AMBULANCE WORK.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20278, 12 April 1934, Page 5

AMBULANCE WORK.

St John Finances Discussed. LOCAL BODIES SYMPATHETIC. Sympathy with the financial position of the St John Ambulance Association was expressed at a conference held yesterday between representatives of Canterbury local bodies and members of the association executive. Dr J. Restell Thomas presided over an attendance of nearly fifty representatives. After discussing means of raising funds to enable the association to carry on' its ambulance service, the conference passed the following resolution: “ That this conference of local body representatives, appreciating the aims and objects of the St John Ambulance Association, undertakes to place its case before its constituents for sympathetic. consideration.” Dr Thomas said that the association had been carrying on ambulance work in Christchurch for the past fifty years. It was hoped that Christchurch would realise the value of a free ambulance transport system and support it by voluntary subscriptions, but this hope had not been realised Operating Costs. A report was placed before the conference showing the costs involved in maintaining the ambulance service during the twelve months ended February 28 last. The cost of the service had been £2229 9s 4d, some 41,160 miles had been covered. 2993 calls had been received, and donations, totalling £139 13s 2d. had 'been received. The cost of the service in Christchurch city was £826 14s 4d and £69 19s 6d had been received in donations. The estimated revenue for that period, inclusive of donations, grants and other sources, was £1522 4s 3d. Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, president of the association, said that if the association had to go under as an association, it would work on a new system such as operated in Wellington, and be a burden on local bodies.

Mr G. F. Wright submitted a scheme to make levies according to the population of boroughs and counties. For example, population up to 1000, 4d per head; 1000 to 2000, 3*d; 2000 to 3000, 3d; 3000 to 4000. 2*d . 4000 to 5000, 2d: over 5000, Id per head. Levies on this scale, raised in Canterbury, would realise £1735 Is Sd, of which Christchurch City would pay £377 ISs 4d. Mr F. Gorton (Oxford County Council) said that ratepayers could not understand why they should be canvassed fbr money to support two “free” ambulance services. Why not amalgamate and avoid wastage. Competing Service. Dr Thomas said that Christchurch was the only town in New Zealand that had a double service. Amalgamation had not been sought or wanted. Regarding the rating, he said that it was similar to rating anywhere or for anything. No one could object to a rate of say, 3*d a year. Mr A. G. Williams (Heathcote County Council) said that it was a pity that there was competition in city ambulance services. Mr W. M‘Arthur (Paparua County Council) asked when the use of ratepayers’ money for such purposes was to stop. Last year more than a third of the county revenue was paid away in Hospital Board levies. The conference was discussing the raising of money before it had been decided to raise it. Mr C. Gray (Kaiapoi Borcugh Council) suggested that, if a rate were levied, the association would come in for much more abuse than at present. Mr C. H. Kersley said that other ambulance services were canvassing for donations and St John did all the work. He alleged that the canvassers obtained money by representing that all three “ free ” services in Christchurch were one. He referred to the fine voluntary work done by the ambulance brigades. On the motion of Mr L. Watson (Oxford County Council), seconded by Mr W. M’Arthur (Paparua County Council), it was decided to give the proposals sympathetic consideration when they were being considered by the various local bodies.