ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8537, 18 March 1908, Page 2

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE.

The first annual report of the St. John Ambulance Brigade has just been published, and shows satisfactory progress throughout New Zealand. Ambulance divisions have been formed in practically all the larger towns in the Dominion. The report states that there are now 41 corps and divisons on the roll of tho Brigade, and the membership, which stood at 652 twelve months ago, has now attained to IObU. the greatest amount of progress having been made in Wellington, Canterbury and North Otago. The existing divisions have well maintained their strength and improved their efficiency. Permission has been granted to the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Division to form a section at Paikakariki, where a number of the members reside. The Division at Petone has also shown commendable enterprise, and is now erecting an ambulance station in the centre of that town. During the year ambulance competitions have been held at different places, and teams from the brigade have given good exhibitions of work. As a further incentive to competitive practice, the institution of a banner or trophy for each Centre will be submitted to the local conferences for consideration. The committee of the Christcliurch i Centre has offered 10 silver medals for ! competition by members of Divisions in that district. It is recommended that where facilities exist for doing 'So, divisions should during summer months, devote some time to study and practise the instruction in swimming and life saving, as formulated by the Royal Life Saving Society of England. Full particulars can be obtained from the Deputy-Commissioner. It should be borne in mind that one of the objects of the Brigade is to assist the military authorities as a supplement to the regular medical service in case of necessity, and members should, if j possible, devote some time in perfecting themselves to take up these duties. It is not generally known that the Order of St. John issues awards for gallantry in saving or attempting to save life on land. Any cases deserving of recognition should be brought under the notice of the Association or Brigade authorities.