W.C.T.U.

Evening Star, Issue 19712, 12 November 1927, Page 2

W.C.T.U.

The annual meeting of the South Dunedin branch of the W.C.T.XJ. was held on Thursday afternoon, Mrs Hinton presiding. The annual report was read by the secretary and the balancesheet by the treasurer, aud both ladies were thanked for their services during the year. The solo ‘My Task’ was then rendered by Mrs Williams, after which afternoon tea was served. Tho election of officers resulted: —President, Mrs Hinton; vice-presidents, Miss Ford and Mrs Williamson. Mesdames Williams and Williamson wore again respectively elected treasurer and secretary. It was decided to hold the first meeting next year in February. The following, by Courtenay C. Weeks, M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., was read by tho secretary : —“ The popular resort to alcohol in fainting, etc., is unnecessary and dangerous—unnecessary because simpler, safer means, such as the use of smelling salts, a burnt feather held under the nose, or, if the patient can swallow sips of (preferably) hot water, would do just as well; dangerous because tho direct result of alcohol might have most serious results if the fainting was due to bleeding or certain serious internal conditions. Even sal volatile would be bad under such conditions.” . ,

Tho St.-John Ambulance Association, in the official manual, says: “ It is incorrect to suppose that alcohol is tho only form of stimulant, and a far too frequent use of spirits is made to restore a patient after an accident, often with serious results. When the patient is able to swallow strong tea. coffee, milk as hot as can bo drunk should be given. Tho safest rule is to defer the (riving of spirits until the arrival of a Sector.”’ “In 'cases of insensibility give no fluids whatever or foods by the mouth.” —Colonel Sir John Cantlic.