WAIMARINO AMBULANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 42, 20 February 1943, Page 4

WAIMARINO AMBULANCE

CLAIMS OF OHAKUNE AND RAETIHI NEW CHASSIS PURCHASED Applications for the use of the new ambulance purchased by the Wanganui Hospital Board for the Waimarino district have been received from the Raetihi Red Cross Society and the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Following a discussion at the monthly meeting recently, the board decided to ask both organisations to state their claims in writing, giving details of accommodation and maintenance facilities available.

These claims will be considered at the board’s next meeting, when the matter will be decided finally.

The medical superintendent at the Wanganui Hospital, Mr. H. L. Widdowson, asked to comment .on the placing of the ambulance, said it was always considered more convenient to have an ambulance near the hospital which it would serve. In the present case the hospital was at Raetihi. Some members of the board held that an injustice would be done to the Ohakune St. John Ambulance Brigade ilj the ambulance were stationed at Raetihi, as the brigade had written to the board more than five months ago asking for control of the vehicle. The brigade had stated that it was willing to service and maintain the ambulance and provide qualified drivers whenever needed. It was also stated at the meeting that accommodation was available at Raetihi.

The transport officer of the St. John Free Ambulance, Mr. W. B. McNaught. and the board’s engineer. Mr. F. M. Smith, reported that specifications had been drawn up for the new ambulance, but they were unable to obtain quotations from motor coach builders for the body work. It was suggested that Mr. A. P. Tonks. who built the last ambulance body for the board, be entrusted with the work on a time and material basis and that a start be made as early as possible. The chassis was in Wanganui and was being lengthened as required by the specifications. The board agreed that the work should be carried out as soon as possible and left the matter in the hands of the managing-secretary, Mr. L. V. Kerby, Mr. McNaught, and the engineer.