FREE AMBULANCE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 201, 15 July 1936, Page 14

FREE AMBULANCE

ANNUAL REPORT

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

“Looking back over the activities of the year just closed, our fourth, 0110 carpiot but feel sincerely appreciative of the wonderful support which lias been extended to our service from all pnrts of our district,” states tho annual report of the Palmerston North D'rce Ambulance Transport Service, which is signed by Major J. T. Bosworth as tho chairman of the committee.

Tiie report proceeds:—“lt is most gratifying to realise that, although we are, at present, 110 further ahead as far as the Palmerston North Hospital authorities are concerned, our service is receiving increasing support from the ratepayers and residents of this hospital district. This fact is amply proven by the housc-to-housc collections, which show a record total for the year. However, T am convinced that the time is not far distant when our service will be privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of all ambulance transport work required in this district. MILEAGE AND CASES.

“It is my pleasure to inform you that our ambulances have again been granted certificates of fitness and both motors have been kept in good running order. Up to the end of the year-the total mileage covered since the inception of our service reached the astounding figure of 66,234 miles, and owing to the praiseworthy manner in which the motors have, been kept in tunc they are still capable of manymore miles.

“During the past year our cases have included some heavy calls. In fact, 011 c of tho searliest calls was to an unfortunate explosion and both ambulances were sent to the scene, bringing back to the Hospital the injured with efficiency and a minimum of loss of time which have earned outspoken commendation. This is not the only occasion on which both ambulances have been called upon to give the attention required by the circumstances. The past year’s calls total 738, bringing the total to date up to 2759, surely a praiseworthy record. “The most sincere thanks of the public and our service are due to all those who have voluntarily assisted in our work during the year. These workers have again done yeoman service and have amply demonstrated their willingness to give of their best for the comfort and safety of the sick and injured. 1 know you will all join me in extending to these publicspirited people our heartfelt thanks. Once again we are_ indebted to our ladies’ committee for their splendid work. As a result of functions they have conducted quite a considerable amount was added to our funds, and our sincere appreciation of their efforts is extended to them. “Although our balance-sheet does not look too cheerful, we have the satisfaction of knowing that the efficiency of our service has been well maintained. After all, efficiency is the first consideration and this lias been recognised by the public in their numerous letters of thanks for services rendered. Is it not time that the Hospital Board recognised the efforts we are making andioame to our assistance in the matter of finance, as is done in practically all other cities in this Dominion? “On behalf of tho committee I wish to extend to our supporters, and all those who have assisted us so generously our heartfelt thanks. Especially' would I mention our honorary auditor (Mr E. B. Jennings) and honorary solicitor (Mr F. G. Opief, both j of whom have given a great deal of i> lime and piofessional knowledge! for the benefit and advancement of our work. Our thanks are duo to. the medical profession and the nurs-. irig staffs at the hospitals for the 1 many courtesies extended to our staff.!

Once again I thank the drivers, bearers ana collecting staff for their loyalty in all their efforts and assure them that their splendid work is greatly appreciated. The publicity afforded !>'■ tho Press has been unstinted and an invaluable asset and the thanks of our committee are extended ;in this direction. I wish to express my most sincere appreciation to the members of our committee for the loyal support they have given during the past year, and I am sure all will join mo in expressing the hope that the new year will bring with it our cherished desire—that this hospital district will be completely catered for by our specialised servico.” INCOME AND EXPENDITURE. The balance-sheet sliows that £95 15s 10d, was the excess of expenditure over income, in the past year. This lias been transferred to the accumulated deficit, which is now £l2l 11s 7d. The total income, £99(3 12s 4d, is shown as coming from the following sources:— Persona) subscriptions, £3l 4s lOd ; employees’ contributions, £3 9s 5 donations from unions, clubs and societies, £7B 12s 5d ; house-to-house collections, £877 15s 7d; sundry receipts, £5 10s (3d. On the expenditure side tho principal items are given as follow:—Wages and salaries, £409 8s lOd; ambulance expenses, £222 7s 9d (benzine and oil £l5B 8s lid and tyres and repairs £(33 18s lOd); organiser's car expenses, £l3B 17s lOd; insurance and registrations, £34 15s sd; telephone charges, telegrams and postage, £l6 Is 7d; rents (£lO4 10s, less £lB rent received), £B6 10s lOd, sundry expenses, £l7 Vs lOd, loss on various efforts to raise funds, £2O 11s lid; depreciation, £99 os 4d; total, £1092 8s 2d. The assets arc shown as follow: No. 1 ambulance, £l9O 17s (£244 17s less depreciation at 15 per cent, of cost, £54) ; No. 2 ambulance, £B7 13s 9d (£9B 15s 9d less £ll 2s), organiser’s car, £283 4s (£314 3s less £3O 19s) ; sundry plant, £22 9s 8d (£25 14s less £3 4s 4d); first aid supplies and stationery on hand, £7. Total deficit in accumulated fund £l2l 11s 7d. The liabilities include the following: Sum due under purchase agreement covering the organiser’s cai% £72 12s 2d rent due to Palmerston North lire Board, £lO6 13s 4d, bank, £173 12s lOd; sundry creditors, £359 17s Bd, total, £712 16s.