FIRST-AID EQUIPMENT IN SCHOOLS

Hutt News, Volume 15, Issue 36, 25 February 1942, Page 5

FIRST-AID EQUIPMENT IN SCHOOLS

MATTER TO TIE PRESSED Despite repeated representations to the responsible authorities, it was slated at the meeting of the Wellington Education Board last week, very little progress had been., made' in securing certain emergency equipment for schools, and it was decided to press the matter willi more urgency. The Eastern Suburbs School Committees wrote stating that at a meeting resolutions had been adopted urging the board to make provision immediately «y,t each school in ther danger area for first-aid equipment (with stretcher, blankets, hot-water bottles), also'emergency rations. The matter was Urgent and brooked no delay. Hence, without any ".further letters or talk, the committees concerned, failing receipt of . supplies from Llie board not later than 25fh February, would purchase the necessary equipment and forward the accounts to the board. Storage accommodation would require to be furnished for. this equipment. It was stated that the present fire- • lighting appliances were .woefully. J inadequate, and iuf the for wooden buildings. Lengths of hose should be provided, along witu bucket-pumpH. The matter of first-aid equipment had been 'taken up with the department . several times, said the chairman, -. Mr. W. V. Dyer. It was the function' of the E.P.S. to provide stretchers and blankets. The letter presented a, pistol at the heads of board members, and was not the type which should be sent to them. They had done their utmost, and he moved that, if the purchases be made, the accounts be not met by the board. It had no authority or funds, and it was for the department to provide these. The board was prepared to help the committees and try to force the issue, but it could do no .more. Bucket pumps were not available. Repeated repre sentations had been made. All the hoard could do was to approve of the requests made and apply to the department again, and also point out that the committees and public were very disturbed that siicli matters were not being dealt with more expeditiously, i. it was decided to take action along the lines indicated by the chairman. Mr. Moody Commented that the position was bordering on the tragic He did not think the committees had any intention "" of reproaching the board, as they .knew the position and regarded the matter as the responsibility of the Government. People at Miramar had held a meeting aild threatened to march to Parliament grounds and camp there till something was achieved. The chairman: If that is so, it js disquieting. ' The Wellington School Committees and Educational Association wrote asking the board to plac£ a. fully equipped first-aid cabinet in all schools as expeditiously as possible. The chairman said that numerous representations had been made-. on those lines. Most schools had a binet. but something more extensive was wanted Tor air-raid emergency, sr. JOHN AMSU LAXCE 'OFFER. "That's a very fine blfer, indeed," said the chairman when, an offer was received from the St. .John Ambulance Association to provide, instruction to teachers and senior pupils in first, aid. home nursing, and similar F.I'.S. work. He suggested that the offer should lie acceptcd and that a previous resolution excluding such instructors from schools should be rescinded. J Mr. A. Donald sakt he thought the board should pass the information on to the committees and headmasters and leave them to arrange for the instruction. These was no suggestion of propaganda for (he St. John Ambulance said Mr. C. H. Nicholls, and the board should not pYevent the children from learning to give first aid because of any for pier resolution passed by the board. Both the Sr. John Ambulance and the Red Cross could give valuable instruction in the schools, said Mr D. McCaskill. and he would like to see properly accredited representatives of both bodies giving instruction. The chairman moved that. the hoard approve of school committees and headmasters admitting properly accredited persons to the schools for the purpose of giving information i» first aid or nursing.This was seconded by Colonel T. W. McDonald and was carricd.