ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18366, 7 April 1934, Page 4

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

PUBLIC SERVICE GIVEN LOSS ON PAST YEAR SHOWN STATE SUBSIDY CLAIMED In tin* course of -Ae annual report of the Gisborne branch of the St. John Ambulance Association, covering the tenth year of the branch’s existence, the committee extends its congratulations to members in general upon the public services performed with credit during the year, and upon the steady maintenance of interest in the work of of the association. A loss of £57 is shown in the statement of accounts, and financial matters are a cause of considerable concern .to the branch; but this fact does not affect the enthusiasm of the members, nor does the annual report contain any hint of loss of initiative on the part of the committee. ' Discussing the financial position, the report indicates that a deficit was shown tri the transport service account, and that the combined deficits in this and in the general account amounted tc £57 18s. The major items of in•omo were the proceeds of ithe flag day, £o4 4s lOd, and general donations, £24 Is fid, a toal of £7B 6s 4d from .these sources, as against £B6. 13s. 3d for the previous year. A number of sports bodies which formerly contributed to the funds had been unable, to make their usual donations, owing to financial difficulties of their own, but had promised do do their best to make up the ,amounts in the coming year. The branch had made further application to the Government mission to participate in a' big ‘art union, but had been informed that applications for art unions for it he purpose of creating new assets were not looked upon with favor under existing conditions. ART UNION APPLICATION “ In view of the good work done for the benefit of the community, and the voluntary service given by our members, your committee is at a loss to understand the attitude of the Department of Internal Affairs,” states the report on this topic, “especially when A her organisations, many of which do lot give voluntary servico to the comnunity, and are not dependent upon voluntary subscriptions for the furrheranco of their work, have greatly benefited from the profits of art unions. “Tour committee is not wholly in favor of raising funds per medium of art unions, particularly in an organisation such as St. John’s, which ought to stand for better methods. We feel sure that if the Government realised the value of the great voluntary service rendered to the community by our organisation, it would subsidise the work to such an extent that there would not be any need to apply for grants from art union profits. A perusal of all St. John Ambulance As- \ sociation, and St. John Ambulance Brigade reports will give most conclusive proof of the wonderfully efficient and loyal service of all ambulance .tnil nursing members, who year after year voluntarily give their best in the interests of the suffering community.” ATTENDANCE AT, MEETINGS The report contains an expression of gratification, on the part of the committee, regarding the attendance at meetings and classes, and the general extension of interest in the work of the association. The first aid and nursing classes were attended by 54 pupils, most of whom presented themselves for examination and gained certificates. The results of the examinations were: Senior female homo nursing, 11; senior female first aid, 13: voucher, 2; medallion, 2; junior female first aid, 7; senior male first aid, 2; junior male first aid', 2. Brigade reexaminations resulted as follow: Gisborne nursing division, 11; cadet nursing division, 12; Gisborne ambulance division, 15; cadet ambulance division, 8, TRANSPORT SERVICE The work of the transport service by • ambulance again showed a very satisfactory record. The number of cases removed was 218, and the distance ' travelled 2493 miles. A greater demand ! on the time and services of members of • the ambulance brigade had developed, i as the work became more generally ap- ‘ preciated, and the willingness with which ■ members gave up their time to the work had been a source of much satisfaction to the committee.. At no previous time 1 had there been a more general appre--5 ciation of the work of the brigade, the f report states, while the number of menu 2 hers presenting themselves for re--3 examination was more satisfactory than 3 in revent years. 3 The following appointments, approvec • oy tho chief commissioner for New Zea 3 land, are advised in the report: Mrs, A. Lewis, lady divisional secretary, Gis 1 borne hursing division; Mr. W. M. Pren f tice, cadet superintendent, Gisborm • cadet ambulance division. 3 While the committee has the pleasuri 3 of announcing the formation of a neu 3 branch of the association at Wairoa, am 5 most premising interest at Tolaga Ba; • and Tokomaru Bay, where it is hoped t( : form new branches during the comim 1 year, the position of the voluntary- oic ' detachment in Gisborne is not so satis 3 factory, owing to an insufficiency o 3 enrolments. The hope is expressed tha 3 the outlook in this connection will im ' prove materially during the year, am that the detachment will be placed on 3 firm basis. As the object of the brigad ’ in forming the detachment is to have j trained body of men and women avai able for service in case of an epidemi 3 outbreak or other emergency, the succe: of the project is regarded as most in portant, and no effort is to be spared : ' making the project known to the publii