ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 125, 4 July 1941, Page 5

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

ANNUAL MEETING HELD SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED The annual general meeting of the Whakatane Si. John Ambulance Association anxl Brigade was held on Tuesday night and revealed that the past year had been a busy and successful one. The balance sheet revealed that the Association had a credit balance of £52 2s 3d, and this was considered very satisfactory by 'lie members. Chairman's Report. The chairman, Mr A. J. Canning, presented his annual report as follows:— We have' held classes during the year at Whakatane, Waimana, Te TeltO' and Thornton, but regret to state l Ave were unable to hold classes at Matata so far this: year on account of being short of qualified men. During the year 50i sat for Ist, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year examinations, and 47 passed. In the last three years 100 were successful in securing Certificates and Medallions In obtaining these results, we have to thank Dr Dawson, Dr Cole, Dr Appleby and Dr Moaka, also Mesidames Cowie and. .Tames and members of the Brigade, who. have always been ready to give their services in the practical work in forwarding the object of First Aid, also the support of the publicity given by the Beacon. Our Brigade, although small in number, has had 41 ambulance calls from hospital during the year besides attending football matches and other public functions, and has always been ready, day or night, to come to the service of the public bjr manning the Public Ambulance. This I am sure has been a Godsend to the sick and injure!, and was a long felt want in this district. You will note by the balance sheet that, although we have paid for uniforms, stretchers and equipment, we have still £50 13s lid in the bank, which I consider very satisfactory. I wish to thank the general public for coming to our assistance by way of donations, which has placed lis in this; good financial position. Most of our - thanks are due to our energetic secretary who has worked day and night in the interests of the siclc and injured, and I cannot find words to express how much I appreciate the work he has done in aid of the/ Association and Brigade. His motto is "The sick and injured first" and he never let me forget it. He has now handed me his resignation on account of illhealth, but I trust this meeting can persuade him to endeavour to carry on the good work for a further term. Election of Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted as follows: — President: His Worship the Mayor. Vice-presidents: Messrs A. ■> ■ Canning, W. A. McCracken, J. W. Sumner and L. Buddie. Chairman: A. J. Canning. Committee: Messrs A. Carling, Bisihop, Drube, Litcliwark, Armstrong and Mrs Cowie. Hon. Secretary: Mr Hi Carr. Uniforms Discussed. Mr Drube introduced the matter of uniforms for members stating that he considered all members should be fitted, whereas at present only four uniforms were owned. The chairman did not consider it wise to expend money on uniforms at the present time -stating that j many men ( leaving for overseas the personnel might change frequently and the uniforms bought be unsuitable for incoming metnbers. The superintendent, Mr Bishop, was of the opinion that if full uniforms could not be supplied then the four at present owned have great coats added. He pointed out that although the proper coats, were not at presemt available suitable ones could be obtained at 19s 6d from Army Stores. These could be fitted with buttons etc. That there might be more urgent need for funds was the opinion of Mr A. Carling. who quoted the need for medical supplies and appliances as an instance. He did not support the suggestion of buying uniforms. It was decided that the committee discuss the question of purchasing four great coats.