AMBULANCE WORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 May 1922, Page 5

AMBULANCE WORK.

THE ST. JOHN ASSOCIATION. REVIVAL OF ACTIVITIES. The annual meeting of tne New Plymouth Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association was held last night, the Mayor (Mr. F. E. Wilson) president, occupying the chair. The report stated: “Our last annual meeting took place in 1917. Owing to the war and epidemic, it was found impossible, through shortage of doctors, to hold classes until last winter, 1921. when we were again able to resuuw our ambulance work, and held two successful first aid ladies’ classes, one in New Plymouth and the other at Stratford sub-centre. The New Plymouth classes were held at the Technical College. commencing in July. Twentynine ladies attended the classes. Fifteen went up for the examination, and all passed. Eleven were first year students, one third year, and three fourth year. Dr. Wade gave the necessary number of lectures, and Dr. Blackley, who examined the class, expressed himself as .very highly satisfied with the result.

“A first aid class was held at 'Stratford sub-centre. Miss Stanford, a member of our executive committee, acted as local hone secretary. Thirtythree attended the classes. Twentyfour passed, all first year students. Dr. W. P. Gordon gave the lectures, and Dr. W. Sowerby was examiner. Our committee wish to heartily thank the doctors for their work in connection with the classes. We hope during the coming winter to be able to make arrangements for holding men’s first aid classes.”

The report referred to the combined meeting between the association and the British Red Cross Society in May of 1921, to consider the suggestion that the two bodies should co-ordinate. The Hon. Dr. Collins, C.M.G., chairman of the executive of the New Zealand branch of the British Red Cross Society. visited New Plymouth and met representatives of the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, the meeting carrying a resolution in favour of cooperation. The position at present was that the centre was not bound in ! any way, but the committee had expressed its willingness to co-operate if the terffis of the suggested agreement were acceptable to the Home authorities. “Since the end of the year,” the report continued, “a grant of £25 towards this centre’s work has been received from the Government. Our thanks for this are entirely due to Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., without wnw aid the amount would not have been received.” The balance-sheet showed a credit balance of £2 Ils 3d.

In moving the adoption o-f the report the Mayor said he was very pleased to see that the centre was getting to work again. He knew there was a strong movement in New Plymouth in favour of instituting a home nursing course, and he commended this to the consideration of the incoming committee. He also referred to the proposed co-operation bfetween the Red Cross Society and St. John’s Ambulance Society, and said there was a possibility of great work being accomplished, as the result.

The motion for the adoption of the report was seconded by Mr. VV. Ambury, who remarked that members of classes in the centre had been able to turn their knowledge to good account, not only in New Plymouth, but also fn other places. The report was adopted.

The following officers were elected: President, the Mayor; committee, Mrs. Dockrill, Miss Stanford and Mrs. Phillips (Stratford), Misses Ingley. Colson, Taylor, and Mather, Messrs. W. Amhury, R' C. Hughes, Hope, and JHarvey. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mrs. Dockrill in recognition of the work carried out by her in the position of secretary. The meeting passed a resolution of sympathy with Mr. W. Berridge, who was unable to attend the meeting through illness. The list of awards gained during the year was as follows: Certificates, Misses Joyce Wilson. W. Short, E. K. Bates, J. Wilson. E. White, I. Taylor, J. Jemison, A. Denton, Greta. Jemison, Gertrude Lock, Grace Searle; medallion, Miss B. Henderson; brooches. Misses I. Colson, A. Ingiey. and A. Avann. The committee met subsequently, and Miss Mather was appointed secretary and treasurer. It was decided that first aid classes for both men and women be formed.