Ambulance to be Purchased

Northland Age, Volume XVI, Issue 17, 26 November 1946, Page 1

Ambulance to be Purchased

Ways and Means Discussed by Enthusiastic Meeting After Mr. J. Knox, Secretary of the Mangonui Ambulance Association had outlined the progress made by his Association with regard to the purchase of an ambulance for the County, Mr. W. H. Atkins moved the following resolution : “That We take steps to close on the option for the purchase of an ambulance.’’ This was seconded by Mr. J. W. Hoskin and carried. To a representative gathering, including members from local bodies, the Chamber of Commerce, the Maori race and interested citizens, presided over by Mr. W. J. Steed, County Chairman, Mr. J. Knox stated that a complete chassis was at present available for £1,033. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers last evening to discuss ways and means of raising sufficient funds to provide this ambulance. Mr. A. M. Theed was appointed Secretary pro tern.

Option over this 'hassis was fixec at 14 days, said Mr. jKnox, while delivery would be within six months Particulars of the proposed vehicle met with the approval of both hi? Association and the headquarters in Whangarei, said Mr. Knox. Costs taken throughout New Zealand showed that 1/21 per mile was the cheapest, and 2/X the dearest cost per mile at which an ambularcc could be run. Whangarei’s cost was 1/74 but it was thought that costs in the Mangonui County would be slightly higher. Every time the ambulance turned out there was e minimum charge of 10/6, but anybody unable to pay that amount paid as much as they could afford. There were already 14 active men in the Association, stated Mr. Knox, available day and night. AP this work was v jlun'ary except on 'erg trips when tire :nan was kept away from his work. There was a great need for an ambulance in the district and something must be done very soon, he continued. There was no Government subsidy for tr.e purchase or an ambulance. “We have tried now for over three years, through different departments to secure an ambulance but we have never seemed to get to the right head,” said Mr. J. W. Koskin, speaking on behalf of the Hosptal Board. Now that an opportunity presented itself, Mr. Hoskin thought that the Association should avail themselves of it. Mr. Steed could see no difficulty in raising the money. If the money was not ready when the vehicle was available, he was sure that guarantors would be forthcoming. “The County must have an ambulance,” he said, “so there is no need to beat around the bush.” As to the raising of finance, he continued, nobody was more interested in the project than the Maori race Mr. Hone Wi Kaitaia confirmed this. At present there was no way in which to bring patients from Te Kao or Te Hapua to hospital. All present agreed that the target to aim at should be unlimited Money' was always necessary for running expenses and t 0 put aside for the eventual purchase of another vehic.c. Speaking for the Rugbv Un ; on, Mr. J. Cowic assured all present that his organisation was right behind the movement. Mr. Rhys Williams stated that the Chamber of Commerce was out to support the work. He thought that the target should be at least £IOOO in excess of the purchase price. The Superintendent of the Ambulance Association, Mr Jack Craven, was of the opinion chat £'foo was the least that could be aimed for. Mr. L. Peace finally moved, seconded by Mr. J. Cowie, tha; the allocation be £l5O per riding (3 tl.l'iigs), £250 for the Borough, and £250 by the Maori race as a minimum for collection. This was carried. This target however, should not be the maximum, said Mr. Wi’liams. There is no reason why thn position cannot be reviewed say in another G months. Controlling the efforts to raise the money in the ridings, will be the riding members on the County Council. A central executive to oe called the Mangonui Ambulance Committee was set up. This will consist of a member of the Borough Council, either the Mayor or his appointee ; two County Council members, Messrs. Steed and Hoskin ; Mr. Hone Wi Kaitaia, representing the Maori people ; the Treasurer, Mr. W. H. Atkins ; and the Secretary, Mr. A. Mackintosh. In conclusion, Mr. Hoskin, seconded by Mr. Williams, moved a vote of thanks to the men responsible for placing the movement on such a sound footing. This was carried by acclamation. Mr. Jack Craven, on behalf of the Brigade, thanked all for coming along. Now the Association knew that they had the support of the County, they would continue with renewed vigour.