ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Evening Star, Issue 19550, 7 May 1927, Page 12

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

ANNUAL MEETING The annual mcetihg of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was hold in the Association Rooms, old Fire Brigade Station, on Tuesday last. There was an excellent parade, including members from the nursing divisions, men’s division, and representatives from Hillside, and railway men. Senior District Superintendent Behvortby opened the meeting by reading the latest Dominion Brigade order, received from the Deputy Chief Commissioner, Colonel Barclay, announcing that-Major W. H. Borrio had been appointed assistant commissioner of the Otago District, vice Colonel W. J. Strong, who recently resigned, and in a few wellchosen words, introduced the new commissioner. Upon rising, Major Borric received an ovation. He thriiiked the members for turning out in such numbers, and in the course of lus remarks, intimated bis views of the procedure to be adopted under his command. Major Borrie expressed the hope that members would work bard to make themselves thoroughly efficient in their work. He would visit the various divisons and sec for himself the work they do. The secretary read the annual report and balance-sheet, the latter calling forth much discussion on the ways and means of raising funds to finance the district staff. (The balance in hand amounts to £1 3s lid.) It was finally agreed that every member bo asked to pay Is into the district fund to cover postage, etc. for the current year. The report and balance-sheet were adopted on the motion of the commissioner, seconded by the district superintendent. Opportunity was taken to present to Mr Behvortby his warrant of appointment as senior district superintendent. The certificates won at the dominion competitions wore also handed to their respective winners. Supper followed, the commissioner taking the opportunity of meeting many of the officers and members of the divisions. The meeting closed with thanks to those who had helped in piakiug the evening the success it undoubtedly was. The annual report stated: The past year was a busy one for the brigade. For tho first four months of tho year, the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition continued to call for the services of members and the First Aid Station was in constant demand. "When tho Exhibition was brought to a triumphant close on May 1, 1,332 cases stood to their cre'dit. Notwithstanding that many of these were trivial, there wore numbers 1 hat called for both knowledge and resource. Members were entertained by tho Exhibition directors and warmly thanked for the good work done. Later a cheque was forwarded to tho association which donated £7 to each of the three divisions. There is still a scarcity of new members. It is indeed a knotty problem what to suggest to give a new life to tho movement. The most pressing need is a building of our own,' and it is only a short time before this expense must bo faced. The_ want of funds hampers our efforts in every direction, hut not more so than the nerd of a room to which wc could have reasonable access. This is particularly found to be the case when the association classes are in session. _ The students number seventy to eighty, and it is practically impossible to give them tho individual tuition in bandaging that is so desirable. It is most gratifying to tho staff that the Invercargill nursing division is still gaining ground, and the men’s division is as enthusiastic as ever. This district has applied for separate registration, and should this ho approved by St. John’s Gate, London, wo can hut wish them every success in their venture. Owing to her removal from Hampden, the nursing division is losing Mrs Davis, its lady superintendent, after nearly twenty years’ service. Me place on record our indebtedeness to Mrs Davis for tho long years of faithfulness and loyal support spent in tho interests of the brigade. The Oamaru District wrt.s fortunate in acquiring a new ambulance and is forging ahead in its sphere of usefulness. Both the Dunedin and Caversham Nursing Divisions are feeling tho want of new members, and it was owing to this dearth that the Dunedin Centre Division disbanded and the remaining five members were merged into the Dunedin Nursing Division. During tho year members of all divisions have given much time to tho work of the brigade, both publicly and privately. Wo are indebted to the association for its help at all times, and to tho doctors and others who so willingly put their time and experience at our disposal!