ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1894, 31 October 1913, Page 3

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE

ANNUAL COMPETITION. Notwithstanding tlie many attractions of Labour Day, tho second annual competitions in hrst aid and. homo nursing of tho St. John Ambulaneo Brigade (Overseas), Wellington District, wero successfully held in tho Garrison Hall, Buckle Street. Competitors were present from Masterton, Paimerston North, Carterton, Petoue, and Wellington. Wellington South Railway and Traihway divisions were well represented, so that when tho inspection by Assistant Commissioner H. H. Seed took place fully 100 members wero on parade. The liall presented tho appearance of having been turned into a veritable hospital, especially with the nursing sisters in uniform and tho stretcherbearers looking smart and businesslife. Unfortunately thero was an unavoidable delay in commencing the competitions, owing to some of the doctors who had kindly consented to judge hcing prevented from attending. Tho men's district competition Iliad to bo postponed ou account of it being an exceptionally busy day with members of tho local divisions, hut it is to bo held at an early date. With nine squads of nursing sisters . competing for tho Nurses District Challenge Cup (which was in tho possession of tho Wellington Division) tho contest was interesting, and tho keenness that was displayed by Uib nursing sisters, and tho high standard of their work, showed that ambulance work is taken up by them not for a hobby but to bp capablo of applying their knowledge in a practical maimer. Mastertou A Squad wero placed first. An individual competition for nursing sisters not competing ill squads vvas also held; close competition was again in evidence, as five nurses came out with equal marks, and had to go through a further examination before the winner was found.. The whole arrangements for the competitions wero under the control of Assistant Commissioner H. H. Seed, of the Wellington District, the immediate details being ably carried out by CorpsSuperintendent G. Sandliam and his staff. " , r , . The judges (Drs. Platts-Mills, Moreland and Wliyte) had a very strenuous time, and tho thanks of all are duo to them for their work in this direction. Tho secretarial work was curried out by Mr. C. X'. Powles to tho satisfaction of all concerned. In the evening a very enjoyable social gathering was held in Godbor's Rooms, Courtenay Place, His Worship the Mayor, who presided, apologising for tho absence of the Mayoress, said that it liad always been a keen pleasure to Mrs. Luke and - liimself to be associated witli tho Order of St. John. He also regretted the absence, owing to illness, of Mrs. Rhodes, Ladv of Grace of the Order of St. Joint, Ho congratulated the members present in belonging to an institution which had for its ideals tho relief of suffering, and any time and work they cavo to sucll an end must bring its own rewatd. In expressing the wish that they all would have a real social evening, ho trusted also that tho visitors would enjoy their stay in tho city and would all return next year. Tho following contributed to an' excellent programme:—Misses Fontanne, Redmond, Vase, Foster (songs), Nursing Sister, Miss Clifford (recitation), and Mr. Nicol (recitation). The accompanist was Miss Mack. During tho evening His Worship the Mayor presented iho prizes won during _ tho day. Tho results of the competitions were as follow Nurses' District Competition: Masterton A squad (in chargo i'o Nursing Sister Airs. Banks), 1; Masterton B squad (in charge of Nursing Sister Miss Joy), 2; Wellington A squad (in chargo of Nursing Sister Mrs. Baker), 3. Challeugo Clip, to bo held for one year. Individual competition for competitors in squads Nurses Wallets, Miss Joy, Mastorton, I; Miss Eggers, Wellington South, 2. Individual competition (medal), Miss Crabb, Paimerston North, 1.