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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 2, Issue 11 (March 1, 1928)

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So far, “Safety First” chats in previous issues of this paper, have touched but lightly that really splendid work rendered efficiently and ungrudgingly by the various units of St. John scattered throughout the length and breadth of this and other countries.

Railwaymen in New Zealand are not lacking in this phase of the safety first principle, and “legion” are the cases of first aid rendered in our workshops, in station yards, in our streets, on our high roads and last, but not least, on our playing areas by those of us who in the past have sacrificed a fair amount of time and money in gaining a knowledge of how to succour the injured and sick. This is particularly so at Hillside, where, before the War, a most efficient “division” had in hand such matters as providing ambulance units for Rugby Union fixtures. The call for volunteers, however, so sadly depleted our ranks that our poor “Division” had for the time being to put up its shutters as an official unit of St. John. In spite of this, enthusiasts who remained saw to it that first aid classes were held every winter, the result being that from time to time batches of certificates and medallions came our way.

Among those responsible for thus keeping alive the nucleus of knowledge it is invidious to make comparisons, but we feel in honour bound to mention the name of a good old stalwart, Mr. J. Hanson (a man of wide experience including several years actual war service), who, although not a railwayman, has fathered this good work at Hillside for many years. Nor must we forget the great help given us by various members of the Medical Profession, whom, we are glad to say were ever ready and willing to become our lecturers and examiners. Without their help cur endeavours would have been futile.

Hillside Railway Ambulance Representatives. Winners of McGeorge Cup. Back row (left to right): A. Peters (Superintendent), R. Seymour, A. R. McEwan, J. H. Hanson (coach), Front row: R. W. Gilliand, J. C. L. Keenan.

Hillside Railway Ambulance Representatives.
Winners of McGeorge Cup.
Back row (left to right): A. Peters (Superintendent), R. Seymour, A. R. McEwan, J. H. Hanson (coach), Front row: R. W. Gilliand, J. C. L. Keenan.

Just over two years ago a meeting of those interested was called at which it was decided to re-establish the Division with Dr. Allan as lecturer, and Mr. Hanson as instructor, at meetings to be held in the Social Hall every alternate Monday evening. Various changes in leadership left us finally with Mr. Alf. Peters as Superintendent, an office he still holds in the most thorough and painstaking manner. Whenever we require “tools of trade,” etc., it is generally Mr. Peters who makes personal representation to that august person, the Workshop Manager, to whose credit may it be said he has not yet turned us down in any reasonable request.

Mr. Graham has met us in the most courteous and friendly manner. Speaking candidly, the same may be said of all the “Heads” right up to the Railway Board, who recently, not only saw to it that Ambulance work on our Railways was organised on a new and more thorough basis, but most generously granted to three Hillside teams the necessary leave on full pay—including free railway passes—to enable them to attend competitions at Christchurch on Labour Day and also for one team of four men, to be selected after the above fixture, to compete at Wellington on the 8th of November last. This we hold is as it should be, showing the way in the matter of co-operation in any matter vital to the interests of Railway employees, and we would also suggest that it be a recommendation to the Board to do its utmost towards inspiring and fostering a spirit of friendly competition as between the various Railway Ambulance Units. We feel certain that this will receive consideration; indeed, something of this nature was promised by Mr. Grant, the officer appointed by the Department to organise first aid classes on a larger scale than any previous effort. We page 45 might mention here that, as a result of a visit to our centre by this gentleman (who gave one or two lectures and distributed enrolment forms), four classes were formed at Hillside alone, along with others at the Locomotive Sheds and Dunedin Station, at which a goodly percentage of passes was obtained.

A perusal of our records disclose the interesting fact that at Hillside shops some thousands of cases are treated annually. What must the figures be for the whole of the Railway Service? Surely this must be food for thought and mean something to our employers who, no doubt, being discerning gentlemen, will fully realise and duly give credit for the work done by those who so willingly and voluntarily help thus to save for the Department (in the way of compensation and sick pay) perhaps thousands of pounds annually.

An item of very considerable local interest was a competition held in the Drill Hall on Saturday the 3rd December, under the auspices of the local branch of the St. John's Ambulance Association. The competitors were many, and included teams from Hillside, Locomotive Sheds, Dunedin Division and the Boy Scouts. There were also larger entries from the ladies nursing divisions. To the Locomotive teams we offer our hearty congratulations on their very fine display and the places secured by them in the finals. As to the well doing of our own teams at the various competitions—and our readers will, we hope, forgive us if we appear just a trifle egotistical in this matter—the printed photographs testify. Concerning the latter functions, while much welcome help was forthcoming from the Board a great deal had still to be done by way of “financing” the teams. It was therefore decided to hold a grand concert, and that various firms and bodies be asked to contribute. All helped and hundreds of tickets were sold in Hillside alone and the result was a most successful function. The programme was contributed to by members of the Commercial Travellers' Club assisted by leading local artists and the “Chairmanship” was in the very capable hands of His Worship the Mayor of St. Kilda, who, in extolling the good work of our Division instanced the great help we had given the authorities on the occasion of the Duke of York's visit (when something like two hundred children went down like ninepins in a sweltering heat at a public schools display). On this occasion we had associated with us the City and Women's Nursing Divisions.

Hillside Railway Ambulance Representatives. Winners Of The Novice Cup. Back Row (left to right): A. Peters (Superintendent), J. C. L. Keenan, R. Seymour, J. H. Hanson (Coach). Front Row: A. G. A. Swanson, A. R. McEwan.

Hillside Railway Ambulance Representatives.
Winners Of The Novice Cup.
Back Row (left to right): A. Peters (Superintendent), J. C. L. Keenan, R. Seymour, J. H. Hanson (Coach). Front Row: A. G. A. Swanson, A. R. McEwan.

In conclusion we would like it to be distinctly understood that the object of this attempt at Press work is neither parochialism nor notoriety for ourselves, but a genuine desire to have the spirit of St. John fostered and cultivated among our fellow railwaymen of “God's Own.” That the Board will do its share in this direction we have no doubt. Perhaps we may be permitted to make just one more request, that is, that they honour to the letter the promise made on their behalf by the organiser when he said, “that all other things being equal the man with Ambulance experience would get the preference when a promotion was being considered.”