COMMUNITY SERVICE.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18623, 29 April 1932, Page 7

COMMUNITY SERVICE.

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE. THE BRIGADE IN HAMILTON. YEAR OF USEFUL WORK. At the annual meeting' of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in Hamilton last night, District Officer H. D. Cobb presided over a good muster of members. The excellent record of the year Just completed was discussed in the report of Divisional Superintendent E. A. Houston, who mentioned that the division was successful in winning all three trophies competed for in the South Auckland district competitions, while the members maintained a high standard of efficiency. In response to an appeal made at the time of the Hawke’s Bay earthquake six members of the brigade and the superintendent proceeded to Napier, and rendered valuable service among the Injured. The attendance at parades during the year was satisfactory, one member being present at each of the fifty meetings. In the period under review all sports and other functions were attended, and 671 cases received treat- , ment. Members also acted as instructors to the various Bov Scout Iroops in the town. The division suffered a .severe loss in the passing of Private G. Douglas, who was accidentally killed. To his relatives the sympathy of one and all was extended. The annual re-examination was held near the end of the year, and all members passed, the examiner remarking on the -marked all-round improvement of the division. Several men were now entitled to their service badge and five-year certificates. A Progressive Division. Commenting on the report, the chairman said that this was the 18th annual meeting of the Hamilton Brigade which he had attended. Since Its inauguration in 1914 he had followed its progress with keen interest, both as a member and as district officer. First aid work was one of the finest hobbies that anyone could undertake, and he would commend it to the younger members. A sound knowledge of the first aid manual was a great acoulsition. Referring to the number of cases treated since the last annual meeting, 671, he said that this was a marked Increase over the previous year's total. Good work was being done in all branches throughout the Dominion, and the figures for the year proved that the order was performing a valuable civil duty. A total of 17,954 cases of first aid attended on public duty had been recorded, and 19,102 when not on public duty. When the record of service was analysed it would be realised that the brigades of New Zealand were deserving of the highest commendation. The progress that the brigade had made in the district during the past year was worthy /of comment. Matamata, Morrlnsvllle, / Taumarunul, Huntly, and Frankton Railway divisions were functioning \ well, and there was every Indication 'that a division would shortly be formed in Cambridge, and a branch of the nursing division in Matamata. The usefulness of the brigade was evidenced in the work which was done in Auckland during the recent disturbances. Excellent service was rendered in this connection, and this went to prove that the order was always ready to come forward when required. An important point, the speaker continued, was efficiency in dress. This was particularly desirable, as the public judged the brigade by its uniform, and small details were always noticed. Speaking of the Hague Efficiency Gup, Mr Cobb said that this, together with the Batchelor Cup, was one of the greatest incentives to efficiency. He wished to thank the division individually for the service rendered in. the past twelve months.

Financial Support Needed. The balance-sheet disclosed an excess ol' expenditure over receipts of nearly £4O, which caused Divisional Superintendent Houston to remark on 'the poor financial support which had been accorded the brigade during the past year. There was a small balance at the bank. Private H. Beebe thought that particular attention would have to be paid to finance during the coming twelve months, and the various sports bodies ■should be called upon to assist in this direction. The chairman contended that the brigade had done well, considering that the sports 'bodies had been unable to contribute to the same extent as In previous years. The brigade was well fitted so far as uniforms were concerned, and there would be few further outfits required at present. The main object was to become as efficient as possible as a unit, and he considered that the brigade should be congratulated on the work of the year ,■ an( j the progress that had been made, m Votes of thanks to all those who \ had assisted in any way in the efficient running of the brigade during the term under review were carried. The secretary was instructed to send a letter of sympathy to Corps Officer Hitcheon. who is seriously ill in the Auckland Hospital. The date for the Hague Efficiency Cup competition was discussed. The chairman thought that this event should be so arranged as to synchronise with the date of the annual church ■ parade, so that the visiting divisions would be able to participate in both events. Private Beebe moved that steps he taken to make this arrangement. It was pointed out that the rules of the competition stated that it must be held every three months, and the proposed arrangement would contravene the regulations in that it lengthened the stipulated period by about a month. ...... The opinion was advanced that the arrangement could be made within the provision of the rules. Several suggestions were put forward and it was moved as an amendment’that the competition be held in Hie morning, and the combined church parade be, held in the afternoon. 1 chairman was in favour of this, but was of the opinion that difficulty would be experienced in arranging a service In the afternoon. ' opposition to this reversal of pro■edure was voiced by Private Beebe, who contended that the service should llc held in the morning. The amendment was lost, and the original motion adopted. The date of ,he parade was set as the Sunday nearest to St- John ttie Baptist's i I>a \" welcome was extended to Private W* Martin, who had rejoined the division after a lengthy absence. Roll of Honour Suggested. In view of the fact that the division

had lost two of its members through death, a suggestion was advanced that a roll of honour should be hung in the Ambulance Room. Sergeant Mitchell moved that It, he left in the hands of Privates Beebe and Hyslop and himself to attend to the provision of the roll of honour. The motion was carried.

The opinion that a monthly programme should be drawn up for the division, in order to make the meetings more interesting, was expressed by Sergeant W. Mitchell. The division needed instruction in drill, and to this end the Ddrill Hall could be engaged, while evenings of a social nature could also be arranged.

Superintendent Houston said that a programme was being drawn up, and would be submitted shortly. Speaking of the position of the division in the event of a riot, or disturbance in Hamilton, he said that the members would naturally hold themselves in readiness. However, he had a very high opinion of the unemployed in Hamilton, and considered that it. would be against their principles to emulate the recent trouble in Auckland. The local men were levelheaded. and If any commotion did arise it would not emanate from them. The division paraded for duties al the conclusion of the meeting.