Extensive Training Of Transport Unit

Taranaki Daily News, 22 March 1943, Page 5

Extensive Training Of Transport Unit

A year of extensive training and varied activities was reported at the annual meeting of the Hawera Red Cross Transport Detachment by the secretary, Mrs. E. H. Linnell. The transport detachment began the year last March with 26 members, she said. Seven members resigned in the year and membership at present was 26, 23 active members and three reserve. Two voluntary aids were trained in mechanics, but could not be transferred from their organisation. Drill classes were held regularly until first aid classes began. Mechanics' classes began early in the year and all who sat the l.A.E. examination passed. First aid classes were held at the hospital under Dr. Turner, nine members passing an examination conducted by Dr. Young and Sisters O'Dea and Chittenden. Air raid precaution lectures were given by Dr. Fogg, 15 members attending. Fourteen passed the examination conducted by Sergeant-Major Collier. Nine members of the detachment offered to assist the national blood transfusion service. During the year arrangements were made by the hospital authorities with the Minister of Transport for those members under the age for passenger licenses to be granted a passenger license on attaining 18 years, if they held a heavy traffic license and could pass the test Thirteen members are approved as fully qualified ambulance drivers. Visits as far away as Otaki, Wanganui and New Plymouth were made. A total of 403 calls were answered, total mileage being 6002. Four members visited Wanganui and Palmerston North to inspect ambulances and participate in the work of detachments. Soldiers were taken to homes or hospital from the railway station. Inquiries were made of the Home Guard, E.P.S. and the Mayor, Mr. L. H. Clapham, for other work for those members who did not wish to do ambulance duty. Officers elected were: Commandant, Mrs. W. S. Fogg; assistant commandant, Miss H. Good; head section leader, Miss M. Webster; mechanic officer, Miss M. Evans; first aid officer, Mrs. E. H. Linnell; A.R.P. officer, Miss J. Blair; quartermaster, Miss M. Wyatt; unit leaders, Mrs. L. Winter, Miss Evans, Miss M. Leece; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Linnell; committee, Mrs. Winter, Misses Webster, B. McCarty, W. Knight. A. Corrigan, Blair.