NOT REALISED

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 57, Issue 4028, 11 August 1948, Page 5

NOT REALISED

SERVICE TO PUBLIC » ST. JOHN BRIGADE WORK i MEETING QF ASSOCIATION “ The service given to the public by the St. John Ambulance , Brigade is something really worthwhile,” said the mayor of Paeroa, Mr Edwin Edwards, at the annual . meeting of the St. John Ambulance Association. “ I do not think the public fully realise the amount of work which the active brigade members are doing.” In his capacity as mayor of Paeroa and as the newly elected president ot the association, Mr Edwards proved a resolution of appreciation to the brigade which was readily passed with acclamation. According to the report by lady superintendent Mrs E. L. Shaw, there were 247 cases attended by the ladymembers of the brigade and the superintendent, Mr W. Smith, reported that 280 cases had been attended by the men, during the last period. “ Every race meeting in Paeroa has been fully manned,” stated Mr Smith, “ and all football matches and all public functions have been attended. We am very thankful to be able to do the job* for service to others is one of the best tonics for a man.”

Work of Association Mr Edwards briefly outlined the difference between the brigade and the association which are two distinct organisations. The brigade in Paeroa. is divided into the main brigade under Superintendent Smith; the ladies* brigade under Lady Superintendent Shaw and the cadet brigade under Superintendent Turner. The association takes no part at all in the activities of the brigade but endeavours to make things easier for the brigade by obtaining flnanoe. Tribute was paid to members of both organisations, as well as to tradesmen outside the St. John Ambulance who had done such valuable work in erecting the special building for th* use of the brigade and association. The work had been done entirely by voluntary labour, said Mr Edwards. The meeting called this year waa, done so with the object of reviving the work of the association which had been allowed to lapse over the last years, said Mr Edwards. No subscriptions had been paid since 1987. The credit balance at the bank wan £46 14s 7d. In future meetings would be held once every two months. Mr Ben Gwilliam snr. was made an honorary, life member of the brigade in recognition of the many years of valuable service he had rendered-’ Archdeacon W. G. H. Weadon was also warmly thanked for his fifteen years’ service in the association. He retired from the committee this year because, he said, it was time tbeye was some new blood in it. He said he would like it understood that an open invitation was extended all members to attend his St. John the Baptist service on the Sunday of each year nearest St. John’s Day.

Officers Elected The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr Edwin Edwards; vicepresident, Mr F. T. Gregson; honorary auditor, Mr J. H. Bartlett; committee, Mesdames Edwin Edwards, El Turton, Messrs H. Gallagher, E. W. Lee, N. C. Davies, B. Gwilliam jnr. and, subject to their acceptance, Messrs P. H. Leigh, R. Jeffrey and J. H. Turnbull; honorary secretary, Mr F: C. Sparks; treasurer, Mr S. Wheeler; honorary surgeons, Dr. L. S. Haslett and (subject to approval), Dr. J. Enticott. Others present at the meeting besides those elected were Mesdames T. L. Vincent, W. J. Pope, J. Fielding and Miss G. Gwilliam; Archdeacon W« G. H. Weadon, Messrs B. Gwilliamsnr., L. Roberts, J. Curran and Superintendent Smith. An apology wa» received from Lady Superintendent Shaw.