AMBULANCE UNITS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22892, 22 November 1937, Page 11

AMBULANCE UNITS

AUCKLAND PARADE VISIT FROM COMMISSIONER PRESENTATION OF BADGES Manifesting the splendid spirit of service rendered the community by the Auckland St. John Ambulance Brigade, about .'570 members of the ambulance, nursing and cadet divisions assembled at the parade ground behind the drill hall in Rutland Street on Saturday afternoon for an inspection by Lieuten-ant-Colonel G. Barclay, chief commissioner for New Zealand of the St. John Ambulance Brigade. A feature of the parade was the strong representation of cadet divisions, which included the nursing cadet division from the Queep Victoria Maori Girls' School. After the parade had been assembled by Mr. C. Lindesav, corps superintendent, who was in charge of the parade, the inspection of the divisions was carried out by Lietutenant-Colonel Barclay. Among the prominent officers present were Mr. C. J. Tunks, Auckland district commissioner, Mr. F. J. Hutchinson, assistant district commissioner, Mr. C. W. Probert, district superintendent, Mrs. E. Cammell, lady corps superintendent, in charge of the nursing divisions, and T)r. J. A. Watson, corps surgeon. The Rev. C. J. Bush-King, formerly superintendent of the Pacroa ambulance cadet division was also present. "An Excellent Muster" "You have an excellent muster, and I am pleased to come here to see the Auckland divisions of the brigade o.m parade," said Lieutenant-Colonel Barclay. The appointments and equipment of the members appeared to be in an excellent state, he added. They would be pleased to know the brigades in other parts of the Dominion were fulfilling the traditions of their organisation.

As regards the work throughout New Zealand, said the speaker, it was gratifying to know that while duties were increasing there was also a steady increase in the numerical strength of the divisions. Their object was to havo divisions, or sections at least, in every place of any size to render first aid at sports meetings and other gatherings. Advance in Oadet Branch "I am particularly pleased with the advance made in the cadet branch of our organisation and I am pleased to see such a large juvenile muster here." said Lieutenant-Colonel Barclay. "Regarding the cadet work I am particularly gratified at the attention which has been given in the Auckland district to the proficiency certificates, and in two cases cadets have won the Grand Prior's Badge."

The two successful cadets, Cadet B. Johnson, of the Auckland cadet ambulance division, and Cadet R. McGregor, of the Manurewa nursing cadet division, were presented with the Grand Prior's Badge by LieutenantColonel Barclay. "I may say the Grand Prior's Badge is one of the most coveted distinctions in connection with the brigade," he said. "It was instituted by His Royal Highness the Duke of Connalight a few years ago, and the successful candidate has to pass 12 examinations."