WORKING FOR OTHERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 1 July 1932, Page 7

WORKING FOR OTHERS

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION PROGRESS DURING YEAR NEW MEMBERS NEEDED At the annual meeting of the Nelson branch of the St. John Ambulance Association, hold last evening, Dr. D. C. Low, president, was in the chair, and there was a fairly good attendance of members. PRESID EN T’ S A DDR ESS The President, in a few opening remarks, referred to the introduction to tlm First Aid Book wherein the. history of the Society and later the St. John Ambulance Brigade is traced. 1 lie ambulance service was comparatively recent and modern, hut the idea could he traced as far hack as Napoleon’s days, the famous general being very anxious about tlie treatment of his wounded. The Brigade now numbered 50,000 members, and was recognised as a necessary unit of civic life, and it served on all occasions, and in Nelson it had done and was doing its part. It required a certain amount of effort to learn to become an efficient member of the Brigade, blit once learned the work would never lie forgotten. There was an increasing need for their services, for the population was always multiplying, and methods of transport carried certain risks. ANNUAL REPORT The secretary, Mr R. A. Stedman, read the annual report and balance sheet which were adopted. Tho report stated: — “During the two years prior to August 1931 the branch, though in existence was far from strong and attended no public functions on duty. On Gist August, 1931, a general meeting was held in tho Y.M.C.A. to re-organise the branch, there being about 16 present. The following officers were elected: — President: Dr. D. C. Low, M.D. Committee : Mrs Black, Mrs Sutherland, Miss Slade, Messrs G. IT. Butcher, F. Kirby, S. Davis Jnr., E. Ashton. Hon. secretary and treasurer: Mr R. A. Stedman.

“The President gave a series of twelve lectures on First Aid and Mr Ashton acted as Instructor in practical work. Tho average attendance at the lectures was 28, and very great keenness was shown by all. An examination in First Aid was held on 26th November and six ladies and seven men members were successful out of the 18 who sat.

“Home nursing lectures commenced on 21st January, 1932, the first three lectures being given by Mrs Kerridge and the remainder, eleven in number, were given by Mrs Fenn. The average attendance at these lectures was 20. An examination in Home Nursing >vas held on 9th June when all 12 of the lady members who sat were successful. Whilst, the Home Nursing lectures were being hold the qualified First Aid men members received further practical instruction from Mr Ashton.

“The qualified men members and three of the qualified lady members have been on duty at the Rugby, Association and hockey matches during the seasoh, as well as at the Childrens’ Galti 1 Day, Y.M.C.A. Carnival, A. and P. Show, and the Jockey Club and Trotting Club meetings. In the last six months members have been on duty on 103 occasions and rendered first aid to 118 cases.'

.“On' 19th May, 1932, thei Nelson Division was formed, the following officers being appointed :—Divisional Surgeon,. Dr. I). C. Low, M.D.; divisional .superintendent, Mr R. A. Stedman; divisional store-keeper, Air F. Kirby; lion, secretary and treasurer, Mr R. A. Stedman. The divisional sergeant and corporals are yet to he appointed. “During the year a street collection, three dances and a raffle were held to raise funds for the purchase of equipment, and all were very successful. Also donations were received from: Messrs Trathen and Co., Messrs 11. Chapman and Co., Mr G. A. Day, A. and P. Association, and Nelson City Council. “The total membership at present is 47.” VOTES OF THANKS A vote of thanks was accorded Mr R. W. Martin for supplying first aid equipment at wholesale prices. A presentation was made to Mrs Fenn for her work in the Home Nursing Division, that branch’s success being due to her efforts in that direction. Mrs Kerridge’s work was also mentioned. Votes of thanks were accorded Mr Ashton, and to the lion, secretary, Mr S'edman. The mover referred to Mr Stedman as the backbone of the Association, the revival of the Brigade in Nelson being largely duo to Iris efforts. COMMITTEE AND WORK FOR YEAR The election of a committee resulted: Miss Forster, Miss Static, Mrs Black; Messrs F. Kirby, C. 11. Butcher, S. Davis jnr. The secretary outlined the work for the coining year. First aid classes were to be carried on, and there would lie a series of 12 lectures hv Dr. Low, ending with a first aid examination. Subscriptions would be 5s for the first aid course and 5s for home nursing. The value of the first aid booklet, was stressed, and tho need for new members was a pressing one. All wanted the movement to go ahead and tho more members there were tho more it would prosper. Mr Butcher, as an old member, congratulated the Brigade on its great progress. and thanking Dr. Low for his lectures.

Tho meeting then resolved itself into a. social gathering.