ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20332, 13 August 1929, Page 12

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Sir, —On perusing the appeal lately sent out bv the St. John Ambulance Association, to which all who can afTord ; would surely respond, one naturally compares tho work of the association here witn experience in similar work at Home. Over 30 years ago I was closely associated with "tho work of district nurses in a rural village of about 1000 people in the North of England. We had two nurses to attend cases in the village and neighbourhood. But there was one great difference in that a small fee was charged for services rendered, and most Willingly paid. A portion- of this would be remitted in certain circumstnces and in necessity altogether. Agricultural wages then varied from 18s to 25s a week, according to occupation, but the people, even with those wages, would have viewed as an insult the idea of receiving benefits and making no return. thankful for the help they- knew would never be refused. I have heard, what I can scarcely credit, that here in New Zealand, with wages three or four times as much as those referred to at Horrie,' the sick and injured can call, not only on the district nurses, who are paid, but also on the members of the association, who are not, for free treatment, and that these unpaid members not* only give their services, but personally provide tha bandages and dressings required. Is human nature here on a lower .plane than at Home, willing to take all and mako no.return, however small, for benefits-re-ceived in time of need ? I do not believo it; but no wonder the St.' John Ambulanco Association is badly in need of funds. Inquiueh.