LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2884, 23 September 1916, Page 10

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

* j NO AMBULANCE Sir, —I was very pleased to see your ' article headed "No Ambulance" in this i morning's issue. It is time that Wei- : liiigton livened up a bit in this matter. If a serious accident happens, help should be availablo instantly, but a delay as in the present case may mean the loss of lite. The principle of free ainbulanco service could be carried out in Wellington as in most of the places in Australia. Almost every little township has its ambulance—if not a motor, a horse vehicle. The telephone number is kept well before the public, and in case of accident their services can bo called on at once., I have known cases where the motof ambulance has responded to a country call twenty-five milos from the centre' and two of tho bearers walked the- 'whole distance back to tho hospital with the litter, as the road was too rough for motor transport. I have worked in a Brisbane factory and had occasion to call tho ambulance to attend to one of tho employees who had been badly cut. From the time thoy received the call till they were .on the 6pot was less than five minutes, and they had a mile to travel. > Why cannot Wellington have a similar service? Tho upkeep is provided by voluntary, subscription, and subsidised by the Government to the exent of £1 for £1. Ambulanco Saturday in Brisbane tho collections aro anything up to £1200 or £1500. In starting new; branches, it is usual to liavo them stationed at the fire stations until such timo as they are in a position to get their own premises. Trust ing that some responsible person will take this matter up, as it is much needed, especially in a manufacturing city such as AVellingtou is. I feel confident that with the light person at .tho head of affairs it can be done, and that will put an-end to the present vory unsatisfactory position.—l am, etc., ARTHUR L. M'CULLAGH. Woodville. P.S.—Should you wish for any Information on this matter, you could receive applying to the Superintendent, Queensland Ambulanco Transport Brigade, Brisbane.—A. L. M'C.