ORDER OF ST. JOHN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 37, 14 February 1939, Page 3

ORDER OF ST. JOHN

WANGANUI DIVISION REVIEW OF PAST YEAR At the annual meeting of the Wanganui division of St. John there were about 40 members present, including assistant commissioner W. Bourne and District Superintendent A. Allpress. It is very gratifying to see so many young men taking up the work of St. John and judging by the enthusiasm shown by those present the division is likely to have a most successful year. Like all voluntary organisations it has to depend on the general public for support.

St. John men and women, when appearing in public on duty, must be dressed correctly and smartly, carrying an up-to-date first-aid kit ready for emergency. This costs money. The St. John people give their time gratis, pay for their examination fees and contribute towards the cost of equipment. There are no high paid oflicials in the movement. Everything is voluntary. Any citizen can help along the good cause and all assistance will be greatly appreciated. The following is the report presented to the annual meeting:— “Ln this report I wish to congratulate all members for the efficiency throughout the closing year; also ail those who did such good work on public duty. Sports bodies of Wanganui and district have expressed their thanks and appreciation for services and knowledge of first aid to the injured, supplied by the members of the division. The membership of the division at the close of the year was 33, as against 27 the previous year. During the year there were 37 parades with an average attendance of 17. First Aid Classes. “The first aid classes conducted by this division were a qualified success, our best thanks are due to the divisional secretary, E. Anderson, for his assistance in arranging for the class. Quite a number of new members joined up with the division as a result. The returns show that 250 first aid cases were treated on public duty and 187 cases not on Public duty. Your members also assisted with 336 removals with St. John Free Ambulance. “All members are now equipped with the regulation uniform, and your officers wish to impress upon members the need of taking the greatest care of their equipment. “Twenty-six members were presented for their annual re-examina-tion and all satisfied t-he examining 'officer, Dr. F. C. Hutchinson, of their knowledge of first aid. The annual inspection of the division was held on October 4, when 24 were inspected by Commissioner J. Brine and District Superintendent W. Bourne, who expressed (heir appreciation of the members’ smartness and efficiency. During the year the division received a visit from the Rev. H. W. Austin ' and Toe H members. An interesting lecture given by the Rev. Austin I was much appreciated. A return visit Ito Toe H followed in June, when an interesting lecture on the origin of St. John was delivered by Commissioner | J. Brine. “We are indebted to the Wanganui Central Nursing for its demonstrations on roller bandaging; also to members of the Surf Club for their

demonstration in artificial respiration, also their help in judging the Gilbert Cup competitions. ‘During the year His Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. J. Rogers, was elected president of your division. Competitions. Congratulations are extended to our team—R. Barron, R. Lacey, R. Arnold and C. Lowe—on winning the Wanganui Challenge Cup and Old Members Shield and also gaining second in the Wellington competitions. The Gilbert Cup was won by Corp. Barron. “The combined euchre evenings, held in the Fire Station, were much enjoyed by members and your division was successful in the Perrett Banner and Beadle Cup for the year 1938. Our best thanks are due to Superintendent Ross for all arrangements. The cricket match played between your division and New Plymouth was a splendid success, victory going to your division after a close game. The basket-ball team once again performed with much success. Although not successful in championship honours, your team is always hard to beat. The popular pastime of pingpong tournament was won by Corp. R. Barron. “During the past year Sergt. E. Bridges was promoted to officer and later in the year to divisional superintendent. while Private E. Anderson was promoted to ambulance officer. The annual wind-up social was a huge success and much enjoyed by : those present. During the evening a cup donated by Private J. Moore was I won by Private F. Rule for being the | most efficient new member. ; “In conclusion your officers wish to take the opportunity in thanking the I members for the loyalty and support accorded to us throughout the year land we sincerely trust the same cooperation and goodwill extended to past officers will be afforded your new officers.