ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 15 April 1935, Page 4

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

(The Editor.) Sir, —For the benefit of “Sideliner” and the public generally, I would like to do a bit of explaining. Eirst —There are two distinct parts in the St. John movement, the Association, which is training new students, and the Division, which is the meeting together of members holding certificates, to keep up their efficiency and to publicly render first aid when necessary. Now, although these are both part of the St. John movement, financially, they are supposed to be separate, but during the past four years the Women’s Division has run the Association classes out of Divisional funds, but alas! theso funds are practically exhausted, for all that remains is sufficient to pay for ovorcoats to complete the uniforms of the members of the Division, hence my appeal for donations to carry on the w'ork of the Association.

Secondly—“ Sideliner” remarks that he notices that it is against the rules to ask for donations. I presume he read that in the report of the men’s meetings. I do not know who was responsible for that being published. Tlie rules read as follow's: —General Regulations, page 60, section 19: Each Corps or Division will be self-support-ing, obtaining its funds from members’ subscriptions, public donations, entertainments, etc. House-to-house solicitations for money by members of the Brigade overseas in uniform are contrary to the spirit of the Order and are forbidden. Personally I see nothing in the foregoing forbidding asking for donations. Regulations for Association classes,, .page 4, reads thus: — In the cases of classes for persons, who can afford to pay only a nominal fee, the balance must be defrayed' from outside sources, for example, subscriptions should be invited, and employers of labour should be asked to contribute towards the expense of classes attended by their employees. The Board of Education and County and Borough Councils have power to make grant sin aid of classes held in connection with the Association. So, I ask, where are we wrong in asking for help? Sir, this is a long letter, but I hope you will find room for it, so that a close understanding of both sides of the work will bo obtained by people interested and that they will be moved to help both the Women’s and Men’s Divisions, for both are striving to do good work, but cannot advance far without that “necessary evil” —money. —I am, etc., E. HUBBALL, Lady Division Superintendent.