ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE BRIGADE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 41

ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE BRI GADE.

The report of the St. John Ambulance ' Brigade for last year has just been issued fox the information of members. j The year has been the most successful yet experienced by the brigade in New Zealand, . 15 new divisions having been formed, with a> membership of 368. Thvr* ar& now 41 corps and divisions on the roll, and the membership, which stood at 652 12 months ago, has now attained to 1039. Five new divisions have been formed in Otago — two each at Herbert anS Hampden, and on© at Shag Point, and it is probable that during the forthcoming year several additions will be organised. Communications on the matter have already been addressed to those controlling- the association classes at Kurow, Lumaden, Invereargill, ItiyerwJate, Kaitangata, and other places. During the year the existing divisions have weell main- i tamed their strength »od improved their efficiency. It is proposed shortly to hold I conferences of brigade officers at the various J centres, when a number of matters of general interest will be submitted for consideration. A scheme for the holding of schools of instruction foe officers of the brigade is now ' under discussion. Considerable progress has bean made in the matter . of the attendance j of members at' sports and race meatings, football matches, etc., bat it is hoped to ecctanu this work still further. Ambulance competitions have been held various- places, and -j teams from the. brigade have given good exhibitions of work. As a further incentive to competitive practice, the institution of a banner or, other challenge trophy for each ! centre will be considered during the current ' year. Great assistance ha^ b&en given by . membaxs of the medical staff of the brigade. : and altogether the prospects of considerate i expansion of brigade work are very good. The deputy commissioner in cherge of the New branch is Mqjor G. V.D.. of Auckland ; Dr Close, of Dunedin, i* the district chief surgeon ; while Superintend dent Bone, of Dtmedia, ,and Superintendent Thomas, of Oamaru, are in charge oi their respective district*. " ' I