ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 March 1937, Page 8

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

LEVIN SUB-CENTRE, PIRST ANNUAL MEETING. If the attendance at a meeting is any criterion of the interest taken in an organisation, and it undoubtedly is, then the Levin Sub-centre of the 'St. Tohn Ambulance Association is well endowed, for fifteen ladies and ten gentlemen attended the first annual meeting of that body, which took place in the Band Room last evening. The President, Mr. P. W. Goldsmith, occupied the chair. Since its inauguration last year, the sub-centre’s activities have had a wide appeal to a very large number, resulting in keen enthusiasm being shown for the work undertaken. This year should see a vast advance in the sphere of work which is available to members who have the interest to follow up what they have already learnt, while new members will find much to engage them. Annual Report. The following report on the subcentre ’s activities during the past year, submitted by the secretary (Mr E. Lyeette) shows that the work has been steadily carried out in the district: —

Classes: During 1936 one course each in first aid and home nursing was con ducted. Forty-eight students attended the first aid course and forty-five the home nursing class. The examination results were very satisfactory.

Lecturers and Instructors: We are deeply indebted to Drs. L. J. Hunter and S. J. Thompson, lecturers in home nursing and first aid, to Dr. Ward who examined the classes, and to our efficient, patient, and enthusiastic in. etructors, Mr. and Mrs. G. Kiernan, of Koputaroa. .

A very interesting outing was made to Wellington by the home nursing class, chiefly through the initiative of Mrs C. Kiernan, and the hospital there was inspected. On arrival the party were met by Dr. L. A. Line and Mr. 0. Meachen. The trip was very much appreciated and thanks were accorded to all who had assisted in making it a success. The sub-centre’s thanks are due to the Press for generous publicity and to all who have assisted the Association.

The financial position shows a credit balance of £lO 7s 9d. In this connection appreciation is due to Dr. Hunter and the Levin Borough Council for donations, to Mr. W. Mortensen for his presentation of a stretcher, and to Mr, H. Plimmer for the drawing of charts. The secretary of the Wellington Centre (Mr. C. Meachen) visited Levin and gave a very interesting screening of films dealing with first aid to the Injured, anatomy and the house fly. A.fter the lecture the meeting resolved itself into a committee for the purpose of considering the question Of forming a St. John Ambulance Brigade in Levin. It was decided that the setting in operation of the division be held in abeyance until a later date. Satisfactory Finances. The main items, of revenue were first aid class £ls 12s, home nursing class £l6 6s, donations £1 11s, share proceeds art union £1 13s 4d, and grant from Levin Borough Council £2 2s; a total of £37 4s 4d. Expenditure, mostly in ssmall amounts, totalled £26 16s 7d, leaving a credit of £lO 7s 9d. Comment. In referring to the report and bal-ance-sheet, the chairman, Mr. W. J. Guinan, said there was little he could add. An attempt had been made during the year to foimi a brigade locally, but there was not a great deal of enthusiasm shown and it had been held oyer in' the meantime. The examination results were very good, while the numbers entering showed that the classes had a widespread appeal. The finances were very satisfactory, particularly as the Association’s object was not to have large credits.

In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, Mr. Goldsmith commented that the report evidenced a very encouraging position. He said that to have had 48 in the first aid class and 45 in the home nursing class was well nigh a record for a first year of existence. The classes had been very fortunate indeed in having capable in structors to give the necessary tuition. Mr. Kiernan seconded the adoption of the report, which was carried without further comment. Election of Officers. Patron, Mr. C. L. Hunter, M.P.; President, Mr.’P. W. Goldsmith; chairman, Mr. H. L. Jenkins; hon. secretary, Mr. W. J. Guinan; hon. treasurer, Miss D. Dempsey; hon. auditor, Mr. P. H. Hudson; committee: Mr. and Mrs. Kiernan and other officers; storekeeper, Mr. M. Wells. Formation of Brigade. The formation of a brigade locally was mentioned further by Mr. Guinan, who said he would like to see such a unit in existence. Mr. Kiernan, who was previously associated with a brigade in Wellington, pointed out that this was the means of extending the knowledge obtained from the first aid classes. They were more of a theoretical nature, but a brigade was practical work, with competitions between the members participating. Moreover, social activity was blended around the work and to be associated with a brigade was both enjoyable and interesting.

Mr. Guinan said that he did not think there were sufficient members with the interest to embark on a brigade this year. It could be held over in the meantime perhaps and for another year the educational side could be advanced.

On the motion of Mr. Jenkins the

matter was left to the committee to take any steps deemed necessary. (General. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames P. W. Goldsmith, and B. P. Mitchell. A tribute to the work of the retiring secretary, Mr. E. Bycette, was made by the meeting. Mr. Guinan said that he had been responsible for pioneering the movement and a great deal of credit was due to him for its success. Mr. Goldsmith said that Mr. Lyeette had devoted a great deal of his time to the welfare of the sub-centre and he was deserving of members’ very best thanks. The motion of appreciation was carried by acclamation. It was decided to have the enrolling night on April 14th. at 7.30 p.m. in the Band Room.

In concluding the meeting, Mr. Goldsmith thanked all for their attendance and the interest they had displayed.