ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Evening Star, Issue 22773, 7 October 1937, Page 2

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

THE NEW SALTZMAN BUILDING UPHOLDING THE PRESTIGE OF THE ORDER APPEAL FOR FUNDS LAUNCHED Comparisons are nearly always odious, and comparisons between the bt. John Ambulance Association’s new headquarters in Lower York Place and the existing quarters in Moray Place are especially so. After struggling along for years in premises hopelessly inadequate for their activities, the assoociation will shortly be accomodated in roomy surroundings constructed to meet all tho demands of the order. The erection of this new building has been made possible only through tho splendid donation of £7,000 by Mr S. Saltzman, who gave it for the sole purpose of erecting headquarters that would -permit the association to uphold its prestige as it should be. , The building will be completed in December, but it is hoped that the official quarters will be ready for use next month. An army of carpenters, plasterers, electricians,' are 'working at top speed, and in no 'beehive was there ever greater activity than in this fine new building. The exterior is at present not beyond the plain brick-and mortar stage. When completed it will present an impressive appearance, and will be finished with' a light pink-col-oured plaster. The name of the order will run along the top, and on either side there will be decorative panels in yellow; similar panels will appear under some of the main windows. The corners of the building are rounded and are to be fluted, and the_ imitation Corinthian pillars used in this connection should give an appearance of great solidarity. Swing glass doors with collapsible bronze grills will lend an ornate appearance to the entrance. The building is set six feet from the footpath, and this area will be converted into grass plots, around which will run a concrete kerb.

On entering the vestibule the visitor will find the official quarters on his or her left. The entrance is to be panelled throughout in walnut, finished with chromium bands. At the rear of these offices is.the spacious boardroom, ■of which highly-grained ash panelling is a feature, and beyond this again are the class rooms. There are ; two • such rooms divided by sliding doors, which can be opened so that when occasion demands the room will become one huge hall, 58ft_ by 20ft. The ceiling is finished .in simply designed ten-test board, which _ is fireproof and has excellent acoustic values and will reduce possibilities of echo to a minimum. Also on the ground floor and to the right of the vestibule are the nurses’ quarters, waiting rooms, dressing room, and store rooms. Throughout, wherever possible, space has been utilised for cupboards. On the staircase leading to the second floor may be seen neatly carved replicas of the emblem of the order. The 'greater part of this floor is devoted to a huge social room, 57ft 4in by 38ft Sin. Horizontal ash panelling reaches a height of about 4ft, then the remainder of the .walls ■ are plastered. The ceiling, which is 12ft high, is also of the- simply. designed ten-test board that is generally used throughout the building. This hall will be used for social functions, lectures, 1 etc. Twelve large windows permit the maximum amount of daylight to enter the hall, which has unusual rounded corners, and should always be bright and airy. ;A fire escape will permit hasty exit in eases of emergency. Leading otf this hall is the supper room, 46ft by . 20ft, another bright room. Space on this floor has been set aside for men’s ■ and women’s cloakrooms-, and there is- also a large kitchen. The interior colour scheme has not yet been decided upon, but a two-tone- effect in warm, soft colours will be chosen. At the rear of the main building, to house the ambulances, are four garages, to which is attached a room for the use of night drivers. Above the garage is the caretaker’s house, to which approach is made hy means of a gentlygraded ra-mp. This house consists of three bedrooms, a living room, kitchenette, a- small dining recess, designated by Americans as a “ dinette,” and the usual offices. Every modern convenience is incorporated, and the house is in keeping with the rest of the headquarters.

When completed this building will be a decided acquisition to the city. It will be attractive in appearance, but not lavish. The money donated has been well spent, and no accusations of wasteful expenditure can possibly be levelled against the order. The architects are Messrs Miller and White, and the , builders . Messrs R. Mitchell and Sons.

Mr Saltzman’s donation will'cover the cost of the main block, but the cost of the other buildings and the furnishings has to be met by the association, and it is estimated that £2,500 will be required for these purposes. A further £2,500 is needed; to assist in administering and carrying out the various branches of the work of the order. The activities of the order are— Instruction in first aid and home nursing—400 persons have received instruction this year. ■ District nursing for the sick and poor—an average of 60 homes receive 500 visits per month. Ambulance transport of sick and injured for Otago., Ambulance Brigade attending where crowds are gathered, sports, races, etc. —5,000 accident cases were treated last year. Voluntary blood transfusion service—--175 transfusions were given last year, and of these Co per cent, were successful in saving life. St. John Ladies’ Sewing Guild, work for district nurses. Hospital hostess, who adds to the comfort of patients. The funds of the association were sadly depleted when £2,000 had to be found to purchase the section in York Place. The association is now appealing to the -people of Otago for their support in a most worthy cause. One man has set a magnificent example that is sure to be followed by others.. The people of Otago have always responded to appeals for charitable purposes, and this latest appeal is mad© with confidence. Donations may be sent to Mr H. L. Gibson, 41 Cavell street, Tnimvi, to the St. John Ambulance Association, 41 Moray Place, or to the ‘ Evening Star ’ or ‘ Otago Daily Times.’ All subscriptions will be duly acknowledged through the Press.