ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 134, 23 June 1937, Page 12

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

Mayor Appeals for Greater Support ANNUAL MEETING The splendid service given to the coiumunity by tlie Bt. John Ambulauce in Hastings', the need for more sup-' port, and the necessity that the brigade should be strengthened by additional members were points menticned by the Mayor, Mr. G. A. Maddison, at thie annual meeting of the Hastings Sub-centre of the St. John Ambulance Association. Therfe was an attendance of 18 members. In moving the adoption of the annuai report and balance-sheet the chdirrnan stressed the very fine work that was being done by tlie order and the members of the brigade at publie functions. He congratulated the association on the improved iinancial position but considered that much more financial assistance was necessary before the brigado would be fully equipped. The statement in the report of the cases attehded during the year emphasised the fact that at least 20 uniformed qualihed men were necessary for the work in a town of the size of Hastings. He congratulated thie seven members who had ' been carrying on the work for their self-sacrifice, and personally thanked them for their efforts on behalf of the community. The Borough Council, he pointed out. was fully alive to the work of the association and the brigade, and he hac. pleasure in stating that the council had again voted the sum of £20. Several members supported Mr. Maddison and were unanimous that those who carried out the work gratuitously were entitled to look to the community for financial assistance and support. Over Efghty Public Appearances. The report of the superintendent of the brigade reads as follows : — "The past year has been a very successful one for the brigade and the association. Thanks are due to the Hastings Borough Council for the donation of £20 and for the allocation of £25 from the Lord Nuffield gift. "Uncle Ed" and the children from 2ZL also gave a concert iai the Municipal Theatre on the brigade' s behalf and £20 was raised. We wish to take tliis opportunity of publically thanking him and his party for their very generous support. "The brigade now has seven uniform members and six complete kits. A tent tand camp stretcher will make the brigade fully equipped for the first time since inception. "Classes in first-aid were well attended and 31 candidates presented themselves for examination and seven for re-examiiiation and in all 31 were successful. The new course of instaructjon for men commenced on June 2. "Brigade practices were well attended and members were in attendance at 82 sports meetings and public functions during the year and attended in all 233 cases. Lectures and derponstrations have been given to the Tramping Club, Te Aute College and tlie Boys Brigade by the members themselves. "During the year tlie services of the superintendent, Mr. Hugli Little, were lost and he will be keenly missed, having been oue of the foundatiou members. The tlianks of the brigade are due to the executive and to Dr. E Y. Uomrie for their efforts during the past year. Election of Officers. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted : — Patron, Mr. T. H. Lowry ; .president, The Mayor, Mr. G. A. Maddison; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. V. Hoadley and J. Cffiambers; executive committee, Di". E. Y. Comrie, Messrs. H. Price, W. J. Wood, A. F. Redgrave, H. C. Baird, A. E. O'Meara, W. A. Wliitlock, N. Davidson, R. Timms, H. Barden and A. Kirkpatrick ; Sister Wil'liams and Mrs. H. B. Knight; hon. secfetary, Mr. W. J. Wood; hon. treasurer, Mr. H. G. Carr; hon. auditors, Messrs. Rainbow, Hobbs and Nesbitt. Since the annual meeting the Order of St. John has sustained a very gevere loss in the passing of Mr. O. Duff. He had served on the executive since its inception in Hastings and had always been a most enthusiastic worker in the cause, and at a time when public interest was praetically nil he was the back-bone of the organisation.