ORDER OF ST JOHN

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1929, Page 3

ORDER OF ST JOHN

DELEGATION AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, January 14. To investigate the work being done in New Zealand by the Dominion unit of the venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a delegation comprising Sir John Hewett, Bailiff o'* Egle, and his daughter, Mrs St. John Atkinson, Dame of Grace, arrived from Sydney by tlie Aorangi last evening. '.i hey propose to tour the North and South islands, remaining in New Zealand until February 12th. Other mem tiers of the delegation in Australia were:—Major Colin Macrae and Lady Margaret Macrae, sister of the Marquis of Bute, but owing to indisposition of Lady Margaret they were obliged to withdraw from tlie delegation. They also arrived by the Aorangi and will remain at Auckland until February 2nd. Sir John Hewett and Mrs Atkinson visited every State in Australia and were very much impressed' with the work done. They ' also visited Tasmania, where the Order is not established, but they hope that as the result df their visit a. unit will soon be formed.

Discussing the work oi the Order in England, Sir John said new departures were a road medical service lor motorists and medical comfort depots for the poor. The finances of the Order were sound and tlie work generally was progressing very well. Both he and his daughter were greatly looking forward to their experience in New Zealand. Sir John said they had heard much about New Zealand and (from their reports gathered that the Order was established on a very sound and useful basis here. As the result ol their visit they hoped to further stimulate interest.

Sir John Hewett spent most of his official life in India where at various times he occupied the posts of Private Secretary to the Viceroy, Magistrate and Collector of the North-Western Provinces, an ordinary member o4' tlie Viceroy’s Council, and head ol tlie Department of Commerce and industry.

Mrs Atkinson is ail enthusiastic worker for the Order. She is also a keen sportswoman and hopes to and time for some fishing and shooting.