St. John Ambulance

Hutt News, Volume 16, Issue 34, 17 February 1943, Page 2

St. John Ambulance

HTJTT VALLEY CORPS The various Divisions forming the above Corps have now launched forth on their programme of work for 1943 and if they carry on in the same efficient manner as they did during 1942 they will most certainly be living up to the two mottos of the Order. "For the Faith" and "For the Service of Mankind." I wonder if that great pioneer of true service to njankind, "Gerard" dreamt when he founded the hospital in Jerusalem that it would develon to the extent it has today and that the Movement should be of such a world-wide nature as it is? He was called "the Blessed Gerard" and it was a true title because, blessed is he who shall help his fellowman. After this prelude you perhaps would like to know a little of the Corps of which I write. Its territory extends from Upper Hutt to Petone inclusive, and it is formed by eight senior and seven cadet divisions- It is under the command of Corps Superintendent C. E. Binns, assisted by five Corps officers, and has Dr. R. A. Bakewell as Corps Surgeon The first principle of this Corps is of course to render first aid where, and when it may be reQuired, and this all members have done in a truly creditable fashion, proving efficiency at all times. In addition to this, the normal works of the Corps, the abnormal state of affairs caused by the war has made it necessary for the Corps members to act as instructors to the many additional units of various branches of the Service that have been formed such as E.P.S., W.W.S.A., etc. They have become what might be called members of the staff of almost all schools and colleges. They have been with our Air Force Cadets. They have installed kits and instructed classes in all works and factories, as a matter of fact throughout 1942 the uniform of both St. John Ambulance and nursing divisions of our Corps has become a better known factor than ever. This instructional work, though done by members of the Senior Divisions, was made much easier by the willing assistance given by the Cadets —yes Young New Zealand answered the call and were very helpful indeed. Though the amount of work thus done was very great the various divisions did not allow it to interfere with their own training. The ordinary Divisional meetings for training purposes took place where problems in first aid were discussed and dealt with, and where special instructional lectures were given by qualified specialists. Truly a strenuous year —and yet a year that was enjoyed by those member of St. John. In addition to all this spare-time work there has been throughout the year several thousand cases of actual first ajd dealt with by our mem bers. Those who are employed in the various works and factories have rendered efficient service in cases of accident and suddfen illness. They have also done their usual job Of work on the sports fields, and when the alarming earthquakes took place they were present where required. JACOBUS