodies, but of all sections of the community, and I most heartily congratulate Sir Charles Norwood, his board of directors, and his staff on the great contribution they are making to the life of the community,, and to the unique record of service and efficiency that has characterised the activities of the service from its-inception."