St. John Ambulance

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 21, 22 October 1941, Page 8

St. John Ambulance

■*■■» f my ANNUAL INSPECTION AND CHURCH PARADE. " Strand Park was the scene of the first annual inspection, and the suin shone on a very fine ' parade of 1? divisions composed of Well over 300 of all ranks. The parade, under the command of Corps Superintendent C. E. Blnns, assisted .by Corps Officer A. J. Greenfield, who acted as adjutant, assembled on Saturday afternoon, 11th October, and in the bright sunshine, , made a very beautiful .pic-, ture. District Commissioner W. W. Dutton and hia complete district staff inspected the corps. Accompanying the district stftff were the -following visitors: Hon. Walter Nash, M.P., and Mrs, Nash, Mr. H. E. Combs, M.P., Mr. Maofarlane, acting Mayor of Petone, and Dr. R. A. Bakewell, corps surgeon. After the inspection the corps marched past the saluting base, where the District Commissioner took the salute. After this, 36 of tile ambuiunct cadets acHl<l as patients. , They were divided into ranks of twelve. TV first rank were fetretche.- esses, this second rank carried by hind peat, and the third rank were able to walk after treatment. The necessary "first aid" was rendered by members of the nursing and nursing cadet divisions, and the transport by the ambulance divsions. On reaching the casualty clearing station the cases were examined by the inspecting officer and Dr. Bakewell, who expressed great appreciation of the efficient way in which every branch of the work was done.

The corps then formed hollow square, when Mr. Dutton, after a lew eulogistic remarks, called on the Minister of Finance (Hon. Walter Nash) to present several certificates. Among fhe various honours were several grand prior badges, which is one of the highest and hardest won of all the honours connected with the Order. It is an honour that can only be gained by cadets, and Mr. Nash was loud in his praise of the nursing cadetß who had gained it. He also spoke highly of the officers who had trained those girls. Appreciation must be expressed of the yeoman services given by the stores officers, who so ably made all the preparations necessary for such work. As in all other things, it is only by the careful and complete preparation that is not seen that the grand scenic effects are produced. Thanks must also be recorded and extended to the Hutt Municipal Silver Band for good services beautifully rendered, CHURCH PARADE

The Order of St. John is always subconsciously connected with the churches. Over 800 years ago the Order came into existence under the leadership of "The Blessed Gerard," so it is fitting that such a parade as this should be essentially a very important feature in the life of the Order. The corps again assembled on Sunday morning, 12th. October at the corner of Gear and Jacksop Streets, Petone, The parade, under the command of Corps Superintendent Binns, accompanied by Commis sioner Dutton, Mr. Falconer, and District Officer Hislop, fittingly led by the Petone Salvation Army Band, marched to St. Augustine's Church It was a beautiful morning, and the parade looked magnificent as it marched along Jackson Street. At the service the Rev. H. S. I. Kenney definitely rose to the occasion, and the service was of a most inspiring nature. In his sermon Mr. Kenney spoke feelingly of that great ideal "Help your fellow-man." He told a beautiful story of a business man in London many years ago whose only claim to fame was the miserly life he led. In spite of a good business he lived poorly, clothed poorly, and fed poorly. In course of time a beautiful building was erected quite, close to his business premises. When finished it was officially opened as Guy's Hospital, and was the great ideal for which the hero of this story, Mr. Guy, had striven to attain. On his death he left all his fortune to assist in the maintenance of his glorious ideal. The Scripture readings were given by Nursing Cadet Quona Ashton and Cadet Sergeant Victor Henry. During the service Ambulance Officer 0. Bonifant gave a beautiful rendering of "Ava Marie." It was truly a service that inspired all and will remain in the minds of not only the corps members, but of all who were present.