ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 11997, 4 September 1909, Page 6

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

INSPECTION AND DINNER. The first official inspection of the Tiniuru division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade was held in the Drill Hall last night. The inspecting ' officer was Major Barclay, . V.D. The brigade paraded 25 strong under the command of Surgeon-Captain Ga bites, and were put through stretcher drill for four men, and ordered to treat a case of broken legs. Then the brigade were put through . battle practice and exercised in attending to the wounded. Both drills . were carried out in a manner that reflected credit on the men. The drills were gone through under the superintendence of Superintendent A. G. Foster. Afterwards a move was made to Cook's refreshment room, where Mr Mathcson presided over a convivial gathering. The annual report gave, a hrief history of the inception of the Briuaf'e.' which was set on a firm basis from the result of the successful public collection which realised £1.4;?. . Named stations were set up, and it was .«t»ted that since starting 28 cases had been treated. 11. publicly, and the doctors--in. attendaii'-e had commended the work. The Brigade had had 39 dWIls, and its outlook was very hopeful.. They i would be strengthened by many new members, which would allow; of a full I attendance at all public' functions. Their thanks were due to the various officials, who had worked most enthusiastically. In his speech,* Major Barclay thahked the Brigade for the cordial reception accorded to Itini on his first visit. As regarded the inspection he was agreeably surprised at what he had seen. He, had heard a movement had been set on foot iii.Ti-. marti, but he ne'ver expected to see tho drill so well carried-out as had been done by the Brigade that evening. The Brigade were exceedingly, fortunate in bavin'" such devoted, enthusiastic arid skilful officers. He said that in pro,portion to the population there were a greater number of meii: taking an'hV terest in ambulance work in the.' Dominion than .in Eriglaiul, the fiajrrt's being anproximatelv—England,. ;17.0Q0. NcW, Zealand 1200. \ The \spfcaker then, criticised the work of the Brigade, nnd pointed out where the work might be.bettered, -and afterwards gave a verv- concise and. excell ?rit~ address on the history of the St John Brotherhood, from the time' of the; crusades to tlio present day. ■,■-.,, '\j '■.■■;:.-