ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23393, 7 January 1938, Page 3

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

BRIGADE ACTIVITIES In response to a request for information as to the activities of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in New Zealand during the year 1937, Colonel G. Barclay chief commissioner, recently stated that there had been continued progress. During the year 19 additional divisions had been formed, while others were in the course of formation, and the work of the brigade had been introduced into eight new districts. The attendance of members had been extended into many new playing grounds, and although the actual figures for the past 12 months were not yet available, it was anticipated that there would be. a considerable increase shown in the number of cases of first aid and home nursing, and in the transport of the sick and injured, attended to by members. Many sports bodies had expressed their appreciation of the work carried out by the men and women of the organisation The erection of ambulance stations in various towns had continued to receive attention, and the equipping of members with the regulation uniform of the brigade had made a satisfactory advance. During the year lectures had been given on the subject of air raid precautions, The establishment of first aid posts on he main highways had been inaugurated and would be extended as opportunity offered—they should prove a boon to the travelling public, as should also the temporary St. John depots which had been set up during the holiday season at various popular resorts and motor camps. A number of members were able to visit England and attended the jubilee celebrations of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, which followed closely on the Coronation festivities. Members had also identified themselves with the blood transfusion societies which were now under the patronage of the Commandery of St. John in New Zealand. The chaptergeneral had recognised the services of several officers and members by promotion or admission into the Order or by the award of the Service Medal of St. John. The cadet branch of the organisation had continued to show a marked progress, and many young men and women who had received their training in the junior divisions were now serving in the ranks of the adults. The Grand Prior’s Badge, a highlycoveted distinction, had been secured by several of the New Zealand cadets during the year. In conclusion, Colonel Barclay paid a high tribute to the men and women of the brigade, especially mentioning the medical profession.