ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1019, 16 March 1912, Page 3

ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.

At the Horticultural Society’s Show on Thursday night, His Worship the Mayor presented the certificates to the success!ul candidates at the recent examination in connection with the local branch of the St. John’s Ambulance Association. The certificates were to the effect that the holders had attended a course of instruction and were qualified to render “First aid to the Injured.” The Mayor (Mr G, H. Stiles) said that he had been asked by Dr Mandl to present the Fist Aid certificates won at the examination held last year under the St. John’s Ambulance Association, and he said it gave linn „ie-it pleasure to do so. This was the first examination ever held in Foxton, and the winners of certificates should be proud of being the first to gain them. Great praise was due to Dr. Mandl, surgeon instructor, for the great interest he had taken in the formation of the class and for the course of lectures he had delivered. About 18 to 20 pupils had attended the classes, but only six had presented themselves for examination, and all of these had passed. There was no need for him to emphasise the importance of having a knowledge of First Aid in all its branches, and such knowledge gained would be valuable to them in years to come. Dr. Mandl had expressed his willingness to commence classes again this year if a desire was shown for same and a separate class could be formed for ladies. He moved that a hearty vole of thanks be accorded Dr. Mandl for all he had done and to Dr, Peach lor conducting the examination.

The certificates were then handed to the following Messrs M. Dittlejohn, H. A. Hussey, R. Ashmore, F. Vertongen and H. C. Patterson. Mr C. Speirs, who also passed his examination, was unable to be present and a telegram was read from him conveying his thanks to Dr. Mandl for the instruction received.

Upon the invitation of the Mayor, Dr Mandl addressed those present. He explained that the head of the St. John Ambulance Society was the Ambulance Department of The Grand Priory of the Order of St. John Hospital of Jerusalem, London, the head patron of which was His Majesty the King, the Prince of Wales was Grand Prior, and the other officers were all distinguished men of Great Britain. The head of the Ambulance Department was Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Richard Claruac Temple. After briefly referring to the objects of the Association, Dr Mandl mentioned that there were branches in practically all the towns in New Zealand, and Foxton should not lag behind, but should continue the work that had been commenced. In an industrial centre such as Foxton, and on account of its proximity to the sea, and the danger of drowning accidents, it was essential that a knowledge of first aid should be gained by as many as possible. He mentioned that in addition to the ordinary classes, special classes for ladies could be formed. After taking the first aid certificate, a candidate could go up lor the medallion examination after going through two extra series of lessons. Dr Mandl concluded by stating that if the classes were reformed he would be pleased to help in any way possible, provided that those taking part would continue with the work.