THE INLAND MISSION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3829, 4 November 1936, Page 3

THE INLAND MISSION

AUSTRALIA’S FLYING DOCTORS In an editorial the Sydney Sunday Sun-Guardian says: Twenty-four years ago “Flynn of the Inland” (less familiarly known as Rev. John Flynn, of the Australian Inland Mission), had a dream which must have seemed to his friends fantastic. He saw beyond his day to a time when aeroplanes would be as safe as cars, and when radio transmitters would be efficient and cheap. By faith he pictured these products of science serving sick people of the Australian Outback. About sixteen years later his dream came true, with the founding of the first aerial medical service base at Cloncurry. Here was a revolution in the life of the bush, thanks to the pity and shrewdness of one man. The “mother” wireless station sprang up at the centre of the service. Pedal, “transceivers,” as they weire dubbed, were distributed over a wide area. Thus to the centre came word of an urgent case. Back through the ether went first aid instructions. Meanwhile, an aeroplane stood ready to convey doctor to patient. The little drama ended with the patient in hospital, spared the agony of long transport over rough roads, and the dangers incidental to delay. The first Flying Doctor was supported by the Inland Mission. Later, a special organisation, “Australian Aerial Medical Services,” developed two additional bases, one at Port Hedland and the other at Wyndham. To cover the whole of Australia, it is estimated, six bases will be required. Australian Aerial Medical Services is about to found the fourth. Broken Hill is to have a Flying Doctor, and the appeal which will shortly be launched for funds is one that will commend itself to every generous citizen. The Federal and State Governments have recognised and, approved the A.A.M.S. (To state the matter so coldly is to mislead; they have given the A.A.M.S. their most fervent blessing, and the Prime Minister is personally one of its most ardent admirers.) Those who help to provide the Broken Hill service will not only save human lives; they will change the mental atmosphere of the bush peo-. pie who live within its range. About £5OOO will be needed, it is said, for the base in our own State. Measured by the known liberality of our people, the sum is almost trivial.