ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18529, 16 October 1934, Page 6

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

APPEAL FOR FINANCE SERVICER TO THE PUBLIC Few, if any causes for which public collections are made, have the universal appeal of that to be made during Ambulance Week, October 17 to 24, by the St. John Ambulance Association and its ancilliary the St. John Ambulance Brigade. livery man, woman and child of the district is in debt to this remarkable organisation for the voluntary first aid and transport service it maintains throughout the 24- hours of every day in the year Founded upon Christianity, inspired by noble traditions that have been built up through the centuries, the service that succors the sick and injured and helpless is itself an inspiration in a civilisation so strongly materialistic. Its members claim no credit, nor do they parade their deeds, which often are arduous and nerve racking. Theirs is the “simple service simpry givon to their own kind in their, common need.” The constancy-of the first aid service is of tlie kind that usually is associated with naval or military life. One of the penalties for its reliability is that it is taken almost as a matter of course. The citizen who sees a motor ambulance speeding on its journey of mercy, a journey that may decide the issue between life and death, requires to he reminded on such an occasion as the appeal for funds that beyond the contract with the Hospital Board, the association hast no regular resources. It does not rtrjnire nnv official status—doubtless it owes much'of its strength to its adherence to the voluntary principle—but. it does need funds, and that, need is commended to the district’s most generous attention during Ambulance Week. To give is a duty as well as an acknowledgment- of services rendered and benefits received.

It is not an exaggeration to say that in the St. John Ambulance organisation New Zealand possesses a most efficient national service. It would, however, be an exaggeration to sav that that admirable service is recognised as a national service should he. There is never a whisper of hostile criticism against it. There is a unanimous chorus of appreciation from all quarters, hut- the fact should be faced squarely that, in whelming majority of cases appreciation stops with an expression of thanks and praise, and the service cannot run on such pleasant compliments. That the service is able to do such great work year in and year out throughout the whole Dominion is due primarily to the generosity of a comparatively small number of the population, and simply as a matter of justice and fair play they ought to have the burden lightened by giving the service State recognition, to be paid for by the.whoH community. It surely too late in the day to stress the importance of the work of'the St. John Ambulance. To render first aid promptly and capably, to be instant in reply to any appeal to convey the sick or wounded to hospital, connotes a service that is perhaps, no less important than the services of the doctor or the hospital, for in many of theseeases, instant attention is imperative if the patient is to be saved. The service, it is urged, is one which should immediately receive recognition by the Government, as a national service. Its cost spread over the whole community would he infinitesimal. The organisation is already created, and is in the highest state of efficiency, and no political principle would be infringed by compelling all to hear the cost of a service upon which any of them may have to call at any moment.

It. is unnecessary lo allude to all the activities which are embraced by the association’s work. It is enough to say that the same efficiency, the same spirit of humanity, gives distinction to them all.