ANNUAL MEETING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 93, 27 July 1945, Page 5

ANNUAL MEETING

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSN

PRESENTATION OF REPORTS

The annual meeting ol' the St. John Ambulance Association was held 'in the Borough Council Chambers on Wednesday evening sonic twenty.five members and others interested being present. Apologies were also received from a number of members who were unavoidably absent. Mr A. J .Canning was in the chair. Commenting on the balance sheet, the chairman stated that he was pleased to see that the Association was in a satisfactory position. A special feature of the evening was the presentation of Gold Medallions to four members who have passed all necessary exams. Mr Canning presented Medallions, to the following: Mrs S. Hannah Mrs Jamieson, Mr J. Bigelow and Mr Petty. Commenting on the reports of the various superintendents of the , division Mr A. Carling extended liis congratulations stating that they reflected the excellent work that was being done throughout tile counxy by the Association. Its woric was obviously spreading, and the number attending the meeting that evening was very gratifying. It was the largest attendance he had seen since the inauguration of the Association. The general he was of a very high standard. All sports meetings, football matches etc. in district were being attended by eftlcient first aiders and an excellent public service was> being rendered. Superintendents" Reports Reports on the year's activities and the progress made were received from the superintendents of each divisionWaimana Nuirsing Division For the Superintendent of tlie Waimana Nursing Division, who was unavoidably Mrs WyMe reported that the division was meeting fortnightly, and that work was proceeding very satisfactorily. During the year a Cadet Nursing Division had been all members of which had passed the first exam r and were now preparing lor the second, two subjects for their proficiency badge. All members were fully uniformed and were taking a keen interest in the work. Cadet Division Reporting on the activities of the Cadet Division (Wbakatane) Mr H. Drube said that it now had a roll of only fifteen which was less than that of last year. During the year, thirty public duties had been attended by the cadets in support of the ambulance and the ambulance itself had been kept thoroughly clean by the cadets who took weekly turns in cleaning it. A number of boys had also put in some good work on the hall. Thanks were due to the Senior Division, particularly to Messrs Paterson ? Bigelow and Carling for the help rendered in training the boys. Whakatane Nursing Division For the Whakatane Nursing Division, Mrs Hannah reported that the membership was now twelve. One V.A. member was at the local hosr pital for the duration of the war f and several others had willingly given their service when required. Fortnightly meetings and practices were being held and several public duties had been attended. The Division had helped man the ambulance on 27 occasions.

Edg.ecumbe Nursing Division Mrs Cowie ? for the Edgecumbe Nursing Division reported that Avith the number on the roll at sixteen (two on active service) f nine parades had been lield ? four public duties and thirteen other cases had been and eleven hospital duties had been carried out during the year. A Church Parade had been attended on July 14, and a series of dances had, bene run as special efforts. Edgecumbe Ambulance Brigade In presenting his report for the Edgecumbe Ambulance Brigade > Mr Massey said that six members were on the roll and eight new members were attending classes. Fourteen parades had been held during the .year thirty public duties had been and forty cases had been ( treated. During the year 5 one. course of classes under the control of Superintendent Cowie of the Nursing Division had been held. Brigadesmen were being placed in attendance

at all football matches within the Brigade's area. Election of Officers The election oil officers took place as under:— President: His AVorship the Majy or Mr B. S. Barry (re-elected). Vice-president: Mr W. M.P. (re-elected). Chairman: Mr A. J. Canning (re- , elected). Deputy,-chairman: Mr A. Carl'ing (re-elected), Sec.-Treasurer: Mr E. R. Dillicar (re-elected). Committee: Three members from each of the three Wai>mana Edgecumbe and Whakatane to be elected by respective plus the superintendents of each divirion ex-ofTicio. Messrs H. G. V. Allen and J. Bigelow were elected as Whakatane members. In closing the meeting, Mr Canning said that the attendance at the meeting was very heartening When the hall was completed activities would include the country districts and would be made as interesting as possible. It was hoped to get the doctors to come at least one night a month and he felt no doubt that country people would find the evenings exceedingly interesting and in r t structive.