ST. JOHN SERVICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 689, 14 June 1929, Page 13

ST. JOHN SERVICE

“TAKEN FOR GRANTED,” SAYS MISS E. MELVILLE PRACTICAL SUPPORT WANTED “The public is becoming more and more appreciative of the efforts of the ambulance, but do not contribute to the funds commensurately with the service rendered," declared Miss Ellen Melville at the annual meeting of the St. John Ambulance Association last evening. J£EEN interest in the past year’s activities were manifested by over 200 members and -supporters present, who included the Mayoress, Mrs. A. D. Campbell, and his Grace Archbishop Averill and Mrs. Averill. Miss Melville presided in the absence of the Mayor, Mr. George Baildon, in Wellington, and Mr. A. J. Entrican, Deputy-Mayor, who is indisposed. She offered her congratulations to the association, stating it was unnecessary to peruse the annual report to learn of the excellent work the organisation was performing. “There is no better-known organisation in New Zealand,” she claimed. “No body is living up to its motto ‘service to mankind’ better. One need only look at the number of times which the ambulance was called upon to perform public service to ascertain if the organisation is fulfilling its functions,” she added. Commenting upon the lack of practical recognition of the association’s work, Miss Melville said that sports bodies did not contribute to the funds as they should, particularly in view of the fact that the association members were always in attendance at outdoor gatherings.

“The public is too apt. to take our service for granted,” she added, and we would like a little more practical appreciation of our work.” The munificent donation to the association by the Auckland Savings Bank was appreciatively referred to by Mr. C. J. Tunks. The association was now undertaking more work than could comfortably be coped with m the present building, though it was undoubtedly one of the finest stations in Australia or New Zealand. A third storey was required and plans liad been drafted and specifications were in course of preparation for the additions. The additional accommodation would accordingly increase operating expenses and he appealed to the public to subscribe to these funds. The donation by the Savings Bank, could be used solely for the building project. . . , "We don’t loolt for praise, but it is gratifying to receive a practical expression of appreciation,’’ added Mr. Tunks, alter reading a letter of appreciation from an Aucklander to whom the association had rendered service.

Officers for the ensuing year were re-elected as follow: —President of the centre, the Mayor, Mr. Geo. Baildon; vice-presidents. Archbishop Averill, Bishop Cleary, Sir Edwin Mitchelson, Sir Jas. Gunson, Sir Geo. Fowlds, and the Rev. D. C. Herron, Drs. C. E. A. Coldicutt, P. A. Lindsay, C. E. Maguire, N. McDougall, Messrs. A. S. Bankart, M. A. Clark and C. J. Tunks; chairman of the medical staff. Dr. 1 - A. Lindsay; committee, Mr. C. J. Tunks (chairman), Sir Geo. Fowlds (deputy-chairman), Mrs. T. H. Bassett. Miss E. Bull, Mrs. G. Cammell, Dr. Crawley, the Rev. R. G. Coats, Miss M. Dawson, Miss M. Edmiston, Miss E- Fleming, Miss E. M. Johnston, Mrs. J. F. Hutchinson, Messrs. F. J. Hutchinson. A. Mitcham, A. F. Mackav. T. M. Maclcy, A. W. Frobert, F. E. Schofield, W. Spragg, Mrs. P. McGregor. Miss MacLeod, Mrs. "\\ . Rattray. Mrs. C. Smith, and the Rev. C. A. B. Smith: trustees, Messrs. C. j. Tunks. F. J. Hutchinson and AV. Rattray; lion, treasurer, Mr. F. J. Hutchinson: lion, auditor, Mr. Geo. Fleming: lion, secretary, Mr. William RutDuring the evening Mrs. Campbell presented certificates, medallions, medallion labels and nursing pendants gained during the year, while Archbishop Averill presented long-service certificates, bars and medals. Among the certificates was one specially re-

cognising the service rendered by Miss Winifred Martin to a child who was severely burned at Murray’s Bay during the Christmas holidays.