ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22349, 21 February 1936, Page 16

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

COLONEL SLEEMAN'S VISIT PROGRESS IN WAIKATO [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Thursday A civic reception was accorded Colonel J. L. Sleeman, Commissioner of the Order of St. John Overseas and representative of the Chief Commissioner, the Duke of Connaught, in Hamilton, this afternoon. The Mayor, Mr. J. R. Fow, said that he doubted if any other movement could compare with the Order of St. John in the growth it had made in South Auckland. In 1926 there was only one ambulance division in the district, with a membership of live. In 1985 there were 16 ambulance divisions, eight nursing divisions, and four cadet units with a total of 511 members. The remarkable progress made in South Auckland in the last 10 years, said Mr. Fow, was largely duo to the enthusiasm, tact, and determination of the district officer, Mr. H. D. Cobb. In his reply, Colonel Sleeman said South Auckland had something to he proud of in the progress the Order had made.

A total of 152 representatives of the South Auckland Ambulance and Nursing Divisions were present at a parade held in Bledisloe Hall this evening, when Colonel Sleeman made an inspection. Colonel Sleeman congratulated members on their smartness and efficiency and remarked that ho had never seen such modern first-aid outfits in the Empire as those possessed bv many of tho ambulance men present. An investiture followed, during which Colonel F. W. W. Dawson and Mr. H D. Cobb, district officers in Hamilton, wero awarded Orders of Serving Brothers. The Dean of Hamilton, the Very Rev. T. P. Weatherhog, read the prayers and Colonel Sleeman carried out the investiture. Jlr. M. C. Knox was handed his warrant as superintendent of the Otorohanga Division and Mr. 10. A. Houston, of Hamilton', was awarded a bar m recognition of five years' additional service as superintendent.