WORK PRAISED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 144, 14 December 1940, Page 13

WORK PRAISED

ORDER OF ST. JOHN

That the work being done by the Order of St. John in the present war is appreciated is shown by a letter received by Sir James Elliott, chairman of the Wellington centre of the St. John Ambuiance Association, from Colonel J. L. Sleeman, C.8., C.M.G., C.8.E., Chief Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Overseas. Written, on October 4, the letter is as follows:—

"Though we are being kept very busy in England, I feel that I must tell you how very greatly the Grand Priory appreciates the ambulance and nursing work being done in your part of the Empire, while I would thank you personally, and all those others who have contributed to this splendid result. For this war has cemented the British Empire together as never before, and I feel sure that we realise better than we have ever done the necessity' for thinking together as a widely-scattered family, and not as separate entities which would fall one by one to aggressive action. The great value of ambulance and nursing service has never been appreciated better in. this country than it is today, when our members are being called upon both by day and night to put their teaching and experience to practical use. .

"Enemy bombing, both by day and night, has been fierce in many parts of England, but nowhere has it succeeded in frightening the people or doing anything other than to strengthen determination to resist till this foul menace of bullying aggression has been put au end to for ever. "Considering that innocent women and children have been called on to face the perils of enemy attack with the men, and that we are all in the Front Line, it is amazing to see the courage and coolness of everyone, specially those who have suffered the destruction of their houses and personal injury from this cowardly method of war. And I want you to appreciate that notwithstanding all the many happenings here and what has had to be endured, we all find time to admire and appreciate the efforts of those in the Dominions and colonies overseas who have supported us so magnificently. I shall, therefore, be grateful if you will convey to as many as possible my best thanks and congratulations for what they have done."