ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 91, 15 October 1934, Page 13

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

AWARDS PRESENTED

INSPECTION AND PARADE

Over 400 members of the St. John ' Ambulance Brigade attended the an- [ nual general inspection and parade of tiio brigade which was held in the Wellington Show Association Building on Saturday afternoon. The parade, which included ambulance, cadet ambulance, nursing, and cadet nursing divisions, was in charge of District Superintendent W. W. Dutton, with Colonel J. J. Esson commanding. The inspection was carried out by Assistant Commissioner F. W. Ward, serving brother of the order, who also took the salute during the march past. The units wore then again drawn up in open order, and proceeded to demonstrate the work in which they had been trained. After this had been completed the parade formed a hollow square. The awards granted to the local brigade by the Grand Prior of the Order (his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught) were then presented by Sir Charles Statham, a Knight of Grace of tho Order. They were as follows: — Second Bar to Service Medal (for completing 22 years' efficient service): Assistant Commissioner F. W. Ward, District Superintendent W. W,. Dutton, Lady District Officer Mrs. M. Staee. First Bar (for 17 years' service): Ambulance Sister Mrs. J. S. Carter. Service Medal (for 12 years' service): Lady Divisional Superintendent Mrs. R. G. Wilson, of Wellington Nursing Division, and Lady Ambulance Officer Mrs. 0. F. Gaunt, 'of South Wellington Division. Cadet Proficiency Badge (for passing four tests): Cadet M. Goodwin, of Wellington Suburban Nursing Division. Certificate for Proficiency in Fire-fighting to Nursing Division cadets: K. Johnson, M. Westwood, S. Doherty, B. Moncrieff, M. Outram, P. McMillan, E. Ruen, P. Veal, M. Hatch, M. Tell, J. Westwood, J. Taylor, Hoffeins, K. Outram, M. Barraelough, M. OsboMstone, J. Brooke. Knowledge of the Order: Cadet W. Shaw. Wellington Hardwaro Cup: Wellington Nursing Division. Griffiths Cup: Ambulance Corporal Rockwell. Dutton Cup: Miss Gilling and Mrs. Hyams. Grand Prior's Badge (efficiency in 12 subjects): Nursing Cadets J. Wluttaker and J. Dutton. _. After presenting the awards, air Charles Statham said that it was an outstanding trait of mankind, and particularly of the British character, to come to the rescue of those m distress. "Howsoever willing one may be " he went on, "the best intentions may bo wasted unless there is efficiency." Hence the brigade was doing a fine service to the community m promoting that efficiency. Ho was also pleased to see so many young boys and girls present. Leisure was the "greatest sacrifice of all, and no organisation had any vitality which did not also have a host of young people ready to take np the torch. The order itself was an old and honourablo one, with centuries of service behind it. It had always been ready to give assistance, not turning aside for any petty rivalry, i Assistant Commissioner Ward said that tho attendance and the display had been highly gratifying. Tho number of past members who still showed interest was also pleasing.

Music was supplied by the Institute Silvor Band.