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1891. NEW ZEALAND.

DESPATCHES FROM THE GOVERNOR OF NEW ZEALAND TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

No. 1, (No. 26.) My Loed,— Wellington, New Zealand, 24th May, 1890. With reference to your Lordship's despatch circular (1) of the 19th November, 1889, forwarding a copy of a declaration made between the United Kingdom and France with reference to the disposal of the proceeds of wrecks on their respective coasts, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that my Government think it desirable that the stipulation of the declaration should be made applicable to this colony. I have, &c, The Eight Hon. Lord Knutsford, &c. ONSLOW.

No. 2. (No. 30.) My Lord, — Wellington, New Zealand, 21st June, 1890. With reference to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 31st March last, requesting information as to the means employed in this colony for the transport of civilian sick and injured, I have the honour to inform your Lordship that in some of the principal towns the Police have been instructed in ambulance drill. An Ashford litter has been obtained for use by them in Wellington, but in other places they have to employ the most suitable conveyance which they can procure at the moment. The most complete organization, however, for this and other ambulance purposes is to be found in a branch of the St. John Ambulance Association established at Christchurch in 1885. This society, which, as your Lordship is aware, is conducted on voluntary principles, has in the last five years instructed 300 women and 150 men in rendering " First aid to the injured." Of the men, some fifty belong to the Police and the fire-brigade and to a corps formed at the large railway-workshops at Addington (a suburb of Christchurch), while 100 are scattered about in Christchurch and in various other parts of the Province of Canterbury. The association owns four Ashford litters, with wheels and delicate springs, each provided with a hamper of surgical appliances, which are stationed at the Police, railway, and fire-brigade depots (2) in Christchurch for the benefit of the public in case of accident or sickness. The members of the fire-brigade corps and the Addington workshop corps are thoroughly instructed and experienced in ambulance work. They are accustomed to remove sick and injured persons on the Ashford litters when required, and are authorised to receive a small fee from those who can afford it. It is proposed, when funds are available, to obtain more litters, to be stationed in the suburbs and neighbourhood, as well as a horse-ambulance for use in Christchurch.

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