GERALDINE NEED FOR MORE FUNDS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIV, Issue 22670, 25 August 1943, Page 3

GERALDINE NEED FOR MORE FUNDS

I Ambulance Division Reviews Year I Big Mileage Travelled I -- - i Tlie need for more funds to mainj tain the Geraldine Ambulance service I was emphasised at the annual meeting of the Geraldine St. John Ambulance Division when Superintendent C. C. Knight, presided over a lull attendance of members. It, was st.ated that there had been a loss of £2O on the year’s working. It was agreed that the officers should approach the Geraldine County Red Cross Centre seeking their assistance in raising funds. Mr A. J. Willoughby was appointed sergeant, and it was agreed that the Superintendent should interview all the | men who recently passed an ambulance examination to see if they would conI sent to nomination as St. John members. The annual report, presented by the Superintendent, said that the year just ended had been another successful one, and in this, its third year of existence, the division had become an essential part of the district services. With the loss of Brigadesman J. Stephens to the Air Force, the Brigade strength was reduced to eight men which total included the honorary surgeon, Dr. G. W. Curtis. With increased duty calls the vear had been a very strenuous one, the report continued. In the transport of patients, there had been 53 calls and the ambulance had travelled 2150 miles. Attendants necessary in the handling of patients totalled 121, entailing 201 hours of time, plus 51i hours by V.A.'s attached to the division. Since it was placed in commission, the report continued, the ambulance had travelled 5204 miles transporting--107 cases representing 48.63 miles per patient, and, as the division gave the first 50 miles free, means would have to be found of maintaining funds, if the work was to be carried on at the same low charge basis as at present. It is surprising the very few donations received above the normal levy charge. "We desire to make it perfectly clear that all personnel give their time voluntarily and free of charge,” said Superintendent Knight. "Some people have been uncharitable enough to think that members are paid.” The following voluntary donations had been received during the year, he said:—Anonymous, £5, £1 and 10/-, Orari Bridge Women’s Guild £3/3/0, Mrs J. M. Tripp £3, Geraldine Cribbage Association £2. Geraldine Racing Club £3/3 0, Geraldine Women’s SewingGuild £l, A. Pithie £l, T. Watson 10/-, G. H. Patrick 5/-, Mrs R. Hall 5/-. All other moneys received had been from the transport levy charges, and small donations towards transport. Mr Knight said he considered that it was necessary to have an annual appeal or street day.

Members had been on duty at the Geraldine races, sports meetings etc., and had taken on active part in training personnel at the various first aid posts in the district. They had also been active with the Home Guard units at Geraldine, Peel Forest, Arundel and Rangitata, including numerous parades of Home Guard and E.P.S. ambulance sections, and at all times the attendance of members had been excellent.

Home Guard and E.P.S. In connection with the Home Guard ; and E.P.S. training, Superintendent ; Knight continued, he could not but mention in arduous and painstakingwork put in by Officer Len Bennington. , To his credit stood the excellent work I performed by units under his direction. I In this respect he wished also to comj mend Acting Officer Willoughby for the able support he had given this work, and to thank all other members of the division who had so willingly assisted. Continuing, Superindendcnt Knight said he desired to compliment members of the Home Guard and E.P.S. ambulance section on their efficiency and attendance at lectures and parades. The fact that some had decided to sit the St. John Ambulance examination proved their keenness, and when the results were known he trusted they would have new members on the divis-« ion roll. He was particularly pleased’ with the work being done by the E.P.S. Boys’ Brigade, and in the near future there was a possibility that a boys’ section could be established. In the meantime, it was proposed to have a competition under the supervision of the honorary surgeon, Dr. G. W. Curtis, with a suitable social function to follow. Tills year, Mr Knight added, the honorary surgeon, Dr Curtis, had again spent many hours lecturing and endeavouring to improve the standard of work and his work and guidance had 1 been invaluable. Again they must thank Mr and Mrs A. J. Bell for invaluable assistance and attention given to ambulance calls, for free garaging-, the washing and many other details that had been looked after by them. Their appreciation and thanks were due to the Geraldine Red Cross for their assistance and co-operation in ambulance work and the indispensable help given by the V.A.’s attached to the ! division for the handling of women patients. They also thanked the Geraldine Women’s Institute and the Geraldine war workers for the assistance given from time to time. They also appreciated the work done by tlie district nurse. Sister Rattray, and her • advice so kindly given. In her retirement they wished her every enjoymentl of a well-earned rest. To the new dis- 1 trict nurse, Mrs T. Hutchins, they ex- ' i tended their best wishes and assured i her of their co-operation at any time. | They were also indebted to Miss ' Daphne Undrill for driving the ; ambulance and her kind offer of assistance on many occasions. Concluding. Mr Knight said he de- ! sired to thank Honorary Sergeant and ' Divisional Secretary W. Dcpree for i attention to the constant duties connected with his office, also to acting Driver Eric Morgan for attention to the ambulance. Officers and members of the Division 1 and attached E.P.S. and Home Guard personnel were thanked for their co- , operation and attention to duty, which ■ had been so willingly given at all times. ■ Home From Middle East j Private Lon Johnstone, who has been i invalided home from the Middle East, j was met at Rangitata by relatives, together with Mr P. A. Thomson, repre- j senting the Peel Forest-Arundel Pa tri- ' otic Committee and (he Geraldine- ' Temuka Zone Patriotic Committee, and , Mr W. Inglis, representing- the Peel Forest Red Cross. Furlough Dance A successful dance for soldiers and i sailors on furlough was held in the I Geraldine Town Hall on Monday evening under (he auspices of the Geraldine i Services’ Entertainment Committee, led by Mr William C. Crotty and Mrs A. J. > Burmester. Miss Wares acted as secre- I v - I