YEARS OF SERVICE.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17981, 28 March 1930, Page 9

YEARS OF SERVICE.

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. THE ANNUAL MEETING. GREATER SUPPORT URGED. • Many years ago, far beyond the memory of any living man, the countries of the East were the seat of conflict. Invading armies sought to break down the traditions of centuries, and from the strife that followed was horn an institution whicli has survived the ravages of time, and now occupies a position of prominence throughout the world. . The Order of St. John of Jerusalem first came 'into being in the battle fields of the East, where a little body of men formed themselves into a corps to alleviate suffering and to attend to the injuries of the fallen. Through all the years that -followed the work was carried on, not only in times of war, but in the every day life of the people, and thus the movement has become world wide. There are various branches to which trained men and women are attached, and these in turn impart their knowledge to the many thousands who ask for training in first aid, home nursing, and other branches of medical science. The St. John Ambulance Brigade and the Nursing Division attend to the practical side of the activities of the Juovement, but it is upon the St. John Ambulance Association that rests the burden of furthering the -work by instruction and training. And that it is achieving its object is evidenced by the increasing interest, being shown in first aid work. Hamilton is fortunate in possessing a live branch of the order, and not a few citizens owe their health and even their lives to the prompt attention that they have received at the hands of these men and women. This especially applies to the field of sport, where hundreds of casualties have been treated. Then the knowledge that has been gained by members of the various classes held by the association has proved invaluable on more than one occasion. However, for all the good that is being done in Hamilton by the Order, particularly that branch which visits the ill and affluted in the poorer quarters, one would think that enthusiastic public support would be forthcoming. But this is not the case. A most discouraging response to calls for assistance has been met with, and although the Hamilton Association is in a slightly better financial position than it was last year, a far greater measure of public support is needed if the work is to progress to any magnitude. The membership is quite satisfactory, but it is finance that is worrying the executive.

Endeavour to Gain New Recruits. At the annual meeting of the Hamilton branch of the St. John Ambulance, which was held in Hie brigade room at the rear of the Town Hall, there was a good attendance of members and others-interested in the movement. An apology for absence was received from Sister L. White. The chair was occupied by Superintendent 11. D. Cobb, who defined the work of the association and of the brigade. The association, he said, endeavoured to train those who were anxious to become proficient in first aid. Certificates were given, and trainees were then drafted Into either the nursing division or the brigade, which was one of the oldest orders of chivalry known to the world. He expressed pleasure at the large attendance, and said that the association was anxious to obtain a large following of the public. Many people were not prepared to participate in the activities of the Order, but they could render assistance by becoming associate members, for which the subscription was five shillings. With a good list of such members work In this district could not fail to progress, as it would have the necessary financial backing. Expenses entailed in organising classes, which, unfortunately, had not been as well patronised as they might have been, were heavy, and this had placed some tension on the finances of the association during the past year. It was the duty of every member to endeavour to gain new recruits, and thus further the work in Hamilton. The Annual Report.

Considerable activity during the past year was shown in the annual report. Four lectures were held, for which the enrollments totalled 69. Of these, 46 sat for the examinations, and 21 were awarded first-class passes, while 24 passed. There was only one failure. A first-class pfiss is awarded when the candidate gains marks over eighty per cent., and the result of last year's work reflects much credit on the instructors and on the members of the classes. The Ladies’ Nursing Division, which was very strong, presented nine candidates for re-examination for medallions, and all passed in the firstclass, some being with honours. The results in the men’s division, too, were very satisfactory, sixteen coming forward for re-examination, and all gaining over ninety per cent, of marks. During the year eleven honorary members were enrolled. Material donations in the form of a bed and bedding were received from Miss L. White, while Mrs Jones presented bedclothing. Other donations of clothing were also received from members of the community. The financial statement disclosed a credit balance. The Financial ■Position. Referring to the figures shown in the balance sheet the chairman said that although an increase was shown over last, year’s figures, the public recognition of the association’s work was almost non-existent. Whereas in Auckland over £.IOOO had been raised in one day for ambulance work, Hamilton would not contribute at, all to a cause that, was really worthy of die fullest support. If the public would only recognise the value of the work that was being done a different state of affairs would result. Thanks to Ibe Borough Council, the association was housed in comfortable quarters, the practice room, lately occupied by the Municipal band, but within a year more space would be required to cope with the expansion of activities. The doctors, particularly Dr. E. C. Brewis, had always assisted the association, and this was an indication that its worth was recognised. Mr Cobb expressed thanks to the doctors for the interest which they had taken. The certificates and awards won during Hie year were then presented to the successful candidates, and after this several displays in first aid work were given by the Brigade and Home Nursing Division. The work was examined by Dr. E. C. Brewis, who complimented the recruits on their efficiency and the neatness of their bandaging. Election cf Officers. The election of officers for the cn-

suing year resulted : —President, His Worship, tile Mayor, Air J. R. Fow; vice-presidents, Mesdames 11. C. Ross, 11. D. Golib, Jlrs. E. C. Brewis, A. S. Brewis, Major R. F. Ward, Captain .1. CL Bateson, Messrs M. A. Scott, E. N. Yaiinlinc, A. E. Manning, 11. D. Cobh, .T. E. Tidd; chairman of committee, Superintendent if. D. Cobb; hon. secretary, Corporal A. 11. Boulton; executive committee, Sister L. White, Mesdames 11. G. Ross, 11. D. Cobb, Messrs F. Mitchell, W. Gibson, F. Ware, W. S. Rewa. General. The chairman announced that first aid classes for both ladies and gentlemen will bo commenced after Easter, and an invitation lo join is extended to all interested. Votes of thanks were passed to Dr. E. C. Brewis for his assistance, to the Press, and to the chair.