FREE AMBULANCE QUARTERS OPENED

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19238, 27 November 1930, Page 16

FREE AMBULANCE QUARTERS OPENED

MOTOR-CYCLES PATROL OUTSKIRTS OF CITY. A statement dealing with the attitude and running of the services of the Christchurch Free Ambulance Society (Inc.) was made by Mr A. E. Higgins (superintendent) at the opening of the society’s new station, at the corner of Fitzgerald Avenue and Ferry Road, 3*esterday afternoon. “ Instead of entering into argument and controversy regarding the ambulance services,” said Mr Higgins, “ the Christchurch Free Ambulance Society is prepared to let the decision rest with a public meeting to be called. A committee of five, consisting of two representatives from the St John Ambulance Association, tw*o from our societ>*, and the Ma\*<#r of Christchurch (the Rev J. K. Archer) or another outsider, could be appointed as a committee to control the free ambulance work. This would do away with all squabbling and bickering.” Regarding the services and operations of the society, Mr Higgins said that its second ambulance was now nearly ready for the road, and at present it had four motor-C3*cle patrols and a small car, all equipped with first-aid outfits, patrolling around Banks Peninsula and the outskirts of the cit\*. These patrols aiwa>*s kept in touch with the headquarters. In the five weeks since the inception of the service, 72 cases had been treated, and the ambulance had covered 1000 miles. The cases were first taken to headquarters, where they received treatment, and were then removed either to their homes or to the Hospital. No charge was made for the dressings or service. In connection with the New Zealand First Aid Service, Mr Higgins said that since his promise to the public he has had nothing to do with that, or with the sale of dressings. The 1 dressings used by the society were given by the first aid people. Referring to the financial side of the work, Mr Higgins said that just over £350 had been received in donations in the last five weeks, and as the money came in it was banked and could onl3* be drawn by the assistant superintendent (Mr J. Hughes) and the secretary and treasurer (Air R. F. Buchanan). The assistant superintendent, however, was now giving up his power of signing cheques and allowing Mr W. J. Walter to act in his stead. The staff of about thirty was a paid one, but most of the employees were on a coir» T " , ’'' : on basis, and therefore had to earn their wages All profits of the society were to be used for extending the service. Tree first aid lectures for women and men were to be given at the headquarters, the first women’s class commencing on Thursday evening at seven. Beginning next week, the women’s class would be held on Mondav nights and the men’s on Thursdays. Mr Higgins himself was qualified for the teaching, and Dr Orchard had accepted the position of examiner for the students when they sat for their certificates.