ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE AND GYMNASIUM CLUB

Patea Mail, 2 May 1938, Page 2

ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE AND GYMNASIUM CLUB

OPENING NIGHT The opening night of the above club was held on Saturday, the Rev. R. Patchctt presiding. His Worship the Mayor and Mr. E. F. Hemingway, President of the club and five mem. bers of the Hawera branch of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade were also present. Mr. Patchett, in welcoming His Worship, said the club was fortunate in having His Worship there that night. His term of office was drawing to a close and he hoped he would re. member his visit that night and retain his interest in the club for some years to come. i

His Worship in a brief speech, ex. pressed the pleasure it gave him to see the boys starting on ambulance work, which was one of the best things that a young man could take part in as it helped to relieve pain and suffering.

It gave .him the greatest pleasure to Come along 'that night to open the club and he wished it every success in the .future. Ho appreciated the kindness of the Hawera visitors in coming along to assist the local boys. He would be pleased to help the club in any way.

Mr, Hemingway, president of the ■club, said, as chairman of the Domain Board, he would like to welcome them all to the shed, and to express his ap. predation of the efforts of those who had gone to the trouble of forming the club. He endorsed the remarks of His Worship with regard to the value of First Aid work. He wished the club every success and assured members of his support at all times.

Divisional Bupcrintciulaut Whitting, ham, Hawcra, said they were very, pleased to come albiig and -start a now branch of the Ambulance iu Patea. They in Hawcra, had a warm spot iu their hearts for Patea and would bo only too pleased to assist them. They had been on duty that day at the foot, bail match between Patea and Hawora and had been able to attend to some of the Patea players. They had brought a sample of their first -aid kit with them to show the local uion. This kit was described by Col. Slec. nan on his recent visit to the Do. monion as the best he had seen iu the British .Empire. As showing what young ■ members could do, he stated that a team from Hawera had attend, cd the competitions in Auckland and had come within two points of winning the New Zealand Mining Championship won by the Huntley miners. This wap a wonderful thing for first year men. In conclusion the speaker cm, phasised the fact that a knowledge of first aid work was as useful in the house as on the playing field.

ißovcral demonstrations of first aid were given by the visitors Wjho were corclialy thanked by the President at the conclusion of their work.