V.A.D’S PARADE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21818, 22 November 1940, Page 8

V.A.D’S PARADE

Fine Display Of Work Appeal For Increased Membership Looking spic and span in their white veils and uniforms and blue capes, the members of the Timaru Voluntary Aid Detachment gave a most creditable display in St. Mary’s Hall last night in the presence of members of the Red Cross Committee. The parade, which was controlled by the Commandant, Mrs R. D. King, and the Lady Superintendent, Mrs E. A. Scott, was arranged to demonstrate to members of the Committee the type of work undertaken during the year. After an inspection by the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs W. G. Tweedy) the detachment demonstrated its ability to march, and then gave a most creditable display of physical exercises. This was followed by an outstanding demonstration of first-aid, a number of Scouts acting as patients for the display of bandaging and stretcher work. Many present who were qualified to express an opinion stated that they had been agreeably surprised at the high standard of the work, which was a tribute to the members and to their tutors. Before the inspection, the Commandant extended a welcome to the members of the committee, and expressed a hope that they would enjoy the evening. She expressed thanks to all who had assisted with the work during the year, especially Mrs H. W. Brownie. Tribute To British People The Mayor said that it gave him great pleasure to have the opportunity of inspecting the detachment, and of congratulating them on their splendid appearance. In their marching some of them had moved as though they were old soldiers. He was glad they had in Timaru a detachment which could put up such a creditable performance, and he was sure they would be able to hold their own with any detachment in New Zealand. The Mayor said that he had watched the parade on Sunday with a critical eye, and the result had exceeded his expectation. Some of the members may have wondered at the wisdom of the drill and physical exercises which they had been through, but he was sure they now realised that it had been designed to create efficiency, and it was because of that training that the parade on Sunday had been such a success. The Mayor went on to say that thoughts at the moment naturally turned to Mother England, and to the very difficult and trying times through which she was passing. It was impossible at this distance to realise the tremendous damage to property and life which was taking place. When they read of the raid on Coventry, where there were 300 deaths and many hundreds injured, it gave them some idea of what the people of England were standing up to, and all must admire the stamina and morale of the people. One of the societies which was doing excellent work in England was the Red Cross Society. It was impossible to estimate the value of the work done by the V.A.D’s, and they should feel proud to be associated with such an organisation. Mr Tweedy went on to say that New Zealand was fortunate that it had not yet been touched by the war, and he hoped it never would be, but the need to be perpared existed. Every precaution had to be taken to meet any emergency which might arise, and throughout the country steps were being taken to meet that emergency. A territorial army was being trained, and with the National Reserve and the Home Guard, he thought the Dominion would give a good account of itself in the case of emergency. That was not the only point, for it was also essential that a nursing service should be available. That was where- the V.A.D’s came in, and they would do excellent work should the need arise. Timaru had an emergency precautions scheme which would operate in the case of emergency, and the V.A.D’s would be associated with the medical section of that scheme. Mr Tweedy continued: “You have shown proof of your proficiency through those of your members who have assisted in hospital and at the Burnham Military Hospital. Complimentary reports by the matrons have shown that your training has been sound, and that you can do all you are called on to do.” The Mayor again congratulated the detachment on its fine work, and said that he knew that their services would be willingly given if they were called on. He expressed a hope that they would continue their training, and that the high standard of efficiency which had been shown would be continued in the future. More Members Needed At a later stage the Mayoress briefly addressed the detachment, stating that she was more than proud of the standard they had reached in the short time they had had at their disposal. She said that she had no need to remind them of the amount of work their Commandant and lady superintendent had put in with them. If members appreciated the time and thought and patience expended, then they could show their gratitude by trying to double their numbers next year. Some might think that they were wasting their time coming along every Thursday night, but they had only to remember how quickly the girls had had to go into action in England. "We must have three detachments in Timaru by the end of next year,” said Mrs Tweedy, “and I appeal to you to make every effort to double your numbers. I wish you everything possible in the coming year, but I want you to know that the committee appreciate what you have done. We hope that the leave you are going to have will be beneficial and we hope you will all take up your training again next year.”