ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21055, 18 June 1930, Page 8

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL 'REPORT. In tlie report to be submitted, to the forty-first annual meeting of the Otago Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association this evening, the district officer (Mr E. M. Harborow) states that a decided forward movement on the part of the various divisions was apparent. In particular, the Dunedin and Hillside Ambulance Divisions were to be congratulated on forming an ambulance cadet company attached to their respective divisions. The boys were ■ keenly interested. In the interdistriet competitions a special test was put on for them, and, after close'competition, was won by Hillside cadets by one point. It was felt that this was a step in the right direction, and,would ultimately lead to an increase of membership in the" senior divisions. Early in the year the association held a carnival at which all brigade members gave assistance.' During the winter months a number of members helped the association classes, besides training Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in ambulance work. All sports meetings were attended. The North Otago auhmaintained its enviable record for efficiency. The ambulance, driven 1 by the brigade members, covered a distance of 3591 miles, removing a total of. 145 patients to home or hospital. The Oamaru Nursing Division had, thanks to the hospital authorities, been permitted to attend 'at the hospital, and had thereby added to their general nursing They regretted to report the death of an ambulance sister, Mrs Crawshaw, a valued member of this division, The following was a summary of cases 'attended during the years— Cases of first aid on public duty, 156 T; cases of first aid not on public duty, 4070; cases nursed privately, 49; total, • 5086, They were exceedingly pleased to have to report that new rooms had at last been secured, and promised to _be a great improvement on the old building. This step augured well for the future of' both the association and brigade. During the year members attended four church parade's, Anzac Day, St. John’s Day, Armistice Day, and a special parade during the interdistriet competitions, when all visitors attended. The interdistriet competitions were held in Dunedin from October 26 to 28. Five teams came from Canterbury, district. They were met on arrival and taken to the ambulance rooms, where morning tea was provided. On Saturday evening all the oral work was put through, the noncompetitors attending a lantern lecture given in the Medical School by Dr Hercus. Church parade was held on Sunday morning in First Church. -In the afternoon visiting members were drivento Outram Glen. The competitions were continued ou the Monday, and a very happy time was brought to a close by a social and presentation of trophies; held in the evening in the Hillside Recreation Hall.

In December, the Governor-General, Sir Charles .Fergusson, patron of the Order, inspected the Dunedin corps in First Church grounds. After the inspection medals were presented to Major W. H. Borrie (Serving Brother of'the Order), District Officer Miss E. M. Harhorow (Serving Sister), Ambulance Officer J. Hanson (Serving Brother), Ambulance Sister A. He ley (long service medal). ‘ j V . Once more they had to place on record their deep appreciation of the services of all the medical profession who served as divisional surgeons, to all doctors, nurses, and others who helped during the competitions, to the matron of the Dunedin Hospital for the use of bedding, etc., to the press, and to the association for" their help at all times. OAMARU BRANCH. The thirty-seventh annual report of the Oamaru branch of the St. John Ambulance Association stated that, though the number taking a course in first aid and .home nursing showed a decrease compared with the previous year, the interest was well maintained in the work of the St. John Ambulance. Two first aid classes and one home nui'sing < class were held with a total membership of' 69, 58 first aid and 11 .home nursing. Fifty-seven sat for the examinations, 54 satisfying the examining doctors (39 first aid, 7 advanced aid. 10 medallions, and 8 home nursing). Th'e Oamaru first aid class had 41 members; Dr Orbell lectured and Dr Stubbs examined; The Church of Christ Girls Club first aid class had 17 members; Dr Liddell lectured and Dr Fitzgerald examined. The Oamaru home nursing class had 11 members; Dr Scott lectured and Dr Stubbs examined. It was to he regretted that the railway employees, through- various , circumstances, were unable to enroll sufficient members to hold a first aid class. The doctors recognised the value of these classes, and the thanks of the association were due to them for their valuable help and encouragement in this work. The annual report of the brigade spoke for itself. During the year they attended to 163 removals (18 of which were accidents), and 10 public gatherings, the motor ambulance travelling 3591 miles. In addition, all town football matches were attended by members on duty, and the hockey matches received G'e attention of members of the nursing division. Very close and harmonious relations exist between the association and the brigade, each doing its utmost to help the other. The association felt sure that the voluntary work of the brigade was very much appreciated by the public. v i Thanks were extended to all who hud assisted iii any way during the past voav.