ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 June 1921, Page 2

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

ANN.UAI, MEETING. The annual meeting of the Greymouth sub-Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association was held last evening. The President (Mr. W. 11. Parfitt) occupied the chair, and there was a fair attendance. Prior to commencing the business, the chairman said he was informed that Mr. T. West, organiser of a rival body, the West Coast Industrial Ambulance Association, was outside, and askeel if it was the wish of the meeting that he be admitted. Mr. F. Turley said the meeting was public and he did not see any reason for excluding Mr. West. Mr. West stated he was there as the official secretary of the Te Kinga subcentre of the St. John Ambulance Association. It was decided that Mr. West was entitled to be present as the meeting was public. The chairman apologised for the absence of Messis J. D. Lynch and 11. W. Kitchingham. The annual report was read by tho secretary, (Mr. C. Heaphy) as follows : ‘‘During the year just ended two classes under the sub-centre were held, one for ladies, under the supervision of Mesdames Drake and Batty, and secured twenty passes. The men’s class (wharf labourers) under the supervision of Mr. T. West secured nine passes. Many thanks are due to the supervisors and instructors for the results obtained, which must be considered highly satisfactory. More interest should be displayed by members to try and get classes arranged with football clubs as often during their games an accident happens and first-aid is needed. For the convenience of players of Rugby a. stretcher and outfit is placed at the Park in case of necessity arising, and another will be placed at the Recreation Ground as soon as funds are available. The funds at present (at bank £l4 3s lid and cash in hand lid) are very, low, and application should be made to clubs and unions for support, and notice given that the members do not receive any pay for work done, but give their time and services to the noble work free for the benefit of all concerned. During the year a very serious loss befell the Ambulance Association in the death of our late president, Mr. E. J. Smith. His untiring efforts in the interest of ambulance work will long be remembered on the West Coast.

The balance-sheet showed a credit of £l4 4s on the year’s working. The report and balance-sheet were adopted. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: — Patron: Mr. J. D. Lynch. President: Mr. W. 11. Parfitt (reelected). Vice-Presidents: Drs Alcßrearty, McKay and Johnston, Messrs O’. Fraser and F. Turley. Committee: Alesdames Drake, Batty, Schroder, 11. W. Kitchingham, G. Schaef, Orr, Miss Batty; Rev. T, N. Cuttie, Rev. B. J. James, Archdeacon Carr, Rev Father Shore; Air. H. W Kitchingham. The election of a secretary-treasurer was held over until the first committee meeting, Air. Heaphy having declined re-election owing to lack of time. The matter of securing a classroom for the ladies was also referred to the committee.

Awards, medallions, and certificates were then presented to various members by the President. In doing so, Air. Parfitt congratulated the ladies on their good work, and hoped that double the number of awards would be gained before the next annual meet ing. Alesdames Drake and Batty received awards. Aledallions were presented to Alesdames, Batty, Drake, Orr; Alisses Barrowman, Graham, Drake and Batty. The following received certificates: Alesdames Brown, Tillyshort, Schaef ; Misses Tew, Duncan, Rouse, Dodson, Brown, G. Ward, E. Ward, Smith, Baty, Nelson, Williams, Frederick, Porter, Grant; Alessrs R. J. Ward and D. Maid.