NOT FOUND WANTING.

Colonist, Volume LXI, Issue 15044, 11 April 1919, Page 3

NOT FOUND WANTING.

ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

FORMER GOVERNOR'S LETTER

The following letter from Lordßaniurly, a former Governor of New Zealand, has been sent to theHon G ,W Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs':— -PeaivMr Russell.—l have seen several notices and.had my attention drawn-to a speech by you in the House of Representatives concerning the need among men and women of more knowledge of combating such an epidemic as is now passing over the world, and the -suggestion- that -a National Nursing system should be established. - j • 1 notice that you are acquainted .-^vith the work of the" St John Ambulance Association and that you fully recognise the value of its work. When I first arrived in New Zealand there was no centre of St. John at New .Plymouth. The bush accidents that arrived at the Hospital there were of a bad character, principally owing to theirpaving been carried sometimes for days do,wn to the hospital with any first aid treatment A centre was established and before leaving New 2e~aland I heard trom the doctors that matters were quite cmrerent now; that the cases arrived :n excellent condition, thanks to the St John First Aid training. . .' . I only mention this to point out.that the ■ Ambulance Association has been tried and not, found wanting, and that it should be entrusted with work of this nature, and with everything to do with ■ welfare, etc. I trust therefore you.-ivill :,not encourage any separate organisation, but use the material Bat "has already proved satisfactory. I fee! that tne ronnation of a new organisation, even if successful, would certainly impair the efficiency of the work of St. John and that there would be probably ,a considerable amount oi duplication and clashing. ■ I and those associated with me at St. John s Gate appreciate the interest evinced by you in the necessity of having a body of women trained 'in some-' thing m ore than First Aid and-this indeed is the object of the Association, and it is only, through the:-laek of funds that more has not been accomplished. : , Uur branches .in New Zealand have done an excellent work in the past and no doubt if tliey had had .'better financial assistance they could; have done much

more. This matter seems to be one, in my opinion that the Government should grant sufficient subsidies to enable the Association in New Zealand to carry out all requirements and 'should not^'be a charge on the generosity of individuals. My object in writing to you Is to,sug-

,gest that' you* hold/a conference, .-with delegates f rpm' t the' four centres of the' Association'/ feeling sure'that with your able 5 assistance and .co-operation a! . scheme can be evolved on the lines sug-! gested by you which, with an assured ! subsidy from the Government, could be carried out .very well by the Association. v I am sending a copy of this letter to the other four centres t in New Zealand of the Association. Believe me^ Yours truly, (Signed) Ranfurly.