THE WORK OF THE AMBULANCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20441, 11 June 1936, Page 8

THE WORK OF THE AMBULANCE.

Public-spirited men and women who for long years have given richly and generously of their talents and time to the furtherance of the magnificent work of the St. John Ambulance Association, can be excused for their feelings of deep regret that the work of the Good Samaritans of the community does not make more general appeal to the young people of the present day. It is fervently hoped, however, because of the high community value of the service of the ambulance officers and staff, that the appeal made to the youth of town and district to take up ambulance and first aid work will not fall on deaf ears. The annual report of the South Canterbury Centre of St. John Ambulance Association, expresses regret that there was a dearth of candidates offering for the classes in first aid and home nursing, with the result that fewer classes were held. It is nevertheless a matter for commendation that the educational work in connection with ambulance activities proceeds in this district on a high level. Not only have quite a large number of candidates qualified for certificates, but in the wider field in competition with other divisions, the work of the Timaru first aid and home nursing teams has invariably demonstrated the thoroughness of the instruction given here, and the high efficiency of the work of the members. It says much, moreover, for the humanitarian and self-sacrificing spirit' inspiring the ambulance workers, that such a proud record of. service in the transport of the sick and injured has been achieved in the year under review. No fewer than 3312 miles were traversed by the ambulance van, hundreds of patients were transported, and men and women of the first aid division put up a fine record of attendance at public duty. As the report points out in a timely fashion, the community, which hitherto has taken so much for granted, is at last beginning to realise that the attendance and work done by ambulance men and women at public functions represents the contribution by way of gratuitious service the ambulance officers and staffs make to the community. In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, as it were, the work of the South Canterbury Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association proceeds year by year without ostentation and with little reward. Nevertheless it is becoming more evident day by day that the community sincerely appreciates the fine work of the St. John Ambulance throughout the whole district, and we hope that the financial worries that from time to time press heavily on the officers, will be eased considerably during the current year by more generous contributions from members of the community who appreciate the unselfish service the men and women associated with the Ambulance Division are rendering without saying very much about their splendid work.