by FLORENCE A. KNOPE
AN FOR :: UNIVERSAL USE
This is a fine example of the Austin W.D. Ambulance converted to the New Approved Home Service Type, and reGently exported to South Africa for service there. Our expert craftmanship and experience have made this model increasingly popular throughout the world and we welcome enquiries for this aFld any other conversion for delivery in amy country.
PILCHERS
AMBULANCE BUILDERS
314 Kingston Rd., Wimbledon, S.W.20 Telephone--LIBerty 2350 & 'j058
and 47 High Path, London, S.W.19 Telephone--LIBerty 35 0 7
Compact Binowlars. 7 oz Absolute crystal-cd ear lenses. Ideal holidays, sporting events, 40/ 6. Post, etc., 1/ -, W.o. model, full size Bineculars, in case and leather slings, £3 lOs. Post, etc., 1/ - Very special 6-lens - achrematlc model, £5 195. 6d. complete in ase, etc. Post 1/-. Telescopes available
'Ell TENTS
£8.15.0.
CARRI(4c,;\E fREE
Sectional centre pole. All accesseries. P.e-cenditioned.
Circ. 44 ft. Ht. 9 ft. 6 in. £8 155. cemplete, carriage paid.
MARQUEES 30 ft X 20 ft., ht. 14 ft £38 155. Larger sizes.
EX-RAILWAY AND SHIP TARPAULINS
Waterproof Guaranteed Goad Condition, 70 sq ft., 20/-, 140 sq. ft , £2 105., 280 sq. ft., £5.
ApproJ<;. 360
All include c;arriage. Every type of Clamping equipment in stock. Send Id. for Bargain List.
HEADQUARTERS AND GENERAL SUPPLIES, LiFD., Dept. SjA.
196-200 Calj!Jlh3!rbeul' Lane, !Landen, S.E.5. One minute Lel:lghbereugh Jl:Ilfolct10n Statien, lLenden.
HOBSON &SONS (LONDON), Ltd.
FOU NDED 1850
Specialists in Uniforms for St. John Ambulance Brigade JACKETS, TROUSERS, GREATCOATS. CAPS, GLOVES, HAVERSACKS.
PRICE LIST AND PATTERNS ON ' REQUEST •
All enquiries to : 154 -164 TOOLEY STREI!T LONDON BRIDGE, S.E.1 : Hop 2476 (4 lines) feleg,rams : Hobson, Boroh, Londan "
use
·n hos itals and institutions
Already in extenSive use I d Powerful germicide. Ibcol. the safe. effective of every first-aid should also ferm an essentla equip"!ent.
use IBCOL
* Deadly to germs. .
* NGA-jl'1riunt and does not
ijJ;lrt <IIlffi!ial
,lJnurttal Df tu£ Jriorl1 itt tIr£ of ijbIr£ II£n£rahl£ @ru£t of tIr£ 1Wnzpifal of jJoIrn of
Edited by GEORGE E. CRAFT, {i).St.J., F.R.S.A.
VOL. 21. No.6.
* Non-poisonous and non-corrosive. II mal dilutions.
* Ferms a stable solution in a nor
a few drops of Ibcol added to warm
For Guts and grazes - r water disinfects and promotes quick hea mg. IBBETSGN, STEVENAGE, HERTS. HYGIENE PRODUCTS FOR HOME & INDUSTRY.
Somehow, I don't feel so good.
I need a course of Benger's Food. "Bengen"
When your digestion is out of order, practise what is known as Rest-Therapy_
Test your digestilm for a while antil take a course of Benger's Food at night. "Bengers" is rich nourishll'umt, pre-digestetil. It Sl!l0n seethes and strengthens the digestion back to normal.
Keep a tin of in the house. Frrom 2/- a at all Chemists and Grocers.
ia • regd. trade mark of Benger's Ltd., Holmes Chapel, Che,hir. 164
EDITORIAL
It is apparent from the annual reports that mernbers;hip of the Brigade has again decreased during the year 1947, but that an increase has been shown in the number of certi:ficates isslled by the Association. It is 'therefore neeessary to find some way in which to encourage the certificate holders to continue their training by joining the Brigade.
At the same time as the decrease in membership, the activities of the Brigade show a continued increase; in fact there are many departments which should receive better support from the members than is at present This is more apparent in the work of the Joint Committee with its Home Ambulance Service, its Service Hospitals Department, its; Emergency Help Department, its; AfterCare Department, all of which discharge certain post-war obligations of the War Organization.
There is a tendency to-day for voluntary work to become a secondary consideration; and it is somewhat hard to. convince some people that the St. John organization still carries out the humanitarian work which was instituted by the Knights of Old. It]S very necessary that the v€)hantary aspect of our work should be stressed on every possible occasion; that the good-will of the general public should be enlisted; that new members be enc€)uragt§d to assist in the work which we, as good St.John members, <:tre proud to carry out.
ST. JOHN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
Holy Communion will be celebrated in the Crypt Chapel of the Grand Priory Church by the Prelate of the Order at 8.30 a.m.
At 3 p.m. the General Assembly of the Order will take place in the Hoare Memorial Hall, Church House, Westminster, followed by the Annual Commemoration Service of the Order in Westminster Abbey, commencing at 4 p.m.
During the General Assembly H.R.H. The Grand Prior will install the Lord Wakehurst as Sub-Prior.
At the GOndusion of the Geme:Fal As;sembly, H.R.H. The GraNd PFior and Chapter-General walk in procession from the Hoare Memorial Hall to Westminster Abbey for the Annual Commemoration Service. The Prelate of the Order will take part in the Service and the Sermon will be preached by The Lord Bishop of London.
N@ ti([:'keics of Me Fequired :lor the GeneFal As;sembly; but only thos;e holding win be allowed in the Abbey. Members wishing to attend should make early application for tickets; such applications to be made to the Secretary, Order 0f St. J onn, Chancery of the Order, St. John's Gate, L<Dndon, E.C. 1.
165
ijtlJ£ ®ranh , rinr!! in tlJt JSritizlJ Rtalm of tn t Wtnenthlt ®r b"it of tlJ£ 1Jllzpital of of 3)tfuzaltm
His lVI ajesty Th e Ki ng has been gracio?,tsly pleased t o the following Pro motions in, and Appointments to, The Venerable Order of the Ho sp1,tal of St. John of Jeru salem.
Surge0n L iel!lt -C0mmander William Sloan Miller, M.B., R.N.
Francis John Edward Willis. Richard Edward Montague Pilchel', F.R.C.S.
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING SISTER
Henrietta D@r@thy, Miss Hilliar.d.
Amy Kate, Miss Corderoy. Oorothy Ellen, Miss Foster Gwendolen Beatrice, Miss Batchelor. Pamelia, MFs. Mitchell.
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE OFFICER (BROTHER)
Kamalakar Chintaman Bakhle.
Lieut -Colonel GOl'lal Das Malhoutra, O.B.E., M.B., M.R.C.S., LM.S .
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING BROTHER
Joseph Pereira, M.B.
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE SERVING :BROTHER
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF Colonel Robert Richards Leaning BAILIFF GRAND CROSS Ernest Kenneth Macdonald, O.B.E ., M .D., Colonel. The Earl of Powis (from Knight of Bunn, O.B.E. Jusuce). The Earl 0f Derby. FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF Edward Ridle y KNIGHT Surgeon Captam William John Col borne, F.R.C.S., R N. Brigadier Sir William Stewart Duke-Elder, K.C.V O., M D., F.R.C.S. (from Officer). FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF KNIGHT
His Excellency Mr. William John McKell, of Australia.
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF CHAPLAIN AND APPOINTMENT AS SUB-PRELATE
The Rt. Rev. Douglas Horsley, Bishop of Gih>raltali.
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF COMMANDER (BROTHER)
Captain William Sutherland Gull0ch. William Sydney Charles Cop t' man, O.B.E , M.D., F.R.C P
David Bryce.
Major Eskricke Sicdney PhlllilllS, D.S.O.
Major Nelson Rooke. (All from Officer.)
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF COMMANDER (BROTHER)
Surgeon Rear-Admiral Sir Menry ]jllis Yeo White, K.C.V.O , O.B.E., M D., F.R.C.S., K.H.S.
SblIgeon Rear-Admiral Clarence Edward Greeson, C.B., M.D., K.H.P.
FOR PROMOTION TO TilE GRADE OF COMMANDER (SISTER)
Hilda Marie, Miss Smith, A.R.R.C. (from Officer).
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF OFFICER (lBROTHER)
David Thomas
Joseph Dann
J ames Henry Til\>peet. Hi];)bert, M.n , F.R.C.S.E.
John William Stobbs.
Arthur William Drew.
(All fr @m ServiNg iffirother.)
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF OFFICER (BROTHER)
Ninian Campbell-JohnstoN.
Lieut.-Colonel William Alexander Lopez, M.C.
Captain Doric Bossom al'ld
Major Clive Bossom (on appointment as Personal
Es€J.ui t @ Mr. Bossom)
William Richard (on appointment as Personal E s quire to Mr F. E. Rosher)
Douglas Everard Goldsworthy (0n allllllointment as Personal ESIlJ.l!lire to E. W Goldsworthy)
John Dougall Ingram, M.D.
Robert George Selby, M E.
Ernest Whiteley.
Colonel Sir Myers Wayman, O.RE
Ralph Edgar Perring.
Frank Horace Seymoul' Rouse, O.B E.
Frank William L.aw, F.R.C.S
Colonel Maurice Browne, M.C.
Sir Geoffrey Pownall Burton, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E.
The Viscount G @rt, M.e.
The Earl Beauchamp.
Lieut.-Colonel Herbert Vernon Stanley.
Brigadier Gerald Esm(imd MacAlevey.
Surgeon Captain Frederick George Hunt, M.B. , R N.
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF OFFICER (SISTER)
Annie, Miss Addy. Jane Hannah, Mrs. Umpleby. (From Serving Sister.)
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OFFICER (SISTER)
Averill D oris, Miss Eills, M.B.E.
M ary Louise, Mrs. Royle.
Margaret I sobel, Mrs. Kirkup.
The Visco untess Leverhulme.
Anne Margaret, Mrs. Bryans, C.B.E.
Vera Francis E th el, Mrs. Raymond. FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE SERVING BROTHER
Bertram Baden, M.C.
Philip New man G rinling, M.B.
Thomas Badger Jones. Walter Sidney Warren.
Alfred Leslie Morris.
Elliott Fraser Brown, M.B., M R .C. S Alb ert James Brown.
Ernest James Stanton.
John Gresty Billington, M R C S., L.R .C. P
Frederick George Oliver.
Keith Alistair Boughton-Thomas, M.B
Joseph Guy Shephard.
Rohert R od ger, M.B.
Douglas James Ault.
Walter Charles Bryant
Edward Arthur Parish, B .E.M.
Percival Fred erick J ones.
Samuel Ish er woo d
William Rich ar d Clucas.
William Vincent Sheppard.
George William Wells.
Cecil Franks.
Walter Th oma s Glass.
William Albert Miles.
Charles William Ta ylor.
James Shanks L aurie, M.B.
Reginald Manson Hill, M D., F R.C S.
John Wycliffe Desmond.
George Gillanders, M.B.E. (Jun. )
The Rev. Thomas Salomonson Dawson (Assist&l'lt-Chaplain)
James Gerald Fayrer Hosken, M.R.C.S , M.R.C.P ., D.P.H
Major Ernest Samuel Fuzzard.
Major George Sidney Griffin, M.B.E
Edward Fletcher Hall.
Matthew John House.
J ames Wilson
W i.!lWiam Riley Snol!lt.
Charles Edward Manning.
Alfred James Gee Coulshed. Thomas Kemp. Richard Pycroft White. Stanley Charles Opie.
Edward LambourI'l, M B E., M M.
Chfford Ernest George Ge.orge HaroM Drakett. Frecl Stones.
Thomas ThompsoI'l Hay. Norman Artrhur Allport.
166
Lucy Hilda, Miss Brooksbank. Catherine Elizabeth Leslie, Miss Smith Bertha, Mrs. Aidney.
Helen Christabel, Miss Vaudrey. Winifred Annie, Miss Lamb. Elizabeth, Mrs. Horsburgh. Annette Gillies Turnbull, Dr. Anderson. Diana Chuh>D, Mrs. Nicol. Marian, Dr. Maxwell Reekie . Betty, Mrs. Bradley.
PRIORY OF THE
AUSTRALIAN COMMONWEALTH
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF OFFICER (SISTER)
Florence Mary, Mrs. Parker, O.B E.
INDIA
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE COMMANDER (BROTHER)
Gajanan Sl!lnderrao Kothare.
Khan Bahadur Abdul Hamid, M.B.E., M.B., D P.H. Amar Nath Sharma, M.B., D.P H., LM.S (All from Ass ociate Officer.)
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF COMMANDER (SISTER)
Isabel Leslie, Lady Tennant (from Officer) FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF OFFICER (,BROTHER)
William Hood, O.B.E. FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE OFFICER (BROTHER)
Lieut.-Colonel Diwan Pitamber Nath, LM.S , M.B.
Captain Khan Bahacdur Nowroji Jamshedji Vazifdar, M B.E., L.M & S. (From Associate Serving Brother )
Amrit Nath, M.B.
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING SISTER
Amy Pestonji, Miss Seervai. Lavender Mary, Mrs V(')sper. Kathleen, Mrs. Furley.
BURMA
FOR PROMOTION TO THE GRADE OF ASSOCIATE OFFICER (BROTHER)
Kattucaral'lY Chinniah Dorai Swainy (fr0m Associate Serving BFother).
MALTA
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF OFFICER (BROTHER)
Professor Philip Farrugia, M D. FOR AIDMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING BROTHER
Joseph Edward Axisa, O RE. Carmel Maria Saliba.
GOLD COAST
FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING SISTER -
Marjorie Carnsew, Dr. (Miss) Chappel.
To consider the following reco:t:nmendations from the Priory of Scotland :FOR ADMISSION IN Tf,IE GRADE OF COMMANDER (BROTHER)
C0l0nel Sir Harol@. PaWN Mitchell, Bt. FOR ADMISSION IN THE GRADE OF SERVING BROTIIER
The Rev. Alexander Douglas F'raser (AssistantChaplain).
INVESTITURE OF INSIGNIA
Now that Investitures are a gain b eing h eld, the Sub-Prior has ruled that the s;eledion of r ecipients shall be b y Grades in strict order of seniority of date of promotion in, or admission to, the Order.
As; the:re are a lait'ge r numb er .of Serving Brothers awaiting Investiture than there are memb ers of other Grades, it is possible that memb ers in the other Grades, promoted in, or admitted to, the Order at a later date than a ServiIlg Brother, may be summoned earlier to an Investiture
For the information of m emb ers the following table shows how far Investiture has p:rogres;sed in the various Grad es :-Knights
Dames; Chaplains
COIDIDlande['s (]3]iGthe['s) Commanders (Sisters)
. Officers (Brothers)
Od.i'ID®en Brother s SeliviIil!g Sisters
Have to await Reception by H.R H. The
Grand l?Jiior. 1948
F e bruary, 1948 . E lliThd! @[ November, 1946. February, 194 8
Middle of November, ]944
End o[ N Gvem1i>e[' , 1945. First six in February, 1944. JVItiddle Qf Noveiffl."iDer/ I945. 167
DELEGATION TO THE ' BRITISH ZONE OF GERMANY
During the month of April, 1948, Major-General J. E. T. Younger (Secreta.ry of the Order) and Mr. O. Home (Assistant Secr etary, ?t. J ohn tion) vis;ited the British Zone of Germany t o ascertain whether It. v:ras feas:ble to organize dasses €J f t lhle that cmmtry ,:mong BntIsh NatIonals, both civil and mi]itary, resident there at the ]?res.ent tIme.. .
The Del€gation was met at Herford by Dr. Mlller, MedIcal Services, Control Commission Germany; and later recelved by E. B. de Fonblanque, Chief Administrative Officer, Control CommIsSIOn, Germany, and Major-General D. Stuart, Director of Welfare.
A preliminary me eting was held at Lubbecke SIr Edward Phillips, Director of Medical Services, and an and profitable meeting was h eld at the Headq1ilarters of the Chlef Officer in addition to General de FonblalilOJue, there were present the Drrector of MedIcal Services, the HeadqUladers :British Army of th e Rhine, the Administrative Command aIil.t in ZeeG area, the iD irectors of Maintenance and W elfare and others. Dc Miller was als;0) present at this and all subsequent me etings.
A short s;ketch of the organization and work of the Order of St. J ohn and its Foundations, together with information as to how classes of the St. John Ambulance could be formed and administered was given. A general discussion then followed from which it was clear that a desire for th e formation of class;es of the Association exis;ted at the Chief Administrative Officer's H ea dquarters and that any classes which might be formed could exp ect complete suppmt from the seniOlf adminis;trative authorities.
Following this conferenee the Delegation travelled some 1,000 miles in the Britis;h Zone visiting Duss;elQlorf, Cologne, Hannover, and Hamburg, where the Deputy Regi€Jnal Commanders, the Regional Administrative Officers and R .B. Commanders were met. An undoubted desire among all grades of the p ersonn el of the Control Commission for the formation of classes was found. Th er e was a univers;al desire for the extension of the classes t o includ e the Germans.
During the visit the Delegation met Miss Ensor of the St. J ohn Ambulance Brigade, who is Chief Welfare Officer of the Service Hospitals W elfare Committee of St. John and British Red Cross Society.
POST OFFICE AMBULANCE CENTRE
Om May 25 tihe 'Women's Section arranged a !>ocial-lecture for members and friends at the Civil Service Commission, Burlington Gardens, London. Tho se present included the H @n. President, Dr. C. G. Roberts (Chief M.O. of the Post Office); Lady President, Dr. Vera Good; also Drs .' M L. R. Kennard and V C. Medvei. F ©llowing tea, dming which the Mount Pleasa11l.;tt Orchesbal Soeiertly JPJ:'o-
vided mu s ic, Dr. Ver a Good introduced Dr. Cecil Roberts, who gave an informative talk on "Unconsciousness". This was followed by a film on the manufacture of penicillin. Miss Margery Doyle, Women's Section Secretary, thanked all who had assisted to make the evening so successful. Many friends had met togeth er that night to chat ove r "old times ".
OBITUARY
We regret to announce the death of the and promoted to Officer (Sister) in 1936. following :- Full Brigade Honours were g iven at the Lady Atkinson, A.R.R.C., which oc- funeral. Four senior officers acted as cured on May 7. Wife of Sir Arthur bearers and a large Guard or Honour, Atkinson (President of the Hull and East representing all ranks of the Brigade, was Riding Centre, S.J.A.A.), Lady Atkinson formed at the entrance to the church. was County Presicl!e nt for the East Riding Hon. Sergeant C. Stadon, on May 1i. 0] Yorkshire, having (!)ccupied tlliiLe p osition Stado[Cl had been secretary 01' the of CG>Mnty §1J,peri.nten6lent hier retiJ!lie - GlpSy LaIDlJe, L eicest er IDi.vislo[1 sinc€! ilks ment. In 1932 L 3J6l y Atki11l.som was i!Ulcepti0>nJ i.n 1938, aiFl:d was a active admitted a Serving Sister of the Order membe:r. 168
THE ST. JOHN EXHIBITION AND FAIR
From May 3 to 5 St. james s Palace hous;ed the Exhibition and Fair which attracted. visitors from a ll over the c0>untry and also many overseas vistito;rs who were attending the B;ritish Industries Fair. Each day saw large crowds and there can be no doubt that the venture was a highly successful one.
On the first day Her Majesty the Queen honoured the Exhibition and Fair with her presence, being r eceived by the Earl of Clarendon (Sub-Prior of the Ord er). Many members of the Order, the Association and Brigade were presented to Her Majesty, also members of the Fair Committee and, in the Exhibition Room, members of the Exhibition Committee. Her Majesty t oured the Fair making purchases at many stalls, and finally entered the Exhibition Hall where she expr essed her pleasure at the mod els displayed. She was most interested in the model showing a Coronation scene outside Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty was pleased to r emark that both the King and herself have seen the good work outside the Palace on numerous occasions . Also on thv first day H.R .H. The Princess Ro yal paid an unoffi cial vis it
On the second day T.R.H. Th€ Duke and Duchess of Gloucester visited St. James's Palace and tomed the Fair and. the Exhibition. Th@y, too, were much interested in all they saw.
In the Exhibition Hall were exhibit ed models depicting the work of the St. John organization, including models from Canada, Malaya, and Malta. These latter had been made by the Brigades and sent over by the countries concerned, and added interest to the Exhibition. Also on view were cerlain exhibits from the Museum of the Order which had never before been allowed outside the Chancery of the Order. They were much admired.
The Fair consisted of some 38 stalls, catering for all kinds of goods. It is of interest to note that one stall contained gifts specially assembled in Hambmg by German initiative for sale at the Exhibition in appreciation for th€ work St. John bad done in the British Zone of Occupation. The Stage was; well represented, with Miss Constance Cummings in charge of a stall, assisted by many of her colleagues.
In the Entrance Hall a model aeroplane depicted the work of the 1St
H.M. THE QUEEN A£>MIRING THE CORONATION MQlDEL.
Btnkshire Air Unit of the Brigade, and was the source of much interest.
Throuahout the three days memb ers of No. I (Prince of Wales's) District of the Brigade were on duty, and presented numerous displays during tile day.
Just before the close of the third day Mrs. Hugh McCorquodale (Cilairman of the Exhibition Committee) expressed thanks to the numerous helpers and deep gratitude to the Marchiones;s. CarisbrGloke (Chairman of the ExhIbItion and Fair), the Hon. Mrs. Leslie Gamage (Deputy Chairman), Mrs. V. E. Miller Moore (Hon. Organizer), and Mrs. George Hopkins; (Hon. S€cretary). Pres;entations were made to thGls;e ladies and also to Major A. C. White Knox (Commissioner) who received a tJrophy from the Exhibition on behalf of the No. I District, as an appreciation of the assistance ;rendered by personnel. Mrs. Camden, Mr. J. S. Hannam, and Mr. G. E. Craft also received mementoes, and Lady Carisbrooke presented a gift of appreciation to Mrs. McCorquodale.
It is; not to mention all those who so ably assisted at the Exhibition and Fair, but · special mention mus;t be made of those given above, whose untiring efforts were of
the highest not only during the run of the show but also for many weeks beforehand. Without their efforts and auidance it would not have b een to have arranged the Exhibition and Fair.
COUNTY EXHIBITION
Due entirely to the magnificent result of the Exhibition and Fair at St. james's Palace the Exhibition COJ?mittee has d ecid ed that CountIes should b en efit from this function A certain sum has b een set asid e against expenses of the present Exhibition and Counties will b e offered th e Exhibition f ree of char g e , until the sum agre e d upon has b ee n sp ent This do es not m ean tha t Counties will n ot be asked to contribute towards the success of the local showing. All Counties should end eavour to arrange a good Fair-or Bazaar, to a,ttract local inter est and th e co- operatIon of local people.
Bookings w ill be made in rotation of application; such applications t o be forwarded to Mrs. Archie Camden, 30 Queensborou gh Court, London , 3, who is th e Staff Offi cer in Charge , and who visits th e County b efor e the Exhibition:op en s and arran ge s the stands .
H.M.
ING MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE FROM CAN ADA.
IN TE-R-RAILWA Y FIRST AID COMPETITI O N
HORSHAM: AGAIN WINNERS
A crowded audience watched the work of the finalists at the Borough Polytechnic, London, on May 26, and they were rewarded by some excellent displays. T iJb.roughout the day interested persons followed their teams at this the last competitio!l:!l. under pre-natitll'lali!zatic!)ll rules.
In addition to the fact that the competition is for the championship of the railways, the function is also a means whereby members of the various Regions can foregather and chat on "other times". We noticed present Mr. E. A. Richards, who was for some years Welfare Officer and Centre Secretary of the Southern Railway, and many competitors of pre-war days.
PRESENTATION CEREMONY
The Earl of Athlone (Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order) presided at the presentation of awards and expressed his pleasure at being present It was 47 years since he took his first aid certificate, and he had taken an interest in first aid ever since. Whilst Governor-General of South Africa and Canada he had seen the interest taken in first aid by the railwaymen of those countries and was not, therefore, surprised to find those employed on railways in the "Old Country" showing the same enthusiasm. He welcomed Sir Cyril Hurcomb (Chairman of the British Transport Commission), whose presence was much appreciated.
Brigadier W. B . G. Barne (SecretaryGeneral) announced the results, which showed that Horsham had repeated their victory of last year. Full details and results are given later in this report.
Sir Cyril Hurcomb, after presenting the Championship Trophy, the Corbet Fletcher Cup (to the runners-up), and i!l1l@Jrnvial:l!l:al said that the Sl!llP:POilit given by the Order of St. John to railway first aid was appreciateci . The need :for first aiders was very great and he hoped that many young members of the railway staff would come forward and so keep the movement going. This was the last competition to be run undler the old' Group Railway s-ystem; next year teams from the six Regions and one from the L(EmdcDll Tra!l:!l.sport Executive would compete in the final.
l'iJ.rJJe thanked Sir Cyril Hucomb for sparing some of his hme ifs0) ible lPrgsent , al!lol als@ exp:mssed thanks to the doctors who had that day acted as judges. Dr. M. lVI. Scott (@f London), who conducted the team tests,
Dr. D. F. Barrett (of Huddersiield), who conducted the Individual Tests, and Dr. W. N. Booth (of Harlow), who conducted the Viva Voce tests, each replied and gave som@ useful criticism on the work done by the competitors They congratulated the leading teams on the excellence of their work.
Brigadier Barne @xpressed the Order's appreciation to Mrs. Maxwell and Mr. Joe Grossman for their continued interest in the work of the Order and f@r providing the scenery for the tests; to the stewarcis who had acted that day, and to the patients for their willingness to act in that capacity.
THE TESTS
In the team test competitors were confronted with a scene depicting a railway coach which had been telescoped with a railway employee in the debris. He was not trapped but was found to be suffering from asphyxia, burns of face (with blistering), burns on right arm with dothing adherent to skin (blisters suspected), simple fracture middle shaft of right femur, and a large wound of left arm, near elbow joint, with glass embedded. On restoration of breathing, mixed hremon:hage flowed from the wound. I t was necessary to take the patiemt from the carry him across the permanent way on to the station platform where a fiEst aid cupboard was clearly shown.
In the individual tests, No 1 had to deal with a man who had been found in a train suffering from a bullet wound of the abdominal wall. There was no bleeding externally, but very severe internal hremorrhag@.
Nos. 2 and 4 had to deal with a road accidcmt case in which the patient was 'found to be suffering from concussion with a lacerated wound of the right side @!fj fmiebieadi, frachms of the left f @rearm, and a fracture of the right leg.
No.3 had a singl€-haDided job. He was called to a man who had taken a corrosive alkali.
The Viva Voce tests were varied in character and included the signs and symptoms of a fraeture and the differences between a complicated and a compound fmeture (No.1), the degrees of insensibility, sig1'l.s d€liloting that a patient was passi1'l.g from cqntwssion to compr€SSiOlil, treatment of coneussion and compression (No 2), infantile convulsions and signs and symptoms of hysteria (No.3), trgatment of ruptured varicose vein and how to ensure cleanliness of sterilized dressings in use (No.4).
Taken as a whole the teams displayed a good knowledge of the but many little points were omltted, thus marks were lost.
We exitencit congratu]atiGll'ls to tlliile team from HOi"shann on the l!l.!lGst exoellent display. To gain flli'st place in a competition as the wIth.a margin of 36 marks IS Illdeed a splendId performance. 'Ve also extend congratulations to all teams who took To reacita the final they had to put III some very hard training
I
WOMEN'S INTER-REGIONAL COMPETITION
The filfst competition between women 's teams in the Regions will be held at Trenchard House, Broadwick Street, LOllld©n, W. 1. 01'1 Frid a y, June IS, comrnem.cimg at 1.1 £ p m. The Ckampiolllsihip Trophy (a Rose Bowl presented by Sir Robert Burrows) will b e presented to the winning t eam by Lady Burro'\Ns, whils t Mr. V M. Barrington-Ward (Railway Executive) will pre sent the individual pri zes.
No tickets of admiss ion are required.
RAILWAY REGIONAL AMBULANCE NEWS
EASTERN AND NORTH EASTERN
The Group Competiti€ln was held on May 15 when the winners of the Great Central, Great Eastern, Great Northern, and North 'Eastera Centres fGr t ihe two p [aces in tke Railway Hnal. Dr. A. C. White Knox was the judge and he placed King's Cross Loco first witk Langwith Loco runners-up. March" A", last year's winners, were placed third. Mr. C. K. Bird (Chief Regional Officer) presided and extended good wishes to both teams. He stressed the importance of fiFst aid and stated that ambulance matters would n(i)t be allowed to d!ec:rease under ;the FlIew organization. SGme 11£ teams h.ad entered the preliminary rounds of the Centre competitions, and he h<'lped for more next year.
results: 1st, Camden" A"; 2nd, Somers Town; 3rd, St. Pancras " A ". Mr. Purves (District Chairman) presided, and after voicing thanks to the judges, asked Mr. Trott t€l present the trophy to the winning ;team.
SOUTHERN
Folkestone.- Sixteen members of the Folkestone Class have a total of 439 years of service with the ambulance movement. Service is from 2 years to 51 years, and it is possible that the total (averaging just over 27 years per member) is a record Note, we say" possible" !
Southampton Docks.-Class presentations were held on May 4, when Mrs. R. P Biddle (wife of the Docks and Marine Manager) presented the awards. Mr. F. A. Trott presided, and after the presentations Mrs. Biddle, Mrs. Uzzell (wife of the late Welfare Officer), apd Miss Grindley each received a bouquet. Launceston.-Among the awards presented to members of the Launceston class were two 21 year Gold Medal and two 14 year Gold Medals. The awards were distributed by Dr. O'Connor, Class Lecturer, to whom Mr. Merritt (Waterloo) paid tribute for the grand assistance he gives to the movement. A similar tribute was paid to Mr. J effereys, Station Master. Audit Department.-On May 10 the " Ben Allen" Pairs Competition was held. Eleven teams entered, the winning pair being Mr. J. Potterill and Miss W. Todman . Mr. Allen presented the cup and Miss D. Martin the prizes. Mr. Potterill thanked Dr. Scott and Mr. Turk for judging the tests.
WESTERN
The final cGmpeti.tion of tke Western Region was held in London on May 6,
LONDON MIDLAND
Women's Final.-Somers Town Goods gained first place and will represent the Regi<'ln in the first Women's Inter-Region Competiti€ln on June 18 A " were second, with Manchester fOUlith. Twelve teams cGmpeted, the judges being Dr. R A. Dench (of York) and Dr. R. Sutherland (Glasgow). Mr. H. J. Comber (Chief Officer, Labour and Establishment) presided at the prizegiving, and the prizes were distributed by the Mayoress of Blackpool (Mrs. T. Furness).
London District.-The competition fior the Soutiherm. Area bOJPihy was fuJeld at Eust@n H @use GIl! May 10, the jl!ldges being Mr. F. A. Trott (team) and Mr. G. E. Craft (individual). Mli. Hopilbns (Disb:ict S<zcre t ary) announoced the 172
first aid rendered by members of the Region. The Chief Medical Officer gave a resume of each case before the awards were presented to Mr. G. L. Corke (Signalman, Pontypool Road), who received a G(i)ld Medal and CertifiGate; Mr. A. J. Rosewarn (Porter, Taunton), Silver Medal and Certificate; Mr. W. Rowlands (Constable, Barry Docks), Bronze Medal and Certificate. The following also received certificates: A. B. Cornish (Yard Inspector, Rogerstone), I. D. R. Taylor (Checker, Oxford), L. T. Curtis (Parcels Porter, Paddingtol'l), J. Tasker (Signalman, Pontypool Road), C. Goodhall (Ganger, Acton), and G. B. Watson (Engineman, Old Oak Common).
The number of teams entering this year's Divisional competiti€lns numbered 118; 64 in Class 1 and 54 in Class 2. Women's Final.-As a result of the Women's Final Competition, Swindon " A" will represent the Region at the Women's Inter-Region Competition. Swindon "B" were second; six teams taking part. Lieut.-Col. E. J. Selby judged the work done and Mr. H. H. Phillips (Assistant Chief Regional Officer) Garried out the presentation of " Florence M. Lean" Cup to the winning team and the " Mabel A. Potter" Cup to the rulllners-up. Individual prizes were given to the :first three teams. Many Officers of the Region were present, including Dr. Cavendish Fuller (Chief M.O.), Mr. A. S. Quartermaine (Chief Engineer), Mr. C. Fuber (Commercial Supt.), Miss E. E. Brenan (Chief Welfare Supervisor for Women). Mr. P. Anstey (Ambulance Secretary), and Mr. A. J. Martin (Asst. Ambulance Seuetary).
POLICE AMBULANCE NEWS METROPOLITAN
when Drs. Scott (team) and White Knox (individual) judged the work of eight For the second year in succession a teams, the teams gaining highest marks member of" Y" Division gained first place in the semi-final round. There was a in the Individual Championships. This good number of spectators to witness the year s final was held on May 25, at GilmGur displays of the teams to give applause House, wfiere Lieut.-Col. E. J. Selby and for good work. Dr. J. J. Hughes judged the work of the Mr. K. W. C. Gmnd (Chief Regional eight competitors who had been successful OffiGer) presided at the presentations and in preliminary rouads. 'Fhe result plaGed caUed upon the Ambu IDance Secretary Inspector J €lnes (Y) :first, with P.S. (Mr. P. Anstey) to announGe tihe Fesults, Blunden (E) as runner-up. Otker placings whiGh were: 1st (Challenge Shield and were P.S. Frost (M), P.S. Fahey (Y), prizes), Newport High Street" A"; 2nd, S.P.S. Pethybridge (TS), P.C. Read (K), (Carvell Cup and prizes), Swindon "A "; P .C. '.Vrighton (F), and P.S. Dace 0), 3rd (prizes), Cardiff Bute Docks; 4th in that Qrder. It is of interest to nGte (prizes), Tnaro. The latter team also that no less than five competitors gained gained the" Henry " Bowl. tl;te 90 marks each in the Viva Voce, this team securing the hIghest pOSItIOn III being the maximum number of marks Class 2 in the annual competitions. Other available . teams, iEl! m-d!etlf oill Merit, wel-e: Major Vi'ViaIl! B. Rogers tetlf , iRuab0iTJlJ , aned P @it'th. M[-s. !in-Ch.ief of tihe SpecIal Grand presented the trophies and prizes, C?nsta,hulary), I?resented the Cham"vhieh included awards for exceptionai plOnshlp Trophy III 1943.
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Continuing extFacts from the .Report of the Chid CommissiQner in IndIa for the year 1947, not the l€ast of the good w?rk done by St. John members in hospItal and refugee camps was the of such duties as helping in the supervIsIO n and distribution of milk, food, aNd clothes, enlorcement of health and sanitation measures, search for miss ing, - manning telephone posts, transport of refugees and provisions, etc. . . . _
In BQmbay the Muslim DlvlsIOn manned a mobile dispensary, with the assistance od: voluntary doctors, and in the last quart€r of the year it treated. 22,210 patients. Although transport umts were disbanded in Bombay, six motor ambulances were taken over by the Ambulance DivisiQns of the :Bombay District and these were used t © cOElvey more than 4,500 eases to hospitals. ,
Despite depletion of personnel members of Nursing Divisions devoted work tinued in hospitals. The Bombay Nursmg Divisions p[fovided assistamce at the embarkatioN. (1)f approximately 6,500 families, 3,000 officeFs, and 780 repatriated Poles. Members Qf the Y.W.C.A. Nursing Division worked at the Family Free Canteen at the docks.
In Ahmedbad 26 members of the Nursing Division undertook refugee relief work and rendered excellent service in the camp at Kurukshetra when there was a great shortage of trained nurses . A :first aid post was organized by the local Nursimg Division di\!lring the flare-up in Simla.
Assistance was again provided at Colonel Dick's Eye Camps in Bahawalpur State. The Surgeon-in-Chief visited the camp and expressed his pleasure at the excellent work done by the Nusing members.
The partition of India has resulted in much disorganization of the Brigade. It has not been possible to continue to control from Delhi since September, and the Pakistan Units nave contiFlued their work without any Brigade leadership. No official reports of their work have been received, but the Chid Commissioner has heard, unofficially, of much good service rendered by Units and ind ividuals. It has been decided to re®l"ganize ;(tihe Pakistan Units into an iFldependent Brigade. InspeGtions were made during the year by the Lady President-in-Chief, the Chief Commissioner for India, and the Lady Superintendent-in-Chief. All expressed their admiration of the devoted service given by members of Ambulance and Nursing Divisions.
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A training camp, the first of its kind for Nursing Divisions, was held by the G.L!? Railway District at Lonavla, where particular attention was paid to t.he improvement of the standard of dnll. Other camps were held at Pauri, in Garhwal, and in Bengal. Competitions were well supported and some exceedingly good displays were given.
The Brigade is justly proud of the excellent war-time record of the Auxiliary Nursing Service (India), which it helped to organize in 1941. Recruitment ceased in April, 1946, and a system of gradual release was set in operation . During 1947, 720 Nursing Cadets were released, but on the reconstitution of the Army, following the partition in India, it was found that there were not sufficient nurses for the requirements in Military Hospitals. It was therefore decided to suspend the normal release of A.N.S. members. The number serving at the close of the year in the Indian Union and in Paki stan awaiting transfer to India, was 197. These continue to serve with unremitting care, tending sick and injured in military and civil hospitals during civil disturbances and unrest, in addition to other duties.
Service rendered by St John personnel all over the country in this first year of independence augurs well for the future. Nowhere did these workers falter, making light of personal danger. Their names will be recorded among the young heroes, brave in mercy, tender and courageous, of whom the nation may well be proud, and on whom it must rely for the provision of a nucleus for the augmented humanitarian service requirea. in the future.
Kenya.
As a direct result of the visit to Keny'a in 1938 by the Chief Commissioner of the Brigade Overseas (then Colonel now Sir James Sleeman), the Kenya Branch of the Association was formed under the preside ncy of Mr. Cavendish, Commissioner of Poiice. The Brigade had been started in the Police Force and Railway and Harbour personnel many years before that. When the war came t he two bodies merged ancil the @f the Assodatio!ll amI the B rigade Gonformed to the common needs Now that peace has been restored St. John has entered into the field with renewed vigour. Already the Division at Mombassa is active under the guidance of a St. John @fficer who won the George Medal for bravery in Liverpool, and groups are opening up all over Kenya.
THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION
It is of interest to note from the Annual Report of the Association that at home the number of certificates issued during 1937 exceeded that of 1946 by nearly 5,000. In first aid the increase was nearly 8,000, but Child Welfare, Hygiene, and Sanitation were lower. Overseas the number of certificates issued are down on 1946, but even so there is still the encouraging number of over 78,000 issued during 1947. Under" Classes of Instruction in First Aid and Kindred Subjects" it is pleasing to read of the formation of the Post Office Ambula,nce which incQrporates the whole of the country. Since 1902 this Centre confined its activities to the London area a lone, and the present extension of activities w ill certainly increase the interest in first aid and other subjects
First aid classes have a lso been arranged by the Home Office, the Admiralty, the War Office, the Ministry of Town and Countr y Planning, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Under new Home O-ffice Regulations all Prison Officers in their first year of training have to obtain a certificate in first aid, and it is hoped that in time all Government Departments will arrange for members of their staffs to l earn first aid and maintain their knowledge by attending" refresher" courses.
In London, the Metropolitan Police has resumed regular first aid classes for new entrants, and simtlar classes have been arranged at other Police Training Centres in the provinces. Among other classes formed at home during 1947 were those organized by the
"CORONATION CUP" COMPETITION
This competition, open to teams in Hull and District, was held on May 8 at the Municipal Technical College, Hull, when twelve teams competed before Dr. K. E. Beverley (team) and Drs. J. M. H ermon , ,-,y. Gibson, and D. Fullerton section). Mr. L. Ballam (District Goods Manager, N .E. Region, Railway Executive) acted as chairman at the presentation ceremony which was carried out by Mr. H. J aram (Asst. Chief Constable, Hull City Police). Grimsby
British Overseas Airways Corporation for the instruction of 180 Security Wardens; those organized by the Port of London AuthoTity, the Gas Light and Coke Company, the South Metropolitan Gas Company and other Gas Companies, Borstal Institutions, and the 1st Cadet Battalion, Middlesex Regiment. In Austria, UNRRA Welfare Officers have heild first aid cilasses for Ukrainians, Latvians, and Russians, and in the Middle East, courses have been arranged ' for Nursing Orderlies of the R.A.M.C.
The Report contains reference to the fact that the 1947 Report is the seventieth of the series. In the first r eport for the year 1877 the following paragraph appeared: ' , At least 1,100 people are now more skilled in h and ling the injured; and the power of relieving pain and saving life which is implied in that fact is enormous."
Comparing that statement with the fact that over five and a half million certificates have been issu ed since then, and that the knowledge is efficacious is also evi:dent from the fact that in 1947 it is estimated that certificate holders of the Association treated prQ)bably more than one million accidents in the streets, at their places of business, in indu stry generally, and, not least, in the home, a variety of first aid which is unspectacular and seldom pu blicized.
Another interesting feature Qf the Report is that contained in the Appendix where the various translations of the Textbooks are given. These include Arabic, Siamese, Chinese, Italian, French, Welsh, Greek, many IFldian dialects, and lastly, German.
G. Pimperton (Grimsby Docks), runner-up A. E. Pinder (Dairycoates, Hull); No.5, F. H ancox (Pontefract Colliery), runnerup, M. Bielby (Dairycoates, Hull). Tht< chairman of the Competition Committee was Mr. G. H. Oakes, with Mr. W. E. Twinham as Secretary.
Found.-Silver Miniature Medallion No. 284454 . Owner can h ave same on application to Ambulance Officer J. W. Gomer, 28 Westfield A venue, Fleetwood, La!;-cs.
Docks (Raiilway) gained first place, being Camping Ground.-A camping gmund closely followed by ' Hull City Police. of the East Riding of Yorkshire County, Individual winners were: No. I, O. F. situate at Hornsea, has a few vacant dates Wilson (Grimsby), runn er -up, F. A. Page during which accommodation can be (Hull City Police); No.2, J. 'Folson extended to Brigade Units outside the (lPonteiFact Comery), F1lll ner -up, A. J. C®umty. Full as to dates, etc., (Girims[)y Docits? ; No.3, H. Burto!lil Gam be oibtained diirect fr®m County (Hull Station), runner-up, F. Mitchell Headquarters, Priory House, 29 Cotting(E.R. Yorks Police, H .Q.); No .4, ham Road, Hull.
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No. I (PRINCE OF WALES'S) DISTRICT
Dagenham.-Pte R. Spanton gained first place in the" Dorothy !B. Howard" DivisiQl!lai Tnsrphy, followe d by Pte. S. Kirk. District Officer E. Howard judged individyal work, whilst the donor, Mrs. Howard, judged the theory.
Members of the Dagenham Divisio n, together with members of th e Nursing Division met in April t o celebrate 21st year of the Ambulance Division. DistFict Officer E. Howard (founder of the Division) and Supt. G. Ware were present. Unfortunately President C. Single was unable to attend. The history of the Division was outlined by Mr. Howard and Supt. Ware. Mr. and Mrs. W a re were presented with a silver pencil and bouquet respectively by Mr. S. Kirk, in appreciation of their efforts on b eh alf of the Division, and Mrs. Howard was presented with a bouquet by Mrs. Deacon in appreciation of her efforts in the early days. District Officer H oward and Supt. vVare jointly cut the magmificent Birthday Cake.
LANCASHIRE DISTRICT
Sm., the doyen of local Divisional Surgeons, welie interesting and am u sing. He IThad been teaching and examining since 1897.
COUNTY OF BERKSHIRE
The County Ambulance and Nursing competitions were h eld at Reading on May 22, the team an.d individual ·tests being set a nd judged b y County Surgeon A. Buchana Barbour assisted by Doctors Richard Body and "',T. D. Tate. Uniforms were ju dged by Asst. Com missioner F. A. C. J arvis, Corps Supt. F. W. Nash, and County Ofiicer Miss D. K. Gibbons. MemBers of the Casualty Union under County Ofiicer H. F Skidmore, acted as p atients. The winners in the Ambulance section were R eading Great Western Division (captained by CorpI. G. T. Davis) followed by Bracknell (leader Corp i. N. Brown). Maidenhead Division gained first place in the Nursi n g Section (captain Amb Ofiicer Mrs. T. J. Bristowe), followed b y Reading South (captained b y Sergt. Mrs. M. Essex). The trophies; which were presented to the winners by BlackpooI.-Register ed on May IS , County Supt. The Hon. Mrs. Leslie 1898, the Golden Jubilee of t he Blackpool Gamage, were the Didcot Shield for the Ambulal'l.ce Division was celebrated at Ambulance team, given to the County in Headquarters. Arranged by a Committee, 1934 by Sir Felix Pole, and a new cup for with Sergt. J. Hall as secr etary, a most the N ursing team given by the County enjoyable function was h eld, the pleasure Superintendent who a lso gave a propelling being greater through the attendance of pencil to each member of the winning many Brigade veterans, four of whom teams. Arrangements were in the hands joined the Division 50 years ago. Pro- of Asst. Commissioner Jarvis, in the ceedings opened by prayer by the Rev. un avoidable absence of the Commissioner Canon Yates, after which the Chairman through illness. Those present included Asst. Comm issioner W. H. GastaU ' and County Vice-Presidents Lady Loraine and Supt. Briggs weleomed the gu ests. A Lady Denham and County Officer Lady message of congratulation was sent by Spickernell. the Chief Commissioner (Lt.-General Sir Ascot.-At a dance held in a id of Henry Pownall) and the District Com- Divisional Funds, those present included missioner (Major Burt Hamilton). Corps Colonel Anwyn-Passingham (a member of Supt. Tom Donnelly in reviewing the Chapter-General), County Vice-President history of the Division mentioned his Lady I?enham, Asst. Commiss ioner Jarvis, being reques ted by the Chief Constable and D1V. Surgeon ]. W. Maycock. (Asst. Commissioner]. C. Derham) to try Hungerford.-A session of the National to get together m embers to form a first Blood Transfu sion Service, organiz ed by aid class. 'Ihis he did and horn it . a members of the Hungerford Ambulance Division was formed. Of the strength of Division, was held at the Corn Exchange 50 members, 33 served in the SQJuth on May 2, when sixty attended. African War. Accommodation was given A com.mittee of St. J ohn members was by the Winter Gardens Co., at peppercorn formed r ecently to run the Serv ice and rent. The present Headquarters were this was the first sess ion to be held for purchased jointly by the Ambulance and nearly two years.
Nursing Divisions, and after four years was Reading.:-Councillor E. J Carter has free from debt. Mr. Donnelly paid tribute b een appomted President of the Town to the Medical Profession and to the "A" Ambulanoe Division.
Nursing Division for their mnfailing momthly meeting oil aSSIstance and hearty collaboration. The the WaUmgford Good CornpallJiOfi'S Gub J. R. was held on May 11, when over 60 hIS assoclatlOn WIth the D1v1swn; WhIlst members attended. Members of the the reminiscences of Dr. Allen Iredale, Wallingford Nursing Divisio n, assisted by 176
the Mayoress of Wallingford (Mrs. Lester) were responsible for arrangements and catering.
COUNTY OF CORNWALL
Launceston -Whilst on a visit to Co rnwall, Sir J ames Sleeman (Ch.ief Commissioner, Brigade Overseas) mspected Ambulance, Nursing, and Cadet Divisions at Launceston. He was much impressed by the parade and stated that he had n ot seen such a smart turn-out of l ate When you have got smartness, continued Sir James, and pride of appearance you have got an efficient body which can turn out at a m.o ment's notice for any catastrophe. Sir James also told the assembled members that h e had inspected asim ila r Unit of the Brigade in Launceston, Tasmania, and the work of the Brigade Overseas. Sir James was accompanied by Asst. Commissioner W. G. Mooney and County Ofiicer A. T. Mossman. The Divisions on parade were under Supts. ,"N' Farley, A/Supt. Miss C. Werren, and Amb. Officer Miss M. J ones, whilst the Cadets were under Mr. J. Henwood and Cadet Officer Mrs. F. Manning
COUNTY OF CHESHIRE
Moreton.-The Moreton Ambulance team gained first place in the" Ormerod " Cup competition for the second year in succession, against two teams from Wallasey. Dr. Duncan judged the team test and Corps Surgeon J ohn '\i\Tilliams the oral examination.
COUNTY OF DERBYSHIRE
Chesterfield.- The Chesterfield Tube Co. 's " A " team gained first place in the Tube Investment Trophy held at Birmingham, where 9 teams competed. They were followed by the" B" team. In the Individual tests Ptes. Howard and Jefferi es tied for first place
County Surgeon G. E. Sawdon, County Supt. Miss Wood, County Officers Underhill and Miss Whitehead, the P6rtreeve of Ashburton, the Leat and Baron Juries , the ChaiJ;man and members of the Urban Council. Representatives from numerou s Brigade Divisio h s were also present. The ambulance was handed to the Brigade, on behalf of the subscribers, by Mrs. E. F. V\lhitley, mother of the chairman . Paignton.-On May 27 the final of the Butland Cup took place, the winner being the team led by Pte. R. The members of the team were Ptes. T. Hammett, E. Tancock and C. Readwin Seco nd place was gained by the t eam led by Pte. A. C. Taylor. The winners also received propelling pencils presented by the donor of the cu p , Mr. R. Butland. St. John has a Bedford amb ulance which was r ecently dedicated by the Bishop' of Crediton at a ceremony presided over by the chairman of the Urban Council and attended by members of the County Staff.
A site has been offered in Qu een's Park for the erect ion of two huts to be u sed as headquarters.
€OUNTY OF ESSEX
The County Nursing Competitions were held at Coleb-ester, where Commissioner Co l. Hamilton acted as judge for the team test, Miss Fernley (Matron, Essex Coynty Hospital) in the Home Nursing, County Surgeon Radcliffe the individual and dual tests, and District Officer Mrs. Morrish (No . 1 District) the uniforms. District Officer Haines (No.1 District) " made-up" the patients. Chelmsford" A" gained first place, and will r epresent Ute CouEty in the Regional Finals. Thaxted Nursing Team gained the trophy for Home Nursing. County Supt. Mrs. Smellie was the competition or ganizer.
COUNTY OF GUERNSEY
EAST, SOUTH, AND NORTH DEVON· In the" Street Accident" Competition SHIRE the North team gained the" Press" Cup, Ashhurton.-On May 23 the new Austin and Corpl. R. L. Rihoy and Sergt W. motor ambulance of the Ashburton Divi- Baker, gained the Boots and Jackso n sion was dedicated by tfue VicaiJT , the Rev TFophies im the Individual section Mrs. Gerald A. B. Jones County Commissioner O. Priaulx presented the trophies. Those Dr. F. W. Morton Palmer paid tribute to present includ ed County Commissioner Supt J. A. Mann, who, he said, had beerl Dr. W. B. Fox, Major O. Priaulx (Presithe mainspring of the Division for a dent, Town Division), 'and Dr. Bostock number of years. He also congratulated and Dr. Rapier who judge d the team and the Division o n transforming three ruined individual tests respectively. cottages into a sp lendid ambulance On the Qccasion of the silver wedding Supt. Mann in tracing the efforts to obtam ann iversary of Supt . and Mrs. H. P. tne ambulance, the fi:rst in Ashburton Saunders presentations were made to them saicl. tIThey could not h ave s ucc eeded had on b ehalf of the Divisions by Supt. Miss it not been for t1l'e magnificent support of G. M. de .Garis and Amb. Officer J. F . t he towns peop le. £90 0 had been raised. ShoFe. A Joint presentat ion was also Those present at the oeremony i.nclu@ed made by Cadet Marley and Nursing Cadet ' Asst. Com£nissioner G. W. Himgsto n, Pamela Poole.
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COUNTY OF KENT
At Aylesham on May 8, the Snowdown Colliery Division held the 3rd annual ambulance competition for the" Mackinson Rose Bowl ", open to teams in the distr[€:t. Dr. 1. B. McCrae set the test and judged, assisted by Dr. J . A ll en. Mr.]. Griffiths (repres enting the Colliery Management), Mr. A. McKnight (representing the mines), County Officer C. C. Elam, County Cadet Ofiicer ]. Baker, Supt. Butcher (representing the police j were among those present. Dartford Police gained a narrow victory over Canterbury Police, with Canterbury Brigade but 2 marks behind the winners.
COUNTY OF LEICE$TER
Leicester.-Supt. Mrs . vVatts has presented a si lver cup to the St. Mary's Nursing Division for annual competition. The first event was held recently when tests were arranged in first aid, home nursing, and general knowledge. Miss E. Bryan gain ed first place w i th Mrs. E. Rowley as runner-up. Officers and members extend thanks to :NIrs. Watts and to the adjudica,tors.
The Gipsy Lane Ambulance and Cadet Divisio]ls held theiF annual supper and concert at tlit€ Gipsy Lane W.M. Club for old aged pensioners who are members of the Club. President L. Miller welcomed the guests.
COUNTY OF NORFOLK
Management Committee with Mr. R . B. Walker as chairman Norwich.-Mr. J. W. Fisher presided at the annual meeting of the Boys' Club Division at which it was reported that 272 people had been treated during the year and 1,102 public duties performed. The Lady Mayoress, who was accompanied by the Lord Mayor (Mr . \1\1. G. Cutbush) presented the annual awards.
Cromer.-At the annual inspection of the Ambulance and Cadet Divisions by County Commissioner Sir Thomas Cook, Serv ice Medals were presented by Mr. \ lV Fulcher (Vice-Chairman, Cromer V.D.C.) to Cadet Supt. J. H. Tarling, Sergts. ]. D ennis and ]. R. Hawes, and Privates G Boldero and W. A Fisher.
Holt.-At the annual dinner Mr. H. W. Moulton pres id ed s upp orted by the County Commissioner, Asst. Commissioner C. B. Andrews, Cou nty Officers S. E. Day, and Mrs. G. E. Portal, Div. Surgeon A. S. Hendrie, Col. D. M. Reid, Supt. J. T. Briggs and others The dinner was preceded by the annual inspection by Sir Thomas Cook.
NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM
Officers' Fraternals.-At the invitation of Corps Supt. J. J efferson and Officers of the Sunderland Corps, the second Fraternal Meeting of the 1948 season was h eld at Sunderland on May 15 After meeting at Sunderland Headquarters the assembly was conveyed to the Lifeboat Station at Sheringham.-At a recen.t meeting South Docks, where they were shown over called. by Mr. F. G. Jordan, Chairman of the lifeboat "Edward and Elizabeth the Vrban District Council, to consider Irwin" by Coxswain T. Cowe After tea this matter, County Officer S. E. Day was at Seaburn where the Mayor and Mayoress elected chairman of the Old People's of Sunderland were the principal guests Welfare Committee. and where County Commissioner Stanley Th€ recently formed Nursing Division Embleton introduced Sir Myers Wayman, attended their first annual inspection on recently appointed A ss istant CommisMay 10 when County Commissioner Sir sioner, the party returned to Sunderland Thomas Cook inspected Ambulance, Nur- H ead quart ers where a bu siness meeting sing and Cadet members. Mr. F. G. was held. After an entertainment had Jordan (Chairman, Sheringham V.D.C.) been enjoyed, a unanimous vote ofthanks presented Service Medal to County Officer was accorded the Sunderland Corps for S. E. Day, Amb. Officer E. G. Randall, their kindness. Sergt. D. G0ulty, Corp I. E. G. Ardley, Gateshead Fell.-On D ecember 7, 1944, Corpl. F. J. Cleall, Pte. P. F. Bull. A the Gateshead Fell Ambulance Division certificate for Long SeTvice was presented attained 50th Birthday but owing tGl to Pte. W. H. Plummer. Those presel'lt the war, It was not until recently that included County President Lady Cook, an:angements could be made for approDiv. President Brigadier A. L. Kent pnate The principal event Lemon, Div. Surgeons H. C. Geldard and of the evenmg was the presentation of the T. Lee, Supt. E. C. Turner and other Jubilee Certificate which County ComDivisional officers. missioner Stanley Embleton handed to King's Lynn.-There was a large atten- the Division on behalf of the Ch ief Comdance at the conference of the Ambulance mis si<?ner. was r e ceived by Supt. and Nursing Corps on May 10 when among G. Mmto, who m reply to the Commispresent were the County Com- sroner's eongratulatiems on " the lr::mg span mISSlOn€r and Lady Cook, County oJ[ 50 years' work tllile Brigw@e" exdent Lord Alb €ma1ile, County Supt. Dr. p ress ed the hope that the eJlilvislem. wom]@] May Rutledge, Area Cadet Officer Mrs. continue to function for many years to R. Otter. It was decided to S€t hlp a come. Included in the guests were 178
Mr. Elijah Auld and Mr. Tom Hepple, both founder members of the Division.
COUNTY OF OXFORD
The County Competitions were held on May 8 at the Pressed Steel Co., Ltd., Cowley, when the team from the Pressed Steel gained first place, a nd so gained the Furley Trophy, for the second year in succession. They will represent the County at the R egional Competitions to be held at Weymouth. County Commissioner Dr. C. Gardiner-Hill presented the awards and thanked the directors of the Company, members of the Company's Division and firemen for their assistance. He also presented the Gardiner-Hill Cup won previously by the Oxford Nursing team.
COUNTY OF SOMERSET
Frome.-On May 1 the new H eadquarters of the Frome Division was officially opened by As st. Commissioner A. \l\Te vell, who deputize d for the County Commissioner. Div. Surgeon A. R. Williams presided at the ceremony and introduced Mr. H. M. Scott (Chairman Frome V D.C.) who, in turn, welcomed the Assistant Commission er. Mr. Scott paid tribute to the work of the Brigade and hoped that the new headquarters would be used to beneficial purpose by St. John. Mr. Wevell gave a message of good wishes from the County Commissioner, re fe rred to the flag which he " broke" at the flagstaff. It was one of the old est and most beautiful Christian emblems. He went on to say that the penalty for service to mankind was still more service-" bigger and better demands on you and your time." Dr. Williams thanked everyone for their encouraging support. To have a home of their own meant a great deal to each member of the Division. He expressed grateful thanks to the British Red Cross Society who haGl kindly allowed them the :u se of a room before acquiring the building.
The Frome Division took delivery of a new Home Service type ambu lance in February l ast when it was put in to commission. The 10cal t00)[k over the ambulan€:e servi!ce at the beginning of the year, and the work one case per day. The scattered nature of the district is such that an average of 16 miles is covered for every patient. Splendid co-operation is reported by members of the British Red Cross Society.
Bath.-An interestin g l ecture was given to members of all Glivisiol'l,s in Bath by Mr. Ernest 'Tovey, l3.Sc., F.B., O.A., F.S.M.C., (M l! the subject of. "Contact L€[1ses ", Glmring which Mr. Tovey gave a demonstration of the actual making of lenses in this connection.
COUNTY OF STAFFORD
Hanley.-At a recent social of the Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, County Supt. Mrs. M. V. Penny presented awards to Nursing personnel, includiJ:lg ' two Service Medals; whilst Corps Supt. Nixon presented the President's awards to Ptes. J. Tansey, A. Sherrat , J. Lawton, and the Read Rose Bowl to Amb. Offic.er W. Tansey. Div. Surgeon T. Hamilton presented the Ambulance awards and congratulated the Division on their high efficiency
Leek.-At the recent social, Asst. Commissioner F. G. Porter presented. the Rev. N. W. Watson with his badge of office as Vice-President, and explained that the Leek and District Corps had established a big name for itself by providing the winning Nursing team for the whol e of North Staffordshire. Mr. Watso n expressed the hope that he would be able to serve the Corp s for many years. Those present included County- Supt. Mrs. P enny, Corps and Divisional Officers.
COUNTY OF SURREY
The annual County Competitions were held at DOFking on May 8, when teams of Ambulance, Nursing, and Cadet personn€! competed. At the conclusion of the tests County Commissioner \lV. G. Pape pr€sided and called upon the Competition Secretary, Asst. Commissioner J. p, Fla\;in, to announce the results. These were :-
Ambulance: 1st and Onslow Cup, Reigate ; 2nd and Martin \ lVilliamson Cup, \ lValton and Weybridge.
Nursing: 1st and Onslow Cup, Guildford No.1; 2nd and Ethel Dean€ Cup, Hosley.
Junior Nursing Cadets: 1st and Blades Cup, Guildford No.1; 2nd, Redhill and Reigate. Guild ford also gained the Christian and Nicholas Cup open to \lVest Surrey teams.
The above teams w ill represent the County in the Regional Competition, together with Redhill and Reigate Student s in the Senior Nursling Cadets, and the Merstham Cadets in the Junior Ambulanc€ section. .
County President The Countess of Ljndsay presented the trophies and congratulated the competitors. Both the Commissioner and Lady Lindsay expressed the hope that they would do well in the Regional competitions.
A pleasing ceremony was when the County Commissioner asked the County President to present to County Officer Miss Stables an eleetri€: table lamp hom members of the County Staff on tl1e occasion of her fmthcoming marriag€.
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Addiscomhe.-During 1947 m€mbers of the AddisGomb€ Division rendered first aid to 1,800 cases whilst on duty, and a furth€r ISO cases at the h€adquaders dressimg station of which number 46 wer€ ['ef€rreGl to hGlspital. Tllese figures were given at the annual meeting of the Division at which President Cmmcimor H. Lock Kendell pTesided. He paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr. H. O Swaine, who had been president since the inception of the Division until his death, a period of over 25 years The report of the Ambulance Servic€ showed that 366 patients had been carri€d and that the ambulances had travelled 12,773 miles. Mrs. L ®ck Kendall presented awards incl-hldimg tible 3rcl Servi<t:e Meol!al Bar tc DistriGt Officer E. J.. Prew, 1st :Bar to Pte. Robelits; S01!lthern Railway 21 year Gold Medal to Mr. H. V. Bailey and 14 year '5lilver Medal to Pte. W.
The Addiscombe Division is affiliated to the No.1 Rabat Division of the Brigade in Malta, and recently they welcomed at a dinner Lt.-Col. V. U. A Ab€la, Commissioner of Malta. He expressed gratificatIOn of the opportunity thms afforded to Wlak€ personal contact with Addiscombe and was :parttic1!ll31rly iJmpresseol wtith tJile r@cords, r€ports, and evidences of the activity of his hosts . He gave an mterestmg d€tailed report of the work carried out in Malta. President Councillor H. Lock Kendall thanked Col. Abela for his remarks, and added that the hectic war time experiences of Malta and of Croydon provided a natural link between the two divisions. Other speak€rs induded Asst. C@mmissioner B. ]. Wrigglesworth, Alderman R. F. Russell, and :District Officer Prew who is the officer-in-cllarge of the DivisioN. Calierham.-A dedication and presentation <t:@r€mony was held at Hea@l.quarters when, in the presen<t:e of membtHS of the Ambulance, Nursing, and Cadet DIVISIOn, Asst. Commissioner unveiled
Capt. Ellis presented Service certificate and Ribbon to Amb. Officer L. Hampshire, and a book token and cup, presented by Corps Supt. Gristock, one of the founder members of the Division, to Sergt. R. Balchin, as th€ members who had taken iNt erest an d! gtiven tile most 'fue l p dUl'lFlg the year. A book token was also presented to Pte. R Bakeli as runner-up.
COUNTY OF WAR WICK
On the occasion of the visit to Coventry by H.R.H. The Princess Elizabeth a call was made to all Ambulance, Nursing, and Cadet Units in the County. Commissioner Major E. S. Phillips placed Asst. Commissioner G. 1. Fowler in charge of a ll first a tid anam.gements a nd of the selectioN ot personnel fQr the march past. The casualty services were carried out, in conjunction with the Chief Constable and the B.R.C.S., with great keenness and ability; whilst the St. ] ohn members in the march past did great credit to the Brigade.
Twelve F.A. posts were established at various points, supported by mobile a mbulances manned by more than 400 St. John personnel. All routes taken by Her Royal Highness were lined by police at 10 yards interval, and between each pair stood a St . ] ohn member. The did excellent work both in support of therr elders and in bringing water for the general public.
The Mayor of Coventry in a letter to Mr. Fowler stated ' "Will you please convey to all members my grateful thanks for the merciful duties they performed ... " The Chief Constable wrote; "The arrangements you made were splended Your men and women a great of work to do and they that work m exemplary fashion and m a manner that the public of this country have. c0l!le to expect of your great orgalllzatIOn. "
a tablet to the memory of Sergt. -Pilot WEST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
G. G. Goldmg, who lost his life on an Dewshury and District Corps.-The operational flight during the war. He was Shield competition was held a mernbgr cf the Division. T he Rev. G. M. at Ml!l';fieM where the judging was uli1derlLongsl1li@m thi@ ita19Jert. Asst. taken by iILt .- Cot C. ll3. Ball (C@rps Commissti@i1Jl€li Flavim. presenit€ciI! SgF'V'tiee Surge(})I'l!, Worsboro) and Div. Smi'geon Medal C€rti:fii.cates to Sergt. W. W. K. S. Ask€ Corps Supt. Martin, Corp I. ]. Sumner, and P tes H. Horne presIded at the presentation W. ]. Sankey and W. ]. Edwards d . Medal Ribbons with one Bar to Amb'. ceremony an m the absence of County o Surgeon G. H. L. Hammerton (donor fficer C. G. Moore, Sergt. F. Garrett of t!:e shIeld) Asst. Commissioner H. a.r: d Pte. P. A. Underwood, and Harnson presented the shield and other with two Bars to Sergt H. to the successful competitors. In Ch dOIng S? he. congratulated the compehto:rs CcmJlmtisstiom.er Capt. om. them itugh effi..Giency. Rave mst ihc@Jlip e P. H. E llIS GaFFl€d @u t the iro.s[Jpeeti@lil ga:med first p Lace, the ;[[i)div[dlla[ iJ¥>Ttize the Ch ertsey Divisi@n amd c@:tnlgratulateci1 WiJ.Iil.lThers J N. Hirst, G. the members on their exeellent work. The W lk Division paraded under Supt. W. Howes. Dil!l.dding, an of Ravensthorpe 180
Headquarters: Priory House, 4 Cathedral Road, Cardiff.
GENERAL INTEREST
Brigade Appointments.-The Prior, the Earl of Powis, has approved the following appomtments ;-
Edgar Llewellyn, Esq., M.B., Ch.B., as Surgeon-in-Chief for Wales.
Gwilym Pari Huws , Esq., M.B., Ch.B., as Assistant Surgeon-in-Chief for Wales. These appointments follow the resignation of Major A. W Anderson, in whose departure, with Mrs. Anderson, from Wales, the Priory has sustained the lo ss of two staunch supp orters . Major Anderson took an active part in the work of the Priory for "V,Ta les from its inception, prior to which he had given many years of service t o the cause of first aid. Despite the h eavy demands of his large practice his attendance at meetings of the Chapter a nd Standing Committees of the Priory could always be relied upon just as his long and varied experience and kind and impartial advice was placed freely at the Priory's disposal. Like her husband, Mrs. Anderson accepted no office in name only. As President of the Ogmore Vale Divisio ns she was very l arge ly responsible for the high standard of work maintained in that valley and the sphere of her l eadership and influence h a d been extended by her acceptance of the appointment of Lady County Superintendent for Glamorgan. Major Anderson r etains his membership of the Chapter as one of the six representative Knights of Grace and it is the earnest wish of Priory personnel that an improvement in the D octo r 's health will permit him and Mrs Anderson at no distant date t o spend at least part of their time within the territory of the Priory for Wales, where there is always an open field for service of such proven worth.
Dr. Edgar Llewellyn, a Knight of the Order, brings to the office of Surgeon-inChief 34 years' experience as a Brigade Surgeon, commencing as Divisional S1!lrgeon at Bedlinog. He served the Cardiff Centre as Corps and County S1!lrge(})n and in an executive capacity as Commissioner for ten years prior to his appointment as Assistant Surgeon-in-Chief.
North Wales is represent€d in the appointment to the Assistant office of Dr. G. Pari Huws, who has been responsiMe for a[1 St Johin activities in the Wes;fr Cemif:F€, as C@[i)iil1939, havi!lilJg made an 3Jetive con;frrilDution to St . ] ohn work from 1924 onwards.
181
Lihrary and Museum.-Recent additions accepted with gratitude by the Council of the Priory include a gift from Colonel Sir Edwin King (Chancellor of the Order) of a medal struck by the Sovereign Order in 1922 to commemorate the fourth centenary of the last siege of Rhod€s, the design on on€ reverse representing the entrance to the famous Hospital of the Order at Rhodes. The Librarian, Sir Leonard Twiston-Davies, who has made many generous bequests to the Library and Museum, purchased for the Priory a painting of Nicholas Cottoner, Grand Master of the Order, 1663-80, and from Mr. A. W. S. ] ones the Council received a framed photograph of five Royal members of the Order. An interesting medal was presented. by Assistant Commissioner C. L. Higg s and Commissioner H. S. Cann has given some early St.] .A.A. publications.
CENl'RE REPORTS
CARMARTHENSHIRE
I t is pleasing to record the practical interest of the Odeon Cinema authoriti€s in the promotion 'of first aid among young boys. The manager of the Odeon Cinema at Llanelly, Mr. O. T. Lewis, has for the past five years developed a very flourishing Cinema Club for boys and girls and, with the assistance of the officers of th€ local Ambulance and Nursing Divisions, started a seri€s of first aid classes at the Cinema on Friday €venings. These classes r@s1!llted in an examination at which 12 boys qualified for their first certificate.
On Saturday, April 24, the normal entertainment for the Cinema Club was interrupted so that a formal presentation of these certificates could be made. Mr. Hogier, of Ocleon. Theatre Control, Bristol, came a[ong eSipecially ]@r the oe!\:astion , andl 'fiw m tlile stage of the tliu.eaih€ m3Jde the presentations in the plieSelThGe 0] the County Commissioner and those J5rigade Officers who had been responsible for the classes. Mr: ].]. Davies, County Road Safety Officer, who was until rec€ntly Corps Superintendent in the Brigade, was also present.
It is probable that as a result of th.is very enwuragil5lg begimn['l5lg th.ere will be iOirmed t ihc@first Odeofl Cadet Division in Carmad!blenslfJ.i.iIfe, thanks to the initiative, the inteI:est, and the enceuragement given by those who are helping to stimulate interest in this work.
CITY OF CARDIFF
First Aid at H.M. Prison.-Capt. F. P. Robathan, Assistant Commissioner, attended -Cardiff Prison 'on May 2@ for the pu['p ose presenting t ihe 1i.i!rst aid cedifiGates gained by stut9.eoo.ts ili!l th.e class reGently brought to a conclusion The result of the examination-l00 per cent success-reflects great Gyedit upon Dr. J A. G. Gulliford, who has lectured to a class of prisoners on vVednesday evenings for the past four years, ab'ly assisted by Ambulance Officer T. L. Daym.ent, who has been most a ss iduous in his weekly attendances over the past six years. The successful students were paraded in the office, in the pnsse nce of the PTilOo[} Governoli aned Padre, who adedrelOsed the men and called upon Capt. Robathan, who gave each man a handshake and expressed his pleasure that they had taken advantage of the opportunity of acquiring knowledge which was bound to prove of value to them and hoped that they would continue their interest.
Ohituary.-The sudden death of Mrs. F. J. Tyrrell, Corps Inspector of Stores, Cardiff and District Nursing Corps, dealt a sad blow to many local organizations, but by none will she be mis sed more keenly tha.n among her coneagues in the Brigade, ,,:,h1Ch she served with distinction, partIcularly during the war years when she was extremely active as Corps A.R.P. Officer. It was in keeping with h er enthusiasm for the Order and her work on behalf of others that friends were asked to send donations to the Priory in place of floral tributes, and Priory funds benefited by the five COI1tributi GliJ'ls The Brigade formed a guard of nOID.our a t the graveside.
Cadet Film Show.-A programme arranged under the auspices of the Central
Office of Information was greatly enjoyed by 121 Cadets of the Cardiff Nursing Corps. The films shown were all of particular interest, that entitled "The Student Nurse" making a deep impression.
BOROUGH OF MERTBYR TYDFIL CENTRE
The ann ual meeting of the Centre Committee was held on May 8, when Commissioner Capt. W. J. Canton presided in the unavoidable absence of the Chairman, Colonel Ronald Thomas. In the' course of his report the Commissioner stated that there had been a general decrease in the m embership of the Brigade in Wales since th e war, many having joined only for the Civil Defence services. The strength in the Merthyr area was now 699 and he hoped that the factories and transport services would assist in the formation of new ambulance and nursing divisions when conditions become more settled. The Treharris Nursing Division was successful for the second successive year at the 1947 National Eisteddfodd, and the Treharris Cadet Nursing Police divisions had be en reorganized owing to the return of m embers from the Forces and were showing considerable keenness. They were second only to Glamorgan Cou nty ·Police in the ambulance competitions at Newport and several members had r endered valuable first aid in road accidents. They were greatly indebted to the Chief Constable , Mr. Melbourne Thomas, who is also the Assistant Commissioner, for the encouragement h'e had given to Police members in first aid classes.. elifect of the selivict:e Junior Corps and Youth organizations, combmed with the impos sib ility of obtaining uniforms, was still severely felt.
Mr. Canton expressed the view that much could b e done in recruiting for the cadet d ivisions if the Director of Education and the schools would take an interest in the , instruction of children in first aid. The National Coal Board were doin g much to improve the first aid services in the mines and classes and competitions were being arranged in this specia l su bj ect. The Commissioner reported that the Hospital Fete Committee had h anded over to them the valuable silver trophies presented by Hills Plymouth Co., Thomas Merthyr Co., and Mr. Freeman (Jeweller), for which ambulance and nursing competitions had been held at the Fete for many years. This was greatly appreciated and the trophies would now be used for their own annual centre competitions. The officers and members of the Ce ntre Committee 'were re-elected.
The Late Couuty Officer T. Auhrey Rees. -The Centre has lost one of its most loyal officers in the death of County Officer Rees, a much respected citizen who rendered great to the town , of Treharris in which he commenced his Brigade career over thirty years ago.
Mr. Rees was in very truth a Serving Brother of the Order, and some hundred of miners have reason to be gratefu l to him for the skilfu l first aid rendered on countless occas ions during the course of his work at the Deep Navigation Pits.
BOROUGH OF NEWPORT CENTRE
Long and effi.cien t service is recognized in the appointment of Mr. Thomas J ohn Raines as Assistant Commissioner for Newport. Three years following his enrolm ent in the Brigade in 1924 , Mr. Raines was appointed Corporal, being promoted Sergeant a nd Secretary in 1929, Ambulance O ffi cer in 1931, and Divisional Superintendent one year l ater. In 1938 he beca,me Corps Secretary and since 1945 has b een Corps Sup erintendent. Mr.
Raines is in possession of the Service Me¢l a l and Bar.
RHONDDA CENTRE
The first post-war reunion ef the Ynyshiy Ambulance and Nu['si:ag Divisions t l90k at the Ambulance Hall on May 1, when President Emrys T. Harcombe presided, supported by the Hon. John H. Bruce, J.P., D.L. (Principal Secretary and Commiss ioner for Wal es), the Hon. Mrs. J. H. Bruce, Commissioner J H. Davies, Assistant Commissioner T. J. Evans, County Officer E. Edwards, Divisional Supt . A. E. Holman, and a number of County, Corps, and Divisional Officers. ' .
In proposing the toast of " The Priory for Wales" the Commissioner traced the steps that l ed to the establishment of the Priory in 1918. No person could have carried out the multitudinous duties attendant Upe>n the office of Principal Secretary with more distinction than the present occupant who had held the appointment for the past 17 years.
Responding, the Han. John H . Bruce paid tribute to the record of the Ynyshir Div isions which was upholding the Rhondda's great traditron for service. He presented warrants of appointment to those whose war-time appointments had been su b£tantiated, and the Hon. Mrs. Bruce handed gift tokens to those members who had served with H.M. Forces.
Mr. E. T. Harcombe presented a silver cup for Cadet competition in the Lower Rhondda Corps.
Other toasts included "The Order of St. John ", "The Lower Rhondcla Corps ", "The Ynyshir Ambulanee and Nursing Divisions ", "Membe:rs Returned from H.M. Forces ", and" Our Guests ", and a moving tribute to the gathering was paid by Mr. J. J. Evans, the proceedings being concluded with the singin g of the vVelsh National Anthem.
(Contimted on page 190)
YNYSHIR DIVISION. Seated in front, from l eft, Vicepresident J . J. Eva[Ols , E. T. Ha!fGolRbe, The HoN. ]. M. Bruce, Commissioner J H. Davies
DEDICATION OF THE RHYL AMBULANCE.
In the picture are included Lord Mostyn (President, Flin tshire Centre), Colonel H. C. L. Howard (Centre Chairman), The Dowager Lady KeIilyon (Lady President), Mrs. Howard, Asst. ColilJll!loissi@Iiler 1Dbe L0rd KeIilY0Iil, CoJ.ililill!issioner Dr. J. Wells, Councffi:lor P. T. Trelilearn, Asst Cornmis· sioNer C. Higgs, and the Ven. Archdeae0n Roberts.
