AMBULANCE BRIGADE ACTIVITIES

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 81, 5 August 1953, Page 5

AMBULANCE BRIGADE ACTIVITIES

APPEAL TO SUBSCRIBERS At the eonclusion of the meeting held on Monday of last week to set up a local blood bank committee, the ladies of the St. John Ambulance Brigade's Nursing Division provided a delicious supper. Mr C. Andrews, Waikato Hospital Board member for Ihe district, congratulated the brigade on the wonderful work done for the relief of suffering in emergencies and for their enterprise in conjunction with the association in providing and manning the ambulance. Mr W. J. Stevens, Chairman of the St. John Ambulance Association, said that the Association could perform its work only within the limits of funds provided by the public. Last year steps were taken to place the financial position on as firm a footing as possible, by introducing a family benefit scheme under which all members of a family were covered by an annual payment of twentyfive shillings. This scheme was quite successful last year, but so far this year only 50 out of 250 contributors had forwarded their second year's dues. uThe Brigade members are giving their time, both in and out of working hours for the benefit of the community and the time is coming when their burden will have to be lightened," said Mr Stevens. It was only fair for the general public to provide finance for that purpose. Apart from the employment of a full time driver, which would have to be done shortly, funds had to be supplied for the upkeep of the ambulance, and all whose dues were still outstanding were asked to forward them without delay. Mr Stevens disclosed the fact that some 50 per cent of cases did not pay for the services of the ambulance ! and stated that the association was I taking strong measures against those who were not contributors to the scheme and who believed that they could avoid their responsibilities.