DEFINITE MOVE

Opunake Times, 16 September 1941, Page 4

DEFINITE MOVE

AMBULANCE FOR OPUNAKE The suggestion raised at a recent meeting of the Opimake Chamber of commerce that the Opimake Borough and Egniont County should he served by a free ambulance which would he permanently stationed at Opunake, wa® enthusiastically received at a meeting, convened by Messrs R. H. Hughsou and A. I). L. MacLeaii ft*r the purpose of discussing the proposal, which was held in the Drill Hall on Friday afternoon.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Opimake Bo'iough Council. Egniont County Council, Chamber of Commerce, Electric-Power Board and many business-men and others interested in the proposal. His W orship the Mayor, Mr. G. C. (Houston was elected to the chan,

Several speakers gave their views on the subject and all were of the opinion that in view of the great distance Opunake was situated from a hospital an ambulance stationed permanently in the district was a necessity that could not be overlooked and every endeavour should be made to have one provided.

Rather than raise the purchase price by means of public subscription it was generally thought that the matter should he placed before the Taranaki Hospital Board, and a request made that an ambulance be supplied. It was pointed out that, bv wav of taxation, the borough and county residents paid a considerable sum annually towards the upkeep of the hospital and therefore were entitled to the best service possible.

The full support of the Opunake Division of St'. John Ambulance was promised by the superintendent, Hr. R. T>. CVoke and it was also stated, hy Hrs. T. N. Watt that there were 15 fullv trained V. A. D’s m Opunake whose services would he available, so it was thought liv'd if an ambulance was snnplied there would he no difficulty experienced in staffing it- It

was also stated that two Opunake garages were willing to service an ambulance free of charge and would also be prepared to house it until other suitable arrangements could he made.

Following a fuR discussion on the subject it was to appoint’ a provisional consisting of The Mayor, - Mr. G C. Clouston, Messrs R. B. Oroke. R. H. Hughson W. Sbrat I. Stronge, F. J. Young and Mrs. Wright to solicit the aid of the Opunake Borough Council, Egmont County Council and Opunake Chamber of Commerce in forming a deputation to make representations to the Taranaki Hospital Board for the provision of an ambulance. ie committee would also foster the formation of a St. John Ambulance Association which would have the responsibility of raising funds to provide the tree service.

Apologies frtr absence were received from Mesdames V. Wright. C. Clare, -I. Morfts K. Julian. E. M. Sinclair. Messrs J. Rtronf?e, A. Hindi nnd tile Rev. T. C. M. flutter, nil of whom expressed their willinpness to support the proposal.