ambulance
The St John Ambulance in Katanning was originally a part of the Railway Ambulance Corps and consisted mainly of railway workers. It evolved to become a branch of the St John Ambulance Central Office in Perth. The first ambulance building, including a garage and schoolroom, was built on railway land in Austral Terrace.
KATANNING.
RAILWAY AMBULANCE EXAMINATIONS
West Australian
2 March, 1909
Dr. Nutting, of Wagin attended at Katanning on Friday evening last to conduct an examination of the railway ambulance class. Seven candidates presented themselves, and the results were as follows:
Passed with much credit: J. H. Byrne, 95; Thos. Watkins, 90; J. T. Goode, 85. Passed with credit: J. T. Byrne, 80; S. Cullen, 80; W. Kennedy, 80; T. Doherty, 75.
Dr. Nutting reports: – “The class was an extremely good one, especially in the practical work.” All the candidates were successful in passing the examination. As 100 points are the highest that could be attained the results are creditable to Dr. House, of Katanning, who was medical instructor to the class.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE.
Financing the Service.
West Australian
8 January, 1931
The secretary and superintendent of the St. John Ambulance Transport Service, Mr. W. C. Brear, stated yesterday that the funds of the service were being gradually depleted owing to the failure of persons transported in the vans to make donations for the service rendered. During the past two months 16 persons transported to private hospitals and 52 persons conveyed to or from public hospitals had not responded to the association’s requests for donations, while scores of accident cases were also transported during the same period without payment of any kind.
The Ambulance transport service depended on the goodwill of the community whom it served, but it could not be efficiently maintained without funds, Mr. Brear continued. Indigent persons were transported free, but those more fortunately situated were expected to contribute for the service rendered, unless the community realised its responsibility to the service, there was every likelihood of the curtailment of the service at a very early date.
The work necessitated the retention of four paid drivers at all hours of the day and night – two on each shift – whose wages aggregated £20 a week. In addition there was the cost of petrol, and as the avenues of revenue to the association were gradually being closed the service was more than ever dependent upon those who had occasion to avail themselves of the ambulance, and who were expected to express their gratitude in a tangible manner.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
An Asset to the District.
Handsome Vehicle Arrives.
Great Southern Herald
14 September, 1932
Katanning’s first ambulance arrives
The ambulance acquired from Head Centre by the Katanning Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association was brought from Perth during the weekend by Mr. Joe Towers, of the Railway Ambulance Corps, and placed in Messrs. Gare and Mouritz’s garage, from whence it will be available for any emergency in the future.
The ambulance comprises a commodious enclosed van, powered by a 20 h.p. Austin engine and fitted with the latest equipment, including first aid appliances, fire extinguisher and two roller stretchers. At the recommendation of Head Centre, the vehicle was fitted with new wheels and over-size tyres, while the springing was modified, all at the expense of the local branch. This change has greatly enhanced the riding comfort and will render the ambulance fit for the altered conditions of country travelling.
The local committee has compiled a list of competent drivers, who will be available in any emergency to convey patients for medical treatment.
When it is remembered that the total cost of the ambulance to the local committee was only approximately £60, it will be realised that the district has obtained a first-class bargain. Funds are still required to defray running costs and pay the balance of the expenditure mentioned above, and a number of entertainments are projected by various townspeople and public bodies.
One event which should aid the cause considerably is the Springtime Ball to be held in the Lyric Theatre, on Wednesday, September 21st; This function is being arranged by the Movie Ball Committee and will comprise old-time dancing, several novelties and a circular waltzing competition.
Further funds will be required later to provide a garage as a permanent home. In connection with this, a deputation will wait on the Katanning Road Board on Thursday next to ask for the use of a portion of a public reserve for this purpose.
KATANNING CENTRE.
GARAGE AND CLASSROOM FUND.
Southern Districts Advocate
28 August, 1933
Subscriptions are required in order that the garage and classroom to be erected on the block provided by the Railway Department should be erected and opened free of debt. All subscriptions will be acknowledged in this column. The fund has been opened as under: –
£ s d
Mr J. F. Wanke 1 1 0
Mr M. II. Longmire 1 0 0
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
NEW GARAGE AND CLASSROOM OPENED.
Great Southern Herald
18 April, 1934
An important event in the annals of the Katanning Centre of the St John Ambulance Association, and of the town itself, was the opening of the newly built garage and classroom on Saturday afternoon. The building, which is constructed of asbestos board and jarrah, is located in Austral Terrace on railway property opposite the Lyric Theatre, and comprises a garage for the ambulance van and a commodious classroom for the instruction of members in first aid to the injured.
The ceremony was witnessed by a number of townspeople, officials of the local centre, members of the Railway Ambulance Corps and local Road Board members, visitors including Dr. J. J. Holland (State president of the St. John Ambulance Association) and Mr. W. C. Brear (secretary and supervisor of the head centre).
The opening ceremony took place on the threshold of the classroom, the president of the Katanning centre, Mr. A. F. Watts, introducing the visitors and apologising for the absence of the Hon. A. Thomson, M.L.C, and Mr. Robert Stephens’.
Although the building was not quite completed, he said, the opening had been fixed in order to enable Dr. Holland, State president of the St. John Ambulance movement, to be present. Only a few minor improvements remained to be made before the classroom would be ready for use, as the committee had hurried the builders on when the opening date was fixed a week earlier than originally intended.
The advent of the new building would mark the third stage in the history of the Katanning centre and was a sign of definite and sustained progress. The two previous stages had been the formation of the centre and the arrival of the ambulance van. When the idea was first mooted, some doubt had been expressed as to whether an ambulance was needed in the town, but after the van arrived, wonderment was voiced that Katanning had ever been without one.
Quoting figures supplied by the secretary, Mr. Watts said during the nine months following the arrival of the ambulance on September 12, 1932, 32 calls had been answered and 38 patients had been carried, the distance travelled being 340 miles. For the following nine months the respective figures were 51 calls, 56 patients and 1,220 miles. The totals for both periods were 83 calls, 91 patients and 1,560 miles.
So far as the committee of the Katanning centre was concerned, the work was both worthy and necessary and members were not going to “let up” (Applause). The cost of the building was £150, and although the resources of the centre had been strained to provide the money, it was felt that the outlay was fully justified. The centre made no direct charges for the use of the ambulance and relied on donations from persons transported, the efforts of the committee to raise money and donations from townspeople in order to pay for the ambulance, maintenance costs and the building.
He considered it was a tribute to the centre and the townspeople that the ambulance van had been paid for and funds were just in hand to defray the cost of the building. In conclusion, Mr. Watts called upon Dr. J. J. Holland, State president of the St. John Ambulance Association, to declare the building open.
Dr. Holland, who was greeted with applause, said it was a pleasure for him to come to a town in which he had spent many happy years on such a mission. When ambulances were first mooted for country centres, it was thought the relative high cost and few calls would not justify the small amount of service rendered.
Figures quoted by Mr. Watts would prove just how much the ambulance was needed in Katanning. Included in the mileage quoted was one journey of 248 miles. “In the city,” he said, “we would have hesitated to undertake such a trip.” The van, however, was an excellent one and had been well cared for; if much more were said of its capabilities, headquarters would begin to feel sorry that the van had ever been sent to the country (Laughter).
Ambulance vans were being improved from time to time, the latest change being that truck chassis were being used instead of car chassis for this purpose.
The people of Katanning and the surrounding districts were to be congratulated on having an ambulance of their own and for subscribing money to further the work of the local centre. The members of the local committee and the Railway Ambulance Brigade deserved a special word of praise. The latter, in all country centres, was almost invariably the nucleus of the St. John Ambulance centre.
“In the name of St. John,” said Dr. Holland, “I have much pleasure in opening the door of this classroom and wishing members of the Katanning centre every success in their efforts to alleviate suffering.”
After opening the door with a key which had been handed to him by Mr. Watts, Dr. Holland said his committee had approached the Lotteries Commission for a monetary grant to country centres, and he was very hopeful of announcing in the near future that a sum had been allocated to Katanning.
The ceremony was concluded with a demonstration of first aid by Messrs. Barclay, Pearce, McArthur and Whitney, of the Railway Ambulance Brigade, the “patient” being Mr. “Jock” Barclay, who was reputed to be suffering from simple fractures of the forearm, right thigh and a scalp wound.
The “patient” was bandaged and attended to quickly and gently, a burst of applause greeting the demonstrators as the “sufferer” was placed on a stretcher, laid in the waiting ambulance van and driven away by P.C. Maller.
Mr. Alex. Prosser, chairman of the Katanning Road Board, in moving a vote of thanks to Dr. Holland, said the St John Ambulance was doing a great and noble work, and the town was honoured at having in its midst the State president, who was well known to many people present through his previous happy, he trusted, association with Katanning. The St. John Ambulance did not discriminate between rich or poor, clerks or shovel men, and was only concerned to save suffering. It afforded him pleasure to move a hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Holland for officiating at the opening ceremony.
COMPLIMENTARY DINNER.
On Saturday evening Dr. Holland and Mr. W. C. Brear were tendered a complimentary dinner at the Royal Exchange Hotel by the committee of the Katanning centre, the gathering being presided over by the chairman, Mr. A. F. Watts.
ST JOHN AMBULANCE
KATANNING CENTRE
Interesting Resume of Operations.
Useful Information Concerning Quick and Efficient Service.
Southern Districts Advocate
17 December, 1934
In a progressive modern community, the efficient care of the sick and injured ranks among matters of major importance. Not least among the requirements of those who are unfortunate enough to need this care is that of speedy and yet comfortable transport to medical and hospital attention. The doctor’s task may be made much harder if his patient reaches him after a nerve-racking ride in some unsuitable conveyance, and the patient’s chances of a speedy recovery greatly improved if he or she is in a position to call on a properly fitted up Ambulance Van, attended by those accustomed to first aid methods.
It is not surprising, therefore, to find that in Katanning a centre of the St. John Ambulance Association is to be found, with officials and helpers always willing and ready to lend a hand wherever needed, and almost as surprising to learn that it was not until early in 1932 that definite steps were taken to bring this service into being in the town and district.
Although prior to that time public spirited and far-sighted citizens had made spasmodic attempts to further the project, a lukewarm attitude on the part of those who might have been expected to assist had been responsible for the postponement of the time when arrangements could actually be made.
In 1932, however, the officials of the St. John Ambulance Association (Railway Division), set about raising funds to provide at least a beginning in the desired direction. With the assistance of a willing band of lady helpers and the co-operation of representative citizens in other walks of life, a series of euchre parties and dances were held in the Masonic Hall, resulting in a sum of £47/15/4 being subsequently handed over to the Committee elected at a public meeting.
This meeting was held in the Town Hall on 7th July, 1932, and having been called by the Katanning Road Board at the request of those responsible for raising the funds inferred to, was presided over by the Chairman of the Board, Mr A. Prosser, J.P., Messrs Lambourne, Chief Officer/Fire Brigades, and W. C. Brear, secretary Head Centre of Perth, were among the speakers, and a resolution carried that a Centre be established at Katanning.
The first committee consisted of: Patron, Hon. A. Thomson, M.L.C.; Vice Patrons, Hon. H. V. Piesse, M.L.C., and Messrs A. E. Piesse, M.L.A., W. J. Rogers and J. Barkley, J’s.P. Drs. Loftus and Pope, Messrs A. F. Watts, A. Prosser, J. F. Wanke, W. P. Bird, A. V. McShane, J. Tower, A. Barclay, W. Watson, P. Meins, and A. J. Pearce, and Mesdames G. A. Mort, F. Freemantle and F. G. Simmons.
Messrs A. F. Watts and A. V. McShane were elected chairman and hon. secretary respectively and have held office ever since. Mr W. P. Bird was elected vice-chairman. Mr Robert Stephens, F.I.C.A., was elected hon. auditor.
In the years of financial depression that have ensued, the success of the Centre, both financially and otherwise, has been extremely encouraging. The Committee realising that the well-to-do have no monopoly of sickness and accidents very soon came to the conclusion that fees were not to be charged, contending that their efforts would thus merit a larger share of public support.
The wisdom of this course has been very apparent. While donations, large or small, are looked for whenever possible, they are in every case entirely voluntary, and to date have not provided for even the running costs of the vehicle which has had, in the main, to be financed from other sources.
On the contrary, however, financial assistance has been forthcoming from local authorities and committees of well-wishers in various parts of the district to supplement moneys received from the Centre’s share of the Lotteries Commission’s grant to Head Centre, and the efforts of the Katanning Centre Committee in conducting Paddy’s Markets and similar functions from time to time. Funds, however, are constantly required, and it is earnestly hoped that among our readers there may be some who will lend a helping hand.
While today the Centre has an Austin 20 Ambulance well fitted up and a Garage and Class Room its own property, erected on land provided by the Commissioner of Railways, in 1932, the Committee had only the determination to provide these essentials and the small amount of money referred to. As a preliminary, application was made to Head Centre for the loan of an Austin 20 Ambulance which it was understood had been replaced by a larger and more powerful vehicle.
This application resulted in an offer from Head Centre to give the ambulance for service in Katanning, provided the Committee could see its way to pay the sum of approximately £60 for overhaul and alterations necessary to make the vehicle suitable for country conditions. Accompanied by the chairman of the local Centre, Mr H. C. Mouritz, when in Perth, took the opportunity of inspecting the vehicle and it was later decided to accept the offer, with the result that on September 28th, 1932, the Austin 20 Ambulance, completely renovated and provided with new wheels and other improvements, was officially handed over to the local Centre by Dr. J. J. Holland, the State President.
The ceremony taking place in front of the Katanning Town Hall in the presence of a large attendance. Subsequently, Dr. Holland, and those who accompanied him, were entertained by the Katanning Road Board at dinner at the Katanning Hotel, and the first milestone in Ambulance service in Katanning had been passed.
For some time the vehicle was housed free of charge in the garage of Messrs Gare and Mouritz, but it was subsequently decided that the Centre required its own premises, both for cover for the van and to provide a class room for the First Aid Class, and a Committee room.
After various proposals had been gone into, a deputation consisting of Messrs A. F. Watts, W. P. Bird, and A. V. McShane, waited on the Commissioner of Railways when he was in Katanning, and the Commissioner consented to making available a piece of land adjacent to the Katanning Railway Station, at a peppercorn rental, for the purpose.
The Committee immediately set about raising funds. A Paddy’s Market was held in the Lyric Theatre, which resulted in the sum of £29/3/8 being received. A special donation of £25 was made by the Lotteries Commission. The Katanning, Broomehill and Woodanilling Road Boards donated substantial amounts, and various efforts of friends and well-wishers finally enabled a contract to be entered into for the erection of suitable premises at a cost of £147/15/-, the plans and specifications being prepared free of charge by Mr S. R. Evans, secretary and building inspector of the Katanning Road Board.
The official opening took place on 14th April, 1934, Mr A. F. Watts, the Chairman of the Centre, calling on Dr. J. J. Holland to declare the building open, this ceremony being followed by a demonstration in First Aid by members of the Railway Ambulance Corp. Subsequently, Dr. Holland and the Secretary of the Head Centre, Mr W. C. Brear, who accompanied him, were entertained by the Committee at dinner at the Royal .Exchange Hotel.
The Ambulance is now housed in these premises, and arrangements have been made for First Aid Classes to be held from time to time.
As an indication of the services rendered in the town and district during the two years in which the van has been available, the following summary will be of interest:
Included in the trips during the year ended 30th of June, 1934, was one to Newdegate and back, a total of 248 miles, to transport an urgent case, and another to Cranbrook and back, 103 miles, to transport two persons involved in a motor car accident. A number of other trips, varying in length to 80 miles in all, have been undertaken, in addition to shorter journeys. It will be readily recognised that no drivers or First Aid attendants can be regularly employed, and paid, and a tremendous amount of voluntary service has been given by those who have the interests of the Centre at heart, quite irrespective of those on the Committee.
A number of gentlemen have signified their willingness to undertake duty when called upon, and at no time has the secretary found it impossible to secure the assistance required from among these citizens, no matter how lengthy a journey may have been undertaken. A list of the helpers referred to is given hereunder as an indication of the number that are willing to assist in the work of the Centre.
The demands made upon the van have far exceeded those that were originally anticipated and provide accumulating evidence of the necessity for the service, and the desire of the public to see that service improved and extended as far as possible.
Quite recently the Head Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association in W.A. awarded to Dr. E. Campbell Pope a vellum vote of thanks as a small mark of appreciation for services rendered over many years as Hon. Instructor and Examiner locally; also to Mr A. F. Watts a certificate of life membership in recognition of services given in the foundation and carrying on of the work of the Katanning Centre. These were presented to the gentlemen named at the Katanning Road Board meeting last month.
NOTE – REMARKS:
A. Barclay available weekends only. H. Newbey, H. Haddleton and P.C. Mallor have wide knowledge of surrounding district.
LADIES’ FIRST-AID CLASS FORMED
Adjunct to St John Ambulance
Great Southern Herald
16 August 1939 – P2
Thirty five ladies were present at a meeting called by the Katanning Centre of the St. John Ambulance and held in the Ambulance classroom on Tuesday evening of last week to discuss the formation of a ladies’ first aid class. Mr. J. F. Wanke was voted to the chair.
After the aims of the meeting had been explained it was resolved that a class of instruction in first aid for ladies be formed conjunction with the St. John Ambulance Association Katanning sub-centre.
The following office bearers were elected: President, Mrs. E. Campbell Pope; secretary, Miss Joy Walter; treasurer. Miss Juanita Brockman. Correspondence was read from Miss Mary Meares and the secretary of the head centre.
A vote of thanks was accorded Mr. J. F. Wanke and the secretary of the sub-centre for having convened the meeting. The class will meet in the Ambulance classroom at 7.30 p.m. to-night, Wednesday.
AMBULANCE DEDICATED
Little Interest Shown by Public
Great Southern Herald
23 May 1952 – P1
In the presence of a small gathering, the new van of the Katanning St. John Ambulance Association Sub-Centre was dedicated on Saturday last. Visiting Perth officers and local officers later attended an informal dinner in the Katanning Hotel when speakers highly praised the voluntary service provided for district residents.
Between twenty five and thirty people were present on Saturday afternoon when the new ambulance van was dedicated and officially handed over to the Katanning St. John Ambulance Association Sub-Centre. The function was held in front of the Town Hall.
In a brief service of striking simplicity, the Rev. V. W. Deakin performed the ceremony dedicating the van in its service for the sufferings of humanity. The Order of St. John, the Rev. Deakin stated, had been founded in 1878 for the relief of suffering. The movement was now international and its good work was being carried out throughout the world.
The President of the Katanning Association Sub-Centre, Mr. A. S. Wilson, welcomed those present, who included Perth visitors, District Superintendent and member of the Association Head Centre Council, Mr. G. C. Stewart, and the St. John Association general secretary, Mr. H. Hilton.
In officially handing over the keys of the van to the Katanning Sub-Centre president, Mr. Stewart said Katanning had obtained its first ambulance twenty years ago. The new van was the third purchased by the town and great credit was due to those concerned with the local organisation. On receiving the keys, Mr. Wilson handed them to the safe-keeping of the Transport Officer, Mr. W. A. Johns. As president, Mr. Wilson said he paid great tribute to the St. John Ambulance Brigade members and the voluntary drivers who were always prepared to go out at any time when their services were needed.
Following the short ceremony, the van was opened for inspection by members of the public.
INDEBTED FOR SERVICES RENDERED
Later in the evening, an informal dinner was held at the Katanning Hotel. Following the Loyal Toast, proposed by Mr. Wilson, the Rev. Deakin proposed the toast to the St. John Ambulance. The service rendered by the ambulance, he stated, was one of the best types of community service there was and he was depressed that so few townspeople should display any interest in the afternoon’s function. Whereas they could not be bothered to witness the handing over, they would be ready in calling on its services if required. Responding to the toast, Mr. Stewart said the organisation had first been established in this State in Perth and had spread from there to numerous country centres. It was providing a great service.
Proposing the toast to Brigade members, coupled with the voluntary drivers, Mr. F. I. Synnott said Katanning was particularly well served. An essential service, which at times could make the difference between life and death, was manned entirely by volunteers and too few people recognised the debt of gratitude owed. Mr. C. W. Levitzke responded saying members of the brigade, and drivers, did the work of their own free will and the effort was kept going by the teamwork displayed. He said if the public would only help the work would be made very much easier.
The toast to the Katanning Sub-Centre was proposed by Mr. H. Hilton. He remarked on the fact it had been established in 1932 and outlined the progress made during the intervening years. He also commented on the habit of people expecting the ambulance to be at their beck and call, yet never giving a thought as to how it functioned or what its financial needs were. Mr. Wilson responded, paying tribute to the splendid service rendered to the public. He also expressed appreciation for the effort made by the Association secretary, Mr. S. Kemble, without whose interest, he felt sure, the new van would not have been possible.
The toast list was concluded with a toast to the Press, proposed by Mr. S. Kemble, and responded to by Mr. Synnott.
FURTHER READING
St John Ambulance in Western Australia
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1870-79 The need for first aid training
The St John Ambulance Association was established during 1877 in England by the Order of St John. The aim of the Association was to address the growing need for effective first aid training to deal with the increase in accidents occurring with the development of an industrialised and urbanised society. Continue reading