ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 March 1917, Page 4

ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.

A meeting of itlie local su.b-ceuue or the iyt. John Ambulance Association was held on Saturday evening Mr. W. McKinney of the Executive of the head ce.n/trc presided. On tho motion of the Chairman due following, were recommended for recognition by the Order of St. J olm of J erusalcm in England for services rendered in furthering the cause of first aid in Westland, F. W. Thompson (Honorary Serving Brother of the Order) Mrs. G. A. Wood, Mrs. D. O’Sullivan, Miss F. Thompson, and Messrs J. Maunders and F. Groufsky, (Honorary Associate of tho Order) E. G. Rennet, (Vellum voto of thanks). Miss K. Carley, and Miss E. Ferguson (Pa'rchmont voto of ithanks). The chairman who is the official organiser of the Head centre mentioned •that considerable success in extending the movement had followed liis efforts in the Runauga State Collerics, and that in the Westport ggroup of mines ■active work was being commenced this Winter. He considered that a vast field of usefulness lay before the Hokitika sub-centre in providing first aid instruction ;to the adjacent sawmilling and mining industries. The ambulance department of the Order now permitted lectures on first aid to be given by members of the brigade in centres whero no doctors are available, and the students thereat, when ex amined by a medical man, receive if successful first aid certificates. After discussion it was decided to commence itiliis work. Tlie (Government have recognised the dangerous nature of the work in these industries

and have laid it down ,tliat first aid material must be provided by the employers. Material without the knowledge of how to use it is useless, therefore if tho men engaged in these industries desire to gain the necessary knowledge they will be afforded the opportunity and supplied with all information on making application to the secretary of the sub-centre of St. Jolin •Ambulance (Association, Hokitika.

Mr W. W. McKinney, Assistant Commissioner in charge of St John Ambulance Brigade, Canterbury and Wet Coast districts, lately made hrs annual inspection, of the Ufokiitlika Ambulance Division and IToldVika Nursing Division, and expressed himself as well satisfied with the efficiency and standard of both divisions. He was particularly well pleased with the amount of public duty which both divisions are carrying out for the punlie good, and complimented them uii Die large amount of work conducted since his last inspection, particularly in providing facilities for treating accident eases at races, shows and sports gatherings. He suggested 'that a further extension of their public usefulniess might be made by nursing sisters going out with the ambulance brougham to attend patients during their transport from their homes to the hospital. We understand it is intended i to put the suggestion into effect.