AMBULANCE CHARGES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17902, 6 April 1920, Page 9

AMBULANCE CHARGES.

TO THE EDITOR. . Son,—Aa Gi Bradley and aa anonymous writer hare published statements relenting to tue matter of ambulance charges, it is only right that the true position should be placed before toe public irom the point of view of the St John Ambulance Association. We are a voluntary body existing lor tno sole purpose of rendering service to suttering humrnity, and {or this work wo are dependent, apart from the annual subscriptions paid by members, for financial support by the public. Being trustees of publia money we feel that we must expend it to the best advantage, having at ail times in view.the fact that money given is cnieny to help those who are unable to provide for their own wante. "We think it only fair that people who are in a position to pay should do so and, taking into account the very heavy losses in carrying on this work, we have made the charges as reasonable as possible. If "Whafior" will forward his name we will inquire why it was he was overcharged for the servioe he received. When people are evidently in poor circumstances no account is rendered to them, and when an account has been sent out a statement by the recipient, or any person knowing his position, is always accepted as sufficient grounds for cancelling the charge. Our stretcher-bearers are a voluntary body and always willing to go to a case when called on, but we generally find that some good friend is at hand to help in this work. We shall be pleased to enrol "Whafior" among the number, and thus give hiir. a chanoe to do something, besides grumbling, to help our work. Tbff ambulance transport is only a part of the work undertaken, aa we have also district nurses who pay over 500 visits monthly among the sick poor. They are helped in their work by another band of workers who are linked up with our association. Bandages, lint, dressing, and surgical requirements of all kinds are also provided free of cost. Our debit balance is considerably over £100. Any complaints that are made will always be inquired into if made in a straightforward manner, but we have not the time to deal with the grievances of anonymous writers, whose sole aim is to find fault, and who never show any readiness to i offer themselves for philanthropic work among their less fortunate fellow citizens. We have the greatest reopeot for Cr Bradley, and hope that he will be more penoTOua in his remarks, now that h e knows we are not out to make a profit out of the public. We have recently incurred heavy expenses go as to make the ambulance servioe as up-to-date as possible, and surely wo oan expect that wpple will com*.direct to us with complaints instead of ventilatmg them through the public press.-! am. etc.. V. G-. Bryan King, Chairman. St. John Ambulance Association.