First Aid Journal 1903

FIRST AID.

The Independent Journal for the Ambulance and Fire Services.

Conducted by ARTHUR T. DALE, M.J.I. and JOHN REYNOLDS.

No. I0 3. -VOL. IX. [NEW SERIES.] JANUARY, 1 9°3 [E"te"cd at Statiollers' lfall.) PRICE TWOPE TCE

IMPORTANT NOTlCE. - The date of pUblication of "First Aid" is the 20th of the month.

To Our Readers.

As it is the earnest wish and desire of the new Proprietors to make this J oumal as attractive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, the Volunteer Ambulance School of In struction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the memuers of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are invit ed for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

\Ve particu arly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and t o the point in any communications they may send us for publication. We are pleased to record the fact that we are a lr eady r eceiving a great accession of support from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limi ted, in dealing with reports of local meetings for presentation of certificates, &c., it would be better that a brief report were wrilten, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon uy the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should be sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This report is doubtless intere ting to local First·aider , but it must be borne in mind that we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at large.

TERl\lS OF SUBSCRIPTION.

For 12 months, 2S. 6d., post free, to be sent to the Publishers, \l essrs Vale, Reynolds and Co., 46, Cannon-st re et, London, E C. Telegraphic .rI ddress-" Twellt)':/oll1', London."

TelephollC NO.-'i477 Bank.

Brevities.

IT will be grati fying to all actively interested in the well-being of the volunteer fire brigades of London to learn that in the near future they may expect to be placed in position of the conditions governing the competition to be organised by the Corporation. Th e order for the challe n ge shield has already been placed, and the City Lands Committee hope to be in a position to r eport short ly, and thu s to pave the way for the boldin g of the first competi tlon in the early spring It was on the suggestion of the City Press, our readers may r emember, th at that the decision to testify in this way to the good services rendered by the brigades was arrived at; and, consequelltly, at th e office of that jo urn al what may be described almost as a pate rn a l interest is taken in the project. That the competition will tend materially to in crease the efficiency of

these "first aid" agencies, and encourage a healLhy SPJrlt of emulation is not to be doubted for a moment. * * *

THIS Journal bas also taken an active interest in this question and rejoiced exceedingly at the proposal of the City Fathers to recognise the splendid services rendered by our first aiders in the fire service, but we have felt all along that the City Lands Committee would have been well advised to have requested the active co-operation of the London Private Fire Brigades Association, an organisation which has now proved for the last five years how thoroughly they understand the details appertaining to contests of this kind The annual competitions organised by the .\ssociaticn are a credit to the Association and to the working Committee which formulate and carry out the arrangements, and we would suggest that the City Lands Committee might do worse than ask for the active, and we will say valuable, cooperation of the Committee of this Association.

* * *

THE Committee of the Baker Concert are grateful to the many friends who have assisted them with donations, and they are especially grateful to those firms in the printing and advertising trades - Messrs . Goode Bros., Clerkenwell-road; Messrs. Bell and Co., St. John's-square, Clerkenwell; and Messrs. Willing and Son, King's Crosswho generously did the whole of the heavy printing and advertising gratuitously. We learn they are also grateful to Messrs. Spiers and Pond for the reduction made in the hiring fee for the Hall, but it is a harsh proceeding to take away with one hand what you gi\"e with the other ,V e understand a member of the Artistes Benevolent .\S50ciation was prepared to send in the necessary refreshments for the artistes' r oom at his own expense, so that it might not be a charge on the funds. It is scarcely to be credited. This was forbidden. Personally, we do not belJe\"e that the management would have enforced their decree, but we do hope that if this should meet the eye or eyes of the Directorate they will find their way clear to see that the prices charged for the artistes' room are based on what is known as "popular," and not on the usually high rate adopted by the Tavern management. It seems hard lines that these several valuable organisations should work hard to help a comrade injured in defence of his country and then o hav e their efforts somewhat nullified by these exorbitant prices.

The decoration of the Royal Reel Cross has been conferred on Miss Wedge\\'ood, matron of the Royal Free Ho pital, in recognition of her sen'ices in Soutb Africa.

Voluntary Aid to the Sick and Wound e d in War, w ith Special Refer e nc e to Ho s pi t al Ord e r lies,*

13Y SURGEON l\L\JOR GEORGE A. HUTTON, S.J .• \ .•.

THAT yeteIan in all ambulance work-Sir John Furleywho went out to So u th as Chid Commissione r for the British Red Cross Society, sa id on his re t urn home :"Experience proves two things. In no army can the medical department be made equal to exigencies of a great war "'ithout supplementary aid from Voluntary Societies, and no such societies can properly fulfil that duty without preparation and organisation in time of peace."

Entering the army as I did just before the outbreak of tbe Crimean War, I well remember the state of the \rmy at that time. The results of the practical experience in all departments of the army with the great Peninsular war had, in cons ljuence of the long peace, cr radually disappeared, and those who remember tbe early b d experience in tbe Crimea know too wdl the sufferIngs an bcroic endurance of our brave soldiers at that time.

The IIerbert Commission, held at thc close of the Crimean War, did a great deal to improve the army medical and hospital arrangemt.nts; but here, again, by tbe absence of any great war, the improvem e nts were aradually allowcd to disappear, and there can be no doubt fhat on the outbreak of the South African War the medical and hospital arrangements were quite unable to meet the requirements of a great war. There was no lack of ability and zea l in the medical stafr and all concerned with the hospitals, but simply the ckpal tment was undermanned in every particular. It was quite eyident that from the beginning of the war considerable voluntary help -espec ially in medical officers and attendants in the hospital s, as hospital orderlies would be necessary.

It would up too much time for me to enter into any historical account of the general organisation of the voluntary aid resources in Great Britain previous to the South African War It will be sufficient for my purpose to state that in 1898 it was resolved to form a permanent Central Red Cross Committee for the British Empire and its dependencies, and to ask the Secretary of State for "\\'ar to recognise the Committee officially

On January 19th, ]899, the Marquis of Lansdowne notilied - as Secretary of State for War - his official recog nition of the proposed Committee, and in April 1899, it was made publicly known. The Committee was composed of representatives of the National Society for the Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War, the S J. 1\.1\., the Army Nursing Reserve, together with represc:ntatives of the "\\'ar Office.

Regulations were drawn up, and by the outbreak of the war the Committee was in a position to do much useful and practical work. This was a distinct advance on what had been done by voluntary aid in pre\ ious wars, \\'here the yarious 'o luntary associations bad acted independently. The Central Committee-acting in concert with the \\' a r Office secured directness, smoothness and eco nomy of sen'ice, and by combined action Ta tional and local effort has been harmonized, waste prevented and efficiency secured.

J,z eprinlt!o from l'/I/1 /lritisll Jhalca GIt /la'.

A I D - January, l<)03

The short time allotted to me for this paper will not permit me to enter upon the work durin.? the war by the Central British Red Cross CommIttee. 1 be report of the Committee recently presented to the Secretary of for War by the Chairman Viscount Knuts[ord contall1s a very full account of all that has been done, and IS worthy of attentiYe perusal.

The main objcct of my paper, as the title lI1dlGl.tes, IS the future supply of hospital orderlies. S.J.A ..-\. h.as durinO' the late South African War furl1lshed through Its b ambulance brigade upwards of 2,000 men who h:lye acted as orderlies in the various military hospitals at the seat of war and in the hospital ships, and excellent accounts have been received on all sides as to the way these men have done their arduous duties. Si:--.ty-fivc of these men have succum bcd to disease contracted in the performance of their noble work; eight have been in dispatches, and one has recein:d the DIst1l1gUlshed Service 1Iedal. But, then, these men's services were only temporary-for a few months or for a year. It .has b.een said they came and thcy went. Of co urse, their services were invaluable, but we suppose, and we hopc, that experience of the war may be to account 111 any re-organi satio n of the hospItal serVice, and. the question of the supply of efficient hospItal IS a pressing. Sir said at meet::)?;, of the BritI sh -:\Iedlcal \sSo cw.tlOn at Ipswlch:- I he question of orderlies is a difficult one. The !ate campaign showed that as _ their Ices were appreciated cou Id not work 111 the held hospl tals, and they must fall back on the orde rly, and h e was almost an impossible person. It was indeed very to kno.", what bis position was. II e had to pItch tent s, dIg trenches, and then nurse complicated cases. Tho se \I ho criticised the hospital orderly had no knowledge of the extreme difficulty of this s ubject. Wher e \\ ere they to be got? "

Well, I have always been taught that the word "impossiule" must ne\'e r enter into the vocabulary of the soldier. story I once hcard of Lord Raglan, ,,·ho commanded in the Cri mea, illustrates: Lord Raglan ordered an officer during an action to bring up a gun. He answered, "It is impossible! " Another was directed to do it, and succeeded after great difficulty. His lordship, afterwards said, the word "impossible" should never be used in the army.

Such is my feeling with regard to the duties and the supply of hospital orderlies. Applying the experience of the late South African War, I think we may have a lield for attracting good men to the service as hospital orderliesthrough the certificated members of the S.].A.A. This Association during the twenty - five years of its existence has certificated through its classes over 500,000 pupils - men belonging to all classes throughout the country-men employed in all th e varied industries in our larger and smaller towns, and in our country districts and villages. 1\ large proportion of thes e men have had ample opportunities of applying their practical knowledge in giving first in t!1e numerous accidents incident to tbe industries III whIch they are engaged, 8.ncl, as an old in large practice told me, "Very many caseS of take place at the different work s with which I am connected, and I am pleased to record with gr:<lt pleasure and the intere st the men take 1I1 helpll1g theIr Injured brethren. I ha\'e also noticed that the nursing is done bcttcr in the houses of the ambulance men."

(To be c017ti111fed.)

January 1903. -FIRST

Our Portrait Galler y .

MR. II. II. G RI< <.::tXWOOI

L.\TI<: COR!'!'>, 'I) Ex MA)OH SOUTI] J\FR1C,L IElllC.'d, l1R. GREENWOOD, whose portrait is here depicted, started his ambulance career in ])e\\'sbury, in the co rps of which he occupied the position of superintendent, being mainly resp ons ibl e for the drilling of the varioLls Divi s ions which (orm that Corps.

On the call for volunteers for active ambulance service in South Africa, Ir. Greenwood resigned his position and

St. John Ambulance Ass ociation .

\IIlUSL,\!\'C; - \. meding of the Classes II con llection with the was held on Tuesday evening, Jan. 6th, 11r. James Strachan, Westburll, presiding. The k :vy to mect expenses for I <)03 was fi\:cd at 2d. perman. The secretary, Mr. Bernard Morgan, reported that the class c::\:alllination held on Dec. loth in Cambuslang Public School had been very satisfactory.

1\[r. Wm. Haggo, treasurer, reported that the following contributions had been recei\'ed: Dechmont Colliery employes, £5; Gateside Colliery employes, £3; Westburn Collicry emp loy es, £3; Clyde Nail Works employes, £2 13S. 2d.

CARDIFF. - The annual meeting of the the Cardiff Trades Council was held at the Town Hall, on Thursday, J an. 8th. Mr. Graham was re-elected president for the year, Mr. J. Collins vicc-president, Councillor J. Chappell secretary. The president was selected to represent the council on the Viriamu Jones Icmorial Committee, and the same officia l and Councillors Jenkins and Chappell were appointed as delegates to the St. John .\mbulance .\ssociation

llall presented an animated appearance on TuescLty e\ening, Jan. 6th, when the male and female sections of the S.J.A..\. heLl a joint social gathering. The eyent proved to be of a l1lost successful character, and was "ery largl:ly attended. i\ short mis::ellancous whilcd alia), the earlier portion of the eyening.

re\ ertccl to the rank", and in I)c cc mber IljOO, he joined at Headquarters, and subsequ ent ly proceeded to South \fri ca where he WLlS attached to th'..! :!oth Bearer Company. In this capacity he was atl.lched to Lord Roberts colu11ln and procecded with that column to Pretoria.

Later Oll, .1\Ir. Greenwood joined the South \fri can Constabulary and was almost im 111 cd iatel y prorilOted to the rank of Sergt.-l\1ajor in the ':'Iedical Department: a tribute to his abilities and to the S.J..\.D. of which he is justly proud.

Mr. Greenwood recently rcturned t o the old country for a well earned holida.y, and during the period of his vacation he managed to arrange matters satisfactorily with the lady of his choice, and on his return to South Africa b e was accompanied with a help-meet who, all his friends was a genuine gain in the marriage lottery and who WIll prove an acquisition to our colonies. "\V e feel sure tbat all first aiders will wi·h them every happiness, and 1t1 no part of the Kingdom will tbis wish be more fervently breathed than in his dcar old count)1 of \ Torkshire and , , may we say, "DO\\'seberry" in XlrticuJar.

lIarry Greenwood was always popular, and his comrades hav e wat chcd with pride his successful career. We learn.that be:: ha s received a good appointment in the Cape, and we feel certain that he will fi·11 it with honour to him self and to the adV<1nt.lge of his en lplo)'er s.

GLOUeJ.:S l:ER. In our of the competition for tbe shield, wblch appeared in our December number, it should have been mentioned th.lt the St. Catherine's team tied with th e Alington team for fourth position.

REGIS. - 'l\\'o fresh classes have ueen started in the Rowley Kegis urban district under the auspices of the S.J..\.,\., and the local control of the Technical Instruction COll1111 ittee. The first opened at Wright's -Iane Board School, Olel Hill, on Monday e\'ening, Jan. 5th, whcn 3 8 pupils enrolled themselves, including the firemen of the district. ':'[1'. A H. Bassano (the local representati"e of the association, and chairman of Technical Instruction Committee) attended, and explained that the main object of the work was rend ring first aid to the injured, and not the supplanting of the work of medical men. IIe showed the life-saying advantage there was in a knowledge of first aid, particularly in cases of bleeding, drowning, poisoning, and th e grcat relief and benefit to persons with broken or injur ed limb, when they could have first aid rendered until the doctor arri\'ed The mcmbers of the class unanimously imited ])r. McQueen to be lecturer, and Capt. E. T. Barn ley to be secretary. On January 6th a similar class was opened at Tividalc Board ·chool.

SI1EI'FIEl.ll. -i \ social in connection \\'ith l\lessrs. T. ]1. Burrows and Sons' class was held on 'aturday, Jan. l oth, in the Hodmin-s treel \\ T('sle)an Reform Schoolroom. 11r. J. A IIud gsOll presided. There were also present i\b,'ter J. l1. 1111rrows, Ir. "T. Li, and 1)r. Skillner, class leetl1l'er. ] hIring the mcdals were prt:sented by 1>r. Skinnt:r to the successful mt:mb r. of the class in a competition organi ed by bimself. I r. Skinner was presented by the class secretary on their behalf wi th a si her cigar case as a mark of their respect and esteem. \n interesting programme was rendered.

St. John Ambulan c e Brigad e . PROVINCIAL CORPS.

T ow n Hall was crowded on Thursday night, December 18th, on the occasi?n of .an am bulanc e review and demonstration in connection wlth the S.lA.A., Ashton Centre, of which 11r. David Hall, F. R. 11et. S. is the indefatigable Hon. Secretary. Th e object was to bring ambulance work more prom.inently before the public, and so gain that support the organisation so richly deserves. The demonstratlOn was a iven by the members of the Oldham Corps and Ashton Division, under the supervision of their respective superintendents, Chief Superintendent Sidney ] ones and Supt. Daniel Hall, assisted by Sergeants Corcoran and There was also a distribution of medallions and certlficates to the successful students of the ambulance and nursing classes by the 11ayoress - Mrs. J. B. Pownall.

A charge was made for a dmission, the amount cleared, after paying expenses, being devoted to the funds of the local centre. It was the first venture of its kind in Ashton, and such a crowded audience of both sexes was highly encouraging to the promoters, and showed the vast interest taken locally in the work of first aid.

The Town Hall platform was enlarged to nearly its usual size for the purpose of the manceuvres m dnll and the practical demonstration of. ambulance wO.rk, and a few ('hoice decorations wer e noticeable, these bell1g the work of Mr. Joe Fisher. The c hair was occupied by Councillor A. Park, supported by the Mayoress (Mrs l B Pownall), Mrs. Park, Mrs. D. Hall, Mrs. l Andrew, 11rs. R. S. Oldham and Mrs. l Pollitt Coun :illors R. S. Oldham, vice-president l Andrew, tr eas ur e r SurgeonCapt. Hilton, R.A. I.e., Ir. D. Hall (hon. sec.), and Dr. Corns, Dr. Bowman, and Dr. Mac pherson.

CLlTHEROE.-On Tuesday evening, December 23 rd , Dr. J. J. Fraser, late honorary surgeon to the Clitheroe S.J.A.B., ,vas through his daughter - Miss Fraserthe recipient of a 'pair of massive silver candlesticks, at the hands of the above Division.

Dr. Fraser was unfortunately not able to be present owing to illn ess

Mr. L. T. Wilkinson presided, and said the DlVISlOn had suffered seriously by Dr. Fraser's departure from the town, and it was owing to the inter est he had manifested in the Brigade that they owed their present state of efficiency. He expressed the regret of all the mem bers at his illness, and in concl usion said he was pleased to be able to announce that he was slowly recovering.

The presentation was made by Supt. Dawson, who stated that Dr. Fraser had been honorary surgeon since 1893.

DALT oN.- The second annual tea and social was held in the Co-Operative Hall, Dalton, on January 2nd, and proved to be a conspicuous and unqualified succes:, financially and e nj oya bly. The tea was served at SIX o'clock to over 260 persons. Dancing s tart e d at 8 p.m., and was k ept up with vigour until 4 a m. Th e ])alton Quadrille Band played th e latest dance music and. ga ve every satisfaction. The duties of Tll.C'S were discharged by Messrs. T. Davi es, E. Howard, R. Lmdsey and Geo. Evans. The secretarial work devolved upon Mr. M. Woodburn and Mrs. Bateson, but, unfortunately,

AI D.- January, 19 0 3.

the latter was unable to attend through affliction. The Nursing Sisters had charge of the refreshments.

DARLEY D \LE. - The members of the Darley Dale Ambulance Class met at their annual dinner at the Institute on N e w Year's Eve, when the chair was taken , by 1r. l H. Dawson, lP. Amongst those present were Ir. e. E. Dawson, Lieut. e. H. 1), Dawson, Mr. H. Holmes (honorary secretary), Mr. others. A capital repast having been done full Ju st ice to. The Chairman gave the usual loyal and other to as ts and a very successful musi ca l programme was given.

HALIFAx. - On New Year's Eve, the annual Ambulance Briaade dance was held in the Co-Operative Hall, 1:) and was kept up until 3 o'clock on the follow1l1g mormng. There was a larae assembly, and the affair passed off in a successful Mr. Hartley 's string band provided a good programme of music. Sergt. Collinge and Pte. Longsdale and Mr. Dan Jackson we re the "-,I.c's. Mr. Hartl ey was the caterer.

HERNE BAY - We are indebted to Supt. Shelley for the receipt of the report and statement of accounts for the past two years of the S.lA.B., in future to be known as the Herne Bay Ambulance Corps. The that during the two years 127 cases were treated, 1l1clud1l1g 13 when on duty at 'Windsor on the occasion of Queen Victoria's funeral. The Corps also attended twenty fires which occurred in this neighbourhood, at several of which their services we re required.

HULL. -A most successful social evening was give n by the officers to the members of the Hull CorpsWestern Division·-S.J.A.B., at th e St. Matthew's Parish Room, on Tu esday evening, the 6th instant. Supt.. F. Wilson occupied the chair and was supported by ChtefSurgeon A. H. Johns ton, Hon. Surgeon D. R. Moir, Chief-Supt. M. Hopper and First-Officer A. c. . Carter. The programme was a very lengthy one, and Sergeant Johnson, who acted as i\ I.c., must be congratulated on its success.

The first part of the eve ning was spent in games and Messrs. Selle and Petherbridge interested the company present with a banjo duet.

At 9 o'clock Supt. Wilson called for an interval, and spoke about the Division's past, present, and future work. He was pleased to state that the Division was making rapid progress, and urged the members to help the officers in carrying on this good and useful work. Supt. ,V I1son also spoke about the members wishing .to make a little presentation to First-Officer Carter as a slight ment of the many services rendered to the DIVISIon dunng the long period in which he had acted as secretary. The speake r then asked Chief-Surgeon Johnston to kindly present First-Officer Carter with th e gift.

Chief-Surgeon J c>hnston said it was a great pleasure to him to make the presentation and spoke of the many valuable services that the secretary had performed, and hoped he would have long life to d evo te to the cause of Pro Uti/date .Ifomi?1ll7lz. The presentation took the form of a beautiful handbag.

Chief-Supt. · Hopp e r then made a few remarks as to the secretary's past work, stating that he had known him for some years past, and had always found him a willing, hard working man, who always looked at the bright side of the work. He also spoke about the Division's and Corps'

January, 1903. -FIRST

work in general, mentioning the way in which the public were acknowledging the services of the corps.

In reply, First-Officer Carter said he was greatly surprised, not having the slightest id ea of what was taking place or else he should h ave been inclined to have stayed away. In thanking one all for their kindn ess towards him . he Said ambulance work for the past seven years had been his main study and also hoped it always would be his main object to battle for the grand work. H e asked the ladies present to see, in future, that their husband s and sweeth earts attended a ll meetings, and said th e officers would reply upon th e m, making the Division up to its standard efficiency.

A vote of thanks was then given to Chief-Surgeon J obnston [or rr.aking th e presentation.

Th e m e mbers and lady friends present, numbering about fifty, then partook of refreshments, and th e second part of the eve ning was commenced at 10 o'clock, i(rs. J. Fletcher volunteering with a song Games were aga in indulged in, with singing, &c., at intervals. At 11.3° Supt. Wilson proposed, and 1St Officcr Carter seconded (o n beh a lf of the officers) a h ea rt y vote of th a nks to the followin g, who had so ably assisted to th e evening's enjoyment: Miss Lily Farrow (pianoforte), Messrs. 'elle and Petherbridge (banjo), Mrs. Fletcher (song) also to :\Ir. T. Englestown, Bear-street, who so ably catered for th e refreshments. The evening's entertainment was brought to a close by the singing of th e" Tational Anthem."

the week ending J anuary 2nd, the kettering Corps of S .J.A.B. have had much transport duty, transfers being made in the wagon from Thrapston to Market Harborough, from Pytchley to Kettering General Ho spital and two in town cases to the H ospital. The transp orts were carried out by First-Officer Luck, Turse Farmer, Sergt. Few and Corpl. Mitton.

O VERSEAL.-The usual monthly drill muster of th e

Overs eal Division took place on Sunday, January 4th, and there was a good attendence. The men appeared for the first time in thfir new uniform, and presented a very sma rt appearance. It was reported that four cases had been attended to during the past month.

Pte. Worthington read a paper which he had hims el f prepared, on "Fractures and their Treatment," &c. Th e subject was ably dealt with and received g reat praise from the Hon. Surgeon (Dr. McAvoy). Pte. Buck was elec t ed sec.retary of the Detached Class in place of Pte. Hitchens retlred.

PRE SToN.-Colonel Duke, P.:rvr.O. of the NorthWest e rn District, inspected the B Bearer Company of the S.J.A.B at the Drill Shed i n St. Wilfrid -street, Preston. There was a muster of 58, and among those present were Dr. Sellers (the Hon. 1edical Officer), Colonel Trimble, e.M.G., and Sergt.-l\Iajor Howard. The company was put thr oug h a variety of manccuvres and sever e ly tested in bandaging and other operations.

Colonel Duke congratulated the Company on their drill, which was as good as he had seen anywhere. Most of the bandaging wa s done excellently. He suggested that they should attend the Hospital and also that th ey should go to camp with the. Volunteers. In both these departments they could obtam very useful and valuabl e practical knowledge. What they had done that day was excell ently ,d,one,. and he hoped they would ke e p up their practice.

1 urmng to Dr. Sellers, he said he had every r easo n to be

AI D.- 101

proud of the company. He would be able to send in an excellent report.

At the conclusion of the proceedings three cheers wer e given for the Inspe cting Officer.

READI G - On Monday, Tovember 17th, at the close of the first lecture of the session of the Reading ur sing Division, an inter esti ng event took place. 1\1rs. Dowson (Hon. Lady Treasurer), on behalf of the members presented the Lady Superintendent (:\1rs . T. P. Chard) with a handsome marble timepiece.

The Lady Treasurer thanked irs. Chard for her kind inter es t a nd her valuable and untiring services as Lady Superintendent of the Jursing Divi sior" and in the ca use of ambu lanc e work for the past nine years, and in COnclusion she expressed an earnest desire that she would long continue at the head of the Division.

Chard thanked the ursing Sisters and assured them of her appreciation and of her continued interest in the Division.

TWYWELL. - An interest ing lect ure on "The S.J.A.B. in Peace a nd War," was delivered before a good audience in the Church School -room on Tuesday, 5th ult., by Assistant-Commissioner Woolston. The lecture was well illustrated by lantern views, chiefly photographs taken by members of the Brigade in South Africa, displayed by First Class Sergeant MacNamara, of the Leicester Division.

,VHIT\\ ORTH. - A social gathe rin g in which the male and lady members of the Whitworth Ambulance Division participated, was held in the S. Anselm's Catholic Church Schools, Whitworth, on Tuesday evening, 23rd ult. The chair was occup ied by Mr. E. A. Stott. In addition to granting the free use of the schools, the Rev. Father Dillon also gave a s ubs c ription. Songs were rendered by those pre<;ent, and the accompanist was Mr. T. Yeadon Sergt. C. Howarth was the M.C.

,VI TS FORD.-The IVinsford and District recently form ed organisation, which can boast of twenty members is making rap id strides, th a nks to the support extended them by the public. They have secured nearly eighty subscribers, so that they have been able to purchase a large quantity of ambulance apparatus, including an up-to-date litt er, which has already been used on several occasions. There is, how ever, a debt on the litter, and it is to be hop ed that it will be cleared off by th e proceeds of the bal which recently took place in the Drill Hall.

A cont ract h as just been e nt ered inlo with th e Win s ford Urban Council whereby the Brigade agree to convey patients Lo the Albert Infirmary, for which the Council will pay a yearly subscription of £5.

,V E. TGATE-ON-SEA.-The Westgate-on-Sea and the :\I argate members of the held their second annnal dinner at the tation Hot e l, on the 8th instant. About forty-five members sat down to a substantial repast and spent a very pleasant evening.

The chair was taken by the Rev. T. W. :\l ylne, Vicar of W estgate-on-Sea, supported by Brigade Chief-Supl. W. J. Church-Brasier and Supt. Yenis. l\Ir. R. Temple occupied the vice-c hair, supported by Rev. R. P e. P. Clark, First-Officer Kinmont, and First-Class e rgearlL Cornelious.

Th e toasts we re few, but the contributors to Lle musical part of the e njoyabl e evening's programme we re many, a.mong these being Messrs. Robins o n. tanley,

F:lycr and Knight, and last, but not the l east, humorous items were contributed in the shape of two on some old Iargatoni ans, given by Chief-Supt. ChurcbBrasier. He also spoke yery feelingly, as a IVIargate man, to the }\largate men of the division, expressing the pleasure he felt at knowing that there were still a good number of his native townsfolk true to the old flag that he had had the honour of helping to plant in r.largate as far back as I88!.

The e\"ening wU.s brought to a close with the K atio nal Anthem.

The Baker Complimentary Benefit.

unqualified success was the all who h ad the pleasure of being present at the ])ohel111Un arranged by the Concert Artistes Benevolent ASSOCJ:1.tLOn, at the Freemason's Tavern on Wednesday, Janu ary 14th, on behalf of Mr. Geo Baker, "Cecil Graeme." A full house, a capi tal programme and a popular chairman all combined to make the evening go with a swing. It was r egretable that the prorrramme did not commence at the advertis e d D hour, but we suppose, this was unasoichble. On th e arriml of the Chaill11an (Sir John Furley) wbo was accompanied by Lady Furley, th e latter was presented with a handsome bouquet in sih-e r holder with inscription. The presentation was made by Ii ss \\,innifrcd Church -Brasier - the daughter of thc popular Brigade Chid-Supt. of the St.lohn Drigade, \\'ho is Chairman of the C o ncert Committee \\'e may mention that the bouquet and holder were presented by the \Vorking COlllmille.e, as a slight recognition af Sir John's personal popularIty, and as a tribute of esteem for Ltdy Fur1cy, who has so ably supported her husband in the l \mbul ance Cause more especially during the Doer War.

And. now, as to the programme where all was so good, It would be invidious to individualise, but we must pass a mede of praise to the stage management of Mr. Gus Lonainetto it was excellent-never once, did he allow the to flag after it had once started, and, during the eyening, he was frequently complImented by members of the audience. A few speeches were made. The Chairman proposed the toast first of the King and then of " Queen and Prince and Princess of \ \" ales and the rest af the Royal FamIly," both of which it is needless to say were r eceived with acclamation. In replying to the toast of his health, which was proposed by Brigade Chief-Supt. Ch urch -Brasier, Sir John referred in eulogistic terms to the work done by M r. Baker and other members of the S.lAB. at the front.

Colonel Wilson, the Assistant Director of the Army l\Iedical Department, \\'bo also spoke, paid a high compliment to the work of the St. John men at the front, and stated that a debt of gratitude wa.s due from his Department to Colonel Bowdler, Dr. Ninnis and otbers for the \yay in which they had helped the army in a time of great strain.

The concert closed at about o'clock with the ationel Anthem

We understand that several further donations ha\'e been r eceived on behalf of the" Baker Fund," hut the list is not yet closed, so readers desiring to subscribe can send their donations to the Commillee-room, 6r, Red Li onstreet, Clerkenwell, E.c.

The Commiltee hope to raise LICO, but are still short of this amount.

(olonial News.

SYDNEY, T.S .\V -A m eeting of the members and friends of the Paddington branch o[ the S.J /LA was held at St. lathias' Lecture Hall, Oxford -street, Paddington, on Tuesday evening December 15 th ., Alderman C. W. Oakes, M.L.A., presided Dr. T. Storie Dixson delivered a short address. He said that out of 18 members who had attended the lectures of that branch, 12 presented themselves for examinat ion and all succeeded in passing.

_..

The chairman then presented Ilr st aId certlficates to the followin a ladies, "iz. :-l\ I esdames R. Callaway, Kneip, hannon Williams, and the l\[isses Fanny Adcock, l\fary .\yres, Florrie Stuart, Emllla ']7,. Ensom, E. Fraser, Cathie Orm'Sby, and LOUlse Nettleton. Mesdamcs Kncip and R. Callaway, on behalf of the class, presented J)r. l\I'Lean, the lecturer, with address and ebony walking-s tick for his v.alued servIces. Dr. M'Lean, suitably acknowledged th e gIfts. A vote of th a nks was accorded Mrs. C. Hall, secretary of the class During the evenin rr several musical items were rendered. D

l\[ONTRE,\L. - Th e growth and usefulness of the S.J.A.A., formed the subject of a .deli\'ered on December 15th by Or. J. Alex. Hutchlllson, ]n. the .Grand Trunk LiLerary In stitute. an assoclal1on, It was shown, was n ee d e d in shops and factories where a arge nu 111 bel' of persons were em ployed..

__ Dr. Hutchison, \\'ho is tbe chIef medwal office r of the Grand Trunk Railway system, declared in conclusion that, with the aid of the manag e m e nt of the railway, he would introduce the S.J.A.A on the Grand Trunk beginning with the Point Sl. Charles

It was explained the great. obJcct was to. ha\ ·c.a fcw men oraaniscd and instructed 111 what to do ll1 aCCIdents before a rri\:al of medical aiel. The greattrol1 hIe was that a medicine chest was of little usc in thc hands of persons who had only a confused idea ofh()w to LIse it. Organisation was the thing needed.

There was a good attendance. :;\ [I'. John Richards presided.

DICLT1I.-The Duke of Connaughl, on January 6t;1, received Lieut.-Colonel A. C Yate, honorary organising commissioner in India of the S.J.AA., who submitted a report of the work which the h.een carrying out during the past two years . lv e centres are now in working order, and among th e raIlways, volunteers, and police ambulance instruction has started while the aId manual has been tJ anslated mto Urdu, GUjerati, Mahratta, and Burmese. The Gaikwar of Baroda, alone, unfortunately, so far, amongst the nativ e rulers, has g iv en active support to the movement. But a strong central committee. has recently. formed under the presidency of the VIceroy, and It IS understood that the Duke of Connaught int ends during his visit publicly to show the int erest which his Royal Highness feels in this good work,

To Salle botll time allr/1Il01ley, se?/r/ ad'llcrtise771eJ7ts for all /lC7f'Sfapcrs to Dale, Re,1 'llo!ds al/d Co., A r/71ertisi/l,f!,' E lperls, 4 6 , Call1l01l Slrc('/, LOllr/OIl, E. C. (/lcx/ t() Jlfr7ll sioll )/rmsc Rathe1a_v .S' /ati07l). Telepholle: 5477 Balik. Telcgrallls: " Lonr/oll,"

Jann a r)" J903. -FIRST Railway Ambulance.

THE C.-\J\lBRL\ RAILWAYS A:-InULANCE CLASSThe members sat down to an excellent supper served at the railway station by :.vIessrs. Spiers and Pond on the evening of Boxing Day. Mr. T. S Morgan, station master, presided. The room was tastefully decorated. After supper the loyal toasts were duly honoured. Guard Lloyd gave the "Cambrian Railways Ambulance Class," and Foreman George responded. Guard Venables proposed tbe " Health of the Lecturer" (D r. \\'illi ams), which was received with musical honours. Other toasts followed; that of the "President," being especially well received During the cvening l\[essrs. Geo. Weav e r, J. Blainey, E. Williams, Venables, J. H. \\T. E. E\ 'a ns 2 nd Signalman Ri c hards gan:: 'Songs or rccitations ,

B \TH l\lwui'!l) l{.\IL\\'.\Y division has lost one of its mo s t efficient membe r s, namely, Pte J. Cibbons, who died with painful suddenness on January [st, fr0111 failure of the heart's action. He joined the eli, is ion on its formation and far the past four years had acted as inspector of stores. Always mo s atLenti\'e and regul:1r at the drills, and taking a great ilit e r cst in ambulance work, his prescnre ancl cheerful disposition will be much missed. TI e was buricd at Lockl,rook cemetery, Bath, on th c 7th insL, heing carried to the grave by members of th e "\Iirlland Rnil\\;I) st:lrf rassenger departm e nt. Supt. F. (; , WarIYirk, I st Officer R J. Wo oc! \\' ;ncl, Ptcs. \\ 1\ 1iles :1I1U E. \\ attended ;IS rcp resc nl:lli\'cs o f tbe L1i\ ision. D ecease d \\',IS ..j.() years of age, and lea\'es a wido\\' and two children.

London's Anlbulance Service "Need for"

IT is gratifying to those connected with thie; J o urnal to know that it was in our columns that th e need for an efficicnt Ambulance Sen'icc was first p oi nted out. \\'e stooel alone, but we have in season allli out of sea on pegged away, and, now, we nnd ranged on our side all the leading journals of the day, both medical and daily. "Now, we shan't he long! " At least, we hope nol. \Y e append a few brief notes culled from some of our contemporaries :-

Th e Dai£1 1 E \press , says, "London 's present Ambulance system is shown to be totally inadequate by printed reports of information co1lected by a Sub -Co mmittee of the London County Council. There are much better organised means of prot ecting property than or protecting life and limb in cases of J.ccident."

TIle lIlOntin/( Adoertise1', says, "Some very curious informaLion regarding London's Ambulance System is contained in a report which was placed in the hands of tbe members of the London County Council."

TIl e Drrdy Chrol/lde says, "The facts elicited in the London County Council amply prove the crying need in London for Amhubnc es to deal with street acciclents, and espec ially horse am Inila.ncc<;. London on ordinary occasions is practically without horse ambulances, and, in

this respect, we are behind no fewer than sixteen of the large towns of England, including Liverpooi and Manchester. ))

TIle City Press, says, "Among the metropolitan questions of pressing importance at the present time is that of organising and extending the street ambulance service."

A Jewish Military Service.

EARL ROBERTS and the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs attended the tenth Hanuca Military Service, held at the Central Synagogue, Great Portland -s treel on December 28th, the day being chosen as corning within the Hanuca Festival, II'hich commemorates the dedication of the Temple after th e l\Iaccab ea n In all aoouL 300 J e\"ish officers and men were present, the column including guardsmen and other soldiers of the Regular forces, a good representation of the Imp e rial Yeomanry and Honoura.bl e Artillery Company, and m e n from nearly all th e ::\retro politan Volunteer and Cadet Corps, as \Y e ll as a larg e sC]uad of the St. John Ambulanc e Drigad e Colonel Goldsmid, who form e rly sen'cd on the staff at th e \\' Dr Office and in South Africa, was in command of the troops, among whom we re a good proportion of ll1 eda ll ed men, and many ] e wish o rtl ce rs we re with th e co lumn. The sen-ic e, for a croweled congregation, was co nduct ed hy th e R e \·. }o'. L. Cohen, oniciating J e wish Chaplain for London and assisted hy th e Re,·. E. Spero, First R eDder of tlw Synagogue, but th e prayers for th e King a nd Royal Family, for the Empire, th e 1'\a\'al and l\rilit ,lr)' Scn'i('ce;, and for mourn c rs \\ere r ec it ed by 1)1', .\c1ler, the Lord fayor opening th e \rk pre\'iou'sly and dcti\'cring the l' oIls of the La\\' to the Chief Rabbi. The sermon, preached by ::\lr. Cohen, was based upon the final words of J ucJa.s laccab eus. Th e Hanuea Hymn and the Nati onal j \nth em closed the sen·ice. Supt. lIayman of th e E;lst LQndon ])iyision was in command of the St. John Ambulance men.

A SERIOUS S17 EssrON.--The well-known house of Clarke, [ icholls and Coombs, Ltc!., manufacturing confectioncrs, of Hackney \Vi c k, E ., who employ a \'ery large number of people, some fel\' years ago formed a fully equipped fire brigade, a band so well known a s the "Clamico," and an ambulance division, with horse ambulance and stretchers and up-to-date appliances generally. The latter branch, together with a class for nursing sisters, was associated with the St. John Ambulance Brigade, but, in consequence of the a :tio n at headquarters, men have been retiring, and now the whole division under Lieut. G. Horn ha\'e thro\\'n off the "yokc l) and de c ided for freedom of action in their good work.

11fotorilZ,t:: IlllIstrated says: "A motor fire ambulance should be kept at ea,h of thc prin ci pal fire stations. This should be equipped with e\'cry appliance and comfort for the immcdiate relief of the victims. A trained attenclant should be in readiness at such a station by clay and night. The file brigade surgeon should live within easy call. As a matter of routine the motor ambulance should go out to every fire. Very often it would not be needed. So mu ch the bctter. London ought to look to it that therc is no repetition of the scancblous ambubnce short('olllinge; which chara,ferise(l the Queen \'i c toria- s trcct fire. \\ hile u, h ,olossal sums are being rai eel for thc London Hospitals Fund the urgent neeel of a (am pie-Ie reorgani alion of the Dilibulance "ystel1l should nUL UC forgotlcn.

AT last it seems as if the question of a C i v il ciyil ambulance for London were comA m b ul anc e. ing to the urface, for we see that it is beina discussed in the medical journals, b by the Common Council and the L.ee, and the opinions of some of our leading doctors are given showing the necessity of some kind of ambulance system for this huge city.

It may not he known to our present readers that this Journal has for the last six years persistently advocated the formation of an ambulance service for London to deal with the street accidents and all other accidents of civil life where first aid is required, followed by remoyal to hospital or to the patient 's home. If any person wishes to know the reason why such a service is needed, let him witness a street accident and notice the methods employed by the police and others, and he will admit that they are disgraceful' or let him have a case of serious injury, such as a fractured thigh, which he wants taken to the hospital properly and efficiently, in the same manner as if it were scarlet fever, and he will find that it cannot be done. And this is in London, the hub of the universe, as we like to call it.

Of late years, whenever this question has been mooted, the different bodies that have been applied to in order to inauaurate such a service have invariably replied that they o have "no power." The Home Secretary has no power, the County Council have no power, the police have no power. Granted, but that is no reason why they should sit still and do nothing. The question is, is such a service needed - not whether they have the power or not The proof of the necessity of such a service is surely abundant, and if these bodies or any of them are of opinion that they have no power to spend money on such a purpose, it is clear that the proper course to pursue is to apply to Parliament, and we anticipate there would be no great difficulty in obtaining from that body the necessary authority and power to inaugurate f:,uch a service.

We learn that the whole question of ambulances in London will shortly be Lrought before the London County Council in a report made to the Council by Sir William Collins, and the Common Council with its usual practicabi I ity has virtuall y decided to pro\"ide a horse am bulance for the City. \\'e are "ery glad to see this, and hope that some good will come of it, but until we see the report we cannot tell.

We are very pleased to see that the medical faculty is

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a nu a ry , 1 903 gettin g i nterested i n th e q u esti o n , for n o ur o pinion it is primarily essent ia ll y a medica l one, a n d o u ght t o be pressed forward by that body . I t is well known that medica l me n as a body are very slow to move or be moved, for they seem to lack that spi rit of organ isation a n d pushfulness which is so prominent 111 other trade and professional societies

We have a proposition to make to the medica l profession, with the idea o f he l ping them to ta lk ove r this matter in its various aspects, and aft er having come to some decision, to lay their views before the proper authorities. We propose that there should be a conference in London of the leading medical men, such as hospital surgeons, police surgeons and ambulance surgeons, to discuss the matter in all its bearings, and in order to carry out this idea the Proprietors of this J o u mal are prepar ed to provide a hall and r.all the medical representatives together free of all expense. As a preliminary, and in order to see what support we get, we shall shortly send a circular round to the surgeons mentioned, and on receiving their replies it will be seen whether the project is taken up by the medical p r ofession.

As this is the only ambulance journal in England, we may be pardoned for venturing to take the lead in this matter, being one in wh ich we are intensely interested, and which, for the benefit of our city, we wish to see carried through

Private Fire Brigades.

A pleasant ceremony took place on January 3rd, in the mill yard of the Brunswick Mill, Bradford-road, belonging to the Bannerman Mtlls Company, Ltd 1 he occasion was the presentation of medals, given by Mrs. Bannerman of Hove, and monetary rewards by the Company to the Mill Fire Brigade for their efforts in extinguishing the fire which occurred at the mtll on October 31st last.

But for the mill brigade's efforts in confining the fire to the top storey unti l the arrival of the. Manchester Brigade, the mill must have suffered more senous damage, if not total destruction.

The handsome silver medals bore on one side the Bannerman crest, and on the reverse the inscript!on, "Presented by Mrs. for prompt and effiCient service rendered at the fire, Brunswick Mill, Manchester, October 3ISt, 1902." The medals had a red ribbon and silver clasp being the recipients' names.

The presentation was witnessed by the various brigades attached to the Company's mills at Manchester, Stalybridge and Dukinfield.

3: e:

The following is very applicable to our readers :We live in deeds ' not years, in thought not breaths; I n feelings, not in figures or a dial. We do not live by heart throbs; he li\'es most Who feels most, thinks the noblest, acts the best. Bailey's" Festus."

Our Portrait Gallery.

LIEUT.-COL. GEORGE W. DIXON, V.D., F.I.S.E., F.R. I. , VICE-PRESIDENT NATIONAL FlRE BRIGADE UNION

THE portrait which appears in this months' gallery is that of a gentleman well-known in fire brigade and ambulance circles alike, and one who is deservedly popular with both serVices.

Col. Dixon, who is a son of the late William Dixon, e E., was born in 1844, and at a very early period of his career evinced an active spirit in volunteering

He has passed the necessary examinations in both the S.J.A A. and the ambulance department of the N F.B.D.,

L odge and Gra n d Chapte r by H R.H. the Duke of Conn aught in 190r.

Of course, it is more particularly as a fireman that Col. Dixon appeals to our readers, one and all of those who have had the pleasure of meeting him will have pleasant recollections of his genial kindly nature. At the various tournaments at the annual camps and other functions he has been much in evidence, and his tact and ready grasp of detail that he at all times showed, when dealing with large bodies of men of different temperaments, proved how thoroughly he understood human nature. Col. Dixon is used to discipline himself, and he always acts up to this standard, and he looks for that discipline from others who may be temporarily placed under his command; but his yoke is never irksome, even delinquents who may be brought before him take one look at that kindly face and are assured of getting justice tempered with mercy.

Col. Dixon is a soldier and a gentleman, one of those men in fact, of whom this country may well be proud. We wish him a long and happy life, and may he for many years continue to take an active interest in the services, in the advancement of which he has taken so active and earnest an interest.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

and in both organisations he takes a keen and active interest.

It is some years' since the subject of our sketch joined the auxilliary forces, but he has by sheer and indomitable hard work, reached a position of which he may be justly proud He is a lieutenant-colonel in the 2nd V.B. Duke of Cambridge's Own Middlesex Regiment. Supply and transport officer for the 1st London Volunteer Infantary Brigade In 1897 her late Majesty, Queen Victoria, conferred upon him the V.D., that coveted decoration of the volunteer service, and in the same year he received the Jubilee medal for his services in connection with the starf as D.A.A.G. on Jubilee Day.

In spite of these multitudinous duties connected with the auxilliary and volunteer services, Col. Dixon has yet found time to devote some little of his leisure to municipal matters, and he was for ten years a member of the Sutton (Surrey) Local Board and District Council, and was chosen chairman of the latter bodies and appointed J.P for Surrey in 1889.

Col. Dixon is an ardent Freemason and has received high honours in the craft. Initiated in 1871, he is a P.M. of no less than three lodges and P.M. of three Chapters in the Royal Arch P. Senior Grand Warden of Bucks and Berks, and was appointed Grand Sword Bearer in the G rand

BARROW.--The annual ball took place in the Town Hall on December 31St, and proved to be a very highly s u ccessful and most enjoyable function. A representative committee, of which Supt J. Blezard was chairman, and First Officer T. Dickinson secretary, had the arrangements in hand, and these were carried out in the most efficient manner. Members of the brigade had decorated the hall with flags and bunting, the effect being very artistic. The firemen's motto, "Always ready," was prominently displayed at one end, while underneath the gallery was the motto, "Let Barrow Flourish " There were upwards of 1 50 couples present, and an attractive dance programme opened with a grand march and polka. Excellent music was supplied by ir. McDonald's orchestra, and the refreshment buffet was in charge of Mr. Quirk. Just before the passing away of the old year the company assembled in two rows around the room, and all joining hands they sang with much heartiness the refrain "Auld Lang Sync." The proceedings were prolonged until three o'clock.

BASINGSTOKE - Commencing with Coronation Day, when he horsed and drove the engine in the procession, Mr. E. Bryce Podmore, M.F.H., has taken the greatest interest in the Basingstoke Volunteer Fire Brigade, and in recognition of his interest and assistance the brigade have made him Hon. Major. E\"idence of this interest and of his kindly feelings towards the firemen was further forthcoming recently, when he entertained the brigade at hi s residence, ,Vest Ham House. The fayor, as president of the brigade, was of the party, which included Capt. Evans and nearly all the members. A good old English Christmas dinner was served in the dining room, the genial host presiding over a very happy party. After dinner the health of the King was heartily honoured, and then an adjournment was made to another room where the rest of the evening was devoted to song, smoke and speech. The proceedings were kept going merrily till midnight when the gallant firemen took leave of their genial host after spending a thoroughly enjoyable time.

BOURNEr-roUTH -The majority of the members of tbis br igade have ust been through a course of twelve lectures, under the effic ent leadership of Dr. Heygate , .7 ernon, one of the honorary surgeons to the brigade. The course is that laid down by tbe Ambulance d<::partment of the Iational Fire Brigades' Union, and is of a very thorough characte r. On Jan. 3rd Dr. William Ettles, chief officer of the ambulance department and medical officer to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, held an examination at tbe Cen tr al Fire Station, when 16 candidates presented themselves Afte r a searching test on all branches of the subject 13 passed and became quali fied to wear the union badge , whicb, howeve r , must be renewed at tbe end of two years.

c.-\RLJSLE. - Tbe pr ize competition of members of the Carlisle "\ olunteer Fire Brigade, ,yhich is always one of the events of Boxing Day, took pbce on the afternoon in the :t\Iarket Ball, in the presence of a considerable number OT specta t ors, who seemed g r eatly interested in the pt-rformances of t be men. As on former occasions of the same kind the tradesmen of tbe city had been so liberal with their' contri butions of prizes tbat there was sometbin,; for every man who look part in the competitions were on almost exactly the same lllles as 111 precedina )'ears and were three in number - sing1c-m:m drill, , four-man Jrill, and six-man drill.

OXI'ORIl. The annual children's party gi -en- hy the Oxford Yolunteer Fire Brigade took place on J\[onday evening, Decel11l.ler 29th, and was in way a great success. Assembling about five o'clock, the youngsters sat down to a bountiful" tea The chair was taken by the President, Id r. Horace J. Fisher, who also gaye the uuests a very cheery welcome. l\fter tea the mysteries of bran-pies were soh'ed, and each child was the of a toy. Following this the little guests assembled 111 the bill iard-room, where Professor De LOlli, a winrcl of no mean ability, delighted and mystified them with his clever tricks. Tben the youngsters trooped inlo the engine -room, where a cinematograph entertainment was gi\'en by 1\1r. Timms Tun. This, of course, thoroughly interested the ,audience and brought affairs to a very satIsfactory finIsh

Throughout the evening refreshments in the shape of oranges, sweets, biscuits, and lemonade was served

SHEFFIELD - The annua l dinner in connection with the F i re Brigade Ch ief Station was held on ] anuary 5th in the Recreation-room at Rockingham -street. A large number of the firemen and tbeir wives were present, and amongst t he guests were Commander Scott (Chief Constable) and 1\1rs. Scott, and 11r. and 1\1rs G H. Barker. The brigade officers included I\f r. W Frost, chief officer; and Officers Hadwick, White and G Smith An excellent dinner was served Subsequently a c;hort toast list was honoured, and two interesting presentations were made. One was to ex-Sergeant Valler, who, after 26 years' service, recently r etired on superannuation, and the other to 11r. R. Fletcher, who for many years was an engineer in tbe b r igade Both consisted of handsome silver tea services, subscribed for by their late comrades The greater part of the evening was given up to dancing and music, many members of the brigade and their friends contributing songs . T be recreation-room, in which the festivities took place, had been beautifully decoraled for the occasion, ban n ers, shields and evergreen having been used lavishly and artistically in obtaining an effective display

A I D.- J anuary, 1903 ·

ST.\ FFOR D.-On Tuesday, December 30th, the members or the fire brigade held a dinner at the Coach and Horses I nn The officers present were Supt. Bailey and Mr. T. Westhead, hon. secretary, the latter gentleman presiding During the evening Supt. Bailey, in the regrettable absence of Captain Brookfield, complimenled the members on tbe manner in which they had attended to their duties during the year, and referred to the harmonious way in which they had worked together. The chairman endorsed these remarks, and wished tbe members a prosperous new year. The evening was spent in a convivial manner, songs, &c., being given by members ot the brigade The singing of tbe ationa l Anthem br0ug h t t he evening's proceed i ngs to a close

\VEST BROJl IWICTT. -The annual dinncr in connection with the West Brom\\'ich Durough Fire Brigade took p\::1('c aL the Central on Decem her 31 s1. Supt. Tozer presided, and presented a long service medal to Firl.;man Partridge i\. telegram was received from Supt. Tozer and the men of the Birmingham Fire Brigade wishing the West Bromwich firemen a happy and prosperous new year, lhe compliment being returned.

The History and Development of Manual, Steam and Motor Fire Engines.

Dy ClIAs. T. Clwwm: N, M.C.KT., M.L. .'\.F.E., .. \., &c., &c

(Coll//lIl1rd (ro/ll 02.)

SINCE the Introduction of the author's m()tor rlre engine at Worcester it has been made the subject of ridicl;1e and abuse by those people \\"ho arc interestec1 in the manufacture of horse dra W11 steam rl re engi nes, th rough thei r own con lemporics. They first said that motor engines were not new, and they were not wantec1: were proved to be failures years ago: and Lhey gave examples of an l \merican fire engine trying to make its way over Brooklyn Bridge, where it stuck, with its wbeels revolving, not moving an inch forward, thus showing that motor fire engines were impossible, instead of which it merely showed how not to construct such engines again in future. One flrt11 look the trouble to condemn the working of the Worcester nre engine; b u t a few years have now since intervened, and the same firm now advocates and cffers to supply motor fire engines, and even take back or al ter their horse-drawn machines in exchange This now shows that motor fire engines will supersede all horse-drawn machines in the very near future, not only in England but on the Continent, where there are already many. The :0fclropolitan Fire Brigade after interviewing the author of this article (and after inspecting his designs and results of the \\ orcester engine) have converted a Metropolitan Fire llrigadc engine themselves, little forgetting that the first motor fire engine entailed a vast amount of labour and expense in making it a practical machine. I think it is due to me that the first practical motor fire engine Llsed in the nre service was made by me for Worcester for the use by Norwich Union Insurance Co.'s brigade; and great thanks are due to Captain Sayce, who collaborated with the author in its construction. This practically brings my paper to a close, br i nging lhe fire engine frol1l pre-historic t i mes up-to-date. Hut beCore concluding I shou l d like to make the follow i na o

r emar ks. You wi ll see from the forego ing art icles that not h i n g praclically was done with the fire extinguisbing apparatus from early days till about the 15tb or 16th century, when the Germans, Dutch and French appear to have given fire engines their attention Delivery hose was not invented until between the 15th and 16th century. In this country, Newsham must be given credit formaking the fi rs par ish fire engine Several other firms afterwards came mto existence, such as Bramah, Simpkin and otbers. To Braithwaite credit is given for making the first steam fi r e-engine in Englcmd; and Erricson, his former associate, made a sim i lar enginc in America. To Paul Rapsey

make r s. Mr. se.ems to have been treated very badly, as well as Bralthwalte, and ousted by the rival makers and their friends. At the Crystal Palace trials someone put a few square yards of canvas up his suctionplpe, and. e.ven t?-day, at a meeting of firemen at Perry a sllndar mlschlef was done to a French engine, by puttmg lumps of co:!l into the suction·pipe Over the Worcester motor-engine I have been the subject of a gOJd of abuse and their influences bave tried to get the engme thr?'.vn back upon my h :l11ds. This fate appe:lrs to be one which falls to the lot of those who are pioneers of our great industries.

RAILW \Y CLEARING lIOUSE VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE. : i

Chief Officer, H. II. ':;PJ';, \RS; Captai.n, J. \\T. GIRLr:\TG; Engineers, H. S \NDERS, IT. l\J URRELL, : : G. PACI,JrAM; FIremen, \ \T. E\V:\L\:\T, B. G. GARNER. :

•

: Holclers of the London Private Fire Brigade Association Championship Cup for 190r and J902 :

• also the" IIebbert " Challenge Cup, won three years in su c cession 1900 190J and 1902' :

• ! I tl " I " Cl 11 C "' ! ane le saac la enge up, J902 (first year of Competition )

•

Hodge credit is due for the construction of the first selfeng ine. From this time and for about 20 years, nothmg was done to encourage steam fire enaine making unti l Mess.rs Shand and Mason, assisted by Edward FIeld, c.E. came upon the scene. To William credit the first self-propelled engll1e must be gIven 111 thIS country, and for other horsesteam fire engines used by the London Fi re Brigade. 1 he r e appears. to be,. even 111 these early days, a great wa n t of un Ity or [nendsh lp amongst lhe r i val fire eng ine

I may say further that I have endeavoured to aive a true history of the development of the fire engine as /::)far as my capabilities allow me, without any pecuniary or trade motives. lost of the information, other than already known to the author, had to be obtained and collected, and I have to thank several gentlemen for rendering valuable' assistance when compiling this paper. My only aim has been to supply that knowledge which is not generally known throughout the fire service, ancI to help to advance a subject which is the title of these articlec:.

Letters to the Editors.

[Ve a, e ilt no way respoJlSible for the op£ni01lS exp?'essed. or lite statements made, by Correspolldents.-EDITORS.

SHALL WE MU l. ICIPALISE THE SERVICE?

DEAR SIR ,-I have been rather interested in. t.he criticisms evoked by my letter, but I to see that my cntlcs are convincing. Your correspondent Issue that the one thing in particular he notICes IS that criticised are nearly all obsolete, and advises us to obtam copy of new ones before we make further comment.s If he reads my letter more carefully he will find that I was gwmg our for secession, and as that event took four or five year s aa-o I fail to see how copy of 1902 regulatIons affect. our case. l:> I am a-Iad to hear that the regulations complal11ed of. are omitted, that fact no doubt is attributab le to the secessIOns caused by their being enforced, so that seceder have opened the eyes of some at least. .'

AI D.- January, I9 0 3

nected with either, I think I can gIve an unbi ass ed opinion on the subject und e r discussion.

.

.

I may say my opinions are held by some of the princIpal men in Bristol.

I do not think that any good -POSSibly come of scathing remarks on either side, as It will only tend to enlarbe the wOllnds already made.

Both part ie s have rendered ye?man serVIce, the M.A.C. men being employed on the waterside are on the spot .where numerouS accidents occur, the S.J .A.B. men on the hand being scattered about all cannot cases m such a combined manner, but mdlvldual efforts are ll1valuable.

January, 9 0 3. -FIRST

sty les" private, " but when the un iform wa s procured at a co nsidera ble expense, the officer in charge of the District refused to a llow it to be worn, consequen tl y the" Marine Division" did not become part o[ the Brigade in Bristol, as the condemnin g of the uniform ( which had been sanctioned by one official) and other red tape and despotic rulings were not brooked by the members of the" Marine Division."

In my opinion it seems absurd that sai lor s should be expected to wear a tight-fitting "tunic" such as is worn by members of the S.J.A.B. A number of men employed by lessrs. J. S. Fry and Sons also attended this class and joined th e Bristol Division, but shortly afterwards left in a body.

AI n.-

we want to see them go ahead. We equipped our stations, and now the brigade are followin g suit, so we may congratulate ourselves on the fact that we have given an impetus to ambulance work here.

As to his second paragraph dealmg wIth ap'p0mtments. At the time was writing of the drill manual was.1I1 force. Col. Bowdler in his report states that the drill book IS. and must be revised and brought to date, and .1 certamly fall to see how an inspection once a year can constItute a knowled ge of local affairs.

It does seen a great pity that such a wonderfully tra!ned lot of men as those under Capt TreZIse and the R.ev. N. S. de Jersey, M.A., s hould not be recognIsed b):' t.he l3rwade, and I must candidly say, that it is the gcneral Opll110n of men 111 street" that as far as we can see and tell, the fault most aSSllledly in this respect, li es with the As work done in the streets, I must say. the assIstance rendered by the " Marines" ha s been of the hIghest order. I was wItness to one of the many cases treated by them at Avonmouth, on the visit of the Prince of \Vale s to cut the sod of the ne. w dock; the renloval of an old gentl eman bemg accomplished 111 a very short time.. .'

I' k

\V ith regard to the third paragraph, he seems to .t lin that because some of us cannot see eye to eye the bng.ade authorities that we go on from year to year. wIthout. exammaions or practices. I f he reads my letter agal11, he will that we work on similar lines, but under local con.tr?l: YJ'hllst we were connected we admitted no member to dIVISIon till he had obtained his medallion. His deductions are at f,;wlt, for we are not in the habit of spnding one man o.nly a case or removaL But I can quite under stand hIS here , for though he may perhaps be qualified to as regards drills, a glance at his report I append, 111 whICh he. states that for a year there.have been no c<;ises or removals, will certainly show that he IS n,?t an on actual cases, and I ask your readers whIch IS the Important. to a,;:t up to motto of the Association, " Pro UtllItate HomlUm, and rendel aid to those needing It, or an attendance at parades, &c.

Surely in a town like .there are some accidents to be attended to, and some. I11vah.ds who requIre trained assistance in remov a L I consIder hIS report gives hi]n away, and I importance .to the cntlClsm of a superin tendent whose dIVISIOn had not a smgle case to report in a whole year.

With regard to hIS last paragnph, I am qUIte With hIm. think it would be a good thing if some such rule as that of the N.F.B.U. was adopted We regularlx omIt n.ames fro.m our squad cards of those who are cOI?tent WIth havl11g obtamed a certificate and take no further active part.

The Surrey Constabulary, of whom have a good many, will not allow a constabl.e to wear h IS badge untIl he has obtained his medallion. ThIS IS a new rule lately enforced, and as we present badges to un}formed members, I was see it, for until some such rule IS adopted a man who has fOl all he learnt may contin ue to wear the b.adge of AsssoCiatlOn, and might bring discredit on the corps m the town where he happens to reside - I am, yours truly, A. \VI 'SLADE, Hon. Sec. Farnham Centre.

P.S.-Extract from Report of Division: Drills hel d 22' average attendance, 2; inspectIOn, total parade -: re-examination, members passed, 16; not appea;, 2. Division has made satis fa ctory progress dunng the year, but there have been no cases attended to or removals.

l3RISTOL CITY E Alv1BULA CE CORPS.

DEAR SIRs,-May I be allowed a small space in yo ur valuable J oumal to reply to a correspondent whose nom de plume is "J aw l3andage." .'

As one who is thoroughly WIth offiCIals of both the S.J.A.B. and the M.A.C. in Bnstol, yet m no way con-

I mention thI S one II1stance, as both S.J.A.n. and were present. The S.J.:B. men were intently watchmg the steam navvy at work, whIlst the case refer to happened close to them, the "Marines" being at least 100 Y<;irds away.

This case, I may say, created a good of the " larine s" by those seated on what was known as the Purple grand s tand.

The rem arks about dealing with famts IS all nonsense.

May I ask" Jaw Bandag:e" where faints usually Is it not in the crowd and not In the front row? And IS It not better to remove the patients to the rear of where they can be treated in a manner than If 111 the front, where the danger always. at a pro c essIon, of mo.unted l)oll'ce ca \' alry &c. comll1a- 111 contact WIth the front rank.

"

b " d"b B··tl

The" Marines" are as much recog11lse y liS 0 as the S.J.A.B., and it does not trouble the publiC whether the headquarters of the S.} .A. B. are at St. John's Gate or Bnstol, so long as work is done efficiently. .'

As regards "recognised bodies" I hope the tIme .wlll come when a ll ambulance work, as regards street duty, &c., will be under municipal cont roL I

May I ask " J a \V Bandage," who s-peaks of I bowlJ1g to d iscip line, " how it is that one at of hIS officers visits the local Deputy CommissIoner, and. IS by that gentleman, without the knowledge of eIther the Comm:ssioner or the Chief Supenntenc1ent (a gentleman who IS so much respected ) _ Is this in accordance with S.}.A.B. regulations ( With regard to the a class at which Captain Trezise and his men took theIr certIficates, may I be to give some further to those who are

A young man, who WIth Dr. F. E.Peake of th e. plesent surgeons of the S.J.A.B. ) founded the BedmlJ1ster ( Bnstol ) Division o f the S.} .A.B., approached the Rev N S. de Jersey, M.A., Chaplain of the Mission to Seamen at Bristol, and sugested that a first aid class should be held there for the purpose instructi n g sailors ;1l1d others, as had been done 111 the of 18 93 and J 894 at the same place. Dr. Loch, the prevIous lecturer, was approached, but through III health, \\ as to undertake the work, two doctors at Gen.eral were also approached, but the times WIth theIr dutIes .the matter was reported to pr.. J. (Jnffiths ( the then MedIcal Officer of the Bristol DIVISIOn, S.J.A.B. ) and very kll1dly consented to take the lectures himself, and .If a few fflends of his might be included in the class, If I remember correctly, was readily granted :rhe orlgll1al .Idea was that those men who cared, after gaml ng theIr certificates, should join the Division of the Brigade; all went and the numbers II1creased enormously, then the OCCUtl that a "Marin e" Division might be formed, whIch was qUIte new to the S.J.A.B.

Dr Griffiiths took the matter up WIth a result that sa n c tIOn was locally to wear the uniform which "Jaw Bandage"

•

All the time this sort of thing- goes on, great harm is being done to ambulance work in the city of Bristol. There ale now some thousands here who possess first aid certificates and who would gladly join the brigade were it not for the amount of "red tape " and the indiscretion used in the appointment of officers, whose resignations at the present time are at the rate of three to one appointment.

Financial assistance from the pub ic generally is likely to be withheld while the present state of affairs remain.

"Jaw Bandage " states that Capt. Trezise does not belong to he association or the brigade.

I affirm he does belong to the" Association;" he is a past member of the local central committee, and he and his men possess certificates and medallions, and if these have nothing to do with the S.J .A.A., perhaps "Jaw Bandage" will kindly inform me who has?

I notice in a previous issue a letter from "A Citizen" respecting a meeting of the two bodies for a courteous and friendly discussion, and I trust such an armistice may take place speedily, ere harm is done to both by injudicious rivalry. \ ,y-hen it is possible for both to work in unison then will Bristo l posse s s" an ambulance brigade second to none."

As regards" Ci tizen's " remarks concerning the II holding out of the olive branch, " I believe this has been done but no nOlice whatever taken of it. That, too, is all very well; but not for Capt. Trezise ( better known to the brigade as the " Admiral" ) and his officiers to give up their valuable "stock" and posi tions.

The 1\Iarine stations are splendidly equipped, and Bristol people and others who are interested would, I feel sure, be pleased to view the contents of these stations.

Apologising for the intrusion on your valuable space.Yours very truly,

"TOUR " IQUET."

DE \R SIR S - I did not intend to enter into the controversy in connection with the above corps, but your correspondent " Jaw Bandage " has raised one or two questions which need comment.

First of all, it is a rnatter of extreme wonder to me why the S .J. A B. are so anxious to watch every movement on ourpart and do their best to block us. It is, as we take it, a great compliment, because those \vho are cripples and have no strength are not worth fighting. But what has surprised me more than anything is the methods that are used for fighting us. It hurts us not, but it provides for thinking men interesting psychological study.

Secondly, why will they not understand the origin and formation of our corps? The first classes held in our Seamen's Institue were held in about 1893 by Dr. Loch, an old Indian army medical officer. In nearly all our Seamen's Institutes such classes are held. I n our report for 1902 I find that since the work started over 1,200 seamen have gained certificates 'When I restarted the classes it was but continuing the old work. Of course a lecturer was needed, and after, I think, four doctors had been asked, Dr. J. S. Griffiths was invited, unknown to me. The only reason why he was asked was because he was a medical man and a qualified lecturer. It was never because he was superintendent of the S.J.A.B.

Beyond the fact that I had heard of the brigade I knew nothing whatever about it. r at once got papers, &c., and read it up as a matter of inte rest only. There was no idea then of forming a corps. It was only some time after when Capt. Trezise came to see me on the s ubj ect that a corps was organised. Ever since then the brigade has gone ahead, and

ow let us give one instance of the blocking system. This being part of our In stute work, Lord Brassey, who is president of our Society, was asked to become president of the corps. Being asked by the Missions to Seamen headquarters he kindly consented. Then suddenly he withdrew his name. I at once called upon him, and then found out that he had received a letter from Lord Knutsford, saying, " Please withdraw from the Bristol City Marine Ambulance Corps at all costs." As Lord Knutsford was a persona l friend of his, and Lord Brassey had in measure lost touch with the Order of St. John, he did so not knowing why. We both came to the conclusion that he could not retract his withdrawal in view of the curious methods used against us.

I bear no malice against the Knights o f St. John, but their present mode of dealing with an enemy is most unknightly.

I see in your paper a picture of "Officers of the London Private Fire Brigades' Association " Do the regular fire brigades fight these?

In Liverpool we have an Ambulance Guild, conducted by MI". W. H. Noble, which I don ' t think is connected with the brigade, and Mr. Noble received lately an illuminated congratulatory address from the London St. John Ambulance Association.

Our opposition does not come from London, but is conducted entirely locally.

Times may change, but so long as we can rescue a fellow seaman from an untimely death, we shall do it to the utmost of our power.- I am, Sir, your obedient servant.

S. DE JERSEY, Chaplain The to Seamen, 1st Lieut. l3.C.M.A.C.

The Seamen's Institute, Prince-street, Bristol.

January 12th, 1903,

GENTLE-ilIEN,- I trust the letters in reference to this corps have not excluded the insertion of more instructive reading in your valuable columns; and on behalf of the council and members I beg to cordially thank you for your kindness in gi\ ing publicity to our grievances, and before closing the correspondence will ask you to insert my answer to Jaw Bandage."

That gentleman has evidently not care full y read my letter in your November issue, and I would advise him to read paragraph 7 again.

With regard to his remarks re " Concerts" and "Football Matches, " I do not wish to cause ill-feeling, but with reference to concerts I must say that the treatment accorded to a" supposed faint" lately, showed ignorance in diagnosing, with imperfect and partial tre atment, and the exposed position of the patient called forth strong condemnation from an official when passing. I trust this was not a sample of the 50 enumerated. In connection with" Football Matches," I must add that in one instance a t least, the presence o f the club doctor was of immense value, as he was able to interfere when a dislocation had been treated as a fracture, and thus relieved the patient from increased pain at least.

I thank" Jaw Bandage " and those who evidently assisted to formulate his remarks about L what I should do, &c.," and will be content to inform him that my experience of "first aid " work is far WIder tban he imagines, and has extended oyer 12 years; I hold a medallion, and attended classes 10 years ago; and had he served in a hospital <;hip that I commanded for three years, he would certainly be wiser as regards ambulance work than he is to-day, as those three years were most valuable and unique in many ways; however, "where ignorance is bliss it is folly to be wise, " otherwise he would not altempt to instruct me about the S.J.A.A., and the brigade. Long before the latter body was known in Bristol ( the A Band C Divisions were formed in 1897 ). I was in correspondence with S.J.A.A. as far back as 1893, and consequently am in a position to know rather more than" Jaw Bandage» does about the two bodies.

Perhaps he is also purposely or happily ignorant of the fa ct tha t the" red tape" (wh ich he says is not made in Bristol )

has within the last fcw days been the cause of the greal dissatisfaction, and cf)l1sequent wholesale rcsig-nalion o f valuable members of thc brigade here, although efforls are made to keep such information from the public.

The last paragmph of his letter is certainly most amusing, and your readers will naturally read it for what it is worth

I will not trespass any further on your kindness, but will close by stating l11y opinion that although at present no appreciable rcsulls havc been obtained in the way sought, much good has already been done in bringing togcther a large number of ambulance workers, and that erc long thc foundation will be laid of an ambulance organisation whose objcct will be to endeavour to carry out ambulance work in such a manner as to justi fy t h e adoption of the well-known llIOttO Pro bOllo jmbhco - Yours faithfully,

J. F. TREZISE

Hon. Sec. Bristoll\1arine Ambulance Corp

read the correspondence respecting the aboye in FIRST AID, may I be allowed to say a few words on the subject.

It seems to me the officials of thc S.] .A.D. wish to control the whole of the ambulancc mcn in thc city. I for onc do not think it wou ld bc \\'isc to allow this; certainly the B.e.l\I.A.C. are of quite as much use if not more so, especially around our docks, II·harvcs and riverside, for until the B.e.I\1.A.e. was formed the worke"s around th docks and II'han ' es had no one to rendcr first aid to them" hen an accident happened, and the S.J,A.n., if kno\\'n at all, was only by name Certainly somc arrangcment ought to bc arrived at so that thc good \\ ork donc by the men of the D.e.l\I.A.C. can be carried on, Your correspondent, "Jaw Bandage," certainly callnot knoll' Capt. Trezise or the work he and his men are doing, or he lI ould not ask such a foolish question, , has Capt. Trezisc passed his t1lird exam." And in my opll1ion an ambulance man in a crowel is of much more sen'ice than one outsidc. The Illan in tIle crOll d wou ld certainly stand a greater cbance of reaching a case than one on the outside, and the people would be more inclined to allow them to pass with a patient than let a man from the outside get to one.

'Oil' accidents of some kind are almost a claily occurence around our clocks, and the IVay in which the men under Capt. Trezise leave their \l'ork to render aid, and the despatch with which hey do work, would be a credi t to any corps of longcr st'U1c!;ng.

1\1any cases have come under my observation, so that I say lhis with all confidence. Oil' to ask thcse men to put undcr another authority the eight stations which they ba\'e in full working order would bc vcry unfair, as it would be practically effacing t hemselves.

Your correspondent, "Citizen," seems to think that Capt. Trezise is antagonistic to the S,].A B., but he certainly cannot know him or he would not make the remarks he has

To sum up, t he issue in\'olved in the correspondence is very simple. Capt. Trezise makes a clear and concise allegation as to the overbearing arbitary manner in which he has been met by t he officials of the S J,A,B., and clearly states that he proposed a meeting I\'ith them to sce if an amicablc working arrangement could not be come to betwcen the parties, So far as this correspondcncc goes this definite allegation has not been ans\\'cred, but replies made introducing points altogcther wiele of the issue raised by Capl. Trezise, and if b is statemcn ts, - \\'hich ha\'e no t bcen denicd are truc, there can be lillIe cloubt to an impartial observer that the S J.A.D" instead of showing a ready spirit to co-operate in thc good work of hclping the public in case of need, and welcoming them as fcllowworkers in a good cause, show a clog in the mangcr spirit, and seem to act as though if thcy cannot have everything and everybody u nder t hcre suprcmc co;-.trol, any others besides thcmselves arc to be scoutecl and hindered in el ery possible way in ,\,hatel'er attcmpts they Illay make to rcnder thc public all the sen'ice they can, and so far as one I1My judge there is not the slightest cioubt as to the capacity of the D.C.i\I.A. to deal \\ itb cases ot accident \I hich may arise, therefore it is beyond questlon that having set themseh ' es to do a certain public \lork, and hal'ing dOI e it satisfactorily, they have justified their existen. e and should be treated at least \\'ith courtesy by any

body of men engaged ill tbe samc work a nd anxious only that such work should prospcr, ancl not anxiolls mere l y for thcir own fame and to get all powcr into thcir own hands. And the public in giving support to cither body, s hou d, if it wishes to do justice, not gil e it to that one which shows suc h an overbcaring and arbitrary spirit; and in the opinion of the writcr there can not be any doubt \\'hich 0 f the two par t ies conccrned has sho\\'n that spiri l. - Fai th rully yours,

E. S. VINES

!OJ, Colston-road, Easton, Bristol.

1\IU TICIPAL A;\IBULA CE SERVICE FOR LONDON

DEAR Sms, - On page 88 of FIRST All) for December I see the Londul1 County Council have had an offer of one electric ambulance for the convcyance of persons injurcd in the strccts. I t would be interesting to know the tonnage of t his rcrr:arkable \ 'ehicle, and how the changes affect it. Let us trust its tyres are good, and hope it docs not rely on electricity for its head light in foggy weather. To my mind, London requires 60 wagons to do thc thing properly, though I feel diffident about suggcsting e\'en the establishing of six wagons of the reliable St. ] ohn horse pattern - Yours sincerely, L. A. C. January -Ith, 1903

FIRE E (;lNES AND APPLIA CES

DE \R SU{S,- I learn that the few English firms engagcd in the manuf,lcture of firc engincs and applianccs arc very busy just noll'; so much the bettcr. Tbe ordcr of the day secms, hOll'ever, to il1\'itc compctition, and I hcar of firms across the Iratcr \\'ho hal'e madc up their minds to COIllC and stay witb thc I icll' of gi"ing Britishers an opportunity of examining and comparing tbe I'arious syste111s, 111 our habits II e are very slow, not to say antique; and lI e are now only allakening to thc advantages of chemical engines and FOlllpicr ladders, both of whicll have becn in use in other parts of the world for years, and perhaps in the near future it \\'ill be possible for other than " the elect" to get a fair hearing, cspecially if it is anything which is an a(\I ance. 'The manura c ture of fire appliances in this country is in its infancy com parcd \I th America and Germany, and if chief officcrs II ill only consider, compare, and submit to thcir committee the various applianccs used in othcr countries thcrc is no reason why English brigades should not be the best equipped and most efficicnt in the world, baving in vicw the moncy spent.' An English manufacturer whcn I COlllplained of the chargc for machines, said it was not only the cost of production which had to be bome in mind, but a1:,o of getting the order. Funny, eh! \Vhat will the Exhibition clo?Yo u rs truly, AJAX THE BRANCIlillAN.

January 1St, 1903

P,S -I should like to read the views of other e.O 's.

REDUCIBLE FIRE LIFE-SA VI TC BELT.

DE.\R In reading your article in December issue of FIRST AID on the Lire-saving Belt, I was not only greatly interested in C07ItjJte-7 C71du, but felt very gratified to think thal this belt, which I brought for inspection at the last Council Meeting of the I,F,D,U., had the full appro\'al of such experts in life-saving work.

Since then, I had a few slight improvcments made on the \\'ovel1 belt and on the steel swivel book as I take pride in that both should bc second to nonc, if possible and I, thercforc, would greatly thank you to allow me a l ittle space in your valuable papcr, to bring the facts befure yuur numerous readers -as they Illay be of some interest to them.

In the first place, thc ring at thc tail end of the bell is mlal and of the same size and strength as the two Irirln/:ular rings at top, wh ich are fastened by thc swivel hook. As regard" the later, not only is the surface perfectly {'veil and smoot/t, but thc powerful spring-, which kccps the sjJecially constructed and self-gripping jails firmly locked togethcr, is groo7.Jed in the inner sidc of the swil el, and it is obl ' ious that the spring cannot possibly shift: on eiLher side and 111USt always act as it is intended, The whole being rust proof.

I feel sure, as three chief officers hal'e already signified their intcntion to purchase one comp lete belt eacb, t hat this

January, 1903 -F I RST

belt and hook, which i::; an inclispensible part of thc whole, shall rccommend itself to the I"ire Service gcncrally, to the gcneral public and cspecially to employers having many people on their premises espc c ially \I omen and girls so thal another such cata::;trophc as the Qucen Victoria-strcet fire might be prcI'en tec1.

The whole lI o\'cn belt and steel sl\il el book of the latest pattern only cost 16 s , carriage cxtra.

As it will casilv be realiscd sucb a small figure only leavcs room for a vcry s'mall profit, but whatcI er small profit 1I1cre might be on thc s ale of each completc bclt, it is my dcsire to hand It over to the Amhulance Dcpartmcnt uf the ?\ational Fire Brigades Union to be shared bctll'een the \Vidoll's and Funcl and ,the Anlbulance ])cpartment - as to my mmc1, both funds ment thc support of onc and all.

for the length of this letter, trusting that the lntcntlons "hlch promptcd it, might plead for the fm our of your grcat courtcsy, 1 bcg to rcmain, dcar Sirs, yours very sincerely, .\ Sccond Officer, Ambulance Department, N.F. U. L.:.

TIlE l,'IRE SERYICE.

SlJ{S, As an ambulance fircman of some e:\pcl'lence, and now on a visit to your grcat c ity, I was sorry to see the disparaging rcmarks on the London Firc Brigade in your paper of lJeccmber Joth, The short time I have becn in London I hal e seen two big flrcs and one small onc, and ",as I cr) pleased With the manner in whi c h the calls to ea c h fire replied, w th the applian c es used, and the manncr in which they Ilerc handlcd. At the s lliall fire tile promptitudc lias thc happenecl in a qll ict, out of thc Ilay utf a b) e-street, 111 its tUI n off a lIlain road. A s tllc smoke sllOlIcd a crOlld ran up, the policc with it, II Ito called the bl'lgade, and it horse c sc ape and tllO s tcamers "ele on the spot befure 1 thought they had had timc to get to the fire alarm. , lloplng lI',ill hal'c spacc for me to sho\\' nly appreciation of your fIre brigade in your paper. - l am, yours truly,

,\, F \RR()\\.

january 2nd, 1\)0 '), ,S, 1 refer to pagc <)-1 in your paper.

TliE FXL\L FII\.E \T STEP.l\EY,

1) · I{ S J Iad London an am bulan c e sen ice on the lines I and I)laccd before vou last Ali"'ust there J M ,:ould halc been an amiJulance wagon in Ben John s on-road ::;IX after,the call \\'as .bi\en by the police, and, owing to the police bel11g ablc to gwe detailed information from the strcct call post in the neighbourhood, the wagons from Southwark and Clerken\\'ell \\'ould have becl1 there] or 1:2 minutes aftcr that from Whitechapcl had arril ed. ;\Ieanwhile 1\0. \\'agon, with its traincd first aidcr would have rendered ser\'ice. The wagons would leal e their respective statlOl1S 1I lth In a few seconds of each otbcr. - Yours sincerely, L. A e.

TIIE ROYAL l'ROCEESS.

SlRs, - Ha"ing reacl in your last iss ue the letter from" One \\1ho \Vas Thcrc, " wish to state that it was an understood thing in our that members II'boyolunteered for strect duty on the occa s ion he mention s ,, -ere to receil ' c a sinlilar to the one is:oued for thc Diamoncl Jubilce. lIad It not been so Illany of LIS \I ould not havc attended, as II e had to lose a clay s \\'ork as \\'ell a s pay om o\\ n expenses. 1 think if it was put before" The Sm ereign llcad and Patron of thc Order " Edward \,1 I., might be c10nc to rccognise Ol:r scrl'lces. 1 bear that thc poli c e and I'olunteers hal c had thc medal granted to,thelll, and I considcr IIC arc as if not morc, cntlLled to It than Lhey are. Yoms truly, liocil .\\,i) I)Ull(;11.

J:lnuil.ry 7th, 1<)03, SL P I. \', D, LIllU}LL II'ritcs: - "In your December ssue report ( pa g e ;:)6, under '.:'\[etrojJolitan Corps' ) a c!ll1ner bell1g hclel by No, 1 St. John s Catc Division.' This is an error, as this elil ision lla s not I'd held its annual dinner, \ \ hell this el ellt has taken placc, I trust yuu II ill be guud

cnough to gi,'e llS a paragraph. I n justice to the eli" ision that the rcport does refcr to, please correct the mistake in your January number, and oblige,"

[\Ve regrct the error, which was, of course thc usual " , pnnter s error." ,\Ve tender our apolo«ies to the orficcrs and mcmbers of both divisions, and trust bit \\'on t occur aga1l1. We will gladly do as :\[r. Liddell suggests.]

jOIJi\ \VRl(;Il1 Co" of Bristol, "rite to LIS as follows: "Our attention has bcen called to a notice in FIRST All), referring to oLlr large shcet diagrams for \Varll'ick and Tunstall ' s First Aid Lectures, \Ve arc surprised to see that y<;lu notice only fO siteets, whereas thcy should be r6, as you will see by enclosed prospectus As we consider this notice is calculated to do some degree of injury to the sheets we shall !J,e very obligee! if you lI' ill take some steps your ncxt lssue to rcctlfy the error."

[We gladly c<;lmply lIith this request. It is apparent that It 'yas ,on}y a pnnter s error; but if it has injured Mes s rs, \\ right's firm, wc can only ex[)ress oLlr re"ret and trust that b they \\'Ill concede that we have made the amende /tOlZorable ]

National Fire Brigades Union.

, The .\nnual General l\Ieeting of the Central Cuun c il ",111 be held at Clifford s Inn Hall Fleet -street London C " , all \\'ednesday, January 28th, 1903, at 3 o clock. .\genda: 1\IlI1utcs; to confirm election of new Bri rrades' J ".,. r b _ong en Ice 1 edal COlllmitt<.:c; Finance Committee' Tournament Committee; Ambulance Committee. tions: Chairman; Two \ ice -Chairman; Committees; to recommend election of President and Vice-lJresidents at the Annual feeling ; t.o lix date or i\nnual Ieeling; to fix date of l \nnuul 1\Ieetmg; to elect a Banquet Committee ; draft .\.nnual Report ; General Business,

The Ley ton and Leytonstone Fire Brjuude held a grand carnival and torchlight procession in their district on Saturday, January 10th, for thc benefit of the Widows and Orp,hans Fund ?f the T, F. RU. The procession was over a 1111 Ie long. LiCUt. G. 1\1. Horn, of " Chanico" fame was the chief Marshall, and he brought not only a horse bulancc, hose cart and band, but about 100 men. The chairman was Capt. H. Hallows, E.c.c. Yice chairman, Capt. A. T Dale; the hon. sees., Capt. H. [illar (Ley ton) and J. Woollard (I1fOl d). The street collection was over £4 0 , but G, H. Pizey (Chingford), the treasurer,. has yet to receive the collecting

Tbc Ilou -e of Representatil cs in \Va:ohington is to hal c a medi c inc chc s in the office of the Sergeant-al-Arms. The i,ntroclu c ed las.t De c ember by Dr. \Vilson, of 1)rooklyn, directlllg Lhe, to purchase an cmergen c y of medlclnc, and sUltable instruments for I1l i110r operation s for u s c in ca s c of iII ness or acciden t to persons in attendance at the lIouse was \\'e learn from the \' I II. ' ,CII" ,or.;:. edlcal Record, reportecl recently by the Committee on Accounts, With an amendment providing that L11C contents of the be by Rcpresentatil es \ \ 'ilson (of, ' ell" ork ), Ball (of Dela\\'are :, and Showalter ( of Penn s yl\'<ll1l,l ), all membcrs of the medical profcssion. r\ mcdicine c he s t I\'()uld bc a u s cfu! thing for our Oil'\] Parliament; but for the llou 5e of Common s in I ic\\ or possible" hi h night ," it lIould hal e to be supplement e d by a case of sllrglCal instrumen , a stretcher, and the ne c es s ary stafY of first aid a ttendan ts thcse lattcr might form thc nucleLls of thc proposed ;lIll!;ulanLe sel c e.

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As it is the earnest wish and desire of the new Proprietors to make thi!:> Journal as allracti\'e and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help lhey can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Division of the St. John Amhulance Brigade, Officers of the Volunleer Medical Staff Corps, th e Volunteer Ambulance School of In struction, and Chief Officers o[ Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do lheir be t to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their officia l ncws and notices. Suggestions are ill\ ilcd for Prize Competitions and other maLlers which will advance the interc t of the Tourna!.

'vVe particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication

We thorou gh ly Sir Vincent Barrington's vic\\-s when speaking on the question at the meeting of the Metropolitan Asylums Board, "It is the duty of the Board to appoint delegates to attend the Congress."

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PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or her person or had left at home this ticket, with his, or her, usual signature, written prior to the accident, on the space provided below, which, togeth er with the giving of notice within the time as he re n· before mentioned, is the essence of this contract.

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Printed and Published by Messrs DALE, REYNOLDS AND CO., 46, Cannon Street, London, E C., to whom all communicati ons

'vVe are pleased to record the fact that we are already recei\ing a great accession o[ support [rom a ll parts o[ the country, and as our space is somewhat limit ed, in dealing with reports of local meetings for presentation o[ certificates, &c ., it would be better that a brief report were written, gi\·ing a short resume of the \arious points touched upon hy the principal speakers, rather Lhan that a lengthynewspaper report should be sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This report is doubtless interesting to local First·aiders, LUL it must be borne in mind that we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigadc world at large.

TERMS OF SUUSCl\.lPTlOl\'.

For 12 months, 2S. 6e1., post free, to be sent to the Pub[ishers :\I essrs Vale, n.e),l1olds and Co., 46, Cannon-street, London, E_ C. ' Tete,';, rap/tic d ddress-" Twellt),-joltr, LOlldon " Telep/lone No.-tj477 Ballk. Brevities.

WE unde:stand that the Fire Exhibition and Congress, whIch has for ItS pr es ident H.R.H. The Duke of Cambridge bids fair t o be a grand success. Mr. E. O. Sachs energetic chairman of the British Fire Prevention Committee, is working lik e a Trojan, and in connection with the has paid a series of visits abroad, and at every town VISIted h e has received a cordial and r ec iprocal response to hi.s request for co-operation. This being so, it is somewhat dIfficult to understand the attitude of the London County Council and the Metropolitan Asylums Board. The :ormer body shou ld certainly take this opportunity of learn_ Ing all that it can, with regard to the fightincy of fire and b th e l atter body might profit by a further insi ght, ll1to the present up - to-date methods, as adopted by our \.m e ri can Cousins and Our fire brigade confreres across the water.

WE heartily congratulate the Council of the X 1". n."C. on their Annual Report for 1902. Ire learn that the increase in new brigades and members is the highest on record. The work of the District Councils has been excellent, and it is salisfactory to learn that each district bas a balance in hand. The accounts of the Central Coutlcil have been duly audited, and it is gratifying to know the deficit of £103 1 8s 3d. has been entirely discharged. The The Widows' and Orphans' Fund, under the abJe control of Capt. Graham, has gone steadily ahead, and a sum of £1,100 has been il1\'esled in the names of the trustees. This is a good start, and we cordially unite in the wish expressed by the Executi\e, that the 6rcmcn attached to the Gnion will do their level best to mUltiply this t\"enty times. The \.m bulance Department, we are pleased to learn, continues to make gooJ prosress. The e:\aminations, on the whole, ha\·e been satisfactory, and it is stated that several d istr)cts now incl ude am bu lance com peti tions at thei r annual drill meetings. Hearty thanks are accorded to the Chief Officer Dr. Ettles for his valuable gift in presenting to the Union his book" First Aid to the Fire

The sa.d death of Firem;:l11 IIarris of the 1\.lcler hot and the lawsuit that ensucd in connection with the insurance money, has led the Executi\'c to carefully consider the matter, and the Honorary Counsel has drafted a clause which it is suggested should be added to every policy. The lause is as follows: " Attending a fire or drill or an in the nature of a dlill, or any exhibition of fire brigade methods under the control of a responsioJe officer on duty."

The King has conferred the Royal Cross on i\lrs. Osborn Howe in recoonition of sen ices rendered by her in attending the sick ancl wounded soldiers durin« tb'e South /\.fricao \Var. I:> -e> • c:

A IbNDV POCKET \NCE C.\SE. j\\essrs. Ferris and Co , of Bristol, call attention to their midget pocket ambulance case, whIch admlm.bl> for emergency case, such as \\·ounds, brLlIses, and ,nJurles aenerally and in fact all cases of sudden illness. The box, I:>which of destgn, and small enough. to.be carried in any ordinary pocket, con tams bandages, b?ractc ltnt, \\"001 compress, strapping and COllyt tourniquet, \\'aterproof protective, tablets for 1.0tlOl1, carbonlsed &c. There is also a slip of pI mted Il1strucllon for use tI1 first aid treatment anc! altogether .l\[essrs Ferris's case is calculated to be 'a valuable agency 111 the hands of an intelligent person.

Voluntary Aid to the Sick and Wound e d in War, with Special Re fe renc e to Ho s pital Ord e rli es. *

By SURGEON - 1L·\.JOR GEORGE A HUTTON, CO;\l;\/ISSIONER S.J.A.A.

(Colltillued from page 93.)

Po. SIBLV another source of supply of hospital orderlies might be from the Volunteer Brigade Bearer Companies.

I remember the present President of this section, Lieut.Colonel Elliston, stating at the Ipswich meeting, that his Bearer Company "are instructed as orderly nurses during the winter, and at the brigade camps in July or August they put their instruction into practice, as they act as hospital orderlies, nurse the sick by day and night, and attend the dressing of minor cases at the dispensary tent . "

Both these sources-the S.J.AA and the Volunteer Bearer Companies-might, possibly, in the future be made a useful recruiting ground, if encouraged, for an efficient supply of hospital orderlies. This suggestion may be largely assisted by carrying out, as far as possible, the recom mendations of the Central British Red Cross Committee, as contained in their recent report. They consider "that the best organisation of voluntary aid resources in this country would be, the formation of local committees in time of peace, and that such committees should be formed in connection with counties and large towns."

ow, considering the S J.AA has local committees in their centres and Branches of work all over the country both in large and small towns, and in many country districts, it would be advisable that these committees should be represented on the local committees of the British Red Cross.

It may be as well to state briefly the terms of service of hospital orderlies in the RA.M.C., viz. :-

(I.) Recruits are enlisted in the same ,yay as other soldiers in presenting themselves at any barracks or headquarters in the United Kingdom

(2 ) They are required to be in good health and physically fit for the Army.

(3.) They must be able to read and write, and must produce a certificate of good character from their late employer, or from a person of standing. A man of good education has a great advantage in the Corps.

(4.) Candidates do not require any previous knowledge of medical or nursing work, although such knowledge would be an advantage to them.

(5.) The training of recruits consists of a certaill amount of drill, lectures, &c., at Aldershot, and a further practical training in ward nursing duties at the various military hospitals.

(6 ) No special exami nations are necessary except for these men who aspire to promotion, in which case a more advanced knowledge of hospital duties and drill are requIsIte. For the rank of sergeant, a soldier must possess a thorough practical knowledge of dispensing. Classes of imtruction to prepare soldiers for these examinations are held in the army. The" minor" qualification of the Pharmaceutical Society is accepted as a qualification ll1 dispensing.

* lZcplinled frum Til e Briti s!1 flJeaica ; 10m ?lat.

AI D - February, I903.

The terms of service are, with the Colours seven years or three years; with the former five years in the Reserve, and the latter nine years.

It should be remem bered also, that the establishment of the RA1I.C. provides for an unusually large number of warrant and non-commissioned officers, namely, one out of every four men; and there is also a considerable number of quartermasters who are selected from the warrant officers of the corps there is a prospect of those who merit such advancement rising to commissioned rank. Promotion above the rank of corporal is reserved with very few exceptions for non-commissioned officers who have been found qualifled to compound medicines. This corps, therefore, offers exceptional chances of advancement to well educated men with a knowledge of pharmacy.

1 am pleased to be able to state, from recent information I have received, that many of the men of the S.J.A.B. who went out to South Africa have enlisted in the RAM.C.

To be concluded.

.------

Railwa y Ambulance.

The half-yearly meeting of the .E. R. Centre was held at York on Sunday, January 25th, when 2.j. delegates were present from the Darlington, Hartlepool, Hull, Leeds, Newcastle and York districts.

The general secretary (Mr. Geo. Jackson) presented his report, whirh showed that 26 classes were receiving lectures, &c., to which 581 books and bandages had been issued, that to December 19°2; 3,87 men had passed the first, 1,649 the second, and 1,198 the final examination since the formation of the Centre in Jovember, 1895. The cases of first aid rendered during the same period was 29,309. Other classes were in cOurse of formation, and the Centre generally was in a very healthy condition.

The other business consisted of making arrangements for the competitions, considering applications for" meritorious medals," &c.

On Saturday, 24th January, the Bensham classes of the N E.R. Centre held their annual" smoker," over which Mr. Councillor J no. Chipchase presided at the Prince of Wales Hotel, Gateshead. The general secretary (Mr. Geo. Jackson, York) attended and gave some particulars of the work done by the Centre generally, and a very pleasant evening was spent.

The Darlington district of the . E. R. Centre held its annual concert in the Mechanics' Institute, Shildon, on 28th January, when Dr. R. W. Smeadle presided and was supported by Mr. Geo Jackson (general secrelary), Mr. C. J. Smith (Darlington district chairman), Mr. J. S. Trinkler (district secretary), and others. Miss Pattie McNicol and Mr. G, W Suggett, of Darlington, entertained a fair audience

The Newcastle district of the N.E.R. Centre held their annual concert in the Railway Institute, Gateshead, on January 31St, when a large audience appreciated the excellent programme prov ided by the committee. J os. Fairless, Esq. (oivisional superintendent) presided, and was suppaned by H. H. Carrick, Esq. (district superintendent Sunderland), Mr. Geo. Jackson (general secrecary), Mr. J. Keith (Newcastle district chairman), Mr. W. Hollings (district secre-tary), and others. 1

February, 1903. -FIRST

Our Portrait Gallery.

CAPTAIN R. G. GRAHAM, CHIEF OI"FleER OF THI': HA \IPTON FIRE BRIGADE.

CAPTAIN" GRAHAlII is the son of the late Rev. John Graham who was a Cambridge University Don. He was educated at Cheltenham, and in his younger days was an ardent athlete and rowing man and represented the London Rowing Club at Henley in the "eights" and "fours," winning the amateur champion pairs of the Thames in

A I D.- lIS

Brigade won the Duke of Marlborough's Challenge Cup for the best turned-out Brigade, and the National (Dewar) Steamer Challenge Cup, besides being "placed" in six other events.

In addition to being on the Central Council of the ational Fire Brigades Union, Captain Graham is chairman of the South Midland District which, as is known, is the largest in England. He is also chairman of the Widows' and Orphans Fund, a position which he has now occupied for two years, during which period more funds have been collected than during the previous eight years since the establishment of the fund.

Captain Graham is a firm believer in the value of first aid instruction to firemen, and holds the certificate of the Ambulance Department of the Union, he is also a staunch advocate for competitions as, he rightly argues, that the time devoted by the men in their efforts to hecome proficient must tend to make them smarter and more reliable Jjremen.

In concluding this brief sketch of one of our most popular Fire Chiefs, we wish him health and strength in order to continue to serve the cause he has done so much for, and we know that this is a wish that will be endorsed by all who have had the pleasure of meeting Captain Graham and appreciating his undoubted zeal and capacity for hard work. His voluntary and untiring efforts on behalf of the widows and little ones of our firemen, have made his name an honoured one amongst men in the servIce.

Police Ambulan c e.

AVR. - Surgeon-Lieut.-Colonel W. J. aismith, D.S.O., gave an interesting lecture in the Court House, Countybuildings, on Wednesday afternoon, January 21st, on " Knowledge of First Aid a Necessity to the Police Force." The lecture was given in connection with the Ayrshire Constabulary Mutual Improvement Society, and there was a large attendance of members of the force, and also a a considerable number of burgh constables.

1866, when he rowed with Mr. R. W. \Vilis. Mr. Graham also won the championship cup of all England in the pole jump at. Lillie in 1869, he has taken many other pnzes for runnmg and jumpmg.

He of this work he is naturally proud - one of the ongmators of the Football Association, and in its days was. hon . to it for a great many years, It IS, connectIOn with his Fire Brigade work that we deSIre to wnte of the subject of our sketch.

It was on the formation of the Hampton Fire Brigade that was app:oached with a view to his taking command. But With Graham, to take anything in hand, is to stnve carry It out to the best advantage, and at first he heSItated as he feared he had not the requisite knowledO'e but with the object of posting himself in all the duties of fireman, he joined the drill class at Southw?rk Bridge-road and was examined ?y Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, receIved a of effiCIency. As a proof of the h Igh state of porficlency to which hE: has brought the Brigade under his command it may be here recorded that the Hampton Brigade won, last year, at the South Midland [)istrict meet ng, the Ambulance Challenge Cup, the Cha ll enge ShIeld for the best aggregate of drills, the of Marlborough's Challenge Cup for two-men dnll, and the Mayor of Oxford's Challenge Cup for six-men drill.

At the open N F B. U. com petitions at Margate, the

Mr. Supt. M'Phail presided, and amongst those present were Captain M ' Hardy, R ., Chief Constable of the County; Mr. P. F. MacKenna, Procurator- Fiscal; and Mr. Andrew Crawford, illterim Sheriff Clerk.

In the course of his address Dr. .L alsmith remarked that there was no doubt that the police force of the country was a much more useful force because of its knowledge of first aid. First aid teaching not only enabled them to save a great deal of suffering as well as many lives, but it taught them the principles of public health, and made every man in the police force a sanitarian.

At the close the Doctor was very heartily thanked on the motion of Capt. M'Hardy, R.

CARN \R\,ON.-SUPt. Rowlands, probably the oldest member of the Carnarvonshire Constabulary, has sent in a notice of his retirement, which will take effect in about two months hence . Mr. Rowlands has served in the force for thirty-four years. From 1882 to 1896 he occupied the rank of sergeant, and in the latter year he was promoted to an inspectorship, and shortly afterwards he became a superintenden 1.

In discharge of his duties he has proved himself an intelligent and considerate police officer. He possesses in a special degree the virtue of never permitting official zeal to outrun his sympathy with the unfortunate people whom he had to prosecute.

-FIRST

While stationed at L1anberis as a sergeant, he showed commendable tact in dealing with the men affected by the disastrous dispute of 1885-6 in the Dinorwic Quarries Throughout that period he guarded the peace of the district practically single-handed He has done cexellent work in connection wilh the S.l.A A.

The question of -Mr. Supt. Rowlands' retiring allowance \"ill soon be decided on by the County Police Committee

GLASGow.-The annual competition for the Glasgow Police Ambulance Shield took place in the gymnasium of the Fire Station, Ingram-strcet, on January 23rd, under the presidency of ex-Bailie Cleland. All the dIstricts were represented, and the result was as follo\\'s :1st, Central Division, 310 points 2nd, Eastern, 307; 3rd, St. Rollox, 30t 4th, Marine, 298

LI£ICESTER.-Twenty-oye members of this Borough Police were recently examined by Surgeon-Captain T. Gordon Kelly, R.A. II.C., all of whom passed, and satisfied the examiner as to their proficiency in rendering first aid to the injured.

The class was instructed by Dr. Tillman. Supt. H::mkins and P.e. Foreman were responsible for the arrangements. The LeicestF'r Borough Police Force numbers 2'25 men, 211 of whom are quali[ied to render first aid.

The County Constabulary numbers 175 members, 151 of whum possess the S J.A. Certificates

Of the Borough Fire Brigade out of a strength of 34, are first aid men.

MAlD STo )\E.-Before commencing the ordinary business at Police Court, on Tuesday, January 27th, the Mayor saId l?e had yery great pleasure in presenting the medals and certIficates of the S.J.A.A. to several members of the police force, be was exceedingly pleased when he saw how well the men bad learnt the subject. He was informed that 4 lout of ..t3 members of the force held the certi[ic;ltes or the S.J.A.A., ",hile twenty-nine posse.ssed the medallion, four held first examination voucher and five first aid certihc::l.tes. His Worship tben presented medallions to P.c.'.s Longhurst, Brooker, Mitchell and Fryer; re-examlllal10n vouchers to P.c.'s Sam way, Vinten, Orpin and Kent; and first aid certificates to P.c.'s Tassell, Hayward, Fryer and Smith.

loss of the fellowship and the scr\'lces of a faIthful and valued member are mourned.

On Thursday, Janu:lry 22nd, about 3 p.m., five minutes before the time for cessation of work, water broke in at Bunker's Hill Colliery, North Staffs., causing the entombment and of three men, ODP-, George Baddeley, being a pnvate 111 the above division. His body was not recovered until a fortnight after the lamentable accident.

The interment took placc on Saturday, Feb. 7th, and was attended by a numerous assemblage of sympathisers, including 12 ambulance memhers. At the last monthly lecture, the hon. surgeon, Dr. Sayers, spoke of the deceased member as "one of Nature's gentlemen." This is undoubtedly endorsed by the members of the brigade .

PLUMBERS Up".to-date wa!ll the trade news of to -day, and should subscnbe to thcll' only Journal, "Til e Plu7Ilber alld

Published since 1879, on the st of the Price 6d., by post 8d.; 6s. 6c1. per annum post frec. I ubl1shers, Dale, Reynolds & Co., 46, Cannon-street, E.c.

AID.- February, 1903.

St. John Ambulance Association.

ACCRINGTON.-1Ir. H. H Bolton, Jun., J. P., of Highbrake, Huncoat, has been elected President of the Accrington Centre in succession to the late presiJent, Alderman Whittaker, J.P , deceased. J. H. Higham, J.P., and David loffit have been been elected vicepresidents

BnUIIl'\GHAill. Theannualmeetingofthis centre of the Association was heldon January 2 I st, under tbe presidency of the Lord l\Iayor. The accounts showed a surplus uf £9 odd. Four cbsses had been held during the year in connection with manufactories, and the attention of employers of labour was called to thc i 111 portance of inaugurating classes in connection with their works

It ,,'as pointed out that tile Birmingham was formed 1880 and that it had qualified 8,000 men and women in rendering first aid. Last year 22 clctsses had been held and 284 members had received certificates. The Lord Mayor was of opinion that it should bc made compulsory that most public servants should holJ certificates. The advantages and the sense of security he thouaht would be obvious The Birmingham corps had seven 0 divisions with a mem bership of 1 So, which it was considered should be greatly increased. Votes of thanks to the medical officers and others were passed unanimously.

BOURNEl\[OUTH. A lecture on am bu lance work was given on Friday evening, January 30th, in the Central Hall, by Dr. A. H. Crespi, of Wimborne. The l\fayor presided and during the evening the l\Iayoress presented a nU111be; of certi[icates to pupils who have passed at recent ambulance examinations. The layoress also presented a handsome marble clock, which had been subscribed for by the of the St Paul's Ambulance Class, to lr.]). secretary of the class. In acknowledging the gIft, Mr. GIbson spoke of the assistance he had received from Supt. Foster in carrying out his work and added that .. ' It was pleas1l1g t? know that with one exception cvcry me11l ber of the pollce force held an ambulance certificate qualifying him to render fIrst aid. 11r. Gibson also thanked the Rev. C. L. Burrows for the loan of a schoolroom for the holding of classes, and Dr. F. Scorer for his ambulance lecturcs.

On the proposition of Alderman Mate, seconded by Dr. F. Scorer, a vot.e of thanks was accorded the Mayor and Mayoress, and 111 reply the Mayor said, he was pleased to have an opportunity to identify himself with ambulance work, and it would always have his support. He was glad to see such interest taken in the work by Messrs. C. J. Austin, D. Gibson, and others.

During the evening an ambulance demonstration was given by the following members of the postmen's ambulance team :- Messrs. D. Gibson, S. Turle, D. Lodge and G. Dawe. A vote of thanks was accorded Dr. Crespi for his lecture, and tbe Mayor thanked Messrs. Hankinson and Son for the use of the ball.

BRISTOL. - At a meeting of the Bristol Sanitary Committee held on February 5th at the Council House it was agreed, to consent to ths erection of an ambulance'station with near Bristol Bridge on an application fo; permIssIon place such a station there being received from the Bnstol Ambulance Association.

Dn:WSBURY.-The annual mceting was held 111 the ..

February 19 0 3. -FTRST

Infirmary Dispensary, Dr. G. II. L. Hammerton presiding, in the absence of Captain IJ. B. Walker, who is in Egypt. Ml'. C. Thomes (secretary) submitted the report, which stated that ambulance work in ] )ewsbury was sli!l very active and showeJ good results. Many cases of first aid had been rendered and hau been formally reporled, and a police constable and a postman had been complimented for prompt action in first aid whilst on duty. The Dews bury Football Club and several mills in the town Iud purchase , 1 ambulance appliances during the year. Many members of the committee b')th mIle :1.nJ fem.tle were on dut at the

A I D.- TT7

a vole of thanks passed to them, on the motion of 1\1r. Duke Fox, seconded by ML H. Allott. Mr. Fox said, that .. Spedding joined the ambulance movement and pas se d his examination 20 years ago, at tbe same time as himself. IIe then carried out the secretarial duti::;s for several years, and on his resignation he accepted the treasurership. 1\[r. Thomes had been secretary for seven years, and the work haJ prospered ever since he took up the reins of office. The brigade movement in Dewsbury owed its origin and pre<;ent efficiency to Mr. Thomes. Mr. Fox then presl.:IlLcLi rl.: -l.:.\,l1l1ination vOllchers.

GLOUCESTER CITY TEA1\I. - \VINNERS OF THE CTIALLEKGE SHIELD, 1896-1897-18<)8-19°2. R<'prodll(ed hy perm iss io II oJ />ro/,rielors of " (;!olll'l'slershire Gra/,Itit a nd Chdlcnhalll Cltronidr'."

King's procession through London on October 25th, and rendered valuable assistance at the station they were detailed to. Mr Thornes regretted that his promotion as superintendent secretary of tbe Dewsbury corps of the S.J.A.B. would necessitate his resignation as secretary of the Dewsbury centre, but he would be pleased to assist the new secretary.

The balance -sheet showed a balance in hand of £ 2 19s. 3d , as com pared wi th £ I 13s. II d. last year.

The resignations of Mr. Thomes (secretary) and Mr. S. H. Spedding (treasurer) wcre accepted with regret, and

HAILSlIA:\f.-A very successful slTlOking concert in aid of the funds of the Hailsham ambulance class was held in the Corn Exbhllnge on January 25th. Dr. E. E. Gould presided, and an excellent programme wa s arranged hy flLr. F. G. Breads. During the evening Mr. A. F. Smith, on behalf of the class, pr::sented Dr. Gould with a go ldmounted amber cigarette tube in silver case. An interes ting ambulance display took plac e during th e

HORSHAM. - .t\ very pleasing gathering took place in the Assembly Room of lhe Black I t o rse Hot (.;l, ll o r::ihtl lll

I ,eli 10 n/:Iit Standill,£; .r.w. G. Sharrock ( rese r\,e ), J. Ke\\'man, F. C. Ja ckson, A. Paill ler, J. Da\'cy (resene), ,T. II::tyden (rcsei\c). J.eft 10 r(,lzI i\fr.}.[, G. :'Jally, U.S.B. ("\ssislant lIon. _ ec., Glollcester), W. Yeate. (Caplain), }'lr. J. Colielt, J.P. (lIon ss"cialc Order of Sl. J. of .1. in England, Presidenl of Centre), A. 1.. Th omas (Patien l), MI'. T. W. Wils on (Locnl lI on. Sec. Glollcesler Cenlre).

II8 -FIRST

on Monday evening, February 2nd, when the distribution of certificates to the members who had passed the examination, after a course of instruction given by Mr. L. M. Snow was associated with an enjoyable smoking concert. There was a crowded attendance. )VIr. L. M. Snow occupied the chair, and he was supported by Lieut·Colonel Jackson and Mr. R. Henwood. Among those also present were :-Capt. Moses Brooks, Lieut. Penfold, Salvage Foreman Hall, and several members of the Horsham Fire Brigade. The certificates were presented to the members by Lieut.-Colonel Jackson Afterwards Mr. Henwood, on behalf of the members of the class, presented Mr. Snow with a. carria.ge clock, as a slight token of appreof. h.ls services. The chairman acknowledged th e gift 10 felicitous terms. An excellent musical programme was arranged by 1r. Percy Thunder.

NELSO -A high-class concert in aid of the funds of CEntre was given in Salem School on Tuesday evenmg, January 27th, when the noted English pianist Mr. Fre? Dawson., appeared ?ef?re, and delighted a large audience. HIS shU as a plamst drew forth the enthusiastic plaudits of the large audience. Mic;s Maud Stanley, a contralto of London reputation, sang with great taste , and 1r. A. L.. \atterall, an accomplished violinist, was very fine on tIns mstrument. Altogether quite a musical trcat was provided.

St. John Ambulance Brigade.

yIETROPOLIT AN CORPS.

MERTO AND W1l\IBLEDO • -F irst-classSergt. Rushmer, 10 aid of whom a concert was recently given at the Masonic Hall, has succumbed to the disease from which he was suffering, and was interred in the cemetery on Saturday afternoon, January 31st. The members of the Merton and Wimbledon Division were present at the funeral in full uniform.

TOYNBEE HALL.-The Millwall section of this division of th e S.J.A.B. gave evidence of insubordination recently. The drill had passed off as usual, but Mr. Coleman th e officer in charge, giving the order "Right turn; the men remain ed at attention. Meanwhile Corpl. Hall had the ranks and forward with a parcel, which, on bemg opened, contamed a handsomely fitted dressin(T case, which the men desired to present to their officer c.harge, in recognition of his untiring attention during the SIX and a half years of the section's ex ist e nce. The secret had been well kept, and so surprised was Mr. Coleman at th e evidence of goodwill on the part of his men, that a ll be could was, "!hank you." In honouring their officer the Mt1lwallers did honour to their own feelings.

GREAT NORTHER RAILWAY DIVISION (No. 13).-A popular concert will be held in connection with the above division at the Public Hall, Caledonian-road Baths on Saturday, 28th. A capital programme has be e n arranged. Tickets may be obtained of Mr. Sebright Goods Depot, G.N.R., Finsbury Park.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

South African comrades and many other friends will regret to hear of the death in South Africa, at the early age of 25 years, of Mr. William Patrick.

A I D.- February, 1903.

In tl!e early part of the late war Patrick put in two terms of servIce as an ambulance volunteer, and subsequently returned to the Cape to follow his trade as a joiner. At Dundee, however, he was stricken with enteric, and th e attack proved fatal. Educated in the Victoria Day and Sunday Schools, Patrick-who was known as one of the Rev. T. H. Ethell's brightest young men -s ubsequently became a teacher in the Sunday School, and a lieutenant in thc Church Lads' Brigade. Out of respect to his memory a memorial service was held at All Saints Church on Sunday morning. The Rev. T. H. Ethell referred to the loss from the pulpit ; the choir sung "Hush, blessed are the dead," and March from "Saul" was played, the congregatIOn standmg. In the afternoon the Sunday School children wcre addressed by the Rev. T. H. Eth e ll, and the scholars paid their last tribute by asking the secretary to convey th e sinc e re condolences of the officials, teachers, and scholars of the school to relativ es of th eir late friend.

BIR:\llNGIIAl\I. - The monthly meeting of the staff and divisional superintendents of this corps was held at the headquarter on February 2nd, Chief Superintendent Fred q-ilbert presiding. A course of nursing lectures for certtficated ambulance men was arranged to be givcn at the headquarters by Chief Surgeon Thomas N elson, M.D. At only' one of the m embers of the brigade holds a nursmg certificate, and the want of this knowled O'e was keenly felt during the initial stages of the late when S.J.A.B. men were required as War Office orderlies. A new division - that of Messrs. Kynoch, Witton - was attached to th e brigade, under the superintendence of Mr. S. Nutt. The memb e rs of the division numb e r 22. A wheeled litter for th e lls e of the Crippled Children's U uion has been placed at the home in Newhall Hill. It will also be available in case of accident in that neighbourhood. It was decided.to offer the servic.es of two uniformed squads to the Chanty Sports Committee on the occasion of the forthcoming demonstration at Aston. A new division has been formed at headquarters under the superintendence of Mr. J. Hickman Hawkins, and any certificated S.J.A.B. man desirous of keeping up his knowl edge of ambulance work, and who is not affiliated with another division will be heartily we lcom ed. '

BUln.-The quarterly me e ting of this division was held at the Y.M.C.A., on Thursday, January 27th, Mr. q- Jon es presiding. It was de c id ed to put up for tltlOn among the members a shield or cup for the best squad, and another shield 0r cup for a ladies' competition. The expense will be defrayed out of the funds of tl e division. It was l e ft to the committee to decide whether the prize should be a cup or shield.

The subject of Dr. Cook's monthly lecture on the Thursday following was" Fractures and Dislocations."

CHESTER.-The opening meeting of the Chester Nursing Division took piace recently at Bishop Lloyd's Palace. There was a large attendance of members Dr. J. Duff occupied the chair.

The first of a monthly series of special lectures was given by Mr. J. H. Adkins, superintendent of the Hawarden division, on "The Organs of the Senses with their Special Observation in Nursing." The lecture 'which was listened to with great interest, was illustrated by diagrams.

The division is to be congratulated on making so strong a beginning to its year's work.

February, 1903· -FIRST

CJTV OF BRrsToL.-From the annual report, just issu ed, of this corps, we learn that it now consi.sts of six officers, 14 sergeants and corpo ral s, and 114 pnvates, an incr ease of 20 upon the year. During the year no fewer th an 5 64 cases (chiefly faints and wounds) were attended. Of this number 190 were dealt with by members on dut)" and 354 cases were attended by members when engaged in their ordinary pursuits. The value of the prompt aid thus r ende red in sudden emergencies, and in the case of accidents occurring 'all over the city cannot well be over estimated. It may be added that the medallion of the Association is held by 42 members, and the nursing certificate by 36, there being altogether 134 effective mem bers.

Th e corps is now being re-organised and formed into three divisions, with the object of increasing its usefulness, and its services have been requisitioned for the Bath and West and Southern Counties Society Agricultural Show which this year be held at Bristol.

The progress of the c0rps during its eleven years of existence has been steadily maintained, and Dr. C. A. Hayman, the lo cal superintendent and hon. surgeon, may well be proud of his highly efficien t Corps. Its work has been very much appreciated by the citizens, and many etters in praise of it have been received.

l)ALTON.-This division has received £6 from the Earl of Derby, being £ I per man of the Dalton Division sent to South Africa in the time of the war. This is the second year that the sum of £6 has been handed to the funds of the division.

HAYERHILL. - A very successful ambu l ance demonstration and review was held at the Town-hall, Haverhill, on Friday evening, February 6th. The local division paraded in full strengtb, with litter, stretchers, &c.

The balcony was filled with spectators, and the large hall was lined with the Cburch Lads Brigade under Captain, the Rev. A. C. Cranfield and Lieut. Coleridge, also the Boys' Life Brigade. An important item of the proceedings was a competition by four of the members for promotion to corporal. Capt. Bartlelt, R. A 1. C. V ., acted as examiner; Privates T. C. Morris and H. Taylor were afterwards presented with the corporal's stripes by Hon. Surgeon and Superintendent Goodman, wbo presided The Chairman addressed the audience concerning the work of the Association and the Brigade.

First Officer Potter then put the division through marching, band-seat and bandage drill. After whcih Mrs. Goodman presented first aid certificates and medallions to the members of the ambu lancc class, held by Dr. Goodman in ovell1 ber and Decem ber.

Firsl Officer Polter on behalf of the members of the am bulancc c lass then presented an am ber and goldmounted cigarettc tube to Dr. Goodman, thanking him on behalf of the members for the instruction he had given .

Dr. Goodman in returning thanks, remarked that what he had done was simply a labour of lo ve; it was exceedil.gly gratifying to see such a smart lot of men in the division.

The men then gave a demonstration in firs. aid; and a squad, under Sergt. Taylor, showed the use of the ambulance litter.

HEANOR.-On Saturday afternoon, February 7th, preceded by a tea, a spec ial gather ing of the members of this corps was h e ld in Mundy-street schools. There was a large attendance, Dr. W. H. Turton (superintendent) presiding.

AI D.- I Y

The chairman having referred to the past years' work and the progress made by the members, Rev. C. E. r_. Corfield (chaplain to the corps) delivered his annual address, after which Mr. ]. K. Fletchcr presented the medallions and certificates Before doing so he expressed the pleasure it gave him to be present. He was proud to know that so many of them volunteered their services for South Africa, and that they had won the honour they had obtained for valuable services rendered.

1\1r. Fletcher also presented John William Holmes with a beautiful illuminated address, upon his removal from Heanor, in which was expressed the great esteem and respect for his valuable services rendered to the corps during his twelve years membership.

:\Ir. Holmes suitably acknowledged the gift.

Later in the evening 1fr. Fletcher, on behalf of the members of the class and corps, presented Dr. IV. H. Turton with a beautiful writing cabinet, as a token of their esteem.

Dr. Turton, in accepting the gift, remarked it gave him extreme pleasure to be connected with the corps, and he complimented them upon their efficiency. He should prize the pre?ent for the sake of those who had so nobly subscribed . He would always be ready to instruct them, in fact he felt it an honour to be associated with the corps, HULL.-The second annual ball in aid of the funds of the Hull Corps was held in the West Hull Hall recently. The guests were received by Mrs. Dumoulin (wife of the Sheriff)

The decoration of the hall was most lavishly and artistically carried out. Draped mirrors and a pretty arrangement of white and green material adorned the sides of the walls, along with an abundance of evergreens. At eitller end of the hall were pretty canopied retiring corners. The platform was tastefully decorated with palms and other evergreens. These decorations, together with the brilliant dresses of the ladies, made a very pretty scene. The dining-room and retiring rooms were also tastefully decorated. The music was provided by 1\1r. Lax's band.

We understand that the comm it tee who carried oUl this ball, bearing in mind the success that has hitherto attended their efforts, will seriously consider the advisability of engaging the Assembly Rooms next year as being more central and commodious The success of this year s function was mainly due to the untiring energy and enthusiasm of l\Irs. Laverack, the popular Lady Supt. of the Central Nursing Division, who was ably seconded by Mrs. Dumoulin (the wife of the respected Sheriff). We learn that a sum of at least £40 will be handed over to the funds of the Hull Corps as a r esult of the splendid effort s of the ladies and gentlemen who arranged and carried out the ball.

ILKESTON A0TD DISTRIcT.-The first invitation dinner of this division was held at the Rutland Arms Hotel, on Thursday evening, January 22nd, and was very satisfactorily carried out. It was very popular with the men, and was highly appreciated, as was evidenced by the large number who were present. Major \V alker was unable to bE present until owards the close, and this necessitated the re-arrangement of the toast li st. But this, notwithstanding, the proceedings were not thrown out of joint, and although several of the gentlemen down for certain toasts were called upon at a few moments' notice to fill the other roles, everything passed off smoothly. Hon. Surgeon Dobson addressed a few pertinent remarks to the men on the need for regular attendance on the drill nights, which was seconded

I20 -FIRST

by Supt. Hubble, and which it is hoped will be productive of good results in the future. It is very pleasing to hear from them of the steady growth of th e eli vision, and this redounds verr much to the popularity and esteem with which the instructors are held by the men. We understand that the men are now look i ng eager!)' forward to their prospecti\'e summer excursion to some favourite watering place, or other attracri \'e resort.

'L-\RGATI£.-·.\t a meeting of the laJ-gate Ambulance Corps the annual report was read.

This being the first meeting in the year I have much pleasure in !::tying before you the balance sheet and report of the work of the corps for the year ended the 3 rst Decem bel', 1902.

The receipts from all sources on the genera l account amounted to ;{26 9s 2d., to which must be added the balance brought forward from 1901, £36 18s. 3d., making a total of £63 7S. 3d.. Out of this a sum of .£35 ISS. 8d. has been expended on appliances, cleaning, diagrams, and incidental expenses, leaving £27 lIS. 9d. to be carried forward. The investments on behalf of the corps are as [ollo\\'s: "i\" account (endowment) '£'150 T 2S. 4d., and "B" account (General Fund), £552 8s. 8d. all in India per cent. stock

One hundred and eighteen cases ha\'e come under the care of the corps, 35 of which were taken to the Cottage Hospital, and the remainder to private houses, &c.

The lectures in First Aid proved very successful and were attended by a large nUl1l ber of ladies and gentlemen.

All of those who presented themselves for examination obtained passes, thus testifying to the care taken by the lecturer and those who carried out the arrangements. Similar clas es ba\'e again been started under very favourable ci rcu mstances.

The whole of the applian ce s are in thorough working order, and e\'ery care is taken to keep them up-to-date.

As in former years I take this opportunity of tendering the best thanks of the corps to tbemedical profession, the Superintendent and members of the Borough Police Force for ready and willing assistance at all times, and to those from whom donations and subscriptions have been received.

PENRITH. - The second annuJ.1 general meeting of both divisions of this flourishing corps was held at headquarters, St. Andrew's Parish Rooms, Penrith, on ,V ednesday, January 28th. Supt. Yeates pr es ided, and there \vas a good attendance 01 men, but very few mem bel'S of the nursery division. Fifteen accident anJ tr:1nsport C:1ses had been attended to during the year .and the new wheeled litter had proved "ery useful. There were 45 men on the roll, of whom 16 were entitled to the medallion of the S.J.AA., having p;tssed three annual examinations in first aid. More than half the men possessed the nursing certificate of the S.I.A.A. Dr. IIaswell had given an excellent course of on "Nursing» to the men, and ])r. Edington had also g iv en a course on firs t aid to the ladies. All these lectures were well attended, but unfortunatdy the ladies could not be induced to enter for the examination Squads of men had been on duty at Penrith Gala and at the Ousuy Agricultural Show. On the invitation of the town 's committee the corps took part in the procession on the King's Coronation Day, August 9th, and gave demonstration of ambulance work in the Foundry field. Tbey also accepted the imitation to take part in the public reception of Colonel Rimington (Rimington's Scouts) on his return home from active service.

AI D.- February, 1903

The expenditure for the year amounted to £76 8s., and there was a balance in hand of £3 3s. 8d. after paying a ll outstanding accounts. The Chairman congratulated the members on th e very satisfactory cha ract e r of the report and balance sheet.

RADsTocK. - On Friday evening, Feb. 13th, at the Victoria Hall, Dr. J. S. Griffiths, Assistant Commissioner of the No.2 District, examined the students comprising the first aid class recently conducted by Dr. R. G. Worger, under the auspices of the Somerset County Council. At the close, the examine r, addessing the students, spoke of the great necessity there was, especially in a locality like Radstock, for such knowledge and skil l as th ey aimed to obtain, and he boped that those of them who could, would join the Radstock Division of the Brigade and so increase their chances of efficiency and usefulness.

ROCHDALE. - The annual concert promoted by the corps took place on January 27th, in the Town-hall, in th e presence of a packed audience. The artists engaged were the Hon. Margaret Hennik er, soprano; Mr. Percy Sandiford, bass; Mr. Whit Cuncliffe, humorist; and Mr. Charles Parker's A<:olian Opera Singers, and a lengthy and most enjoyable programme was gone through. The Hon. I\largaret Henniker, who was down for two songs, had a most hearty r eception and was encored after both efforts. She bas a sweet cultured voice, pure in quality and good in range, and on her first appearance she gave it charming rendering in the French of "Oisieux legers " (Gumbert), h er encore song being "Dear Little Shamrock." Her second song was ., For all Eternity" (Mascberoni), which she sung most tastefully, and as an encore she gave" Comc; to the Woods," a delightful old English ditty delightfully sung 1\1r. Sandiford has a strenuous voice of excellent quality. "The Lute Player" (Allitsen), and "The Windmill (Tim perley), both of which were heartily received. The two principals al_o joined in the duet" Angelus" (Chaminade). Mr. Charles Parker's band of vocalists are well known. Miss Jenny Johns, Miss Rose Alderman, Madame Edith Shore, Miss Eunice Petrie, Messrs. C. Parker, T. Hibbert, W. Helliwell, L. Burgiss, and J. Chadwick, all delighted their audience by their solo efforts. [r. Whit Cuncliffe is a humorist of the first water, and he convulsed the housl! with bis comicalities.

At an interval, mem bers of the am bulance corps ascended the platform and went through an int eresting display of bandaging, the supposed huns being expla in ed by the chief-constable (Mr. L. Barry). 1'.1r. Barry in a few words also thanked th e audience lor th eir generous support, and said the Rochdale district was now well equipped as, or better eq uipp ed than any other district in the country.

SANDOWN, I SLE OF WIGHT. The newly formed divis ion of the brigade started a first aid class with 30 members on January 22nd, 1903. The class will be instructed by Dr. Barker, and bids fair to be a great success

SUTTON-IN -ASHFlELD.-On the occasion of the presentation of exam ination certificates, th e Sutton Division gave an ambulance display in the Town -ha ll on February 4 th , and was inspected by Major-General Warrand, of Southwell. Th e presentation first took place under the presidency of Superintendent A. H. Bonsor, the General presenting to th e mem bers 15 first-year certificates, seven re-exam. vOllchers, eight medallions, and eleven nursing certificates. In reply to a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Mitchell, seconded by Dr. Nesbitt, the General alluded

February, T903· -F IRST

in eu logisti c terms to the smartness and efficiency the division. Afterwards ther e was an ambulance display under the superintendence Se.rgt. H. follow ed by a soiree dancing being heartily 111dulged 111 till a late hour to supplied by Mr. Shaw's band. Songs ,,,:ere also rendered, refreshments provided, and table games lOdulged 111.

SHAC\lKLlN I. W. - The second annual entertainment in aid of the f of the Shanklin division was held at the In stitute Hall, on January 28th.

There was a record attendance, the hall be111g packed, and many were unable to gain admission.. Mr. and Mr.s. Gouldsmith had kindly arranged a splendid programm.e 111 three parts. Part I. consisted of a comedy, entl.tl.ed "Second Thoughts," whicb was rendered great SpInt; Part II. was given by a troupe of masked s111ge.rs, called the Cardinal Cavaliers, who were assisted by May Yelf with two nicely-executed skirt dances. concluded with a tragic episode by W. S. Gilbert, entitled " Rosencrantz and Guildenstern."

Between Parts II. and III. of the Mrs. White-Popham, the Lady of the Manor, k111dly certi ficates and medallions to those members of the bngade and others who bad earned them during the past year. After paying all expenses, we are pleased to learn there will be a balance of £24 7s. 6d. towards the equipment fund of the eli vision.

TIH SHELF - The annual ball in cunnection with the Ti ushelf Corps of th e S. J. A. B. took place, by kind permission of Deputy -Co m missioner Wardell anel th e officers, in th e Colliery Jan 2..(.th. band of the corps played for danc1l1g, under the dIrectIOn of Bandmaster Coupe. Amongt those present were :- -DeputyCommissioner Wardell, ::"IllS. W ardell (Lady Supenntendent of the Jursing Division), and others, to the num of about 200. Corporals Brown and Adams, and. Pnvate Heywood were the 1\r.c. 's . A very enjoyable tlllle was spent.

,VoRKsoP. -Pr ivate E. de Valadares has just arrived home again from South Africa with another boat load .of returning soldiers. 'i He was in Worksop at the present'ltlOn of medals by tbe Duke of Newcastle on .November 13th, and went out the next day. He only had nme days atpurban .b efore he was ordered back. This is the fourth time dunng the last twelve months that Private de Vala?ares. has been sent out to South Africa on duty, during which tIme covered 56,000 miles. As he is booked to depart agam 111 three weeks' time, he will probably have covered 70 ,000 miles within a year.

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Doctors' c oachmen in Berlin wear white is. to enable tIle public to promptly recogmse a physlclan s vehicle in case his services are suddenly reqUired. \Vhy not some distinctive badge here?

Winsford Ambulance Brigade.

The Winsford and District Brigade have recently purchased a light ambulance litter, by l\lessrs. Wilson and Stockall, of Bury, LancashIre. It may be drawn either by hand power or by a fitted with either a handle or pair of shafts, both ot are interchangeable. A below the carnage carries splints and other first aid dressll1gs. The manufacturers claim also that .the st.retcher may be removed and the vehicle used .as a bier, thiS adva ntage we do not think will recommend It to ambulance workers. Th e idea is somewhat gruesome and we would that the manufacturers might with advantage d:op thiS suggestion. An am bulance carriage is for the hVlr:g, and, as far as possible, for such purposes alone should It be thus utilised.

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Pocket ElectriC Lamp.

WE have r eceive d from B. C. Owen of 35,. Cler.ken. well-road, London, E.c., a small Electnc. Light. It IS about 5 ms. by 3 ins. and is easily carried in the breast pocket of one's tunic. It would be undoubt edly useful to ei th er firemen or ambulance men, the former \"hen searching 111 connection with fire extinction, as although so small it is " ery powerful and a firen.1an ",hen negotiating the floor of a room filled with smoke would by its friendly aid have, so to speak, a mariner's compass t o belp him. To man it is also I ble as it will enable hlln when 111 charge of a case Inva ua , , d the a mbulance wacron to exam1l1e the dress111gs an In b Th enerally supervise the comfort of hIS pat:ent. e price was 5S., but Owen will supply It for 3s. 6d. and extra re-charges for s. each 1\1r. Ow e n has also many fresh cycling novelties, and \\'Ill be pleased to hear from correspondents in t?e St.. J ohn or National Fire Brigades' Ul1lor:. Liberal discount WIll be given to members of both serVlces.

CHE:\llCAL FIRE ENGT:-.rES.· - The for chemical 0re enaines is striki n o the use of water only IS proyed to be 1J1sufficient and of slow action, thus continuino- to endanger both life and property. In where fire engines employed, about t\Vothirds of the outbreaks are by these and the i ntrodu ct ion of such has beSides resulted .111 la cre to the public in substantial reductions of fil:e whereas i n fc;>r example, preml.ums. dU,tln g lhe last few years have steadily nsen. ftom ,astsh ould possess from 100 to 125 chemical fire engmes to ness, " T , k h s "'0 be as well equipped as Amencan .CI ties. 1 ew lyr a._.., C hicago 70, Philadelphia 60, ]_b ltlmore 2?, and 5t. LOUIS -5 1 1 £1. en<YI'lles-l\ew Zealand FIre lllldAlIlb"lallcc C1emlca Ie b Record.

With reference to the s ug g e s ted meeting of medical men interested in the Ambulance question referred to in our leader last month, we are recei v in g a number of promi s es of support, and hope at a n e ar dat e to s end out intimation s o tho s e c on ce rn e d

FIRST AID

FEBRU..JR Y 20, £903.

THE enquiry into this terrible disaster

The which resulted in the death of fifty-one C olney Hatch patients, confined in a wooden building

Tra g ed y which burnt like cotton wool, has terminated; the jury has given its verdict, and there, we suppose, the matter will end. It is a verdict of a triangle character, the jury apportioning the blame jointly between the London County Council, the Lunacy Commissioners, and the Home Office. Personally, we disagree with this verdict; we do not believe in the evasion of the plain issue. Who was responsible for the loss of the lives of these unfortunate human beings? Unhesitatingly we say the London County Council. We will admit that as an elective body they are, so to speak, tenants only fo r the time being of the institutions under their control, inasmuch as the whole of the committee might be rejected at any election Yes, as we say, we admit all this, but although the construction of the committee might be changed, this does not absolve the Council as a whole from the responsibility that rests upon it to see, that those who, from adverse circumstances or other misfortune, are placed under their care are properly safeguarded against so terrib le a cal amity as that which shocked the whole nation on the morning of January 27th.

The evidence given at the inquest goes to show that the attendants and nurses were well trained to be prepared for an outbreak of fire, but-and it is just that but-the construction of this temporary building was faulty . This is a grave charge to bring against any publ i c body, but this is what the verdict of the jury meant, and oh, the irony of it! This is the body that has r ecently been harrassing traders and manufacturers in London, compelling them to either spend large sums of money in order t o make their buildings in accordance with London County Council ideas or clear out of the district under its control. I t is well within the recollection of our readers how a short t me si n ce Mr. Deputy BADDELEY, one of the most respected and one of the most business-like men on the City Corporation, called the attention of the Corporation to the exorbitant propositions that were laid down by the L.e.e. in its proposed Bill for the amendment of the London Building Act, propositions which, we venture to think, will be fought against strenuously; and this is the

bo d y who ac c ording to the verd ict of the jury are "great ly t o bl ame for sanctioning such p lans as prevailed at Co l ney H a t ch " Th ere is one br ight spot, however, i n connection with th is terrible disaster, and that is the heroic conduct of D r. SEWARD and his staff, they risked their lives more than once 111 their efforts to save the unfortunate patients under their charge, and we trust that some suitable recognition will be awarded them as a mark of the appreciation of their coun tr y for t he heroism that they displayed. I was undo u btedly due to their coolness arid p l uck that the loss of li fe was no t much greater.

Reviews.

\ iVE agam return our thanks to the Editor of the Ambulance llfagazine of the Caledonian Railway Ambulance Brigade, and we congratulate him upon the continued success of his efforts in the ambulance cause. Our bright little contemporary is an object lesson to English railway ambulance men vVhy don't they all run their own ambulance journal, or give better assistance to our columns for railway ambulance. vVe want to help railway ambulance men; next to policemen no class of men more thoroughly realise the value of first aid to the injured.

IT has been our priyilege to know Capt. Shean for many years. We are aware that he is not regarded by some members of the fire service with friendly feelings, but all who know him, and they are legion, will at least bear evidence to his integrity of purpose and his zeal for the service he has so much at heart. We have received from Capt Shean an Essay which he wrote in connection with the recent competition on fire brigade work, and which, although it did not secure the prize, was awarded by the Society of Arts an Honourable mention. We have read this little book with interest, the writer has evidently a grasp of the subject upon which he writes. and the book has been compiled with care and intelligence, and we recommend it to all practical firemen, for it is a book written for such by a practical fireman. The book is published by Fisher Unwin, Paternostersquare, at the popular price of sixpence. We heartily congratulate the author on the interesting little manual he has presented to the fire service.

WE have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of a copy of" The Order of the Hospital of St. John of J erusalern," by the Rev. W. K. R. Bedford ( Genealogist of the Order) and Col. Holbeche ( Librarian of the Order). A few years ago there were but few people who knew and realised what the Order was, and what was its work. The formation of the St. John Ambulance Association, and its junior branch the Ambulance Brigade, has, however, enlightened the general public as regards the special work the Order is doing to-day, and influenced those who take an interest in it to desire to learn something of its past history and traditions. The joint authors of of the work have been most careful in collecting everything of interest from the many interesting works that exist, which testi fy to the splendid work that the Order has done, and in addit io n they have given us a comprehensive and faithful acco u n of what its work is in this the twentieth century. Every branch is briefly touched upon, and It is beautifully illust ra t ed, and we have no hesitation in advising our readers to purchase the volume to add to t heir ambulance bookshel f or in the case o f corps or divisions to add to the ambulance library. It is pub lished by Messrs. F. E. Robinson and Co., London, at 7S. 6d.

FROM the rector of St. John's, Clerkenwell, one o f the Chaplains o f the Order, and Chapla in to the London P r ivate Fire Brigades Association, we have received a copy of a little work anent the history of the Order and its association with the parish to the spiritual and, may we say, tempora l n eeds over

February, 1903 -F I RST

wh ich the genial rec t or so ab l y ministers. Tl:is little brochure, wh ich is jointly the work of the rector hiS churchwarden, Mr. H W. Fincham, is one that we adVise all our readers to get. The price (sixpence) is well within the re::tch of all, and the proceeds from t.he sale will be devoted to. the funcl, so sorely in need of replel1lshlng, for the further and res toration of the handsome crypt. vVe tende.r our SIncere congratulations to the editors on the result of thelr.labours. It is a book that possesses more than the .literary ment usua ll y associated with guides t? famous ?r hlst.onc Sp?ts, and what is more to the purpose It IS and wh ether by ambulance student or antlquanan, It wIll, we can afe ly aver, be read from cover to cover.

An Ingenious Appliance.

ON Wednesday, the 28th of January, we an interesting display of the Cliff Safety Automatlc Hose Reel at the works of the Wolfr Dryer Co., Sumner-street, Southwark. In the presence of a large and distingui.shed audTence amonast which we noticed Colonel Fox (ChIef of the Lieut. Sladen, Metropolitan Brigade, and niany other gentlemen from our provmclal

Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

The Fire Brigade Committee of the L?ndon Council is of opinion that neither the nor the officer should officially take any part m the InternatlOnal Fire Exhibition and Congress to be held at Earl's Court.

Drawings of the new street fire stations proposed to be established in Bartholomew Close and St. 1artin's-leGrand have been completed by the architect of the Lond?n County Council. Progress has not yet been made WIth the proposed new street station for Eastcheap.

The challenge cup presented annually by \Vells to the officers and men at the station whIch, m hIS opinion, effects the smartest fire-extinguishing feat of year has been won for 1902 by the staff at Franclsstreet (Westminster) station. The cup had preVIously been in possession of the station in Redcross-street.

On Monday, February 9th, there was. an alarming fire in Jewry-street, Aldgate. It broke out m a large warehouse occupied by Messrs. Allard and Co., shop-fitters, thence extended to another building used as a shop-fittmg workshop. Fortunately the outbreak was from spreading further, but both places were conslderaby damaged. We regret to learn that a member of the salvage corps named Robinson, was severely injured.

At the last meeting of the Metropolitan Asylum Board a letter was read from the committe of the International Fire Preven tion Congress, asking the Board to appoint three delegates. It was stated that several Government Departments had already decided to send delegates. The Chairman moved that the matter should be referred to the General Porposes Committee, with power to appoint delegates.. . ..

a most businesslike and convincing exhibition was gIven

This most useful device consists of a revolving hose reel attached to the main service pipe; a 50 ft. length of hose with a patent nozzle is wound round the reel. By the unwinding of the hose, the water is automatically and gradually turned on, thus affording immediate aid in the case of necessity, and we believe that, as a first aid appliance, it certainly sustains the claims of its inventors.

The appended illustrations will afford a clear idea of the above described appliance; further information may be had from the sole European represen.ative, :Mr. Ernst lappert, 27, Chancery-lane, London, E.e.

Barnes possesses an olel fire engine given to the I?arish of Mo rt lake by Pri n cess Ame lia, daughter of George Ir., 111 I758.

THE FIRE AT VI-COCOA FACTORY -Mr. Thomas Smith, the chairman of Dr. Tibbles' Vi-Cocoa, Limited, writes: "So ma n y enquiries have been made by our Vi-Cocoa as to whether the recent fire at the \ Vatford factory WIl! make any differe n ce to the supply of Vi-Cocoa, that we should esteem it a favour if you will state that all demands for the same can be supplied, withOLlt the slightest delay, from the London factories, Bunhi l! -row, ':;ray's I nn-road, and the Minories."

Sir V. Kennett-Barrmgton, replymg to a questlOn, saId that the congress would afford a fitting opportunity for the discussion of all questions in connection with the. matter. appliances would no doubt be shown and tn.ed, and he maintained that it was the Board's duty to appomt delegates.

Mr. Crooks said it seemed to him that there was an epidemic of experts. Whenever a disaster happened, such as the recent fire at Colney Hatch, public bodies and private individuals were inundated with circulars from men wh0 professed to know everything on the face of the earth, and who were usually competitors for high offices. The question of the Duke of Marlborough being at the head of it did not affect the matter.

Mr. Elliott said that entertainments, excursions, and dinners were advertised in connection with the congress. He would like to know whether the Hoard had any power to spend money in sending people to entertainments of that kind

The Chairman replied that there was no such power, and, as far as he knew, it was not proposed that should spend money. If the General Purposes CommIttee ,round that the appointment of delegates involv.ed the spendmg of public money they would refuse to nom mate.

DECORATORS should read their Trade and Art Journal, " The Decorators' and Painters' 1v!aga:::i71e," written by practical men for practical men. Price 6d., by post 8d.; ;s. per annum post free. Published on the 15th of the month. Publishers, Dale, Reynolds & Co., 46, Cannon-street, E.c.

The Colney Hatch Holocaust.

By ONE OF FA's ST,\FF, A VOLUNTEER FIRE [A}[, "\VRO WAS THERE.

THANKS to the cupidity of a member of our staff we are enabled to give the "only" f<l.ithful illustration of this unprecented catastrophe. The sketch was taken roughly in outline, amid scenes that beggar description, by the gentleman in question who is a member of one of the Volunteer Fire Brigades and was in attendance to render the much needed assistance.

The daily papers bave sufficiently discussed this conflagration in all its aspects as to responsibility and blame, therefore we shall confine ourselves to render due credit to those who by their heroic conduct showed such brilliant example of British pluck under the most adverse circumstances.

For we must not forget that everyone of the rescuers

A I D - February, 19 0 3

responsibi lity of the whole Asylum and all who come in contact with him acknowledge his fitness for the post.

The Asylum Fire Brigade deserve great credit for the stubborn manner they fought the greedy flames, and we only regret that their superhuman efforts met with so litt le acknowledgment from the ubiquitous reporters of the daily Press who, unfortunately, arrived too late to witness their devotion to an alien duty under the most adverse conditions

The first outs ide response for help came from the Homsey Fire Btigade u nder Captain Holland. They worked like Trojans against overwhelming odds which might have driven the stoutest hearts to despair. They pumped water-such as there was of it - the defficiency was no fault of theirs, and in company with the "\Vood Green Volunteer Fire Brigade under Captain Goodfellow, just managed to isolate the main building by the demolition of a long and strong connecting corridor.

Supt. Holland, whose portrait we reproduce, joined the Fire Service in February 1873, with the Highgate

CAPT. GOODFELLOW, "-OOD GREEN FIRE BR[GADE. more than once carried their lives in their hands. The smoke and heat endured by the lady attendants, nurses, Dr. Seward, and firemen w()uld have been incredible had it not been fully confirmed by numerous eyf> witnesses, and the thanks of the whole community are due, to all who by their superhuman labours prevented a larger loss of life.

First and foremost we must place Dr. Seward, the Superintendant of the Colney Hatch Asylum, who, with his own hands, at the risk of his life, rescued scores of unfortunates, and from the report of our informant, we may believe that he hoped by his splendid example to inspire others in the merciful work of rescue, and we are equally certain that the unfortunate loss of so many lives was a very sad blow to the doctor who, judging from appearances was very much distressed at the first sight of the charred corpses Dr. Seward joined the Asylum Staff in r877 and was appointed Medical Superintendent of the :Male Department in 1882. Since 1890 he has had the sole

SUPT. HOLLAND, I10RNSEY FIRE BRTGADE.

Volunteer Fire Brigade which was then under tbe control of the Homsey Local Board, 3.nd was present at the great fire at the Alexandra Palace on June 9th of tbe same year.

After passing through the several grades, he was appointed Chiefof that Brigade in June 1887, and Chief of the combined Homsey and Highgate Brigades in December of that year, when the former was constituted a permanent Brigade by the Local Authority

The Wood Green Fire Brigade, under Captain Goodfellow, arrived simultaneously with the Homsey Brigade, and not finding sufficient water for both, they confined their efforts to saving life and property, and many men including · their faithful Captain, narrowly escaped death by the treacherous self-locking doors. Captain Goodfellow subsequently expressed, as his opinion, that in his thirty -five years experience of the Wood Green Fire Brigade he has never had the misfortune to witness such rapid scenes of destruction in life and property.

Feh r ll8ry, ) 903. -FIRST A 1 D.-

& Co., 33, Minories, London.

February, 19 0 3. -FIRST

We are appending on this page a faithful liken ess of Captain Goodfellow, Chief Officer of the Wood Green Brigade, in which capacity he has served gratitiously for the last thirty years saving thousands of pounds to the ratepayers of Wood Green, who, undoubtedly, enjoy the most economical fire department in proportion to their popuLation - 37,000 - in the whole United Kingdom, if not the whole world, and we believe that Captain Goodfellow enjoys the uni que distinction of being the only Volunteer Fire Captain with thirty years service to his credit who during that time has never cost the ratepayers one penny.

It was resolved that the sum of £200 per year be granted for rent, rates and clerical assistance.

The following brigades were ordered to be struck off the roll, being two years in arrears of subscription:Shrewsbury, Downton, \Vest Row, Newhaven Vol., :t'\ewton Abbott, RochdaLe.

It was resoLved that in future all brigades one year in arrears should not receive notices from Headquarters unless in the opinion of the Secretary a reasonable excuse has been given.

The question of charging an entrance fee was referred back to the Committee.

Lieut.-Col. Sea broke presented the Tournament Committee's report, which was received and adopted.

The Tournament Committee have made satisfactory arrangements with the London Exhibitions, Ltd., to hold their annual competitions at Earl's Court, from July loth to 18th. They recommend :-

That the Six-men National Manual Drill be altered to a four-men drill with eight pumpers, coachman and pair of horses, in accordance with the Drill Book, 19° 2 ;

National Fire Brigades Union.

The Annual GeneraL Meeting of the CentraL Council was heLd at Clifford's Inn Hotel, Fleet-street, E.c., on Wednesday, January 28th. 1903·

Present: Lieut.-Col. Sea broke, Chairman; Lieut.-Col. Dixon, Sutton; Capt. Clulee, J.P., Brierley Hill; Capt. Boucher, N orthfieet; Capt. Hart, Ashford; Capt. Dyer, Alton; Capt. Wells, Margate; Capt. Hounson, Eastbourne; Capt. Sinnock, Burgess Hill; Capt. Banbury, Woodstock; Capt. Westbrook, Tunbridge Wells; Capt. Levy, Rochester ; Capt. Gam mell, Perry Barr; Capt. W. Tozer,. West Br0mwich; Capt. Vernon, High Wycombe; Capt. Miller, Ley ton ; Capt. Chrystle, Longton; Capt. Green, Stafford; 1r. E. W. Tabor, Reading; Mr. Charles Kusel, London; Capt. Hill, Bedford; Capt. Peters, Sittingbourne; Capt. Warwick; Capt. Bell, Kingston; Capt. Evans, J.P., Dlckmson's; Capt. Hamilton, Smethwick ; Capt. Pizey, Chingford; Capt. Leach, Wimbledon; Capt. Dore, Sandown; Capt. Stone, Chesham; Capt. Cruttenden, Hastings, Capt. RestLer, Vauxhall; Supt. Poncerot, London; Capt. Vosper, Devonport; Capt. Johnson, J.P., Stamford; Capt. ])yson, Windsor; Capt. R. Shaw, Manchester; E. O. Sachs, Esq., B.F.P.C., London ; C. Herbert Brown, Esq., London; Capt. Woollard, Ilford; Dr. Ettles, London; Major Finn, Lydd; Capt. Goslin, Sutton; Capt. Dale, Snaresbrook, Capt. Henderson, J.P., Rickmansworth; Lieut.-Col. Fox, London; Capt. Harrison, J.p., Ryde, 1. of W. ; Walter R. Harris, Assistant Secretary; Horace S. Folker, Hon. General Secretary.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and signed.

The following election of new brigades was duly confirmed :-Cas tor, North -Eastern; Birkdale, North-Western; Pretoria, Colonial; Blaenau - Festiniog, North Wales; Butler's Brewery, Wolverhampton, Midland; Cheddleton Asylum, Midland; Bidford-on-Avon, Midland, Sidmouth, South-Western; Pontnewydd, South Wales; Clacton-onSea, Eastern; Steyning and Paddockhurst, South Coast ; Blackpool, North -Western; Clarnico, Eastern; Pembury, South-Eastern; East London, Colonial.

The Long Service Medal Committee presented their report and recommedations for medals to be granted, which was duly confirmed.

The Finance Committee reported that th e Union was now out of debt, and the guarantee signed by several mem bers had been cancelled.

That districts should enter in future, instead of individual brigades, in all drills whlch are only open to the districts;

That the drills will take place, as per notice issued to brigades, between the hours of 10 and 12 o'clock in the morning each day;

That official timekeepers be engaged at the expense or the Union.

The drills will be done according to the N. F. B. U. Drill Book, 1902, but with the exception of the Escape Drill (in which there will be no make up in future) any member of the team may do any part of the work except leading out the horses or driving the engine, which shall be done only by the coachman and engineer. The coachman shall do no other work, and the engineer shall only assist with the first length of hose and the suction at the engine.

There will be a penalty of four seconds in every case of a fireman not hanging the sway bar in the collar or hook securely. In all other respects the Drill Book, 1902, and th e several penalties therein scheduled, shall apply.

The committee have considered the resolution passed by the Eastern District, making a general charge against judges and timkeepers, but as the District have declined to put the evidence in writing for consideration, they are unabe to proceed with the matter.

Surgeon-Major Harrison presented the Ambulance Department report, and it was resolved that the design and medal to be given to the ambulance firemen who served in the late South African War be approved.

It was r esoLved that in future the Gough-Calthorpe Challenge Cup be withheld unless the winning team made three-fourtbs of the points decided by the Examiners.

ELECTION S

C!tat"rman. - Lieut.-Col. Seabroke, Rugby.

Vice- C!za/1-ltleJl. -Ca pt. Henderson, J.P., Rickmansworth; Capt. G. W. Johnson, J.P., Stamford. Tournament Committee. - Lieut. -C ol. Dixon, Sulton ; Capt. Miller, Ley ton and Leytonstone; Capt. Dyson, Windsor; Capt. Clulee, J.p., Brierley Hill; Capt. Pett, Exeter; Capt. Westbrook, Tunbridge Wells, Capt. Vernon, High Wycombe; Capt. Graham, Hampton; Deputy -Capt. Marshallsay, Aldershot· Capt. Chilton, Brighton Railway; Capt. Mace, Chipping Norton' Capt. Banbury, Woodstock' Supt. Pendered, Wellingboro' ; Surgeon-Major Harrison, Chester; Capt. Scott, Bradford; Dr. Ettles, London; Major Finn, Lydd; A. T. Dale, Esq., London. Ex Officio re Earl's Court-Lieut.-Col. Fox, London; E. O. Sachs,

-FIRST

Esq., B.F.P.C., London; Ellis Marsland, Esq., London; Capt. J. H. Dyer, l \lton LOllg Sel'vice i l/edal Comllldtee.-Lieut.-Col. Dixon, Sutton; Capt. Dyson, Windso r; Capt. Miller, Ley ton ; Capt. Hart, Ashford' Capt. Clulee, J.P., Brierley Hill; Capt. Boucher, orthfleet; Surgeon-1\Iajor Harrison, Chester; Deputy-Capt. Marsh::dlsay, Aldershot. Fillallce COllllltdtee.-Capt. Brighton; Capt. Spong, Biggleswade; Deputy-Capt. Marshallsay, Aldershot; Hon. Capt. Gardner, Stroud; Capt. ,, 'oollard, nford; Harrison, Chester; Capt. Pitfield Chapple, Axmll1ster; Capt. Clulee, J. P., Brierley Hill' Capt. Levy, Rochester; Capt. Bell, urbiton' Capt. Conwy-Bell, Bodrhyddan.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

AMPEH 1 LL.-.The annual meeting of Ampthill and Dlstnct hre Bngade was h e ld in the British Schoolroom on February 5th, over by Mr. J ames Brown, ported by the Captalll, Mr. George Claridge. Mr. W. Tobb Messrs W. S Smith, H Swaffield, junr., Dr. L. Garner, and others

The Secretary presented the annua l r epo rt and balance sheet. whIch was adopted as very satisfactory. Reference was made to the handsome new Fire Station in Bc?ford-street, which it is hoped will be completed by the spnng. The officers were re-elected.

February, 1903· FIRST volved; he suggests fire a larm call boxes near the most important ri sks

The firemen employed do not have by any means a "soft" job, during the year they have been employed in the making and painting of pompier ladders, barricading the stree t s, painting tile chief station: and shoeing the horses attached to the department.

A I D.-

[I11ed with valuable gootls and machinery, but it was found impossible to save anything contained in the burning building.

1\. correspondent from i\.ustralia, who was present, is loud in his praise of tile men of the Rickmansworth Brigade, he considers them far above the average Volunteer Brigades that he has met with. Hearty congratulations to Captain Henderson.

Colney Hatch Fire.

TTTidows' alld Orphalls' FlIlld.-Lieut.-Col. Sutton; Capt. Johnson, J.p., Stamford' Capt. Stafford; Capt. Westbrook, Tunbridge Wells; Graham, Hampton; Capt. Gardner, Stroud.

Dixon, Green, Capt. Padiamelltar), COIll1Jlittee.-Lieut.-Col. Dixon, Sutton; Capt. Banbury, J.p., Woodstock; Capt. Dyson, Windsor; Capt. G Harrison, J.P., Ryde; Hon. Counsel C. Herbert London; Capt. Woollard, Ilford; Capt. Mace, ChlPP1l1g TOlton; Capt. Dyer, Alton; Capt. Peters, Siuingbourne' Capt. Restler, ·Vauxhall.

Ambulallce COJJlmittee.-Surgeon-! ,ieut.-Col. F. R. Russell, Guildford Surgeon-Major Harrison, Chester; Dr. Ettles, London; Lieut.-Col. Di'\on, Sutton; Capt. \\'estbrook, Tunbridge Wells; Supt. Poncerot, London; Capt. Pizey, Ching-ford.

It was decided to recommend to General Meeting to elect :-

President-His Grace the Duke of Marlborougll, K.G. Vice-Presidents - Hon. Capt. J. H. Dyer, Alton; LI eut.-Col. Fox, London; Lieut.-Col. Dixon, Sutton.

On account of the absence of His Grace in India the dinner was postponed until his return.

Capt. J?anbury proposed, and was seconded by Capt. Stone, that m future the Secretary be instructed to report the attendance of the Delegates and Committee.

The Annual General Meeting was appo int ed for March the rth.

Hon. Counsel C. Herbert Brown reported an interview WIth Mr. Guy Pym, M.P., and that he intended to again Ballot for the Fire Bill at the forthcoming Session.

Capt. Hill proposed, and was seconded by Capt. Dyer, that the South-Midland District be instructed to hand the balance of the "Green Memorial Fund" over to the Oxford Fire Brigade, to endow a bed for firemen in the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, in memory of the l ate Capt. Green, one of the Founders of Ihe Union

Pe.rmission was given to exhibit all the Challenge Cups and Shields at the Earl's Court Exhibition, 1903. Secretary reported that tl1e following had been made Life I\Iem bers of the New Zealand Association:Capl. Dyer, Alton: Capt. Dyson, Windsor Capt. Miller, Ley ton ; Capt. Tabor, Reading; Capt. Marshallsay, Aldershot; Capt. Tracy, Bury St. Edmunds.

\YORKINGTON.-Supt. IIopc's resignation as captain of the Workington Fire Brigade came before the Town Council on Tuesday, 3rd inst. I [ e wrote that bis removal to compelled him to resign. During the course of hIS letter Supt. Hope stated that it was nearly ten ye<l:rs si.nr.e the Police Fire Brigade was formed, during whleh tllne they had dealt WIth 84 outbreaks of fire. The Council expressed regret at losing the services of Supt. Hope.

. COLcHEsTER.-The Salisbury Hotel situated close to the Royal ArtIllery Barracks was party destroyed by fire on Monday, February 9th. The effects <;>f the visitors staying at the hotel were saved by two pollce constables The Fire Brigade,. wbicb was summoned by the new. electrIC fire alarm, did exce ll ent work and although d.amage was don.e. the st<;>p was a good onc. The fire IS belteved to have ongmated tn tbe lift room.

members of the Fire Brigade were entert_all1ed at dll1ncr on e\'ening of February 2nd, at the Hotel. A capItal rcpast was provided and a:nple Justice was done to it. The Chairman of the Parish CounCIl (the Rev. J. c. Crawford) presided, and there were also present several mem bers of the Council.

ROTHERHAl\L-It was with extreme regret tbat we heard of the of Supt. '!'urner. His soldierly figure and yet kIndly face WIll be sorely missed at future gatherIngs of the N.F.B. U. Always ready for duty, hc was never known to grumble, let the task allotted to him be eyer so unpleasant. It is to such men as he that the servIce owes so much, their devotion to their work is apprecia!.ed by fellow townsmen, and hence the status of the bre Bngade Service is raised in the estimation of the general pu blic.

On J an, 27th, at.a mecting e)f the Watch Committee, the five for the position of Superintendent of the FHe Brtgade. attended. They were: Inspector Clarke, Ma.nchest.er Ship Canal Police; Sergt. Bentley, Bngade; Inspect?r Smith, Kendal; Sergt. Weanng, ChIef and Supennt.endent of Fire Brigade, La.ncaster; and ThIrd Officer Whlte, of the Sheffield Fire Bngade.

The choice of the Committee fell on Mr. Wbite who was recommended .t o the Council for appointment lI'e has been connected wlth the Sheffield Fire Brigade for the last I3 years. For some years he has been second in command at the headquarters in Rockingham-street and has directed the brigade's. operations at fires in the' absence of Supt. Frost. He IS to be congratulated on his success At Rotherham he will also take the rank of Inspector in the Borough Police Force.

must congratulate Mr. Frost, the energetic Chlef of Sheffie ld Fire on his very report. It IS most comprehenSIve and is interest1l1g from cover t? cov.er. The .calls for fires during th e past yea.r were 20 I, as against 243 In the year 1901. Chemica l we.re first used in September last, and since theIr l11troductlon have extinguished 7 1'05 per cent of the actual fires attended Mr. Frost regrets the want of an up-to-date fire alarm system. The call is invari ab ly g iv en by messengers and a great waste: of time is thereby in-

In the Ambulance Dcpartment the number of calls r ece iv ed was 1,240, an increase of 509 on the previous year. Several calls to of serious were received. On the 9th of Aprtl a dlsastrous exploslon of molten metal occurred at the Don Foundry, unfortunately resulting in the death of five workmen. On that occasion the ambulances removed five patients. The brigade at once telephoned [or assistance to Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim, and to Messrs. Thomas Firth and Sons, and they smartly responded with their ambulance vans, in which eight other injured men were removed to the hospitals. On thVe same date a serious scaffold accident occurred at the railway bridge, ewhall-road, resulting in serious injury to three workmen. Aga in, on tbe 6th ot Septelll ber, a serious accident occurred in the part of a building collapsing and injuring three pedestrians, one fatally.

The Chief Officer points out the need for a third ambulance van, and the policy of purchasing one should, he says, be gone into during the year. It is an object lesson for the London County Council to know that in Sheffield a properly equipped ambulance van, together with two trained and certificated men, may be summoned in case of accident at any time. No charge is made for its use within the city boundaries.

TUE disastrous fire at the above Asylum has called universa! attention to thc use of fIreproof material for the erection of temporary (or permanent) buildings intended for hospitals, lums, homes, &c. lL should be within the scope of the L.c.e. or other authorities ttl stipulate that all such buildings be constructed solely of fireproof materials.

There is now on the market an excellent substitute for corrugated iron and wood, or brick, viz. - a speciality termed the "Dovetail Corrugated Sheeting," which is a steel sheet _crimped into the:fort11 of a dovetail, enabling it to be plastered both sides to any thickness from 2 in. upwards. A wall or building thus erected would be without doubt thoroughly fi reproof, and would prevent such terrible catastrophes as we have recently experienced.

Tooting Bec Asylum and Tooting Homes were supplied with these steel laths by the makers of the Doyetail corrugated Sheeting, and Joyce Green Hospital, Dartford, has also fireproof partitions of the same material.

NEW PRISO FOR CORPORc\TION OF CITY OF LONDOK, COURSE OF ERECTION.

WATI'ORD.-A dis -

of the sheeting, covered with cement, the advantages claimed being strength, durability, and speed of erection. As a proof of the latter it may be mentioned that this prison \\ as commenced and completed in the short space of three months, 3.nd is capable of accommodating some 85 prisoners, male and female.

The principal London theatres have also been fireproofed with this material according to the new regulations of the L.c.e.

Our illustration shows the prison referred to tn course of erection.

The Ccrporation of the City of London had the new prison attached to the essions II ouse constructed en tirely astrous fire occurred at !\Iessrs. Tibbles & Co.'s factory, the whole of which was completely destroyed. The fire broke out shortly after 7 p.m., the hooter sounding the alarm. Within a few minutes the Fire Brigade from Messrs. Wells was on the scene, quicklX followed by engines from the Watford Urban Council, Croxley, and Rickmansworth. A strong wind fanned the conflagration, and owing to the fact that long wooden sheds adjoined the main building, the Fire Brigades were for a time handicapped in their efforts to master the ftames, which spread with startling rapidity. It became apparent very ear ly that it would be impossible to save any part of the building. At 9 o'clock the fire was rageing furiously, and illuminated the whole district of Watford, the scene being witnessed by large crowds Several hundred hands are emp loyed regularly at the factory, and owing to its total destruction these, for a time at any rate, will be throm! out of work.

The damage is estimatcd at-at least-£Too,ooo. Fortunately, owing to the time tbat the outbreak occurred, when business had been suspended for tbe day, there were non e of th e work people on the premises The place was

A. COT.-Under the auspIces of the ..:-\scot Fire Brigade an in\'itation ball took place at the Grand 'Land, on January 28th. The attendance was not large, but was quite sufficient to make the event go off with success and gi\"c pleasure to all wbo attended. The Royal College Band supplied the music, and the catering was satisfactorily carried out by Iessrs. George, of Reading. !\Jr. R. Watson acted as :lI.C.

London Private Fire Brigades Association.

THE fifth annual tourn 8. m e nt organised by this Association took place at the Shoreditch Baths on Friday and Saturday, February 13th and 14th The attendance on the first night was not as good as we could h ave desired to see, but that on Saturda y was, we should sa;, well up to the average. It is a moot point whether th e committee are wise in running the two d ays; it would p e rbaps be better, as in previous years, to run off certain of tb e e vents during the m o rning and afternoon. The tournam e nt was admirably arranged and carried out und e r th e dir ec tion of Chief Officer Church-Brasier (chairman), and Supt. Rush forth ( hon. secretary of the Association), and the following officers also assisted in the arrangements :- The mast e r of the arena, Chief Officer T. F. Britton, wbo had as assistants Messrs. F. Banham, H , Beghin, H. H. Spears and T. C. Thorp. The judges were, for tbe fire competition:Chief Officer Dyson, Windsor Fire Brigade; Chief Officer Mill e r, Ley ton and Leytonstone Fire Brigade; and for ambulance :- James Cantlie, Esq., M . D., F.R.C.S and Chief Supt. Morgan, S.J A. The tim e keepers bEing;Mr. W. J. Cockerill, Brighton Railway V.F.B., and Mr. Turn e r of the Sporting Life; with Mr. J. D. Rid e r as r eco rder.

The pro ceed ings eac h evening commenced with a march past, and the marching of th e various brigades and the fine physiqu e of the men were generally commented upon.

The fire brigade of th e Railway Clearing House was again w e ll to the fore, and we congratulate Ca pt. Spears and his smart hrigad e on the result of their prowess, a lthough w e must admit we should lik e anoth e r year to see the destination of the various trophies changed.

On each e vening there was a realistic fire scene, an exhibition drill by memb e rs of the Polytechnic Fire Brigad e , and an ex hibition drill by the M e rryweath e r Fire Brigade.

It it a m a tt e r of congratulation that th e m e mbers of th e rec e ntly form e d Lei ceste r Private Fire Brigades Association accepted th e invitation of th e ir London comrades to compete, and n ex year "'e hop e to see other provincial privat e fire brigades present, as we are sure that this banding of m e n e ngag e d in th e work of fire extinction produc e s not only a healthy rivalr y, but is productive also of much public good, a nd is condu c ive to the formation of a friendly feeling bet"'een men of the different counties that must tend to a clo se r link with London and our other great cities. As th e Colonial S ec retary says: "W e must not b e too parochial. L et u s mak e our institutions National or Imp e rial. "

On Sunday th e various bri gades must e r e d for Church Parade in St. John 's-sq uar e , and und e r th e command of Chief Officer Church-Brasier, march e d by way of Churchlan e , Lon g- lan e, &c., to St. John's Church. There were about 1 SO m e n on parade, and th e band of th e Central Club was in attendance. A most eloquent address was delivered by the R ec tor, who is also chaplain to th e AssoCia tion. In th e co urs e of hi s r e marks th e r evere nd gentleman alluded to the s e lf-sac rificin g character of th e ir work as volunteers in the fire service, and urged them one and a ll to co ntinu e to strive to carry out th e gra nd aims for which th ey w e re banded to ge ther.

Aft e r church the men w e r e m a rch e d vl'a Farringdonroad back to St. John 's- square and dismiss e d.

The Chief Offic e r thanked the memb e rs on parade for

their presence, expressing his regret that more were not in attendance, but stated that no doubt th e two nights' hard work had militated somewhat against a large must e r however, the parade had been held with a view to their Leicester comrades being associated with them, and in the name of the London Association h e be gge d to thank th e m for their presenc e th e re that morning.

Chief Offic e r Yat es, of the Leic es ter Private Fire Brigade, and one of his officers reque sted p e rmission to th a nk their London comrades for the kind reception th ey had received, and both stated how pl eased th e y wer e to have the opportunity of m eet ing them. Th ey trusted tha t at th e ir next tournament th ey might hav e th e opportunity of ex, t e nding to their London comrades th e same kindly w elcome th ey had th e mselves receiv ed.

Th e band o f the Central Club, C l er k e nw e ll -roa d, provided the mu s ic at both the tourn amen t and on th e occasion of the church parade It was und e r th e dir ect ion of Mr. C. Rayne, and gave universal satisfaction.

Th e offidal relults have bem applied ./01', bitt were ltot t o ha1ld at th e tim e 0./ /{oillg to press.

-------. -

BURY ST. ED l\IUNDS - Th e seco nd annual Fancy Dress Ball organised by th e Fire Brigade, took place at tb e Athem:eum Hall, on Thursday , Janu a ry 22nd, and th e members are again to b e congratulated upon the success which attended their efforts. The arrangements in connection with promoting the event had b ee n well carried out under the direction of the Offi ce rs.

Dancing was kept up with g r ea t spirit until an ea rl y hour in th e morning with a short int e rval for supper.

F ARINGDON.-The annual Brigade Competition took plac e on Thursday, January 22nd, wben :Fireman Selfe was tb e winner of Mr. G. Adams' Challenge Cup, having been the winner of Mr. Habg oo d ' s Cup g iven last y ea r. Th e annual dinner was h e ld at th e Crown Hot e l in the e v e ning.

Mr. G. W. Habgood presided, and th e re w e r e also present Mr. Williams (captain), and Mr. Rose, of the Bampton Fire Brigade, a m e mb e r of the ,V a ntage Fire Bri gade and a numb e r of to\\'nsmen. The Challenge Cup was presented to Mr H. Selfe, the winn er, by the chairman. The usual toasts were drunk and r es pond e d to.

Norwich Union Fi re Insuran c e Offices, Angel Place, \Vor ces ter

C. T. Crowden, Esq., 7th Feb., 1903. Motor Works, Leamin g ton.

DEAR SIR, - I am plea se d to inform yo u that the motor as fitted you to our steam fire en gi ne is workin g to my entire sa tIsfactIon.

I believe that ours is the first pra c tical motor steam fire en g ine to be used in tbis country since the repeal of the Red Flag Act, and I have every reason to think that motor fire en g ines will in future be extensively u sed in tbis co untr y We re s pond to ca ll s within 20 miles of thi s c ity, and there is no hill that we are afraid to ta c kle in thi s di str ict. Th e pre se nt sys tem is a de c idt:d, improvement on our old hor s ing system, espec ia ll y for any d Is tan c e over four or five m i les ,- Yours fa ithfully, (Sig ned ) ALFRED B. SAYCE, Supt. of Fire Brigade.

[The above speaks well for the future of the motor fire en g ine, and we congratulate the manufa c turer on it s ED ITOR S " F. A. "]

February, I9 0 3·

Lette rs to th e Editors.

a1 e 110 waJ r espomib/e for tlte opiniolls e).jJre sse d, or tlte //lade ,. by Correspolldellf s .-EJllTOI{S.

THE ROYAL PROGRESS

SIRS - Ih ear indirectly from one who knows, tbat is to be g'iven to those who did duty on the route on, 25 tb Let me tell you what it cost, me to have the prIvIlege. of so doing. Firstly, I l eft my practIce for three days - dUring which time I had to engage a toculIl t? do the work at LOS a d I gave the men £2 towards th elr expenses and I, had my hot e l accommodation to pay for. Roughly speakmg, ,£5 1 ared me for the time I was away. But th.at IS not the pOint. tbe aut h orities at St. J ohn'S qate conSIder tbat we who volunteered ought to be treated dIfferently to th; pollce for instance, wbo are paid officers of the Crown? fhey are to h ave tbe Coronation medal. , ' Anyone who took part in the affaIr IS too ready to admit tbat it was by no means ,a for those who spen two nights in the tram and dld dU,ty as we ll. , The intrinsic value o f the medal IS nothJl1g comparatlvely s peaking and would cos t the Order o f St. ] obn very lIttle. B\1t consider 't h e pleasure it would gl.ve ,o the many who went up with the express purpose of It. , , venture to predict if nothll1g IS done that the will have to ask for some time before they succeed lI1, gettll1g any more prov:ncials up to London. Many of ,us thlllk. services are a little enough thought o f or" appreCla,ted as It but tbis the "most unkind act of all. Trustll1g you" 1 insert the above, believe me. - Yours, &c ., " ] \ TJ " HON. SURGEON, S. D.

D F\R S IR S - I am one who would like to know sometbin g about the ilonours for th e above, as "Hock and Doug h " says, the police and \'oluteers have received honours, and as b f the <.: A B I think we are essentIally volunteers a mem el 0 J, 1 when we are ",illin O' to lose a day's pay and to al expenses incurred on an ion like the above. Hopll1g ,to hear sometbing tbrough FIRST AlB 01: the matter.-I am " "ANOTHER WHO WA S 0 DUT\.

DEAR SlRS, - I clo not think" the Sovereign and Patron of the Order Kina Edward VI!., would apprecla.te such sentiments as th ose 'expr;ssed in "Hoch and letter of 7th] anuary, as published in your last Issue, I t IS apparent from the tone of tb e letter that he only belongs to, S.].A.B. for personal gain, and not for pure love of rehevJl1g suffering and for the honour of lmgade.

" Hoch and Dough" IS Jl1 error wlth regard to the medal as far as the volunteers are concerned, as only two medals battalion were granted, one .tbe senior officer and :be othel for the senior non-commIssIoned on, palade, the remainder o f those present .getting notbJl1g, as Il1 the case of the previous Jub ilee ceremomes. f

I t would appear that" H. and D ," ha s not courage. 0 hi s convictio n s to sign h is name, but she lt ers hllnself undel a n om-de-pfttllle. - Yours, &c., R. i\L\.G ' US. Leytonstone, Feb. 10th, 190].

SHALL WE MU I CIPA LI SE THE Al\IBULANCE SE RVI CE.

D EAR MR EULTORs,-l'vlany thanks for inserting, my repl y in l as t month's issue. th ere is one rather seno:ls error in P.S. appende d. You g Ive average at e nd ance as tlIO, wbere as my copy gave it as nine, I am sorry for error l?ecause it makes the ca s e loo k so much worse, and ,r to 1\1r. Ba xte r ex pr esslllg Illy regl:et at the Oll please call attention to tbe error JI1 your next Issue and obllge. -

Yours truly,

, A. \VI NSLADE, Hon. Sec. [We regret the error a so. - EDS.]

C IVIL Al\1BULANCE.

DEAR SlRS,- - \V ith fee l in gs of genuine pleasure I read in your ] oumal for ] anuary, page J 04, that the need of a n am bu -

_____________________________

lance service for London is again being recognised. I read

very similar bopeful items on the same questIon III FIRST during 1895 and was one of the first to send a plan for a pu IC ambulance (see FIRST AID, May " J895, column I, page 3 8 "London Ambulance Corps, " otberwlse L.A.c. /, , Perhaps I was too diffident in my manner o,f for:vardmg my views on this question, but now I you bring frward my idea for an ambulan c e serVIce, that lllc1ud,es t utilising the existing street fire-call posts by. tbe for calling the ambulance " agons, kept at certam fire bngade stations, , L d d Delighted with your idea of a con ference In on an tbe evidence of your public spirit. I remam as keenly mter f ested in the proper ambulanciI?-g of success 0 your] ournal as ever) and contJJ1ue, - yours sJJ1cerel}, C L. A,

THE RECENT AlV1DULANCE CO TCERT AT THE PEOPLES

PALACE.

-In your issue of December, I902, you were good enough to publish an account of tbe concert beld at Peoples Palace, E., in aid of the funds of the Toynbee Ha Division of tbe S.] ,A.D., .'

I beg to th ank you for your kll1d remarks as ,to tbe at tlStlC merit, also for your good wishes as to the finanCial success of my ventlre, the I can a ss LIre you it was very gratIfYing ,to me to enthusiastic manner in \\'hich my good fnends, tbe were recei\ ed by the large audien c e, and also how they III tb,e\1 turn, generously replied to tbe man)' calls. for encores, whlC 1 added greatly to the enjoyment of the e."enll1g, " My a c counts having been audited It now gl\ es me ,elY (.J reat ple'lsure in tellin O' you that I bave been able to hand over to Mr. H. Langley our 1St Officer and Hon. Treasurer, th e sum o f £4 2 185. " h

To have made such an amount it goes WIthout t at I had the hearty co-operation of tbe wbole of the and I take tbis opportunity of sincerely thanking both officels and men for the way in whIch tbey worked, as, of COUlse, I not ba\ e brougbt our concert to sucb a su c cessful Issue WIthout tbeir valuable help

Trusting that your to Improve FIR T Am will meet with success. - I remalll yours faltbfully, CIL-\l{LES ST \TH DI, , Secretary Concert Committee 6 [ Grafton-street, Mile End. ,

:\IOTORS

AND ACC I DENTS

DEAl{ Tbe in Holbom ?et\\'een omnibus and a motor vehlcle, 111 addltl<:m to an evel -ll1creasm", num bel' of accidents of the same kmd 111 London, and JJ1deed all over the country, causes me to ask y<:)lJ If there IS su c h a thing- as a Board of Trade, or any return.of all the accidents, fatal and otherwise, cau;,ed by motor vehIcles of all k d the roads of the UnIted h lng-dom dUring the last four III s on 'b I 0 ke's years. If so, it would very interestlllg to am u 'ftl have had the expenence as I have had ofrendelll1 b firs,t aId ;tJ persons in five weeks, all tbrough motor vehIcles of heavy and light weights. - Yours faIthfully: o 4 S T RIn'CHER SQu.\/), S.].AD.

Al\IBULA

l CE SERVICE FOR LO DON.

DK\R SIRS,- That London ne,eds a muniCIpal ambulance service was brouO'ht to my notice thIS afternoon 111 the Strand, near about l.50 p.m.. A gentleman was, I understand, knocked do\\'n by an omnIbus, a red one;, but wbat I saw was a crowd, the gentleman on the seat JJ1 a in the 'bus, t\l'O poli c emen not rendering of bu t one had his note book out, apparently wntlllg a desCI of the unfortunate gentleman, the other constable sat 111 the 'bus doing nothing. f\t last, all passer:gers turned out, the bus dro\'e off 111 tbe directIOn ?f Cbar!ng. Cross )i tal wi th th e gentleman and 11'0 policeman Il1slde I. \\ ould Lave O'iven you the constables' numbe,rs, but I am Ighted, so not. No one seemed to thJJ1k of first aId 01 ambulance.-Yours sincerely, L. A. C

I RST

THE BRIT I SH FIRE

DEAR SIRs,-Having been a membe r of a Boston Fire Company when a young man, I have never lost m y i n terest in a ll that appertains to fire extinc t ion; c.onseCJl1ent y I have read a good deal about \'arious fire brigades in many countries ancl of course, took special interest in the firemen o f Old Country. Therefore, when I came to Eng land on a somewhat visit, 1 was on the look out for shortcomings in the variOUS fire brigades wherever went, and am pleased to say t h at I find. defects nothing so prevalent as I expected there IS much room for in many partic u lars, but 111 gettll1g your reforms carned out It c:;eems to me there is too condemnation indulged in. The London Brigade was qUite prepa red to find radically bad from a ll I h ad read bL:.t, beyond what I have said of other brigades I think it a favourable comparison

Now, close this long letter, I would warn your aga1l1st bel11g too enthusiastic in. be ieving a ll the per!'ectlons represented to eXist In AmerIcan fire departments. [rue, there IS a reckless expenditure of public money, nearly double the number of n:en and that are necessary, with and complicated machl11ery; and they do not cope with great fires a!lY more successfully with all this than t h e Bntlsl: fire. orgal1lsatlOlls. do I hope your readers will bear 111 ml11d when r eadll1g or hearing of the advanced American systems of life-saving and fire-fighting.-- Yours faithfully, HIRA)[ K VALLACK

1IOTORS I N LONDO STREETS A D F I RST AID.

UK R SIRS,-" The new steam motor ambulance ordered for the ;\Ietropolitan Asylums Board is approaching comp letion and wil.l, !t expected, be delivered at an early date "

If lt IS like the steam \\ asons we .see running through the streets, weighing 5 tons. a piece, with an engineer, fireman and carman, I sll1cere y pity the patie n ts ,\' h o will be earned t hereon. Those who might get knocked by such a vehicle would, most likely, be beyond first aid -Yours, &c.,

L. A. C.

DE.\R Sms,-In the issue of FIRST AID for October ]90 there was a paragraph stating that a medal \\'as to be b): the St. John Ambulance Association for those who had sen'ed with the Brigade in South Africa, and it also said that it was to be issued shortly. I am, of course, aware that FIRST AID has changed hands since that date, but there must have been some authority, I should think for the insertion of the paragraph. A r e you able to give any respecting the same?

May also take the lIberty of suggesting to you what I and many otbers think be an impro\'ement in your paper, that of a column devoted to News from Headquarters," which .of orders, notes. respecting drill, and any other Il1f<?rmatIon <?f 1.nterest to the brigade. believe our respected Chief Commissioner would favour the idea. Allow me, in to. cong;atulate you upon t he Impro\'ements 111 connection With your J ouma , improvements which I can assure you are appreciated by your readers -Yours s1l1cerely, BRADFORDIAN

DEA.R SIRS, -l\light I suggest that you open a column in your valuable paper for the insertion of " For hcoming Competitions," both ambulance and fire brigade. would suggest that the insertion be free and should consist simply of the notice and address to whic!1 to apply for furthe.r particulars.

am sure this would be of great benefit to all hose fi r st alders who wish to test their skill in .c?mpetition, as it is often so dIllie ult to. get notice of a cOmpetItion, or else one does no t hear of It until after the event has taken place. Sincere y yours,

H ERI3ERT F POOLE.

[This we shall be pleased to do if all the divisions wi ll help US -EDlTORS .]

Epitome of FIRST AID & NURSINe, with questions

By DR. rIIXSLEY WALKER. Price I S

The Gu te nberg Temp er ature, Pul se and Respiration Cbart. Price 1d.

J X\IES F. WILKI 'SON, PRlxTlm, GUTE'\'HU{G YORKS, PW-:IlT,ETOX, l\ I ANCHESTER.

FIRST AID.

The Independent Journal for the Ambulance and Fire Services.

Conducted by ARTHUR T. DALE, M.J.I., and JOHN REYNOLDS.

o. I05.-VOL. IX . [NEW SERIES.] MARCH, r903. rEntered at Stationcrs' Hall.] PR I CE TWOPE ICE.

IMPORTANT NOTIC E - The date of publication of " First Aid " s th e 20th of the month.

To Our Re aders.

As it is the earnest wi. h and desire of the new Proprietors to make this Journal as attractive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Dh'isions of the SL. John Ambulance Brigaue, OffIcers of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, the \' olunteer 1\111 bulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their oflicial news and notices. Suggestions are ill\ itcd for Prize Competitions and other matters which \\ ill ach'ance the inten.;st of the TournaI.

lYe particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may end us for publication

Rd , Hyde Park, LONDON, W. Telepholle, 347 l'addiIlJ:lolI Telegrams: "Carrollld, LOlldolt."

COUPON TICKET

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The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation,

LIMITED 40, 42] & 441 MOORGATE STREET , LONDON ] E.C.

(to whom Notice of Claims, under the following conditions must be sent within seven days of accident to the above address.)

600093

£100

will be paid bv the above Corporation to the legal representative 0, any.one IS lulled an aCCident to Train (within the l!l11ted lvngdom or Channel Islands), 1D which the deceased was a or paying passenger, or have been fatally the eby (should dcath result wllhm nmety days after such aCCIdent).

PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or h.er person or had l eft at home this ticket, with his, or her, usual pnor t.he on t.he. pace provided be low, \ hlch, the giVing of noltce wlthm the timc as hereinbefore mentIOned, IS the essence of this contract.

This ho ld s good for current issue only, anu ca rr ies the benefits of and IS subject to, the conditions of the "OCEA ACCIDE T AND GUARAN T EE COMPANY Limited Act 1890," Risks Nos. 2 and 3. " ,

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l't nted and Publis h ed by Messrs. DALE, REYNOLDS A!'I [) Co., 4; 6, Cannon Street, London, E. C to whom all communicali ons shou d be adctressed

'vVe are pleased to record the fact that we are already recei\'ing a great accession of support from all parts of the country, and as Ollr space is somewhat limited, in dealing with reports of local meetings for prcsentation of certificates, &:c., it would be heller that a brief report were written, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon hy the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthynel\'spaper report should he sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This ]I.!port is doubtless interesting to local First-aiders, but it must be home in mincl that we are catering for the Ambulance ancl Fire Brigade worlel at large.

TE1UIS OF SUBSCJUPTION.

For [2 months, 25.6<1., post free, to he sent to the Publishers, ,,[ essrs. Dale, H.eynolds amI Co 46, Cannon-street, London, E. C. 'l'ele" ral'hi( A ddress - " 'i'wenty-jolli', LOl/dol/."

Te1epllOlie NO.-'i477 Bank Brevities.

REFERRING to the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught to I ndia, the Times of India says :-" With character istic sympathy fo r all works directed to the alleviation of human suffering, his Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught arranged to find time, amid the multifarious appointments make for him in Bombay, to preside m'er the annual meeting of the Bombay Centre of the St. John's Ambulance Association From details furnished to him the r e, the Duke of Connaught realised, the considerable progress that has been made by th is excellent Association s ince it was established in this Presidency' and of the firm root has taken i n Western India We may hope, too, that t his practical demonstlation of his interest in the work w ill sti m u l a t e a wide r appreciation of its importance and a mo r e generous s u ppo r t of its aims. Satisfacto r y as is tbe

record to which the officers of the Centre can look, they bave, of course, only been able to touch the fringe of the great work which lies before them, and for its full development wide practical assistance and adequate financial help are necessary. There is now enlisted under the banner of the Association a body of most enthusiastic and competent officers, who have an indefatigable honorary secretary in !\I1'. G. Lund, and it is sincerely to be hoped, that they will never find their efforts cramped by the apathy of great employers of labour or the l ack of funds."

IT will be, we are sure, gratifying to first aiders at home to know that the interest taken by the various members of our Royal family in our work is in evidence at all times and in all parts of our great Empire, and the Executive of the S.J.A.A. should be proud to think that the work which is so thoroughly supervised at St. John's Gate, at all times ensures the hearty co-opel ation of the mem bel'S of our Royal family wbo, as members of the Order, have at times done so much to enhance its usefulness and popularity amongst all classes within our Empire.

* * *

I T dealing with the rcport of Chief Purcell, of Dublin Fire Brigade, the Irislz Times says :-" The only criticism which suggests itself to us in connection with the constitution of the Fire Brigade relates to its size. A Chief Superintendant, an assistant, two inspectors, one station officer, one foreman, one turncock borrowed from the \Yater Department for" special night duty" with the Brigade, and forty· two firemen, three of whom "are employed nightly in charge of theatres and other buildings," do not appear to constitute a very strong" fire fighting body for a city of the size and population of Dublin. Nor, when we bear in mind the value of property which is saved from total destruction, and the protection to life which is afforded, will the cost last year of the Brigade, which in so far as it to the firemen them elves, is gi\'en as amounting to £3,807 I IS rd., be deemed excessive.

* * *

, VI,: thoroughly endorse the views so ably put by our I rish contemporary Similar commendations have appeared in other journals. Indeed, there is one platform upon which Irishmen are solidly united and that is their admiration for their fire service. Well, it may be a means to \\'eld the different sections or factions together; Irish soldiers are proverbially amongst the b r avest, and Irish fireman are not a whit behind. Our l ittle sister may well be proud of hoth, we do hope that the one and the other may ead to a reCOl1-

c llia ti on i n the fami l y circ le. 'i Ve as Brit ishe rs a r e p r ou d of our I rish confreres, and we do look forward w it h a lo n ging that time may one day come ,,-hen the onl y question at issue between the two shall take the lead in promoting un ty and peace within the family circle. English firemen are constantly going abroad to fraternise with their comrades in foreign countries, and we rejoice to see it, for it tends to promote an international feeling of comradeship, but we should like to see an occasional visit pa d by English firemen to thei r Celtic brothers. We have recollections of the visit of the Cork Fire Brigade to the Tournamen t at the Agricultural Hall, and well do we reme m ber t he chee rs which at all times g r eeted "the boys" from the Emerald Isle when they entered the arena to give their display . I t was a message of brotherly love to I reland which our Cork comrades have never forgotten Let us try and mee t mo re often We wish that T. P. or Wi ll ie Redmond could be prevailed upon to don the cloak as an honorary auxi li ary and we feel assured that at the forthcoming Fi r e Exhi bitio n at Earl's Court they would receive an ova tion from their British Comrades which would convince them how large ly in fire link would tend to unite us, and as a n admirer of the sen-ice and one who has shown practical sympathy with i t, n o one would give more earnest support than our popular King Edward the Seventh

MR. H. 'iVILSO J, of Thornton Heath, wri tes to the Dai(l' ilIad :-" I have just seen an injured man being carried to a London hospital in an antiquated hand amb ulance How long the poor fellow had to clasp his hands in agony, as he was doing, before the hospital was reached, I do not know How much more quickly he would have been attended to in Buenos Aires There, at the Asiste nc ia Publica, one of a numbe r of light h orsed ambulances is kept constantly ready night and day with a ho r se betwee n t he shafts. When an accident occurs a telephon c message is sent to the hospital, whence the carriage immediately starts off with a doctor and first aid appliances, the road being cleared of traffic for the yehicle as for our fireengines." 1\1r. Wilson is probably unawa re that in his own country, notably at Liverpool, Birkenhead, Sheffield, Birm ingham Leeds, 'iVe llingborough, n ot to mention a host of other towns, a similar service is in ex istence. I t is on y London, benighted L ondon, that lags behind

I R. W HlLLS, writing to the Datiy Express, says :_ " I notice in the E.:\jress there is an i ncreasing demand fo r teetotal buttons Not be-ing teetotal myself, but t he pro u d possessor of a SL John Ambulance b u tton-which I scarcely need mention is a worthy button to wea r-I am constantly being wrong ly held up by my friends as pattern t eetotaler As so many badges are in existence, the SL John Ambulance button should have the Red, or Geneva, Cross as a centre of its button." With all due deference to 11'. Hill we beg to diffe r with him The e ght pointed white cross of the S J.A A. is now a recognised and honoured badge in this country, and ambula n ce wor k e r s who -value and reve r e i t, would deeply regret to a,bandon i t ,

A I D.- M a r c h, 190 3 bes i des th e R ed Cros s (a G e n eva Cross i n R e d ) is a wa r badge and s h o u ld o n ly be wo rn b y t hose wh o are co nn ecte d i n some way wit h t h at b r a n ch o f ambulance wo rk .

The Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England.

T HE Ki ng has bee n gracio u sly pleased to sanct ion t he fo ll owing appo i ntments to the Order o f the H ospi t a l o f S t.

J ohn of Jerusalem in Englan d :Knigltt ofJust/ce

Co lo n e l J o h n Alexander M an Stuar t, CR, CM G ( from Kn ight of G race)

Xuights of Grace.

L ieutenant-General S ir 'IVil1iam Gustav u s Ni cholson, K CB

S urgea n-Lie ut enant-Co l one l Matt h e w Bai n es , IVI. D. (fr o m Ho n o rary Associate).

Reginald Ha rriso n Esq., F.R.C.S.

F lem i ng I\I a n t San wit h , Esq M D. (fro m H onorary Assoc iate).

Ladies of Grace

Sa ra h, Lady Pirb r ight. Maxwell Margaret MacDougall Mrs. Scales. E squires.

Colonel Henry Lloyd Howard, CD. Captain Alexander Penrose Murray.

Second Lieutent N icholas Geo rge Berwick Lechmere (Scots Guards)

(From the LoudoJl Gazette).

War Office, March 6th, 1903

The K in g has been graciously pleased to confer the deco ra tion of the Royal Red Cross u pon Lady Fu rl ey and Mrs Mary E. B ruse in recognition of the ir se r vices in tending the s ick a n d wo unded dur i ng the recent war in South Afr ica

The f riends of Sir J obn and Lady Furley will unite wit h u s in hea r ty congratulati ons to L ady Furley on receivi ng at His Majesty's ha n ds the coveted distinction of the Royal Red Cross Reviews.

WE h ave r eceived fr om the p u blishers (Messrs. W r ig h and Co. , Bris t ol ) a copy of the revised edition of" Fi r st Aid to the Sick and \Vou n ded," by Drs . Warwick and T u ns t a ll. To say that the book has been carefully compiled is to award but scant praise. I t has evidently received at th e hands of t he authors a most care ful and exhaustive study, and would prove indeed a va l uab le adjunc to the library of any medica l stude nt. T h e illustrations are clear and compre h ensive-the l e tt erpress exce ll en t. I t mig h t at th e first gla n ce be assu m ed t o go o deep y into t he study, but it must be borne in mina hat recen t events-the war in South Africa and the formation of the brigade bearer companies to assist the Army Medical Department in time of need-proves that it is necessary that t he ambulance man must be highly trainecI This little manua l therefore is published at the right moment, and we would ad\'ise a ll members of bearer compa n ies to ob t ai n i The ill ustrat ions a r e excellen t and will help t h e membe r s of th ese companies to mo r e r ea d ily gras p h e in tr icac ies of r oll e r bandaging, &c

Voluntary Aid to the Sick and Wounded in War, with Special Reference to Hospital Orderlie s,*

Bv S URGEO T MAJOR GEORGE A. IIUTTON, ORGANISING S J.AA.

(Concluded from page J 4.)

T ime will not permit me to enter into many other i nteresting matters connected with voluntary aid to the s ick and wounded in war, such as hospital ships, hospital t ra in s, and the establishment of private hospitals. The exhaustive report already alluded to of the British Red Cross Committee (printed for His Iajesty's tatione ry Office by Messrs. Harrison and Sons, St. Martins-lane, L ondon, W.C) gives fu ll details of all these points

I n conclusion, the question of the supply tbe HospItal orderlies is intimate ly connected with one of the most impo r tant parts of our army medical organisation in warviz., the utility of field hospitals, and although it may appear ancient history to younger men in the Service, yet I am constrained to refer them to a report of my own on Field Hospitals, published in the Report of the Army 1edical Department, and presented to both Houses of Parliament, [or the year 1871, pp. 256-267, and which shows that regimental surgeons of that day considered how indispensable it was to have efficient field hospitals for war serVIce.

If you will allow me I will quote the concluding paragraph of this report :-" Of one thing I am thoroughly convinced, that a medical officer to have charge of a field hospital should have energy, zeal, and good physical health. He sbould, if possible, be a good horseman He must be prepared to meet many difficulties and contingencies that must ever be incident to active service, and· even to autumn manccuvres, and he must b:: prepared to meet them with becoming tact and judgment."

For war service, then, the organisation of field hospitals must always be of pressing moment, for if military surgery in the field is to be satisfactory we must make our field hospitals as complete as possible, so that the surgical examination of the wounded and the performance of all necessary operations should be done exped i tiously Sir Frederick Trcves has said, "Whereas in t he base hospitals nurses could be greatly increased with adva n tage, they could not work in the field hospitals, t herefo r e one must fa ll back on the orderly"; and, as I have already said, I think from among the certificated pupils of the S.J.A.A. there is a fair field of obtaining good recruits for this service."

My object in bringing t he subject of the supply of hospital orderlies before the British Medical Association is to e nl is t the attention of the med i cal profession a n d a lso the p u blic t h r oughout the count r y to wha t is of national im po rt a n ce, viz., the care of our sick and wounded in t h e a r my.

If t h e l essons of the great war , now happily conc l uded, a r c t o be of any use fo r t he future we must not forget the lin es t ha t we r e wri tten centur ies ago :-

Peace itse l f should not ;;0 dull a kingdom

But that defences, musters, preparations

Should be mainta ned, assembled, a:1d collected

As were a war in expectation

* Reprinted from Tlte Bniislt jJjeaua Jowl/at.

A I D.- 135

Colonel Duke, R."LM: C, advocated the necessity of two classes of orderlies: one from a higher class of men, if possible, with previou.s hospital training to act as dressers only, and to get high pay 5s t? 7S. ada):; and a second class of the same status as ordmary soldiers, who were only to be used for cleaning up. If any of the latter showed special aptitude tbey might be a?\'anced. to the nursing class. The S.J.A. men reqUIre hospItal training.

Surgeon-General a ret.rospect the composition of the orderltes 111 I?Illtary draw.mg a comparison between the untra111ed reglmental orderlies of forty years ago and the well trained men of the R.A.:\I:C of the present day. lIe strongly advocated the of orderlies into a nursing branch, to be better pmd, and a working branch, and also advocated the <:>f civil associations to assist the Army Medical erVlce 111 war.

Sur<Teon-Major Darwin said the S.J.A.A. men would be a ground to draw from if they, kept practice. He spoke after twenty-five years expenen.ce 111 St. J olm work, and he found that aft?r they got a certIficate they thought that they knew everyth111g, and the result was they very often rust. With regard to the \Tolunteer Medical Bearers, he hoped \'ery shortly they would be done away with and use the Yolunteer Medical Staff.

Dr. Ross thought that seeing, as he had done, the materials as regarded the Orderlies, which the R.A. I.C had to work with, it was wonderful that th e y had done as well as they did. Their must ha:'e been superb, and they must have had theIr men 111 hand to have got what they did out of them. He certamly thouaht that two classes of medical orderlies should be hospital dresser class, and the usual R. C. orderly; let there be to each a sergeant. dress e r, a corporal dresser, and two dresser pnvates, and gl\-e them uniforms slightly different. Let them have from 5S. to 6s. per day and rations This would attract a class of men usually to be found in shops as clerks. In. the Colonial Hospitals under GO\ ernment there were tramed male dressers and nurses, and there was no reason why the principles of antiseptic surgical dressing could not be efficiently learned by any intelligent layman.

Surgeon-Major Poole held that the principle of two <Trades for hospital nurses was very valuable, but would apply to India, where the lower grade of hospital work was done by native bearers and sweepers. WIth regard to S J.A men requiring practice, there seemed to be an opening in our workhouse infirmaries and some hospItals, and, perhaps, our newly-formed Homes for Male Inebriates.

Dr. Pitchard thought the RL 'l .:\I. C (Yol.) was a better training ground for Orderlie.s, that_ ought to enlisted and underao a dlsclplmary trammg as well as m a ambulance. That the men ought to have some opportul1lty of learnino- the first elements of nursing, The work done during progress of the war by the RA I.C (\ Tol.) in this district was most praiseworthy. Out of 200 men, on the call for volunteers, 150 came furward, and. 107 out of that number were found fit, and enlisted [or serVIce mouth LHrica I do not think that they ha\-e received sufficient recognition.

j 'l ssistant Commissioner John Gnffitbs (No.2 Dlstnct S J." \ .B.) said that it was to thoroughly train members of the S J.. 'l. B. .for hospital .orderly duty, enthusiasm for such particular work IS great. 1 hat thls brigade movement was the system par excellence for

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-FIRST

country villages and other districts, where the more stringent regulations of the yarious services were difficult to comply with. That the Am bulan ce Brigade moyem e nL should be spe c ially encouraged in th e d e nsely populated districts of outh W a les and other similar parts of th e country wh e n th ere was excellent material lying dormant.

The President s a id h e e ndors ed all Surgeon- Major Hutton and Colonel Duk e had said regarding the value o f the services of .J.A.B. Ord e rli es, and also called attention to the eq ually valuable wo rk r e nd e r ed by the volunteers from th e Brigade Bearer Companies and the R .1 \... M. C. (VoL). They had both done good work in South Africa and had proyed splendid reserves for the \Yar Office to draw upon, in fact he did not know wh e r e they would h ave b ee n without th em He recall e d that th e Secretary of Stat e had recently recognis e d the services of the Volunteer M e dical Corps at the front by in co rporating them with the R.A.M.C. (Vo l.) and abolishing the compound titles, a concession that had made the Brigade Bearer Companies a little jealous Some of the speakers had referred to the want of disciplin e in th e S.J.A.B. he thought they we r e mixing up th e Association with the Brigade, as ther e WClS strict discipline in th e lattu - th e m e n being turned out at the end of the year if th ey did not mak e thems e lv es efficient.

Surgcon-Major Hutton, in r c pl y said he was glad th e paper had led to such an ample discussion. With r ega rd to th e division of ord,:,rly duti es it was not such an easy question as some of th e speakers had thought. 0 doubt it was d es ir a bl e-especially in wa r time-and h e fe lt that eve rything would be done to e ffec t this. Th e main ')bject of hi s paper was obtaining good recruits for th e RA.M.C. as hospital orderlies, a nd in doing so to sclect m e n of good characte r, with a sense of duty, a nd thou g ht the S.J.A.A. mi g ht be the m ea ns o f supplying, throu g h its classes a ll m;er the country, goo d r ec ruits if encouraged by the authorities. 0 doubt th e hospitals in L o nd o n, and in the towns throu g hout th e country, would b e willin g to afford assistance for S ].A. m e n receiving some training in nursin g duti es to thos e men who wish it, and t hat would be a further inducemcnt for the R.A. I.e. to support and encourage th e work of th e S.J.A.A.

Independent Ambulance Corps.

BRI STOL.- During the r ece nt pantomime at th e Prince 's Th ea tre, the Bristol City Marine Ambulanc e Corps, which is commanded by Capt. Tr es ize , sent an officer and four m e n on duty eac h night to de a l with any case of illne ss that might occ ur, and th e ir services proved m ost acceptable. As many as 36 cases we r e treat e d during one week, and no fewe r than 23 in one ni g ht.

With r e fe r e nc e to this r epo rt a loc a l correspondent calls attention to th e fact that Capt. Tresi ze chaffed the m embe rs of th e City of Bri s tol Corps for a ttending co nc e rts and football matches. Alluding so m ew hat caustically to th e fact that his m e n were not anxious to obtain fr ee entry and a good vi e w of these sort of functions by virtur e of the fact that th ey wer e ambulance m e n. We think it is to d ee ply r eg r e tt ed that thes e littl e r ec rimin a tions still continu e Th e pr esence of ambulance men and women at any lar ge gathering, wheth e r of a social nature or not, ca nnot be too highly co mm e nd ed , and we hav e too hi g h a n opinion of first aiders, band e d tog e th e r for the publlc goo d, to ass um e that th e y attend so lely with a vi e w of see ing the s hol\'.

St. John Ambulance Brigade.

l\IETROPOLITAN CORPS

For th e information of the many fri e nds of Mr. A. J. Trimmer, both ambulance and fir e brigade, we beg to announce that he has r e turned to South Africa. He le ft Wat e rloo on Saturday th e 7th inst., in company with Mr. A. T . Dale , of this Jo umal, who is proce e ding to South Afri ca in connection with the forth co ming South African Exhibition. Th e r e were a la rg e numb e r of fri e nds on the platform to wish th e trav e ll e rs "G o d speed." Mr. Dale will be r et urning in tw o or thr ee m o nths, but Mr. Trimm e r is r e ma ning We are sure his old friends in both services will unite with u s in the wish that his future in our n e w colonies may b e a bright and happy one. Th e re are many on this side th e Empire who will mi ss his ge nial face.

K\ST RAM. - The annual" soiree dansante " promot e d by the East Ham Division, and given in the new Town Hall on Saturday eve ning, February 21St, attracted a numerous gathering, considerably over 500 p e r so ns being in attendance Popular item s a pp ea red in the pro gra mm e, a nd they we re carried throu g h successfully t o the strains of Bid goo d 's band. Th e M. 's we r e M essrs. Dlack, Craven and Hurden. Th e following 3rt istes r e nd e r e d excellent service: Mi ss Edith Kin g, A.G.S.1\I., 1\[iss J anet Hutton, G .S .J\I., 1\1r. Edwin Erith, 11r. George McGirk , a nd Mr. P. H. Philpot 's mand o lin e party, to get h e r with M ada m e H e lbin g as accompanist.

P ROVI TCIAL CORPS.

Ro\cup. On Saturday even in g, F eb ru a ry 28th, th e m embe r s of th e above Ambulan ce and Nursing Divis ion oge th e r with a few fri e nd s we r e e nt e rt ai n ed by Alderman J. A. a nd Superintendent, Law, of Ash Cliffe, B a cup, to a social even in g in th e l ect ur e hall o[ th e BacLlp Lib eral Club. In th e aft e rn oo n about 100 persons were se rv ed wi t h a fir s t -class t ea in the Co-ope rat iv e H al l. l \n adjournment was subsequently made to the Liberal Club, wher e a mo s t e njo )'!lh le eve nin g was spe nt. Durin g th e eve nin g ongs, duets, &c. , were r ende r ed, a nd dancing a nd ga m es w e re indulged in at int e rv a ls. 1\1r. Fr a nk Denham was the accompanist and also supplied the musi c for dancLng.

Dr. Rigby mov e d, and Sergt. Brown seconded a vot e of thanks to Ald e rman and Mrs. Law for their ge n e ro s ity in entertaining th e memb e rs of th e divisioll s, a nd this was carried most h ea rtily

In responding to the vote of thank s Lady Superintendent, Mrs Law, announced th a t Mr. George Sheph e rd, J'p., president, was unable to be present that evening, but he had rem e mber ed them by giving to the funds a donation of £ 10 The announcement was r ece iv e d with applause, and thanks were returned to Mr. Shepherd on t he moti o n of First Officer Woodhouse, seconded by Corporal Hardman. A mo s t enjoyable gat herin g termin a t ed about e le ven o'clock.

BIR CHIVOOD - The function on Saturday, February 27th, at Somercotes, in connection with th e Birchwood Ambulance Corps, was an int eres ting and a memorable one by reason of the fact that it was th e first time th e whole o[ th e soldiers of the di s trict, who had see n service in the late wa r, were able to m ee t under the same hospitable roof, and

March, 1903. - FIRST mad e to fe e that the service th ey had r (: nd e red for th ei r country was appreciated by their own n e g bb o urs and fri e nds.

Capt. Wright gave a very sp irit ed address up on th e country's ne e d and the duty of all returned soldiers and ambulance m e n ; and D epu ty -Com mi ss ion er W ardell gave th e ambulance men a lot of goo d adv ic e Time was wh en th e Tibsh e lf and Birchwood corps held unassailable position s in th e ambulance world, but 1\11'. W a rd ell's r emark s showed th a t much progress is being m ade and higher standards aimed a t, and both corps will have to work bard if th e ir position is to be maintain e d.

BIR i\ fIN(;J[ .\Clr. fh e monthly meeting o f th e s t aff and divisonal superintendents of this co rps wa s held o n Tu esday ni gh t , M arch 3rd, at the h eadqua rt e r s, 72, Cambridgestreet, the c hi ef su rgeon (Dr. Thomas Jel son ) presiding /\. n ew division wa s formed in connect on with Burlington Hall, \..ston, und e r the supe rin tendcy of Mr. Spendlove. Th e second of th e nur s in g lect ur es t o men was delivered by Dr. N e lso n The class consists of 36 certificated ambulance men.

./\. specia l a.ppeal, signed by Mr. J. Courtenay Lord, as chairman of the First Aid Committee, Lhe ch ief surgeon and the h on. secretary (Mr. J. H. Rogers) has been issued asking th e public to subscribe towards the cost of providin g th e men o[ the corps with regulation uniform to wear when on duty in public The cost of each uniform is about £2, and see in g the g r eat se rvi ce which the brigade r enders th e public shou ld in gratitude r ead ily s ubs c ri be the nccessary money that may be needed for such a purpose.

BOLToN.-Tbe officers and men of this co r ps aS3embied in good numbers at headquarters on Tuesday night, l arch 3rd, on th e occasion of a lecture by Bearer Compounder Sergeant J. H. Briggs, who had seen service in South Africa, on "1\10dern Surgical Dressings " Chief Superintendent F. Lomax presided, and in intr od\lcing th e lec tur e r, said th e corps was fortunate in havin g a member w th the abi lity a nd expe ri e n ce of Sergeant Briggs, whose work, along with the vast bulk of the St. J ohn am bulance m en, wa s now being fully recognised. H e (the Chairman) had been in cOtwersation with officers on th e staff of the War Office, and in this military district, and th ey all test ifi ed t o th e m arked ability o f the men sent ou t. H e was s ur e th e brigade men co uld claim so m e share in the new scheme of tb e Army Nur si n g Service, as good pay a nd other extra advantages we r e t o be g vt n t o s p ecia ll y selected men for mal e nur s ing. Th e ambulance man would play an important part in th e Army _1edica l Service of the fu ture, and seve ral Bolton Corps men had obtained permanent situations as male nurses in South African hospitals. The lec turer greatly interested his audience [o r o v er an h ou r, d ea lin g with the introdu ct ion o f a nt isep ti c dressings by Lord Lister ; th e ir manufactur e a nd us es fo r wounds, introdu c ing about 40 expe rim e nts and illustratiou s Votes of thank s concluded a pleasant gathering.

H ULL - -The W es t e rn Divi s ion of the Hull Corps h e ld a grand concert and social evening on Thur sday , M a rch 5th, at th e ir h eadq ua rt e rs, St. Matthews' Parish R ooms, Dean-strcet. Th e chai r was occ upi ed by Ch ief Supt. H o pp e r, supported by Supt. F. Wil son and First Officer \. C. Carter, \mon gs t th ose present were l essrs A II. H awke, s upt. of s t ores; Mr s. J H. Win ga t e, 1\Irs. 1< Wil so n, acting s up e rint e nd ent; l\lr. H E. Humphr )" and Second Offi ce r l\J rs. H. Wh ea tl ey, of the Central Nursing Divisi o n. Chief, ur geo n A. H. J o hnst o n and H on

A I D - J37

Surgeon ]).R. Moir sent apologies fo r non -at t endance By 8 o'clock the roo 111 which had been ca rp eted and beautifully furnished wi th mirrors, \.e'C., was filled to its utmost capacity.

Chief Supt. Hopper, who was received with applause, referrsd to the work done by the division and corps. He then called upon Miss Lily Farrow to commence the first part of the programme with a pianoforte solo Mr. W. H arrison was well applauded with his song ".Am bulance m en at the fr o nt, " composed by himself. Corporal H owell was to have g iven two comic songs , but before the close h e h ad four to his credit, and he deserved the encore h e r eceived Tw o very good singe rs were found in the Mi sses S. and A. Allenby, R.nd Miss Johnson's recitation was very pleasing.

T his brought the first part to a close, when refreshments were served by I\Ir. W. T. Bearfield, of 10, JI opwoodstreet, and a very good spread he made. During the inter \-al Sergeant Farrow gave several selections on the gramaphone.

At 10 o'clock Chief Supt. Hopper called upon :i\Ir. W. Harrison to g iv e a "hand and knee dance." Following this Sergeant Atkinson (the only member of the Central division who was present amused all with a recitation entitled" Snorkins " Banjo duets were given by :'I essrs. Petherbridge and Selle, and the e\'ening was brought to a close by a comic sketch entitled' Blunde rin g Barne),," the three different characters being Sergeants J ohnson and Farrow and ::\Ii ss Johnsol1, and they were worthy of the applause they received.

HUL\lE. A division bas been formed here, m e eting at Zion Schools every Thursday e\ ening, and have been fortunate in securing as superintendent 1\1r. T. ..c \... Painter, formerly Supt. of King's Cross Division, London, who is well-known to many readers of FIRST AID. 1\1r. Painter's experience will prove most beneficial to the members, being an enth u siastic leader and worker; already the men are showing signs of discipline and interest in their work.

The div ision has been equally successful in obtaining the se r vices of ])r. J. Cryer, 1.R.c.P., 1\1.R.e.S., L.S .c\ , as H on. Surgeon. Sergt. 1\bnning has been elected Hon. Treasurer, Corp Martin, I nsp e ctor of Stores, and "T. A Brunt, Hon. Secretary.

KEIGllLEy. - The annual dance promoted by the committee of th is corps was held in the large hall of the M echan ics' In stitute on Tuesday evening, February 25th, wh en about 200 persons were present and spent a most enjoyable evening Messrs. Lloyd and Wright's orchestral band supplied excellent dance music from 7.30 to 1.0 and during the two intelTals in the programme liss 1\1. Laycock and Mr. ..- \... Richardson rendered songs very effectively. 1\1r. l \..l exander Keighley and Dr. J. N. Dobie offic iated as 1\1. C. 's.

KEND ,\L. -A summary of last year's work of this divi s i on has been ssued, from which it appears that during th e year 105 cases of accident or transport were undertaken b v the division, to the entire satisfaction of the medical profession in the district, and also of the patients th e m se lv es \m bulance stations ha\ e been provided, and a staff sent to all the principal and other shows, including the Ro)al at Carlisle as also to the larger sports and cratherings in he neighbourhood. For duty at the King's procession in London two o(flcu's and men wcre selected, a nd a large number of cases were treated. The competition t eam aga i n w o n the C r osfie ld Chall nge Shield, this being

the first time it has been held twice by the same division. The Lancaster challenge cup is still held by the division, the annual contest for which will take place shortly.

The strength and efficiency of the division leaves little or nothing to be desired, and it is hoped that with a little outside monetary aid this useful work will be regularly carried on.

LEICESTER.-This corps must be congratulated on its new wagon with which they haye been presented by I\Ir. Alderman Wood (deputy mayor) It is admirably adapted for the beneficient mission to which it is dedicated, and cannot, therefore, but prove a considerable boon to the sufferers for whom it is to be utilised. The mere fact that it "'ill accommodate three recumbent patients at one and the same time shows that it will be invaluable in the event of any really serious accident by which several may be more or less severely injured.

fire brigade have justified the wisdom of the Urban Counci l in taking steps for their enrolment and procuring the engine and appliances necessar y for fire extinction. They turned out smartly on Wednesday, February 24th, and were on their way to Berwyn within five minutes of the time the call was received. fhat they were instrumental in saying a portion of the outbuildings in which the outbreak originated, and in confining to a limited area flames that might have done a vast amount of mischief, not only in the neighbouring stackyard, but also to the residence, is a matter for congratulation.

After two needless calls, they have at length had an opportunity of showing ,,,hat they can do if they are put to it. Whatever Captain 'Williams has to say of the Urban Council, he must admit that there are no "men of doubtful type" in the Llangollen Fire Brigade.

i\'iILNROW AND NEwHEY.-On Saturday afternoon, i\Iarch 7th, a parade was held at Milnrow of the Milnrow and Newhey Ambulance Divisions. The local division was joined by the members from Rochdale, Castleton, Norden, Whitwonh, and Soaw. The parade was mainly held to celebrate the wearing of a new uniform, in which the members looked particularly smart. A start "'as made from the :Milnrow Reform Club at 2.30, but owing to the unfavourable whether the distance to be traversed was curtailed somewhat. On returning, tea was served and full justice was done to it. Subsequently an ambulance competition was held, Councillor T. Whitehead presiding. A capital exhibition was given, C1nd after a keen competition Mr. D. Stanfield, of Royston, who judged, awarded the prizes as follows - ISt. Compton: 2nd, Castleton. Mr. J. :0Iakin handed the prizes to the successful competitors The first prize consisted of an ambulance box with appliances, and the second was a cash prize. A cordial vote of thanks was accorded the chairman, the judge, and J\Ir. Makin. Dancing was then indulged in, the music being supplied by Messrs W. Moss and H Butterworth, Mr. T. MaHany officiating as M.e. A ball was a lso held in the :Milnrow Conservative Hall, the accompanists being supplied by Messrs . Stock and Buckley; Mr. R. Jackson acted as M e. There were excellent attendances at both clubs

Why have a similar function at these two clubs on the same night? Surely our friends of l\filnrow do not let their political feelings prevent them meeting as ambulance workers at either club!

PREsToN.-The annual meeting and distribution of

AI D.- Ma r ch, 1903

medallions and certificates of the Preston corps was held in the Fishergate Baptist Schoo l, when Dr. W. H Irvin Sellers, chief surgeon and superintendent, presided over a good attendance.

After expressing regret that the Mayor was unable to attend to distribute the medallions and certificates, Dr. Sellers submitted his annual report and balance sheet. The corps continued to do good work, and. had ass.isted in the formatIon of Bearer Company 13, whIch was ll1spected at headquarters by Colonel Duke, the r.M.O of the North'Western District, who warmly congratulated the company on their work and general appearance on parade . It was with sincere regret that he had to report the death of two of the 18 members who joined the R.A.M.e. for service until the end of the war-Harold Prescott and Arthur Turner both of whom succumbed to enteric fever. He , thought an diort should be made to place a memOrIal "to the men they had lost in a public park in the town. Dr. Sellers said the most importanc work during tbe year had been the formation of the bearer company. Referring to the memoriol, he said he believed one was to be put in the parish church in memory of the regular soldiers, but whether that was done or not they should try to erect a slight memorial to their own brave fellows. The speaker said the corps was now in a more flourishing condition than ever. perhaps not numerically, but it was in efficiency. He :vas in favour of having a smaller corps thoroughly effiCIent rather than a large number of paper. The same applied to the nursing division.

Mrs. Sellers afterwards distributed the medallions and certi fi cates

REDRUTH.-The members of the S.J.A.A. classes recently conducted at Redruth by Dr. e. R. Laurie had a very pleasant social gathering on March 6th. 1\1r. e. Tweedy, chairman of the Redruth Urban District Council, presided and others present included Mrs. Tweedy, J\liss • Tweedy, Dr. and Mrs. Laurie, and many friends of .the pupils. A high tea was followed by an excellent mUSIcal programme.

I n the course of the evening Dr. Laurie spoke with special reference to the S.J.A.B., emphasizing the difference between the Association and the brigade. The Association was the parent body providing lectures, examiners, and ml:tterial such as bandages, books, &c., for classes and granting certificates for first aid in any street or other accident. The brigade enrolled its members in a regular organized body, who pledged themselves to keep up their knowledge by regular attendance at drills, practices, and lectures by the hon. surgeons and presenting themsel yes annually for examination Referring to the useful work done by the brigade, Dr. Laurie said that in the late South African War over 2,000 of its members were sent out by the War-office as an auxiliary to the I.A.Jvr.e. Among those mentioned in the despatches by Lord Roberts for merito rious services was Staff-Sergeant Foulkes, a Redruth man, who did yeoman service in the Princess Chr istian train, where he was appointed assistant-ward master. He appealed to those who had received certificates to become mem bers of the brigade. Hd had received letters from several members who had gone abroad stating how usefu l they found their first aid. Dances and games followed

TODl\IORDI-: - An ambulance corps has been formed at Todmorden, and about £200 has already been subscribed by loca l gentry towards the necessary equipment. Over 80 persons have been enrolled.

.. March, 1903.

-FIRST

St. John Ambulance Association .

DERBY -The annual dinner in connection with the Derby Division of the S.j.A.B. took place in the large hall, at the Denvent Hotel, Derby. The chair was occupied by Mr. Supt. H . G. Ley, and there was a large company, including his Worship the IvIayor of Derby (the Hon. F. Strutt), Colonel McCleverty (commandant of the 45th Regimental District), Mr. Supt. Hubble, Colonel Gentles, Dr. Cassidi (hon sec.), Dr. Benthall. &c

The after dinner proceedings were interpersed with a musical programme.

The Chairman proposed the" Mayor and Corporation of Derby," to which the Hon F. Strutt responded; and "The Imperial Forces," submitted by Mr. Supt. Hubble, was replied to by Colonel McCleverty and Col. Gentles.

Dr. Cassidi's nallle was coupled with the toast of the evening, "The Derby Division," whilst Dr. Berthall and the Hon. Surgeon Dobson replied for the visitors.

HASTL Gs.-A correspondent asks has Hastings and St. Leonards lost its interest in the valuable work of ambulance? The Spring eason was to have opened on February 19th. Several ladies had gone to Dr. Locke (hon. secretary) and inquired concerning the Association, and had joined, but on the date above mentioned that gentlemen waited in vain at the Brassey Institute for twenty minutes. Noone came, and so the first meeting had to be adandoned.

A certain lady, said the Doctor to a representative of the local press, called on him on the ambulance subject, but when asked to attend the meeting she said it was a pity to waste such a bright afternoon.

It is deeply to be regretted that the work in which the late Lady Brassey took such an earnest part in fostering in the neighbourhood of her home should have fall so into abeyance

IRTHLI GBORouGH. - The second annual entertainment on behalf of the IrLhlingborough Division of the S.J. i \..A, given by Mr. A. E. Groome and Co., took place on February 28th and March 2nd, and resulted in about £9 being added to the funds of the division. All the new members of the (mens) first aid class passed tbe examination.

LEICESLER.-The annual shield competltlOn of the Leicester Centre of the S. J.A.A., was held at the Drill Hall, on Saturday, Feb. 21St, a fairly large attendance witnessing the proceedings with every appearance of interest. It was the first opportunity the public had of viewing the competition. There were eight teams enlered, each comprising five men, and eventually the London and North-Western team, with the highest possible number of points-I 77 - were declared winners.

The rivalry was exceedingly keen and close, as W gston Midland Railway team came second with [73. Some distance behind were the Wheat!:heaf team with 154 points, 3rd; and Wigston Magna team with 148, 4th. Tbe whole of the competiting teams showed a high degree of efficiency.

The examiners were Dr. Audland, Wellingborough, and Mr. Woolston. assistant commissioner of the S.J.A B., Northam pton

SUNDERLAND. - The first season of the Addison Cha ll enge Bowl Competition in connection with the

Sunderland Centre of the S.J.A.A. has been brought to a conclusion, and has resulted in the Sunderland Borough Police Team carrying off the trophy, the Pottery Buildings A Team being second. The winners receive the bowl and and gold medals, and the runners up silver medals.

The St. John Ambulance Brigade.

WE are pleased to learn that it is really intended by the authorities at St. John's Gate, to present each man who served in South Africa with a medal. The receipt of medals was duly reported by the general hon. secretary at the last council meeting of the N. F. B. U. ot their's in the forefront of battle to fight, Death or glory to win ' mid the balls deadly flight; But their' s the grim duty to follow \Var 5 patb, And glean the sad fruit s of it s bl a ck Aftermath.

\V'hen cannon and rifle their havo c have wrought, On the heroes and martys who ha\ e gallantly foughtAt the stern call of Duty unflin c hing -: tis then That the clamorous cry is for Ambulance men.

For men who can gently and s kilfully bear The maimed from the field; for men danntless of fear; For men whose exper ience and train i ng attest That lbe sen' ice tl/ey render is eyer the best.

For men who are dowered wi th \\'omanly heart. But with courage and po\\'er to playa man s pa rt; For men who, [he live s of the soldiers to save, Are ready the perils of Fe\ er to bra\ e. "'//, -;('0:.

For men who from no helpful sen'ice \\ ill 5hirkBe it toil on the I reldt or Camp Hospital \\ork; For men whose heroic de\ otion s hall pro\ e, The strength of their manhood, the depth of their lo\ e. Full many a \"ictim of bullet and shell

His gratitude o\\'ns, and full many can tell Of deeds sacrificial by Ambulan ce men, Too lender, too "acred for picture or pen.

To our Troops and Commanders all honour be paid: But honour no less to the St. John Brigade, \Vhose mission humane is to rescue the life Of the brave soldier-comrade who falls in the strife. These, these are the men in ",hom we take prideThe men ",ho'\'e fought ])eath and Disease s ide by sideThe men \\ 110 their Guerclon of Honour ha\ e \\"on To each we accord our nlost hearty-" \\"ell done :"

J. JOIIKSTO;'\, M.D., Edinburgh.

llon. Surgeon, Bolton Corps, St. John Ambulance Brig-ade.

FIRST AID

.lEA RCH 20, I90J.

OUR readers will, we are sure, be pleased Propo s ed to learn that we have it on what we beA mbulance lieve to be thoroughly reliahle authority, Ser v ice that the London Count)' Council has at for London. last decided to take up the pressing need for an efficient Service for London in Eal earnest. That it is about time everyone will admit, it is now more than seven long years ago since this J oumal first drew attention to this crying evil, and since that time, although we have in season and out of season persistently called attention to the astonishing laxiety of the authorities, no steps have up to the present been taken to remedy it. Now, howeve r, that the City Corporation and other 1unicipal {\.uthorities are commencing to show an interest in the subject, the London County Council has awoke to the fact that there is a need for such a service

'I Ve trust, now that there is a reasonable hope that the matter is going to be talked in real earnest, that there will be no tinkering with t he subject, it is too serious for that, but we hope that London will have an Ambulance Service equal to her Fire Brigade which, in the matter o f personnel and equipment, may be sa id to be second to none in the world. It will not be an efficient service if the authorities confine themselves to putting about the streets additional boxes of the Hospitals Association pattern. We have no hesitation in saying, that the lalter I nstitution had much to do with the postponement o f a proper service when t hey placed their so-called stations in the streets. It was a makeshiCt scheme at the best, and doubtless the various authorities decided that they wou ld see how it worked befor e launching out on a more elaborate and comprehensive one

That the t ime has now arrived when the question should be definitely settled is admitted on all sides, and we rejoice to see that many of the new Municipalities are realising their responsibility in the matter, and are holding commmunication one with another in order to strengthen the hands of the Central Governing Body, who m ust, undoubtedly, ultimately carry out any scheme which shall have as its objective the amb u lancing of the whole :Metropolis As to the question, whether the la rger vehicles shall be d rawn by horses or prope ll ed by moto r power, we unhesitatingly give preference to the latter, provided a vehicle can be produced which shall have an easy motion and an absence of that distresssing noise which co uld only tend to increased the suffering of any unfortunate patiem wbo might need its services

A correspondent writes us and makes what we think is a

valu able suggestion an d one that should certainly rece i ve the attention of the a u tho r it es when working out their scheme. I t is that holders of first aid certificates should be inv ited to send in their names and addresses, both business and private, for the purpose of r eg istration, tb e n lists should be prepared and printed and kept at the local station or depot, so that in th e event of any great catastrophe occurring in that particular district the authorities would be enabled to know where to summon extra skilled assistance

I n conclusion, we can only express the hope that the authorities will before finally settling on any scheme, seek tbe advice of the large number of gentlemen, m e dical and laymen, who have for years been interested in this great question, and whose aid and advice would be of material assistance considering how thoroughly th ey have studied the question in all its phases.

Railway Ambulance.

c.R. (STIRLING CORPs).-Tbe an:lual competi ti on for the Nightingale challenge cup and badges took place in the Goods Shed on Sunday aft e rnoon, Mar c h 1St. Five squads entered After a ve ry ke e n competition the r es u lt showed that NO.3 Squad had gained th e highe st number of marks, and No. r Squad the second highest.

The Station Superintendent (MI'. Samuel) in a few happy remarks proposed a hearty vot e of thanks to th e judges for their kindness in co ming ther e that day.

Mr. Samuel also mentioned, on behalf of the members of the Corps, that he had great pleasure in thanking iessrs Kemp Smith, E. Simpson (architect), and A. Stevenson, Golden Lion Hotel for their generosity in offering to assist Councillor Browe in his endeavour to provide a number of prizes for a competition, which is expected to take place about the end of May.

The annual competition in connection with the Cheshire Lines Railway Ambulance Classes took place in the Ladi es Waitin g Room at Central Station, Ranelaghstreet, in the presence of a num ero us compa ny of officials lnd friends. Mr. D. M e ldrum, general manager of the Cheshire Lin es Railway, presid ed Dr. F. de B. Pim, of Barrowford, was the Examining Medical Officer. Eight squads competed, the following stations on the Cheshire Lines Railway :Liverpool (Central), Huskisson Goods, Birkenbead (Shore-road), Manchester (Central), Warrington (Central), Warrington (Engineer's Departm en t), Warrington (Stores Department), and Northwich.

After a good competition the results were declared as follows :-1St, 'IVarrington (Central) Station, 452 marks; 2nd, Warrington (Engineer's Department), 423 marks ; and 3rd, Mancheste r (Centra l), 412 marks. Th is is the sixth the Warrington Statio n squad has won the premier pnze .

The Chaiql1an spoke of the h ea rty manner in which the men of service participated in the ambulance work It was very pleasing to find that ambulance work, instead of being on the wane on the Cheshire Lin es Rai lway, was becoming mo re popular. lle sincerely trusted the staff would continue to take the keen interest in the work which they had shown u p to now.

•

March, 1903 -FIRST

The prizes were afterwards distributed by Mrs Me ldrum. Subsequently a handsome diamond breastpin and stud were presented by Mr. Meldrum to Mr. Lloyd, the Hon. Secretary of the Corps, as a recognition by all th e men connected wi th the am bulance classes on the Cheshire Lin es Railw ay of his kindly and unc eas in g efforts to promote the success of th e classes. Votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.

annual general meeting of this corps was rec e ntly held in the general waiting-room at Crieff Station Mr. A. Arthur (singalman) presiding.

The S ecretary and Tre as urer (Mr. Willi a m Wi s hart) submitted his annual reports 0 se rious acc ident, it was stated, had occurred during the year, but twenty sl ight cases first aid at the bands of members of the corps. Th e financial report showed that the income had cover':!d th e expenses. The office-bearers for the ensuing term were duly e lec ed

DUl\JH<: E. At a of th e Council of St. i\ndrew's i \mbul ance Association in th e ir Chambers, Glasgow, on IItb instant, Ir. Jo seph Irv i ng, head porter at th e Caledonian Railway Company 's Dund ee West Station, was presented with a framed )iploma of H onour for his gallantry in saving the life cf a passenger who persisted in boarding a moving train. In the abse n ce of Lord llreadalbane (president) th e presentation was made by Dr. G. T. B eatson, C13., wh o spoke with feeling app r ec iation of the humble porter's heroic ac tion, his promptitude, determination and disregard for self, which th e Council were un animous in re gard ing as meriting their recognition, and added that his name had been inscribed on what, it was h oped, would be a long record of good and golden deeds.

Th e hero, by no mCill1S unaffected by these and other marks of praise beaped upon him, modestly returned tbanks, remarking as he did so that he had done nothing beyond what seemed to him his plain duty, which, indeed, he wou ld always, as in the past place foremost.

l\1r. Irvin g's brave deed was brought under th e notice of the Association by the Caledonian Railway l \.mbulan ce who se Pr esident ( Ir. W. H. Blackstock) and Secretary (Mr. David F. Smitb) together with l\1r. Jas 1\lc Taugh ton , station sup t. Dundee (his immediate chief), acrompanied him.

Wh a t lends special charm to the Diploma is th e fact of its being the first issued by the Association under its powers o f Royal Charter, granted by Queen \ Tictoria, to recog ni se "special services in th e cause of humanity, especially for saving life on la nd at immin ent personal risk .,

G.E.R. - The compet ition s in connection with th e Great Eastern Railway are now in full swing and :1 keen contest is anticipated for the possession of the cup pr esented by the Dir ec t ors and the right to repr ese nt the Company in th e forthcoming Jational Railway Competition orgar.ised by the S.J.A.A

H ULL - The Hull Di s trict of the T.E.H... Centre had their annmll competition on the 7th in s t., in th e Emi <r rants'b room, Hull StatIon, when the prizes we re Dr. \\ T H. l\lanners and Dr. T. John son, of Blyth, and their awards wer e as rollows :- llull Goods, rst; Duppool, 2nd; Mark et W e igh ton, 3rd; Filey, +tb, and De \'erley 5th for teams; and W. Walker, 1St; T. Rich a rds on, 2nd; and W. Cook, 3rd for individu a l co mp etition.

A I D -

L. & .-W.-In connection with the annual am bulance compe titions promoted by th e London and 1 orth-Westem R a ilw ay, under the auspices of the S.J.A.A., a t eam from Broad-street took part recently in the competition of the London District.

The team consisted of ),11'. J. White (captain), 1\11'. F. W Taylor, 1\11'. l ack, Mr. C. Wederell, and :'11'. R. J. Reid. The competition was held at H omt. Park, Tring (by kind permission of Lord Rothschild), and seven team'> e nt ered Th e Railway Works team from from Wolverton secured first place; Bread-street Goods being second . Th e value of the work done by the City team may bE jndged from the fact that, whereas Wolverton presented the team that has repeatedly won distinctions in the annnal competitions, the Broad -s treet t eam wa s estab li shed only tbis year. Further, the latter was only eight points less than Wolv e rton. In addition, two of the Broad-street men - 11r. J. White and ),11'. R. J. Reid-were selected by the exam in er could m ake no cho ice between the merits of the four men, :\11'. Richardson Carr, L ord Rothschild ' s agent, who had witn essed the competition, offered to present three other teapots, so that each of the four should receive the prize. As second place men, each oC the Broad-street team was presented with a case of carvers, gift of the company Amongst tbose who witn essed the contest were 111'. E. Wh arton (l:3road-str:!et agent), 111'. W elch (Camden agent), and nIl'. Miller (of the Broadstreet superint endent'S staff). 111'. J. Raffiage, 1.D., C. M., instructed the team

NORTH -EASTERN R ATLwAy.-Th e annual competition in connection with the Leeds D istrict has just taken place at Harrogate. In the competition for teams there were six entries, th e results being :-Leeds New Station 554 points; 2nd , tarbeck, 507 ; 3rd, Leeds Marsh-land, +97 ; +th, Ripon (second team), +85; 5th, H arrogate, +31; 6th, Ripon (first t eam), +2 9.

The following were the winners in the single-banded competition, yiz :-T Scratchard, Ripon, 136 ; "\\ H. L eeds, 1 2+1; L. L earoyd, Harro gate, 124; W. H. Ainsworth, Leeds, J. Race, Ripon, 123; E. Granger, Ripon, 1 22.

YOHK. - The Trains and L oco. Classes held their annual ball in the DeGrey Rooms, York, on the 6th inst., wh en about 125 couples enjoyed a o ng night on the "light fantastic toe" to the strains of an excellent band. An efficient staff of lIr.C.'S, stewards, -c., attended and carried o ut the arrangements splendidly.

The H artlepool ] )istri c t Competition was held at Stockton Station on the 15th insl., Drs. L. A. Rowden and J. Nicholson, of Leeds, were the judg es, and their decision was that the Hartelp oo l ( 1) team was 1St; W est II artelpool, 2nd; Hartl epool (2), 3rd; W est Hartl epool (2) 4th ; Stockton (l), 5th; W est Hartelpool (3), 6th; ,tockton (3), 7th' Stockton (2), 8th, and th at Geo Youn g , Stockton was winn er of th e Individual ompetition.

Th e York District held their competi ti ons in the Railway 111 sti til te York on qth i nst. wh en Dr. J. B lai r-ll a rll ey and 1k I). I J Fi she r of D arlington who ar::ted as judge gU\'C thLir awards as follll\\,s: [st, \ 'o rk Goods; 2nd, York Carriage Shop ; 3rd, York Clerical; +th, Pickering; 5th, M a lt on; and the winn er of the Indi\'id ual Competition was E. J. I a nn, of th e York Goods Cia

-FIRST

AID.- March, I903

Our Portrait Gallery.

HIS M OST GRACIOUS 1AJESTY KING EDWARD VIL, SOVEREIGN HEAD P,\TROl OF THE ORDER OF THE HOSPITAL OF ST. JOH. OF A TD HIS COX SORT HER MOST GRACIOUS 1AJESTY QUEEX ALEXANDRA.

IT is forty years since our well-loved Sovereign and his charming Consort plighted their troth, and since that period they have enueared themselves to their subjects in all parts of this vast Empire of ours, and on March loth, we are sure, many II"crc the prayers that were saId that an

The International Fire Exhibition.

SOCIETY OF ARTS AW \HDS.

SIR HENRY TRU:\IAN WOOD, on behalf of the Council of the Society of Arts, has intimated to the Advisory Committee of the International Fire Exhibition, I903, that the Council has decided Lo offer gold, silver and bronze medals for certain classes of modern fire extinguishing and lifesaving appliances to be exhibited at Earl's Court. For the best chemical engine for town use shown at the exhib ition, the Council offer one Society of Arts gold, two silver and

March, 1903. -FIRST

constructional work, and the Ratner Safe Co. for fireresisting doors, safes, O TC

As is the case with British firms, so with Continental firms. It is anticipated that there will be a very considerable repres en tation from Germany, France and America. Germany, in particular, is arranging a series of important exhibits in the Ducal Hall.

The awarding of prizes in connection with the exhibition will be arranged with greater care than is usually the case with exhibitions. Altogether every effort is being made to conduct this exhibition on the lines appropriate to an exhibition of an essentially technical character.

AI D.-

Capt. Henderson, J.P., submitted tbe Long Service Medal Committee's report, which was received and adopted, and the following brigades were recommended to receive the Long Service :\ledal s :- Batley, Bradford, Cambridge, Colchester, Grantham, Stratford -o n-Avon, Southport, Tunbndge Well Borough, Warlingham and Chelsham, Willenball, Peters field and Seal.

Capt. Dyer proposed, and Li e ut.-Col. Fox, seconded, that the annual report and balance-sheet be recei"ed and adopted.

Capt. Dyer proposed, and was seconded by Lieut.Col. Seabroke, that His Grace the Duke of 1arlborougb, K.G., be re-elected Presid e nt.

Capt. Henderson proposed, and was seconded by Capt. Gardner, that Capt. Dyer, Li e ut.-Col. Fox, Lieut.Col. Dixon, and Mr. E. O. Sachs, be elected Yice-Presidents.

Proposed by Capt. Miller and seconded by CaptPeters, that Capt. Dyson be added to thc list of vice-presidents Carried.

National Fire Brigades Union.

Proposed by Capt. Johnson, lP., seconded by Capt. Vernon, lP., that \V. Power Trench be re -e lected Treasur er, and that a hearty vote of thanks be recorded to him for his services in tb e past.

all beneficent PrO\·idence would watch over and preserve them to their people for many years

Coming more particularly to the connection of their Majesties with the work which our readers take so great an interest in, as Sovereign Head of the Order of St. John, Our King still continues to take that same keen interest in the welfare of its various departments that he did when Grand Prior, and it will be well within the memory of our readers how, but a short time before his serious illness, he summoned thirty representatives of the men of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who had served in South Africa, to attend at Buckingham Palace to receive at bis hands the medals awarded to them, and the Queen in like manner testified her interest in the Corps by presenting the medals to the Staff of tne Imp erial Yeomanry Hospital who had also served at the front.

Indeed, not a day passes but their 1ajesties are engaged in some function or dealing with some matter which is for the benelit of the subjects, who entertain for them a spirit of loyalty which is not surpassed, nay, nor equalled, in any other country.

May the sorrows which hav e tried them so much in the last few years be softened by the knowledge of this love, and may their future be in all things bright, and may they have health and strength to fullil the high aspirations to which their destiny has called them

D ECORATORS should read their Trade and Art Journal " Tlte Decorators' and Paillters' 1l1agazine," written by practical men for practical men. Price 6d., by post 8d .; 5s. per annum post free. Published on the 15th of the month. Publisher s, Dale, Reynolds & Co 46, Cannon-street , E.C.

two bronze medals; and also similar awards for the best and most easily worked long ladder exhibited wbich will r each th e sill of a window 8 ft. above the lev!"l of the pavement, and wbich can be rapidly transported over roads not more than 25ft. wide. The medals will be awarded by the Council on the report of tbe judges appointed by the Executive of the exhibition The Council reserve the right of withholding any of the medals, or of awarding medals of lesser value, if in their opinion the exhibits should not be deserving of any, or all, of the medals offered

Rapid progress is now being made with the arrangements for the exhibition, and a series of meetings a r e being held by the various committees in charge of different sections. Among the numerous British exhibitors, apart from the fire-appliance trade, wbich will be strongly represented by firms like Messrs. Shand, Mason and Co. and Messrs. Merryweather and Co., the firms interested in the constructional and electrical side of fire-prevention will play a n important part. Thus a;·rangements bave been made for large floor exhibits by Stuart's Granolithic Stone Co., the New Expanded ietal Co., th e Columbian Fireproohng Co., and other firms of that character. Partitions are being shown by Messrs King and Co. and simi lar makers The constructional firms are represented by Messrs. Drew-Bear, Perks and Co., the St. Pancras Iron "'orks, &c whilst the electrical side bas among its representati ves the General Electric Co , the Siemen's Electrical Appliances Co., Messrs. Pearsons' Fire Alarm System, and Messrs Oatwa y's Alarm System. Side issues are represented among others by Messrs. Millars, Karri and J arrah Forests for timber

,

At the annual general meeting of the N. F. B. u., held at the Holborn Restaurant (Throne Room), 011 "Wednesday, r.larch I I th, 1903, there being present :-Capt J. H. Dyer, vice-president, in the chair; Lieut. -Col. Dixon, Sutton; Lieut. - Col. Fox, London ; Lieut.-Col. Sea broke, Rugby i Capt. R. G. Graham, Hampton; Capt. R. J. Henderson, Rickmansworth; Capt. R. D. Vernon, J.P., High Wycom be: Capt. C H. Green, Stafford; Capt. H. Peters, Sittingbourne; B. R. Isaacs, Esq., Liverpool; Capt. Clulee, J.P., Brierley Hill; Capt. H. Miller, Ley ton and Ley tonstone; Capt. G. W. Johnson, J.P., Stamford Capt. T G. Dyson, Windsor; Capt. James Scott, Bradford ; E. O. Sachs, Esq., B.F.P.C, London Capt. Pize)" Chingford ; Capt. L. Evans, J.P., Dickinson's Watford; Capt. T. Chilton, Brighton Railway; Capt. W. Brind, Walton-onThames ; Capt. Le Croix, Brighton Police; Maj. H. Finn, Lydd; Capt. J. W. Young, \V eybridge; Capt. J. G. Stone, Chesham; Capt. Edward Westbrook, Tunbridge Wells; Capt. J. Plewis, Gillingbam; Cbarles Kusel, Esq., London ;

Capt. A. Frampton, Teddington; Capt. W. L. Bradley, Tonbridge; Capt. A. Hill, Bedford; Capt. Reeves, Epsom; Capt. G. Cheeseman, Whyteleafe Capt. R. Vigar, Caterham; Supt. Elliott and Engineer Bailey, Farnbam ; Capt, Bell, Kingston and Surbiton; Supt. Poncerot, Amuulance Department, London; Capt. V. H. Howell, Byfl ee t; Capt. J. W. Restler, Southwark and Yauxball 'iVat er Co. ; Capt. J. P. Somers, Busbey ; Capt. T. W Gardner, Stroud; Capt. E. Melville Richatds, CE., Warwick; Capt. Robert Knight, Oundle; Capt. Robert Shaw, Manch es ter; apt C;. R. Goslin, ?utton; Capt. Fleetwood Buss, \Vern bley ; Capt. G. Darhngton, Amersbam; Capt. T. Sinnock, Burgess Hill; W. J. Church-Brasier, Esq., S.lA.A., London; Walter R. Harris, Assist. Hon. Sec. J.YD. u., and Horace S. Folker, Hon. Gen. Sec.

The minutes of the last a nnu al general meecing were read and signed. Tbe election of the following new brigade s was confirmed: -

Otley and Morley, Yorkshire District: I\ berdare Soutb Wal es District; Burton Latimer, North Eastern trict; Williams and Robinson, and British ThomsonHouston Co., Rugby, Midland District; Hon. Mem. J. E. Thomas, Yorkshire District.

Supt. Young propos ed, and was seconded by Capt. Hill, that Messrs. Dale and Bonner be re-elected Auditors, and that a hearty vote of thanks be r ecorded on the Minutes for their services.

A vote of thanks was ordered to be r eco rded on th e :Minutes to the Chairman of the Council, Lieut.-Col. SeaBroke, and to the Hon. Gen. Sec.

Mr. E. O. Saehs tben addressed the meeting, giving a full and detailed description of th e proposed International Congress, to be held at Earl's Court in July.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman terminated the busin eSS

At a meeting of the Goyernors of the Widows Orphans' and Benevolent Fund, he!d at the Holbom Restaurant, on Wednesday, March 11th, 1903, tho se present were :- Capt. Graham, in the chair; Capts. Cl ulee, J.P.; Green, Vernon, lP.; Dy e r, Dixon, Seabroke, Poncerot; W. J. Church-Braiser, Esq.; Capts Westbrook, Peters, Heth e rington, Chilton, Gardn er, Dyson, Hill, Brind, Vigar, Young, Lieut,-Col. Fox, Capts. Knight, Stone, Fleetwood Buss, Howell, Evans, J.P., and the Hon. Gen. Sec.

The minutes of the last Annual Gen e ral Meetin g w e re read and signed

Tbe annual report and balance-sheet were received and adopted.

Tbe Secretary reported that the Union bad elected Capts. Graham of Hampton, and Gardn e r of Stroud, to repres e nt the Central Council on the Committee of Management.

Captain Clulee, J. P., proposed, and was seconded by Capt. Hill, that Capt. Graham be re -e l ec ted chairman Capt. Peters proposed, and was seconded by Capt. \V estbrook, that two retiring governors for the subscribers, Capts Vernon, J.P, and Mill e r, be re -e lected.

Capt. Graham propos e d, and was seconded by CaptDyer, that the Hon. Secretary be re-elected.

The hairman then addressed the me e ting, pointing out the great advantag e s of the fund, and sa id tbat th e Committee of I\Ianagement had that day Illade a grant to the widow of the late Fireman French, of Bournemouth , and ll1tlmated that there were three other cases now under tbe consideration of the Governors.

SOUTH EASTETR T DrsTRlcT.-The Gillingham Fire Brigade are setting to work with a will in arranging for the South Eastern District Competitions, which are to be held at Gillingham on Whit-110nday, It is recognised that Gillingham has been honoured in being selected for such an important annual eYent, and the local brigade are naturally anxious that reputation for thoroughness shall be upheld, The details are now well in hand. Capt. Plcwis is the Chairman of the Committee Two excellent secretaries have also been secured in Messrs. W. J. Sampson and T. Harrop, while Councillor Barnes has kindly consented to act as hun. treasurer.

The first meeting was held on Wednesday, February 24th, and earlier on the same day the Executive Committee met, ,,-hen representatives from various parts of the County of Kent were present.

Granted fine weather, Gillingham promises to be full of life and jollity on People have sometimes grumbled because they have no holiday attractions at home, and it is to be hoped they will be loyal to their own town now that something is provided. \\Te hear that in addition to tbe many interesting competitions there will be numerous side shows and other attractions The lengthy programme will also include dancing, and the programme will terminate witb an exciting rescue from a house on fire-a large dummy house is to be erected for the occasIOn.

In the House on Thursday, Mr. Pym asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the loss of life and property caused by the increasing number of fires that had taken place in London and country, he would endeavour to introduce some legislation upon the lines of the Fire Brigade Report of 1901.

Long, in reply, said that, looking to the legislation which was already contemplated, he could not promise to introduce a Bill dealing with the matter during the present Session.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

BIR)II TG HX\I,-1\t the Central Fire Station on l1arch roth, the working of a new automatic electrical fire alarm, called the" Sentinel," was exhibited. The arrangement is an exceedingly simple one. .\. sort of cantelever switch is maintained in position by means of a wax pellet. A rise in temperature affects the pellet and causes it to fall from the end of the beam, with the result that the balance is destroyed, the beam itsel f falls, and sets up an electrical connection which rings the fire alarm. The apparatus is extremely small and simple, and it can be fitted into any ordinary electric bell system. In order to deal with variations of tem perature, which must occur in different rooms or buildings, the composition of the wax pellet is altered so that it will lose its adhesive qualities eilher quicker or slower as desired. In addition, an arrangement is made whereby the cutting of an electric wire also gives an alarm.

DUBLI I,-The annual report of the fire brigade for the year ending I 90 shows that the brigade received during the twelve months 302 calls, being an increase of 27 over the number in tbe pre\ ious year. Of this number 149 proyed to be (ires in the city; 5 were flres beyond the city boundary; 138 were chimneys on fire; 3 were houses that had fallen and 7 were false alarms Thirteen fires in the city resulted in serious loss of more than £soo;

A I D. - March, 1903.

16 resulted in losses varying from £50 to £500; and in ] J 8 cases the damage was slight. The great flre of the year was that of Messrs. Todd, Burns and Co ., in Maystreet, which took place on New Year's Day. The story of the fire stands greatly to the credit of the brigade, which tackled a difficult situation with great energy, and saved a great deal of property for its promptness and courage The extent of this great blaze may be gauged from the fact, stated in the report, that the loss paid to the firm by thirty insurance companies was .;:.t:rro,IS4·

The total valve of property exposed to risk by fire during the year, to the rescue of which the brigade was sUlllllloned, was £639,384, the loss, ascertained from several sources, being £ 12 9, SSl considerably over the average of the past twenty years . One of the most interesting paragraphs in the report, says the Firemalt's ./ou rn ai, is that relating to the ambulance service. This service has been effectively worked by members of the fire brigade, who received a training at the hands of the medical officer of the department. It is highly appreciated and largely availed of by the public; and upwards of 1,000 calls were received during the year under review, Two carriages are now in the service, and they are often availed of by surgeons in the removal of private cases from railways to hospitals, &c., a cbarge being made for such call. Capt. Purcell, in concluding his very satisfactory report, complains of the slowness with which the new station buildings in Dorset-street and the chief station in Brunswick-street are being got ready for occupation by the brigade. This is a matter, however, which we expect will soon be expedited. Dublin is proud of its fire cbief and proud of its fire brigade. They have good reason to be. We should sa y that there is no city in the world that works its fire service on such economic lines as does Capt. Purcell in Dublin.

Truly, his men may be termed "handy "-we suppose they get some leisure

DURSLEY. - At the suggestion of 1'1r. J. B. Champion. and in deference to the wishes of the Board of Guardians, the parish fire brigade held a " wet " practice al the Union Workhouse on Saturday afternoon, February 26tb. The result was "ery satisfactory, In the space of eight minutes from leaving the fire station Capt. Talboys and his men were" playing" on the house, and it was discovered that all parts of the building were within the brigade's power. It will be gratifying to the ratepayers to be assured that there exists ample means of preventing a repetition at Dursley of anything like the Colney Hatch disaster.

LEYTON AND LEYTONSTO 'E On March 2nd an inquest was held on the body of a child named Clarke, the son of a greengrocer, who was burnt to death in a fire which broke out at his parenls' house in High-road Leytonstone, carlyon Friday morning, February J 7th. Having heard the evidence, the coroner, in his remarks to the jury, said that the Leytonstone Fire Brigade had done their utmost, as they always did, on the occasion of the fire, and no blame whatever was attached to them. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death. It was stated in evidence that the brigade were at work four minutes after receiving the call.

\\'e understand that the manilg'cr of the Hotel Cecil, Strand, is making special arrangements at a reduced tariff for the accommodation of delcgates and firemen who are visiting the International' Fire Prevention Congress, July 7th to 10th, in connection \\'ith the I nternational Fire Exhibition, of wbich 1l.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, K.G., is president.

Metropolitan Fire Brigad e .

His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the issue to the officers and men of the L. C. C. Metropolitan Fire who were members on August 19 02 , o.f a I!ledal slmllar to that given to the Metropohtan PolIce, 111 commemoration of the Coronation of their Majesties The medals will be inscribed "London County Council-Metropolitan Fire Brigade."

The Fire Brigade Committee report that they have now completed the consideration of reports by the Chief Officer on a re-arrangement of duties" with a view to improving the organisation of the Brigade." Among other things the Committee recommend ;--

That the whole of the County of London south of the Thames, .wit? the exception of that part included in the central dlstnct, be placed with the river service under the direct charge of the Second Officer, and that he do continue to -reside and ha- 'e his office at the Chief Station.

That the whole of the County of London north of the Thames, the exception of that part included in the be placed under the direct charge of the 1 hlrd Officer, and that he do continue to reside and have his office at the Euston Station.

That a Store Officer of the Fire Brigade be appointed at a salary of £250 a year.

Il.\nLUU;:ET. The whole of the 'Vest End was roused by a which IJroke out at midnight on Friday, March 13 th ? In the hasement of the large stores of the Civil Co -Operative Society, Ltd., 28, Haymarket, W. ,call was answere.d smartly by the Fire Brigade, and realls1l1g the threatcn1l1g nature of the fire a further ca ll was made for engines from all the principal stations.

, The ,London Salvage Corps, under the command of Colonel were also promptly ll1 attendance.

It believed that the fire was caused by a lighted fusee bell1g thrown down the grating outside by some careless passer by. The caretakel, his wife and child were at the top of the house preparing for bed, when the alarm was .ralsed by a policeman, who saw smoke rising from th e gratll1g outSide. All persons were got out in safety. The was ?ot extll1gulshed until 6 . 30, despite the fact that thIrty eng1l1es and 160 men were engaged in fiO'hting the flames. 1:>

The fire produced most curious results. The seat of the outbreak was in the basement, and the men who endeavoured t? that portion of the building although plovlded WIth smoke helmets - were overcome by the. fumes from burning spirits. Some were quite unconsc.lOus dragg.::!d out by their comrades; otbers reeled about lIke drunken men.

. A scene was says the P eople , as MI. and others wer,e carned out, overcome by the fUTTles whIch rolled out fwm the smould.er1l1g basement. Captain 'Veils, R.N" was on his s ll1 by the side of some of his men trYll1g to revive them. "You know me dear old boy' don't you?" l:e said to the Superintendent.' • It's the old Smith; you will be in the middle of it, " was his greetmg to another.

An West End crowd flocked to the scene of the b laze to wItness. the operations of the- Firemen, but they kept 111 hand by a laro-e force of the Metropolttan PolIce. 1:>

A I D.-

Letters to th e Editors .

rVe al e in 110 way nsponsible for the opinions expressed. or the sta/ell/e nts made, by Correspondellts. -EDITORS.

HAVRE INTERNATIO.',fAL FIRE TOURNrDIE:\T.

DE.\R. SIR S, - The to\\'n of Hane organises an Interna,tlOnal Fire T?urnament o,n 31st and June 1St. Foreign bngades attendmg \\'i11 receive \'a luable ca sh prizes. The followl11g are the condi t ions fixed by 7\ [essrs. Langstaff for the Southampton-Havre boats:Firemen, not less .than four together, will be charged at rate of sl11g1e fare In c re ase d by one fourth for the return ticket.

Fire enfJines weighing more than 2,500 kilos at the rale of 6d. per mile for sll1gle fare, or 71d. for the double journey (at the risk of sender).

Horses si ngle fare, in c reased by one-fourth for the double Journey.

Hoping this may interest your re'lders, - I remain, yours faithfully,

C. KUSEL.

, SIR S,- Ha\'ing in s everal experienced "hat, "as felt to be a necd, 111 the last-rensed 1901 - edition of the St. John Ambulance text book, "First Aiel to the Injured " by James Cantlie, ;\T.B., F.R.C.S., your correspondent cssaye'd

to meet such, by compiling suitablc inscts, \\hich ll<l\ C prm ed so hclpful pcrsonally, as to fully warrent submitting particulars

-FIRST

of them for insertion in your columns with the hope same may prove en ually useful to others. ]'

To render the notes most suitable for the purpose mc 1cated, they should be printed to as as possIble, \\ ·i th the existinO' -1-1 inches high by Il1ches wIde, pages..

The is page 40, a reef knot. " The Illus:ratlOn given is clear, but many first-alders-elementarx and ad\ -fail to "catch on" to the idea. The followll1g may assIst such. 1 It' Fig I shows the half knot first crossll1g t 1a res_u s III a" granny." It is quite immatenal whether. the half .knot tied right-handed, as sho\\'n, or the opposIte; but If, a.ftel having tied the half knot, the .end that turns out,fur.thel flom the person tying is kept behll1d too, when It up to other end for crossing, as 111 FIg. 2, a reef knot will result. In finishing the knot, It does not matter a bIt,

AI D.-

bent sufferer do not lift the limb, but arrange a banclalJ,e on somc thin, arlicle-a splint for instance, as shown, fIg. 3, and puSh same through undcrneath. ". a-

Broad Balldaci?e (page 39) and SI/Iall Arl/l Sll11g , paoe 43 ) are, as regards thc manner of foldll1 g, l.clentIcal.

Balld{we for fracture of lower jaW ( page 49 ) -Seco nd method not"illustratccl. See Fig-s. 4 and 5.

H(['Jll(lrrlwl:e from the Z,ml:s causecl by (page 5 I ). Acid note (( See page 60 for treatment of Il1J Ul eel lungs."

Fracture (If SI/(/ulde?' Blade ( page 54.-not Illustrated.

March, I903. -FIRST

Hcsull of T",l. Te,ls.

I J fdcad. ----------,---J alive.

1. Place glass of Water shows signsl' \Vater is quite still. watcr on chest. of movcment.

2. II old looki ng- Glass is dimmed by Glass remains clear glass over mouth. moisture. I and unclimned. Tie stri n o tight Part beyond turns Part beyond remains J round of red, then blui sh. white. h ngers.

4. Holel finger to Appears red. strong light. Appears dark.

5. Push pin 111 flesh Hole made by pin Hole remains. and withdraw. will close.

AI D.-

London' s street accidents before the new chief commissioner of police. -Sincercly yours, L.A.c. ;\larch loth, 1903.

whether end" A" (Fig 2) i.s carried downl( .and again, under (. B " by the right-hand, or B slml.larly m<l:l1I pulated by the left, the crux of the whole. matter sImply lyll1g in roperly crossing the two ends after tyll1 g the half knot. p Splints ( page 38 ) Omit s all reference to the desirability of padding such \."hen composed of bald, and perhaps irregular shaped, materIal, or the of in every case where applied to lImbs devoId of cloth.mo· Articles that are soft and clean would sen'e the purpose, 7/Z::.-newspapers, ha y, clothing, spare bandages, &e. The spll11ts

The sling should be put on afte,' as much as possible of the clothing has been T the Bandaging i'raciured Tlul:h (page ) -N umbel_ bandages from the chest in the ordcr.1I1 wl:lch applIed, l.C. - I, " 4 7 5 6 and in the case of bell1g slnt lc handed, or the 2,.J.' '. , _ 6) N .., 6 " I patIent IS a woman (page 2 o. -, 4, , 7, 5, J, Ba17da o hw Brokcn Leg (page 6 4, above the F Ig Number, assistance, 3, 5, I, 2, 4, and below the S{ctCl, as when single handed, number 4, 5, 2, 3, 1. _ Spl'cial [Vozmds. - Add page 137. If ear, nose, fingel, or nose off, wash thoroughly, adjust ca refully, and bandage securely. 8) -[1 tl pick ForeiO'}1 Body in tile Aye (page 15 - le 00 1_ wood e n knitting-needle, or any fi:I11 lod described will be found to be most applIed 170se side of tl-Je eye, either when the head IS turned back, 01 I the first aider should he stood in front of the f Id illlpr(l vised .,,·Ire/tllers ( page ISo).-A lo ca l 0 s the blanket, or any similar s heet in use, as shown 111 sectIon,

It will be helpful towards obtainll1g a cleare r and firmer c.rrasp of the su bje ct to note that the severa l groups of bandagas arranged are; For Fractures, page s .to 65; for A:rest of pages 80 to 104; and ReclaImIng of Dressll1gs, pages [ 65 to 170. _ Compiled and contrIbuted to FIRST AID, byS. LLOYD IL\RYEY, Acting Officer-in-charge, Raclstock Division, S.J.A.B.

Dr<; ,\R SlRs,-In your Journal for Feb., (( Bradfordian" asks if ther e was any authority for the statement that the St. John Ahulance ir:tended to issue a medal to the men who served \l1 AfrIca. The above statement was issued in 13.0. 56 on August 1St, [90[, in which it was stated that the men are not to apply for it, as it ",ill be sent to them as soon as ready. Evidentl), it takes a long time to produce, or, perhaps, OLlr \\,01:thy authorities at thc headquarters ha\-e forO'ot ten that they Issued the above-named B.O.-Yours, &c., o H. D. \V.

MUNICIPAL Al\ll.lULANCE FOR LO:NDO T

SlHs,-Having frequently seen the need of a street ambulance sen'ice for Lonclon mcntioned in FmST Aw, it has often oc curre d to me, while continually walking about all parts of London daily throughout the year, that if the Government acquired the existing Hospitals Association Ambulance stations in creased and distributed, say, ]0 to each borough, they would prove economical and \cry useful. J udging by the borough in which r li\'e- Islington we could well clo \\'ith a litter outside th e Grand Theatre, blington Green, llighbury Station, Nag's !l ead, Archway Tavern, Bre c knock Arms, Black stock Tavern, Essex-road ( outside Venables ), Southgateroad (co rner of Ball 's Ponel-road), Liverpool-road UUl1ction with Hollowoy -road) , &c., &c. - Yours, &c., SLI NGTON L \CII.

HA0."DY POCKET A:,IBULANCE CASE. DEAR SIHs,-Basing- action on the note given on [ourtb page of your February issue, the writer sent to :\[essrs. Ferris and Co., Bristol, for a sample of the ;\[idget Pocket Ambulan ce Case, and, if it be permissible, should like to testify in your columns as to its many attributes and marked merits, as referred to when writing ;\le$srs. Ferris in acknowledging receipt of it; the case is quite an idealic embodiment, so far as space permits, of the writer 's ideas as gi\'en in FIRST AID for March and Tovember, 1902. The (C :\Iidget" case measures 4 in. x 31 in x 4 in., and contains ] in., 2 in., 3 in. open woven wh ite bandage, boracic lin t, court plaster, self-adhesi \'e plaster, waterproof co\-ering for wet dressing, tape torniquet, wool compress ( that may bc used as a swab, or absorbent medium ), salvolatile, carl)olised vaseline, suture needle and silk, soloids for making anti-scptic SOlution. Pins, safety and ordinary, ancl last not least, brief but very concise and clear instructions how ancl for what to use each.

The samp le box reachecl Radstock la st Sunday, and by mid-day Tuesday most of the lo ca division S.J.A.I3. had gone in for one, and doubtless all of them will as thcy become acquainted with it. Price is IS. 9cI. each, or ISS. per dozen, in either case, postage extra.

1 t is really" just the thing " for a (C first aider," or in fact anyone likely to meet with an accident and possessing sufficient knowledge how to apply.-Yours, with many thanks indeed,

S. LLOYD H.\R\ ·EY, Acting-officer in charge, Radstock Division, S.J.A.B. Foxhills, Radstock. Mar c h 3rd, 1902.

SHALL WE l\IU:NICIP( LISE THE A:\IBULA CE SER\'ICE

DEAR SIRS,- The se\'eral letters that have appeared lately in FIRST Am, and seeing the large number of members that have seceded from the S.J.A_B., certain ly proves, to my mincl, that sonle different method should be adopted at h eadquarters.

As an ambulance \ olunteer and a S.J.A.B. man for many years, I should l ike to give my view. I think the brigade s hfluld be under the control either of the Home Office or the Lonclon County Council, or Councils of provincial cities Divisions should be formed, attached to the police force and the local fire brigade in the same district, for duty on holidays or 011 the occasion of any public fe st ivals for which their sen'ices might be required. In the case of a large function in the City or any other part of London, a brigade order could be is succi to all clivi ions, and, if needed, to the provincial d i,"isions also. Divisions or sections, where strong e nou gh, should always do duty in their own districts.

being padded, or padding placed between and limb, as the material at hand may prove most co nvenIent.

Bal1dages. - \Vhen passing them under a 11mb of a recum-

Fig. 7; the result being that the weight of the patient 's body tends to keep the arrangement togethcr, ami rellcves the strain on the bearers fingers.

Page 2[3 add;.)'l/[IZS of Deatll -

I. J 0 of Chest.

2. :No sound of res pi ration.

3. No watery vapour from mouth.

4. Absence of pulse ( not-alone reliable).

5. No sound of heart's action.

6. Eyelids generally half-closed.

7. Pupils dilated.

g. Coldness and pallor of body Il1creases.

DEAR SIRS,-As Sir Edward Bradford is now retiring from the post of chief commissioner of the Metropolitan police, I would to the fact. that, while he been chief of the polIce, conSIderable attentIon has been paId ambulance matters by the London police authorities, though it has not yet produced a n ambulance service for s treet accidents, with horse wagons to be called by telephone. Still: tbe police have been s upp lie d with ambulance wagons of the omnibus type ('w ithout rubber tyres) for the conveya n ce of sick members of the for ce to their homes, thc ho spi tal, or tbe counlry, and an improved litter has oeen adopted for use at all police s tat ions throughout the :\[etropolitan police district, while strect accidents arc frequ en tly remo\ ed now by the police on the Ho s pital s Association litters, if onc is within casy access where an accident ha s occurred.

I would be very satisfactory for all ambulance workers, Londoner s especially, to learn by means of your valuable Journal that some ambulance authori ties-yoursel ves, for instance - bad brought the necd of an ambulance service for

All uniforms should be of one pattern, and should be issued free after three months' training, and not as now either to be paid for or the probationer wait probably years The examination for officcrs of all grades should be more strictly carried out. All sergeants shoulcl possess the nursing certificates ancl pass an examination in the RA.M.C. mal1unl and infantry drill. This should apply to all vo lunt cer bearer companies and othe rs likely to do duty with the RA.l\l.C. All travelli ng expenses should be paid when a way from one's own district, and refreshments should be provided when on cluty for eight hours.

I f under municipal control and more military training, the mcmbers would bc better able to take duty with the regular soldier, and would work on public duty more in unity than they seem to do now.

One of the correspondent's says a ncw drill was in use. The last competition in the brigade that I know of, part of tbe new manual and part of an old drill was used. An improve. ment could be made in the matter of competitions. Sufficit:nt noti ce should be given to all divisions, and brigade competitions should bcjudgecl by an officeroutsidc the brigade, drawn either

q8 - FIRST

frol11 the RA.M C or from one of the hcarcr companies. Di\ i ional compctitions s hould bc judged by an officcr of another division in conjunction with thc headquarters staff. Trusting the se\'era l Ictters and different "iews 011 the subject \\'ill lead to ome good, and th:ll1king ),oll,-I am, Sir, yours t rul)"

DE.\R SIRS, Your excellent idca of holding a confercnce in London, with a \ iew of getting a public ambulance sen ice establi hed, is most \\'clcom e; ancl in thc City \\'e are glad to know therc is a likelihood of having a hor e ambulancc sen·ice. The police frequently take injured persons home to such places as Totten bam, ;.J or\\'ood, \' sl II a 111, l3ays \\a t r, &c., as so fcl\' people live near the city that meet with accidents in the cit)'; a wagon to remO\'C such case would be a blessing all rounel. That is the experience of Yours, & c. A TR:\ FI··le l'OlXT CIT\' POLlel<'. Snow II ill, Jan. ::!6th, ]903.

THE ROYAL PROGRESS.

DE,\R SlRs,-Frankly \Villiam R. :'lIng-nus in FllbT All) of February does not think that the Soyereign Head and Patron of thc Order, Kin g Edward VII, would appreciate such scntiment as those expressed in "IIoch and Dough's" letter. I t seems to n Ie, juc!g ing from the Tation 's e:-- perience of our Craciou Kll1g, that he \\'ol1ld appreciate any good se rvi ce don to his subjects, one to another, especially ambulance ser\'ice, always remembering how kcen an interest His :'Ilajest)' sho\l's to alllqulance and hospital \\'ork; thcrefore it beho\'e - those \\ ho h,1\'e the power to use it, in suitably and permanently recognising the sen'ices of all members of Ambulance Sen'ice throughout the If I ha\ 'e at all an accurate idea of His :\Tajesty's kindness, [ do not think he \\'ould all 0 I\' anyone to be at a personal lo ss and i n cOl1Yenience, especially ambulanle \Iorker'i, \\'ithout duly and suitab y their laboul'. \' OUIS, ,' ·cc.

February :!6th, 1903.

GARROULD'S

FOR ALL II DS OF

NURSES' UNIFORMS, CAPS, COWNS, BONNETS, &c.

A. SUPPLIED TO

The Principal Hospitals and

FIRST AID.

The Independent Journal for the Ambulance and Fire Services.

IMPORTANT NOTlCE. - The date of publication of "First Aid" is the 20th of the month.

To Our Readers.

1\ <; it is thc earn cst "ish and desire of the ne" Proprietors to make this J<lUrnal a. :tllractiye and entertaining- as possible, correspondent:; in all paris of the country are asked to gi\'e it all the hel[.> they can. Superintendents of Corps and OlTicers of Di\'isions of the St. John 1\1llillllan ce Brigade, Officers of the Yolunteer M e dical tafl' Corps, the \ 'n luntcer 1\ll1hlliancl; School ()f Instruclion, ancl Chief Officers nf i"ire Bligades "ill, it is hoped, do their best to make it known aJll()ng"t the member, of their respective organisations, and will also .e nd for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are i J1\ itcd fm Prize Competitions and other matter \\ hich will ach'ance thl.! intere.;t of the Journal. We particularly dcsire to ask our correspondents to he hrief and to the point in any communications they may send llS for puhlication

L. A. C.

T. n. ( I [ali fax ). -1 n reply to your letter as regards dismissal by the secretary of Y0ur class I is ob\ ious that II e coulrl not give you an answer to your query. Your propcr course is to lay the whole matter before the Chief Secretary of the S.].A.A., at whose hands we feel sure you \\'ill get cvery consideration.

LI' WII ( Lane t- \\'e regret, that wc cannot gi\'e you the times allowecl at competitions for and bandaging it fracturcd thigh, &c. Different judges may ,have different ideas. s regards the Ambulance Case write to :'Ifessrs. Ferris, of Bristol, and they will, we are sure, with their usual courtesy be only too pleased to send you all particulars. \V e may say that these cases are recei\'ing warm commendation at the hands of many of our readers.

\\'. R. ( Prcston ) - \Ve hopc shortly to enlarge the Journal and insert many articles of value to the ambulan 2 e student. It must be borne in mind that to give only a brief resume of the many ambulance and fire brigade functions reported to liS involves the ta.king up of a lar ge amount of our space, and we regret to say that many of our contributors, not\\ ithstancling our earnest appeals, "ill continue to sencl up lengthy rcports which intensify this labour. \Vhat \\e ask for is a brief report, only gi\'ing the most interesting items, interesting, we mcan, to readers other than tbose resiclent in the town where such function took place. For their enlightenment these matters arc usuaih re')ortecl fully in the local prcss.

\'iscount Kitchener has acccpted the "ice-presidency of the St. John Ambulance Association Indian Central COlllmittee at Simla. This intimation will he a gratifying one to ambulance men \\'ho have ser\'ecl at the front. II is lord hip was louel in his praise of the \'oluntary first aiders sent out by the S.] .A. H., and it is doubtless due to his warm apprecialion of thcir \\'ork that has induced him to help further th e cause in the distant part of OLlr Empire to which he is now accrcdited.

IL' Y GUAHANTF."D I1Y

The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, LIMITED,

40, 42, & 44, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON, E.C, (to whom Notice of un(lcr the follol\ing must he sent within sClcn days of accident to thc ."ho\,<.: address.)

60)093

£100

will be paid l.)v t.hc ."hoye 'or[Joratinn to the Icgal rcprcsentati\'c 0, anyone who IS killed by an accidcnt to the Passcnger Tmin (\\ilhin the United Kingdol11 or Channel I s land s) , in "hich the de ccasc d was a ticket bearing or paying passcnger, or who shall h:lI'c heen fatally injured thereby (s hould death result within ninety days after such accident )

PROVIDED that the pcrson killed or injurcd had upon his 01 her person or had left at home this ticket, with his, or her, usual signature, written prior to the accident, on the space prm'itled below, which, together with the gil'ing of notice within the time a hereinbdore mentioncd, is the essence of this contract.

This in s urance holds good for current issue on y, ane! carries the benefits of and is suhject to, the conditions of the "OCEAN ACCIDENT A fl) C; U, \RANT EE COL\ ll'ANY, Limitcd, Act, 1890, " Risks Nus. 2 and 3.

The Corporation admit that the purchase of this Paper is the paymcnL of a premiulll under Section 34 of thc Act.

No pcrson can rcco\'er under more than one Coupon ticket in rcspect of the same I:i.sk.

\\' e an: pleased to rccord th e fact Lhat \l'e are already receil'ing a great :1ccession of S\lpport [rom all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limited in dealillg \lith reports o[ local meetings for presentation of certificates, &c., it "ould be better that a hrief report wcre \\ rillcn cri\'in a a short resllm e of the I'arious IJoints touched upon ':=- 0 hy the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthynewspaper report should he sent gil'ing in detail the" hole record of the meeting. Thi lepmt is doubtle:;s inLeresting to local First -a iders, but it must be borne in mind that lI'e are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at large.

OF SUBS RIPTION.

For I2 months, 2S. 6el., post fr ee, to he sent to the Puhlishers, :'lessr Dale, Reynolds and Co., 46, annon·street, London, E.C. 'ide.;, rapiti,' rlddrl'ss, "l'7.tJ1!11I)'}olli', LOl/dol/. " Tetepllolle NO' -'477 Ball/.:.

Brevities.

A writing from l\ferthyr Tyd\ il asks on what authority we announce that medals have been issu ed to members of the S.J.A.B. who served in South Africa, we.: can only say that we have received this notification from many sources, we quote one from the Birmt'lIglzam Gazette: "M1'. J. R. Stamp, organising superintendent of th e S.J.A.R (Birmingham City Division, now disbanded), informs us that, by in tructions of his Majesty the King when he was Grand Prior of the Order of t. John of Jerusalem, a medal commemorative of the South African campaign has been struck, and is in course of distribution to the 2,300 members of tb e brigade wbo served in the war, or, in case of their decease, to their relatives. The medals will be ready in the course of a week, and may be obtained at the headquarters of the brigade, 72, Cambridge-street,

Birmingham, between the hours of 10 and 5. No medals will be sent by post."

"\\'RILE an ambulance class was being instructed near the railway station at 'olchester last week, a lady on the platform broke her l eg, and the ambulance class rushed joyfully off to render first aid. It was uncommonly public pirited of th e lady on the platform to make herself into a 'subject' so opportunely, but most people would think it quite bad enough to break a leg, without doing it in the neighbourhood of a fiery, untamed ambulance class. -

The above is from our esteemed contemporary, Fair. This journal is generally noted for its genuine wit, but we scarcely see the wit in making fun of the well int entioned efforts of ambulance men. Doubtless the duty so cheerfully undertaken and the time so ungrudgingl)' given by our ambulance men and women at Bank Holiday time, also provoke s the risible mirth of "DIOGE 'E "

IT is a matter of surprise to our provincial friends when the)' visit London, that they never see a policeman wearing an ambulance badge. Why is it, they ask? Well, that is a question that would puzzle anyone not in the know to answer. In the provinces it is considered a nece sary part of the policeman's training that he should qualify in ambulance work, and, having done so, he is directed to w ear the badge of the S.J.A .:\.. We are gi\'en to understand that in London also all the police ha\'e to pass a first aid examination, but whoever saw a London constable wearing the badge? \\ 'e in common with our provincial cousins, ask why is this so? At th e recent shooting of a man and a constable at Blackheath, it was stated that when another constable came on the field he made no attempt to find out how or where the deceased man, Booker, was injured, but asked Booker's lady companion whether he could walk to the hospital? 1 he reply was "Yes!" The the result-death. Query, was this constable an ambulance man? \ e trust not.

A Dl CU SlON has been going on in certain newspapers anent the right of a passenger to keep the window closed in a railway carriage in which he may be travelling. Well, as a rule, this should be decided by the wish es of the majority and the defeated minority should make their ex it at th e first available chance and take up more congenial quarters in another part of the train. In these days of microbes, germs and bacteria, one does not fee l happy at being pent up with an individual who is not only coughing

on the whole of one's journey, but expectorating on the floor likewise In such a case ventilation is an abso l ute necessity, and we should be glad if the Railway and Omnibus Companies would obtain some powers, to enforce the rule, that they lay down that passengers are requested not to expectorate in the carriage.

* * *

l\IANY of our subscribers have written us to ask us our views on the new scheme for Sick Bay Reservists Well, as we know nothing about the conditions of service, &c., we are scarcely in a position to advise them on this matter. We should think, howeyer, the proper course for these aspiring sailor ambulance men to adopt would be to apply to the Admiralty, from whom, no doubt, all particulars would be obtained. '''' e do n ot know whether the idea is to form a corps on similar lines as the R A. M. C. (volunteers)?

If so, we think it is a capital one. Our nation as a whole is eminently fonu of the sea, and many besid t:"s ourselves were grieved wh en the Admiralty decid e d to do away with that splendid body of volunteers, the Volunteer 1 aval R ese rve. If this movement is a return to th e old principle we believe it will be received with enthusiasm amongst ambulance men, whether living on th e coast or in inland towns W e shall be glad to learn more about it if any of our numerous correspondents can send us particulars.

Mu nicipa l Ambu la nce f or Lo ndo n .

WE learn that the question of providing a municit-lal ambulance service for London, will shortly be brought before the Local Government Board by the Metropolitan Asylums Board, who will ask for the necessa ry authority to undertake th e work.

The Board are constantly being requested to remove accidents and other cases to Hospitals, but having no legal authority to deal with any but infectious cases, they are unable to comply with the demands, although they possess the staff, plant and appliances for th e work.

If the Borough Councils generally agree to the scheme the Board will go fomard with it.

Still anothe r" H.ichmond " in the fi e ld, a little time since we were solemnly assured that the London County Council had the matter well in hand. Now we are as solemnly assured that the Metropolitan Asylums Board are having a cut at the question! IVe sincerely trust that between two stools we shall not come to the ground.

Ther e must be no tinkering with the subject. An efficient service lS what we r equ ire and what should be insisted on.

Private enterprise has tried to grapple with the subject and failed and the service, it is now agreed, must be a municipal one. If it was possible to place it in the hands of any other organisation, we should say either the Hospital Saturday Fund or the Salvation Army. Both arc controlled by m e n of marked ability who do not let the grass grow under their fe et wh en th ey make up their minds to run a scheme, and both have th e confidence of the community as a whol e

An interesting curiosity has found its way to High vVycombc. It is an original ambulance wagon which was Llsed in the Franco-German war. The vehicle bcars a characteristic French inscription.

A I D.-

Ambulances with Mounted Troops.

APROPOS of this subject which is still exercising the minds of the War Office; Authorities That gallant and genia l soldier, Surgeon-Colonel E. B. Hartley, V.c., C.M G., P M.O., Cape Colonial Forces, writes to our contemporary The Britislz Medical Journal :-"jHaving been Medical Officer of the Cape Mounted Riflemen fo r the last twentyfive years the quest ion of the provision of transport and first aid for wounded of rapidly moving troops is a subject of the greatest interest to me.

To my mind no ambulance wagon has yet been devised perfect in every detail. I saw the Indian tongas mentioned by Colonel Hathaway during the Transvaal War but I did not see them at work. I have heard they were very prone to give animals sore bellies and back but I have no personal experience of their advantages or disadvantages.

\Vith some improvements I consider the ambulance cart, Mark II. admirable for mounted units. The Cape Colonial Government purchased two from Woolwich in 1896. The next year · -1897-we had a native rebellion in Bechuanaland.

Our sick and wounded had to be moved either fifty miles to Kuruman or 140 miles to the base hospital at Vryburg. These carts were invaluable, and have been most useful up to the very termination of the Transvaal War. In our service we call them "galloping carts." At last they are worn out, and it is my intention to recommend the Colonial Government to purchase others to replace them. They certainly have faults, the worst of which is bad balance.

In South Africa it is idle to consider horses with mounted drivers as a means of dragging ambulance wagons or carts. A great deal of special training is required for both men and horses, and in the end the latter very soon get chafed backs or chests, and quickly knock up.

Mules want less tood and can survive anything almost. Two native drivers are required one holds a long whip, the other the reins fur six mules. These" boys " sit at the foot of the two stretchers but the cart is very much down in front, causing the pole to press unduly on the mules' necks, and the proximity of the m e n is also a danger to a patient with injuri es of the lower extremeties.

A perch at the back of the vehicle-something like that of a handsom cab-has been thought of, but this would be a most dangerous position for the driver in action or in bad roads. It would seem that the question of balance is a mere matter of detail to be arranged by the coach builder.

The cover of the cart is very heavy and cumbersome this also might easily be modified.

In the recent campaign I always had two stretcher bearers with the carts. They could easily fill them When we took mounted men as well, but not every medical corps man is a good horseman, and it takes a lot of time and practice to make him so. A good plan would be to transfer cavalry men to the R.A. M.e. for this particular kind of work."

Doubtless, there are many of our readers who served with the Imperial Yeo mary, and other flying hospitals, who could say something on this subject. We wonder, is there not one or more among them who could devise a cart such as would be suitable to accompany mounted and mob il e troops?

We are sure that the Authorities at Victoria-street wou ld welcome any s uggest ions which wou l d solve the problem.

April, 1903. - FIRST Our Portrait Gallery.

"OUR ROLL OF HONOUR " CORPORAL C. POWELL, CREWE DIV[SIO , S.J.A.B.

THIS month we present to our readers the portrait of a young Ambulance Volunteer, who was one of the first to volunteer for active service, and who practically laid done his l ife in the discharge of his voluntary duties

Corporal Powell, who hailed from Crewe, where he was engaged in the large Co-operative Stores in that town,

A I D. -

testified to the love and respect that was held for him by his fellow townsmen.

Our portrait, which is by McQueen and Stubbs, show Corp. Powell in the regalia of the Druids Socirty, of which Order he was a respected and prominent member.

It should be mentioned that he was promoted while on service by his Commanding Offic e r as a r ewa rd for his untiring zeal and e nergy.

St. John Ambulance Bri g ad e . YlETROPOLIT A T CORPS.

The members of the Corps were as usual in evidence on the open spaces where th e holiday makers were. Their attendance, as u s ual, was mu ch app reciated by th e VDst crowds congregated a lar ge number of casualties treated.

ST. JOHN' S GATE No. DIVISION (WEST DIVI SION) -A most successful concert and display was held by the above section on lar ch 27th at the Friends Meeting H a ll, Acton, W., kindly lent by the President, i'lIr. \Y. King Baker, M.C.C., who also acted as Chairman during the evening. The hall was crowded to its fullest extent with a very appreciative audience.

The musical programme was of a very high ch:l.racter, and was tak en part in by Mrs. F. Hut chens, Miss n. Everitt, Ir. \\ '. Fuller, I\[r. J. S. Plowman, and the Amphion Quartett; i'lIr. C. J. Miller proyed a most efficie nt accompanist.

A most successful display was given by members of the section und er the direction of Sergt. Stone.

1\.t the close of the di play, the President gave 8. short address of the value of ambulance work, and as a result at the close 14 names were hand ed in towards forming 8. first aid class. A collection was made and re al ised £ [ 17 S. 6d.

was popular amongst all sections of the community, and on his departure for Africa he was accorded a right royal send off and was pr esented with a valmble gold watch and other gifts

During the time he was in London he made many friends amongst his comrades, and those who got to know him intimately speak of him in terms, thal show how comradelike was the spirit existing amongst those with whom he served

Corporal Powell, who was an elocutionist of no mean order, prior to his depar t ure for th e front, materially assisted the Daily Mail Fund by reciting the "Absent fEnded Beggar" at entertainments and other social functions.

Although not physically strong he had plenty of grit in him, and his friends hoped that probably the entire change in his avocation and also the change of climate might do much to strengthen his constitution, and Dt the start no do u bt it did, but he was a glutton for work and there is no doubt he over did it.

The P.M.O. under whom he served :l.S clerk, and who was sincerely attached to him, sent him up country for a time and subsequently recommend e d his return to England . On the voyage home he appeared to pick up a bit, but lat e r on he developed pneumonia and on arrival he was removed to Netley, in which hospital his young life passed away in t he presence of his sorrowing father.

He was a b ri ght and promising young man, and the numbers who fol lowed his remains to their last resting place

Dr. Bennett (Ealing) in proposing a vote of thanks to those who had tak en part during the evening, spoke as to th e efficie ncy of the section, and his remarks were endorsed by Dr. Landon, who seconded.

Th e vote was most heartil y received by the audience .

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

ACCRINGTON.-).ilr. C. J. Whittaker, of Accrington and Church, has undertaken to erect and finance the proposed new ambulance drill hall at Bull Bridge, Accrington, at a cost of about £2,000.

BrRIIIINGHAl\I - This Corps has had a most interesting and useful months' work. There have been nursing and other lectures once a week delivered by the Chief-Surgeon (Mr. Nelson, M.D.), and, a t the close of such, demonstrations in banda g ing, bed-makin g, m a king of poultices, unde.r the supervision of HospItal Turse Yapp.

Two n e w divisions have been added to the Corps, which is now in an exceedingly flourishing condition Thre e t eams have entered for the "Dewar" and "Simon Eccles" Competitions.

The Divisional inspections are arranged for the month of May. The men are particularly enthusiastic and are well officered. The r:hief-Inspector is ind efat igab e in his endeavours to make the Corps an efficient one.

BRI STOL.- At the Temple Back drill quarters the ity

-FIRST

of Bristol Corps was recently inspected by Col. Bowdler, c.B. It is two years since the Chief '""'o m missioner visited the city. Then the city division was formed into a corps . The pres e nt visit was to hold a parade of the newly-formed stretcher bearer company in connection with the corps. The Secretary of State for ,Var has decided that in case of national emergency th ey arE to be included in the mobilisation scheme with the other units of the Army Corps to which they are allotted. The Bri sto l m e n in all probabllity will be sent to some portion of Ireland.

Col. Bowdler presented the m e dal granted by the Order for seryice in South Africa to Supt. Iorrish, who was almost the first to volunteer at the commencement of the war.

The Bristol Company will be examined and inspected by the principal medical officer of the military district once yearly. They are enrolled for a period of three years, and wear in addition to their brigade uniform a distinguishing badge in silver, with the words "F Stretcher Bearer Co." inscribed on it. They may volunteer their services in times of p eace , and if accepted will enlist in the R.A.M.C. for the period in which they volunteer, and will be placed on the footing of soldiers of the Army as regards pay, or compensation or pension in case of injury, thus having an opportunity of spending a portion of the year in a military camp if they wish t o undergo experience of active service. Special parades will be held during the year to perfect the men in field work, and it is hoped that this movement which has strengthened the ranks of the Volunteers in J ristol will have a beneficial effect on the excellent feeling which exists between the Corps and their fellow citizens.

The Chief Commissioner fully explained the details of the Bearer Company, as well as the scheme of Royal Naval Sick Berth Attendants in connection with the Admiralty.

Among those present were Dr. Vernon (Deputy Commissioner), Dr. Griffiths (Assistant Commissioner), Dr. F. E. Peake, Dr. C. A. Hayman and Dr. A. Peake (hon Surgeons), Supts. Reed, Morrish, Lambert, and Froude, Ambulance Officer Parker, and Sergeant-Major ("ooke of the Bearer Company.

D EWS BU RY. - The Dewsbury and District Corps arranged a thanksgiving service on Sunday, April 5th. A procession, headed by the Ossett Brass Band, started from the Temperance Hall for the church

The prarade included the following :- West Riding Pollce, under Inspector Taylor ; his Worship the Mayor of Ossett (Mr. Alderman F. L. Foth e rgill), with the Town Clerk (Mr. W. Brook); Association officials, Chief-Supt. in command (Captain B. Walker), Chief-Supt. Armita ge (Leeds), Supt. Secretary Eddison (Leeds Corps), Supt.-ofStores, J. Whit e head (Ossett), Supt. -Sec retary J. Thomes (Dewsbury), Supt. -Secretary JOwett (Hudoersfield); eight of the Bradford Police, in charge of Supt. Firth; Ossett Division, 20 men, Forth Officer Smith; D cwsbury Division, 30 men, First Officer Allott; Batley Division, 14 men, Second Officer Shaw; L eeds Corps Bugle Band, 20 men, Bugle-Major Shaw; L eeds Corps, 82 men, Chief-Supt. Armitage Brighouse, 26 men, First-Officer Thornton ; Huddersfield, 22 men, First-Officer Greener; Shipley, 12 men, Second Officer Potter Earby, 16 men, Supt. Dickenson; Heckmondwike, 17 men, Supt. Wharton; Woolley and Darton, 18 men, Supt. Loft; Halifax, 8 men, First-Officer Auty Bradford A, I4 men, Sergt. Starkey ; and Brownroyd, 8 men, Supt. Marriott) Morley Division, 10 men, Second-Officer Pearson.

The total number on parade was 350. Seats in the sacred edifice had been reserved for twenty -eight Nursing

AI D.- April, 1903. Sisters, who were 111 charge of First Officer Mrs. Cave, ] )ewsbury.

The Divine service was short and hearty. Mr. F. Flint presided. Rev. J. B. Goodhand gave an appropriate address Mr. T. Wilson presided at the organ, and the choir sang two anthems. The congregation heartily singing "All people that on earth do dwell, " and "Onward Christian sold ie rs. " A collection on be half of the Am bulance Corps totalled £, 5 5s

After the service Captain Walker addressed the men, and complimented them on their smart appearance, and thanked the various sections on parade for attending, and t e ndered thanks to the Ossett band, and to the Ossett Division who had kindly provided luncheon for those coming from a distance.

The Mayor of Ossett handed over bars for war medals to Privates John I'Anson, John Burdekin, and James Burdekin, and expressed his good wishes for the success of the Brigade.

DI GlJY , E.\STWOOD W'ATNALL.- The Joint Committee 0f the above Divisions hav e decided to hold th ei r second annual ambulance competition and demonstration on Saturday, July 18th, at Giltbrook, near ottingham when valuable prizes will be offered for competition. Further particulars will be duly announced.

RULL. - The Procession Sub-Committ ee form ed in connection with the Royal visit to Hull of the Prin ce and Princess of Wales on 11ay 12th, are making splendid arrangements.

The Committe having discussed th e inclusion of the Church Lads' Brigade and the Boys' Brigad e , as well as t he boys of the training ship "Southampton" and the m embers of the St. John Ambulance Brigade in the ceremony, have referred the matte r to a sub-committee.

It has been decided to engage bands tCl play in each park from 7.30 to 9.30 p.m.

The invitations to representatives of public bodies to join the procession were referred to the Mayor, the Chairman of the Committ ee (Alderman Larard), and the Town Clerk.

HU LL. - The Hull Corps (Eastern Division) h e ld a grand drawing-room conce rt in the Ripon Hall, on Thursday, April 2nd. Chief-Supt. Hopper occupied th e chair and was supported by Chief-Surgeon A. H. J ohnsto11, Hon. Surgeons A. W. Scott and J. Divine, Supt.-Secr e tary A. H. Hawke, Supts. Wingate and Wilson, First Offic e rs A. C. Carter and F. Vaughan, Lady -S upts. Mrs. Laverack and Miss A. Hargreaves, and Nursing Officers Mrs. Kraus e , Mrs. Wheatley, Mi ss Hardy and Miss F. E. Hargreaves.

Chief-Supt. Hopper called upon Miss A. Hargreav es to commence the first part of the programme with a pianoforte so lo. Other a rti sts were Miss Braithwaite, who gave two violin so los; Messrs. Burwell and Toyne, Mr. J. Howell and Miss Minna Clark. A good reception was accorded Mr. and Mrs. Ferens as tr.e y appeared upon the platform. Refreshments were provided.

Chief-Supt. Hopper gave a brief r esu m e of the work of Hull Corps and urged those present who had not yet obtained certificates, to join a class and then become a member of the Brigade.

Mr. and Mrs. Ferens were then called upon to present certificates and medallions to the successful candidates of the different classes.

After the presentation Supt.-Secretary Hawke proposed and Hon. Surgeon Scott seconded a vote of thanks to Mr.

April, 1903· -FIRST and Mrs. Ferens for their kindness in coming there to make the presentation.

In response Mr. Fe rens said he was indebted to the Hull Corps for their kindn ess in inviting Mrs. Ferens and himself to attend that function.

The evening's proc eed ing ",,-as brought to a close by the singing of th e National Anthem.

On Iach 31st, the Hull Corps (Weston Divi sio n ! the most interes t ing l ect ure of the season, on "ArtJiiClal Respiration," by Supt. H a wke (who is th e Secretary of the Hull Branch of th e Life Savin g Society). Mr. Hawke before commencing his lecture , mentioned the need of saving life at sea, and stated that every present should l earn swimming, in order to be ready 111 case of emergency to rende r assistance in as well as first aid on land. He then dealt WIth hIS su bJect on "Artificial Respiration," taking it mostly from a drowning point of view. Four methods were given and afterwards practised, viz., Sylvester's, Howard 's , Marshall and Laborde The differ e nt metllods were fully detalled, and after an hour 's int e resting lecture, Supt. Hawke answered several questions with regard to drowning, and also as to the different positions to face a p e rson in the water so as to rescue him.

"\ vote of thanks was th e n accorded th e lecturer, who in acknO\vledging the vot e, urg ed all to join a swimming class, and thus be ready to assist anyone when called upon.

Ip SW1CH.-On Mond ay evening, April 6th, at Beechh o lm e the r es id ence of 11iss Coulcher, Dr. W. A. Gibb d e liv e;ed a lec ture on "The Ear " to the ursing Division. Ther e was a good attendance, and thos e present showed much interest in th e lecture, which was very ably put before them.

LEI CESTER - Th e re was a large gathering of ambulance workers in th e Municipal -sq uare on Saturday, Mar ch 28th, when the presentation to the Leicester Corps of the new horse -wag o n, the gift of Alderman Wood, was publicly mad e Th e (Ald. Yincent ) presided over the proc eedi ng s, the speeches being deliv e r ed from the Town-hall steps. Th e re was a numerous company prcsen.t.

The memb ers of the brigade present were drawn up 111 rank outsid e the hall, while the wagon, drawn by two handsome hors es, and driven by a fireman in full uniform, stood near by, inside the space kept open by a detachment of police. The speeches were commendably brief The May.or, in opening the proceedings, said the occaSlOn on whIch they were met was one of considerable interest- first to the members of the S .J.A.B. , and secondly to the town at large. The excellent services which the S.J.A.R. had r endered had not been confined to Lei cester, although they were appreciated in the borough, and the benevolence a nd goodheartedness wbich had characterised AId , Wood had not been confined to the S.J.A.B.

Chief-Superintendent King gave a brief how the gift came to be made. He said for some tIm e It had been felt that the old wagon was inadequate for the wants of the town. They must not disparage their old servant, for it had done good work und e r the able superintendence of Superindent Ely. Nearly 1,200 cases of accident and removal had been dealt with. But there was only room in it for one stretcher, and that a telescopic one. When Ald. YVood entertained the corps last year reference was made to the n ee d for a new wagon, and Ald. ,V ood at

AI D.- 153

once said that if the executive would order the wagon he would be pleased to pay the bill. The new wagon was upto-date, and would accommodate two full-l e ngth and a t e lescop ic one. Special attention had been gIven to patients ' comfort.

Ald. Wood, who was receiv ed with much applause, said that he had a pleasant duty to discharge, and one which would only take a moment o r two, and which was to as k th e m to accept the wa gon , ,vhich had been built und e r their own superintendence, and carrie d .out, so as to meet all the requirements of the brlgade 111 L eIces ter, at any rate for some tim e It wa s a pl eas urabl e duty to hIm to as k them to accept th e wagon, and he did it partly because he fel t that it was a reco gnit ion of the grand work th ey were doing in their midst.

Dr. Pope, in rec e ivin g the gift on behalf of th e bngade, said that was his proudest moment since he had held th e position of head of the m edica l department. of th e John Am bulance work in Lei ceste r. The magmficent gIft from Ald Wood represented everything they could find out of the most rec en t and improved character.

Canon Sanders proposed a vote of th a nks to the Mayor for pr esidi ng. .'

1\1r. A. W. Faire seconded, and It was heartIly agreed to.

After th e Mayor's r es pons e an exhibition was given of the capacity of the wagon.

The new wagon was designed and built by lr. Boarland, who has received great assistance from Supt. Ely, th e popular chief of the fire brigade

Rl SHTON.- On behalf of the funds of this Division, a cencert was held in the upp e r r oom of th e Rishton Wesleyan School on Wednesday eve ning, April 1st, when th e public assembled in large numbers. Several selections were by a Vocal Iusic Class who were under th e conductorshlp of 111'. H. Parsons. Mast e r Percy Elton officiated at the piano. It is hoped that the financial aspect will be equally as satisfactory.

Sl\IETHWICK.-A most singular coincidence in th e South African War is being commented up on in ambulance circles in this district. On e of the six members of the N etLlefo ld S Division, who served during the late war, had the opp<.?rtunity of nursing Li e ut. Te ttlefo ld, when that gallant officer was wounded . It was while on duty in the hospital that th e ambulance man r ecognised his former master. As th e li eu tenant approached convalescence he had nothin g but praise for the manner in whi c h he had been the " man from e ttlefolds' fitting shop " was th e re CIpIent of many grateful thanks.

,VARRI TGTO T_. \. pl easa nt littl e function was rec ently held at th e Town H a ll. His Worship the May o r recently gave a s upp e r in honour of th e members of th e S.J../'1 B., who have seen service abroad during the la te war, and who wer e also pr ese nted with medals, clasps and certificates due to them.

The Iayor, in addressing the m e n, said ther e wa s an old saying, "Better late lhan neyer," but he felt that the welcom e to those brav e and palriotic sons of \\Tarrington who volunteered for service in South fric a had beell d efe rred, owing to va ri o us circul11stances, long e r th an intend e d. But th ei r recollection was as gree n and as fresh as e ye r, a nd their h ear ts as warm tow ards tho e who devoted themselv es to their country's ser\'ice abroad, and who braved and underw en t all the dangers and discomforts ot Foreign Service as in the first days of their triumphant

-FIRST

return In congratulating those who had come back to them they must not forget those who had been left behind They felt their lives had been spent in a noble cause, and while sympathising with their friends here and deploring their loss they knew that tbey died serving their country and were employed in the noble work of mitigating and soothing tbe terrors and the sufferings which war must necessarily entail. He was pleased to learn that Earl Roberts and Viscount Kitchener had given eloquent testimony to the work done by the S.J.A B also that the Rt.-Hon. Joseph Chamberlain (Colonial Secretary) and Sir .Fr ederick Treves had spoken yery highly of their servIces.

The fayoress then distributed the medals, clasps and certificates to the men, all of whom shook hands with his Worship the 1\1ayor afcer receiving their decorations.

Captain Waring proposed a cordial vote of thanks to the rayar and Mayoress for their kindness in recognising the Brigade in such a manner. Three hearty cheers were given for the Mayor and Mayoress.

The in reply, stated he was sorry not to be able to remain with them for the rest of the evening, but hoped they would spend it in a very enjoyable manner.

The men then sat down to an excellent supper, generollsly provided by his Worship, over which Captain Waring presided.

After singing the ational Anthel11 the party broke up, ell route for home.

WORK sOP -The annual dinner to the members of the Worksop Division took place at the Golden Ball Hotel on Tuesday, farch 24th, Hon. Surgeon and Supt. Montague presiding

The Chairman proposed the usual loyal toasts

The toast of the evening, "The Worksop Division of the S.J.A.B.," was proposed by Capt. Tylden Wright, who congratulated the division upon its efficiency and strength. He thought it a great pity that the division was not better supported in Worksop, as it was one of the institutions which ought to receive every help. He coupled with the toast the names of Dr. Montague and Second Officer Allen.

Dr. Montague having thanked the proposer and the company, said he could thoroughly endorse what he had said about the division, though not what he had said about himself. He had not intended to try and recruit at all that evening, but as the matter had been mentioned he was pleased to say that the Worksop Division of the S .J. A B did not want any recruits excep t officers. It was a pity that some gentlemen did not take up officerships and help him in his arduous work. He knew it entailed the lo ss of a deal of time, and was also hard work, but his second officer was about to leave them, so that he would again be alone-the only. officer. He admitted, of course, that he had a very efficIent staff of sergeants, but still It left him with no brother officer to assist him at any time. He urged upon lhe men the necessity of putting in plenty of drills this summer, as the Chief Commissioner, Colonel Bowdler, C.B., had promised, if well enough, to come and inspect the division. This was a very great honour, considering that this \\"as such a small division compared with some of the corps and diyisions in large towns. Dr. Montague urged some of. the men if possible to join the auxiliary Royal Naval SIck Berth Reserve, the Admiralty having asked for reserves from the brigade, in the same way as the War Office did for the R.A.M.C. In conclusion he expressed his gratification that the discipline during the last year had l)(.:cn exccllen t.

AI D.- April, 1903

St. John Ambulance Association.

WINDSOR.-Princess Christian, who was attended by Miss Emily Loch, visited the Royal Albert Institute on April 3rd, and distributed the medallions and certificates awarded to the members of the Local Ambulance Class. The Mayor of Windsor (Mr. W. Shipley), the Rev. John Ellison, vicar, Mr. W. 1< airbank, the instructor of the classes, Mr. Sandby, and others, were present.

Reviews.

Hmo to Teacll S7f /llllllillg. Thi s little manual, which is the work of l\Ir. James Kay, hon. secretary to the West Ham Children 's Swimming Association and other kindred societies , IS one that should be in the hands of every boy and gi rl old enough to learn tbe art of swimming. It is comprehensive, and in addition to clearly laid down instructions on the various methods of swimming, there is a vast amount of other information; it is also illustrated witb some capital diagrams, showing the different strokes, &c. Tile book, whi c h is dedicated to H.R. H. The Prince of Wales, is published by Crowen and Co., High-street, ew Brompton.

Fire Tests with Floors. Vie have received a copy of this valuable littl e manual from the British Fire Prevention Committee, and we commend its perusal to those engaged in the bllliding trade, and also to our fire brigade readers. We especially commend to their perusal the introductory note by Mr. Max Clarke, for in it he certainly proves conclusively to bis own idea tllat hard wood is not in it against iron, steel, concrete, and the like. Well, well, this is another of the cherished ideas of our youth dispelled by hard facts. Mr. Clarke contends tbat the dense smoke given off by wood is in itself a distinct danger to human life from suffocation, and he lays down an axiom with which we are quite in accord, that is, in dealing with fire prevention there are two distinct objects to be aimed at, first, the saving of life, and, secondly, the saving of property. Therefore it does not, as he says, much matter whether the building- is itself burned or not, so far as the inmates are concerned; for if they are not out of the building very quickly they will be suffocated by the dense volumes of smoke given off. This little work is published by the B.F.P.C. at their offices, I, Waterloo-place, Pall Mall, London, S.W.

On A dive SeS'"dice witlt tIle St Jolm A lIlbulallCe Brigade, South African War There have been many works written in connection with the South African War, and doubtless there will he many more, but hitherto there has been no book recording the splendid work done by the large body of volunteers who went out in connection with the St. John Ambulance Brigade. This omission has, however, now been rectified by the publication of the diary of tile late Sergt. iN. S. Inder, of the Kendal Division. By ambulance men and women this book will be cordially welcomed, recounting as it does the life on the veldt during those anxious times, written by one of themselves and written in a quiet and unassuming mannernot a trace of the boastful throughollt its pages. As one reads its pages you begin to feel you know tbe writer and can almost picture his stories as he tells them, and at the finish when you learn of his early and untimely death, you feel a sympat hy for those he left behind, realising that he is one of the lads who could ill be spared, for h e was just the stamp of man to make our new Colonies, and to draw togetber in closer union both Briton and Boer.

The work, which is illustrated with some fine plates, is published by Atkinson and Pollitt, of Kendal, and our ad"ice to all our readers is get a copy, and as you read it, page after page, yo u will realise how much the wri ter has done to add honour to the organisation of which he so fondly and proudly spea ks.

-FIRST St. Andrew's Ambulance Association.

On Thursday, March 26th, at a held in the Masonic Hall Perth under the presIdency of Mr. J. Thomas a large number of certificates recently gained by Dr. Ta;lor's class were and subsequently th e chairman, on behalf of the puptls, presented .Taylor with a handsome easy chair as a mark of apprecIatIOn for his services during the past session In making the presentation he said hhe hoped the chair would not make the doctor lazy. ..'

Dr. Taylor having accepted the gIft 111 terms, Mr. Pullar presented Mr. Brough with a gold cham in recognition of his services as secretary.

Lord Provost Love, ex-Bailie Alexander and Rev F. H. Martin congratulated Dr. Taylor on the success whteh had attended his ambulance class.

PERTH. - A meeting of the Committee in connection with the Wagon and Scheme was held on Wednesday evening, April 8th, Jl1 the office of Messrs. Mitchell and Logan, solicitors, Perth. Captam Garrow submitted a resolution to the effect that the ambulance wagon in Mr. Torth ,Villi a m -st reet, Perth be used for sIck non-Il1fectIOus cases on the proof a medi cal certificate that the case was noninfectious and on condition that the cost of hire be paid to Mr. by the party r eq uirinl? the. It was ac-reed that phthisis be treated as an mfectIOus dtsease, and that the ten mile radius applicable to purely ambulance case should not apply. With regard to the new at present in Mr. Masterson's yard, it was agreed. th.at It be used solely for accident cases, a.nd only a radtus of ten miles Th e Secretary was mstructed to mform the medical profession as to these arrangements. Dr. Stirling proposed that ambulance statIons should .b e lished throughout the city and suburbs, each statIOn bell1g supplied wilh ambulance materials, and be made for communicalion between the statIOns and th e wagon depots. Captain Dr. and Dr. Taylor, were eventually appoll1ted.a committe for the purpose of seeing such stations estabhshed -------. --.

Police Ambulance.

METROPOLITAN. At Bow -s treet Police Court, on April 9th, Sir A. de Rutzen '''.m. Mead with a cbeg ue for £ 15 in recogm tIon of h IS services at a fire which occurred at 3 I, Little Earl-street, Seven DIals, an ,?I1 and colour sbop, on March 22nd last. The constrtble ?lScovered the outbreak at about one o'clock in the mormng, and he at once proceeded to arouse the inmat es :Many persons rushed from the house in their. ni.ght attire, J:>ut finding th ere were two other st:1I 111 the burnIl1g building the officer went ulJstaJrs to assIst them to out into the street. He found the two women together 111 an upper room, screaming, and evidently too t e rrified to m,?ve. The room was full of smoke, and as the flames were rapidly spreading the constable picked one of women up in .his arms and caught hold of the other to asstst her downst aI rs. The latt er, however, became so frightened that she broke away, and went back into lhe room. On lhe way down with the first woman the officer was partly overcome by the smoke and fell on his head, injuring it, and also his knee , cap. He managed, however, to crawl into the street WIth the woman, and then wanted to re-enter the house to seek

AI D.-- 155

for the other one. In the meantime she harJ. thrown herself out of the window, and as a result was severely injur e d. Sir Albert characterised the action of the constable as most daring and courageous, and said it was with the greatest pleasure that he hand ed him the cheque Police-constab le Mead was formerly a fireman, and he has only been in the police force s ix months.

LOWESTOFT. -At th e rec ent examina tion h eld at the Technical Schools, Clapham-road, on Ambulance Work, 37 members of the local. police .force entered, and the results just to hand are entIrely satIsfactory. I?en passed for the first time, ten passed the and fifteen the second re- examinatio n, whtch entItles them to the medallion. The classes were given by Dr. \V. Bell, London-road, and the examiner was Dr. O 'Fa rrell, of Great Yarmouth. It is a noteworthy fact that every officer and man in the Low es toft and Division (East Suffolk Constabulary) holds the certIficate to rend e r first aid to the injured.

A Useful Leg Support.

THE well-known and up-to-date firm of surgical instrument makers, Messrs. Reynolds and Bransom, Ltd., of Leeds, have made for Dr. W. A Carline a eg support of enamelled iron, shaped somewhat like a huge squat steth?scope. It is placed under the patient's heel when bandagll1.g the or f01 other purposes. It will be found useful m hospitals r(7, Q .J ai <jI

l)\

C-:J

;ll1d consulting rooms. Its w eight and broad base make it quite steady when used on a bed, and it can, of course, be kept perfectly asceplic

At the Linc oln H ospital it has ea rned "Sister Jane," and frequently enables one what would otherwise be the work of two. 3S., postage 6d. ex tra.

-------. --.

the name of nurse to do The price is Independent

Ambulance Corps.

PENRITH AND DI STRT T.-Captain Hasw ell, l\f.1)., M.R.C.S., commenced a course of flrst aid lectures for the men on April 6th, and there was a Yery larg e attendance.

At the close, on behalf of the men, he presented Scrgt. Cowen with a useful Gladstone travelling bag and silver match box. Sergt. Cowen h as been a mem ber of the Corps since its formation and served in the outh War. H e is n o \\" going to get married and sails for Canada this montl), wh ere he int ends to start farming.

Th ":! Nur ing Diyi ion are attending a COlIr of lectures on first aid by Dr. D. C. Edington.

THE event of the year as regards the The Fire Brigades in this country will, unForthcomin g doubtedly, be the Fire Exhibition and Internatio n al International Fire Congr es s to be held Fire Pre ve ntion at Earl s Court, and provided that th e

Con g res s various Committees put their hearts and energies into their work there is no reason to doubt but that it will be one of the most successful meetings ever held in this country . It has the advantage of having as its President H.R.H. THE DUKE OF CAi\IBRIDGE, who, it is well known, takes a keen interest in all that appertains to the saving of life and property frum fire, while its Vice-Presidents, the DUKE OF "YIARLBOROU GH, President of the rational Fire Brigades Union, the Right Hon the LORD MAYOR, Chief Magistrate of the capital of the largest Empire in the World, and Mr. E. O. SA CHS, the Chairman of the British Fire Preventions Committee, will, we feel assured, ably second their Royal President, added to which the various Committees are composed of gentlemen who are acknowledged experts in the work of the several organisations which they represent.

Weare pleased also to learn that the project has received the approval of the various Continental authorities who have been approached with a to their participation.

It is, of course, a well-known adage that it is not in mortals to command success, but the gentlemen who are working so systematically and thoroughly certainly deserve that their efforts should be crowned with success. Mr . SACHS, upon whom has fallen the lion's share of the tremendous work involved in organising the meeting, and arranging its details, has thoroughly justified his selection by the promoters, when they placed in his hands the general supervision of the programm e to be arranaed the d /:) , etads of which should prove not only instructive, but deeply interesting to all who take either an active or sympathetic interest in all matte!:'s connected with fire extinction. Nor does th e aims of the promotors stop at fire fighting. That portion of their programme which deals more particularly with its prevention should commend itself to all who are desirous of minimising the risks we run from the construction of faulty buildings and kindred abuses.

Ambulance work, too, will be much in evidence, and we trust that some effort will be made to show Londoner s ' even If only on a small scale, what an up-to-date ambulance service should be like.

Much more might be said as regards the other departments which are incorporated, but, doubtless, the pro-

grammes will shortly be issued and tben our r eaders can see for themselves how thoroughly representative and International the Exhibition will be. We content ourselves, therdore, with wishing the Exhibition every success and may the result of the time and labour bestowed upon its promotion be appreciated, not only in a numeri ca l sense but in a financial one a lso.

The Humour of Ambul ance Com = p e titl tions.

By A COMPETITION JUDOE

I DO not kn.ow whether my little article will appeal to all of my readers 111 the. same wa y, but havin g bEen asked by the cor:ductors of thiS Journal to favour them with a brief .It has occurred to me that as the competition season IS 111 full swing, a few notes on the humours of comwould not be altogether out of place. It bas been my pn.vllege on one or two occasions to officiate al th ese ga.thenngs in a sense, and although I candidly admit that the: work IS somewhat ti:in g, it is int eres tin g not only ?n account of .the keen mteillg ence displayed by th e maJonty of the but is at times reli eved by the somewhat amusmg which are given by others.

A.s a rule, on arl'lvll1g at the place wh ere the compeIS held find whole of the squads mustered to to the judge who is to put them on their. tnal ; and 111 thiS sense it is curious to note th e effect hiS appearance has upon the various com p et itor s SO?1e appear to intensely relieved to find th at he is not the ogre their fancy had pictured him, and th eir hearts, had located somew.hat adjacent to their boots, accordmgly and resume s Its normal position and puls.atlOn. on t?e contrary, seem anything but r eby their 111Sp ec tlOn, and mentally wish that th e whole Job were uver.

The usual preliminari es bein rr arranrreu the ",h ole of th d' b b' e squa s, With the excep tion of the one to commence are ordered out of the room, and we settle down to w'ork. FIve youths, whose ages range from about thirteen to seventeen ,Years of age, are i.n line and opposite them , the tak e up th eI r pOSitIOn; large labels denoting the ll1Junes to be dealt with are suspended round the patients' necks, and at the or.der t? the competitors proceed .to. tr ea t the varIOUS mJurJes aSSIgned to them. And here It IS somewhat amusing to notice the different methods adopted Son:e of anxious to be sure of plenty of :vvlll straIghtway a nnex the whole lot and convey It .to hiS patient 's side. In the meantime, two other competitors who have to control hremorrhage are at a loss what to do One of promptly solves the question by commandeering hl.s necktie, wbich he deftly proceeds to .extemponse 111tO a mu c h to the disgust of the said patIent, who has eVidently come attired in his best. other is .not so ready of resource, and after rushing about 111 the val.n hope of 0nding. something s.uddenly recalls to mll1d that dUrIng thiS time his patient IS bleeding to .and accordingly and selz111g the yuuth 111 a mIghty grip, drags by ma111 force to the other end of the line where havIng secured th.e necessary requisites, he to car;y out treatment 111 the ,:ay laid down in his t e xt book. And that brings me to a questIOn that often crosses my mind Why

April, 1903.

-FIRST

should competitions be judg ed by any set rule? To my mind it shou ld be a test as to the r eady resour ce of the individual Lo cope with the imaginary injury in a really first aid manner. But this by way of passing. The bandaging of the various patients being accomplished, the work is inspected and marks awarded accordingly.

Some of the competitors seem to have an idea th at the more bandages you can crowd on the better it is for your patient, and truly they carry this idea to a marvellous extent. When asked to remove them in order that the dressing on a wound might be inspected, you begin to wonder if you will have time to catch your train if all the candidates are going to indulge in so lavish a display.

Our next move is to s ubmit each competitor to a viva voce examination. And it is here that the humour of a competition is more apparent. One candidate whom I asked on one occasion how he would treat a case of poisoning by morphia, replied, "I should at once make him sick wilh an 'anecdote.' " I looked at him and m en tally resolved that that was just about what h e would do. Another, on being asked how he would treat a case of coughing up blood, promptly replied, "I sho uld give him some carron oil." "Indeed," I replied; "what is carron oil ?" ,. Equal parts of lime water and linseed oil," said he, as brisk as you please. "And yo u think, " said I, "that this would be a good thing for him, eh?" "Yes," said he, "the oil would soothe him, and the lime water would heal the part." Before I left I was glad to learn that he had found out that his r e medy was not the one recomm e nd ed by the faculty.

Another candidate being asked to describe the nervous system, said, "Some nerves were 'motor' nerves, others were' sympathetic.'" His method of detailing their functions was somewhat as follows :- Motor nerves were a kind of telegraph up a nd down the spine, which tell your hands and feet what to do. Sympathetic nerves were brought into action when you trod on a tin tack or something like that- it made you sympa thi se.

Another cand ida te, describing his tr eatment for shock, said he would "lay his patient down and flick him we ll with a wet towel," and if that did not answer he wou ld proceed to resort to a rtifici al respiration. "How long would you keep it up?" said 1. "Abuut an hour," he replied. Poor patient. What his collapsed condi tion would be a t the end of that time I leave my readers Lo assume.

One candidate being as k ed wh at course he would adopt were he called o a man who had swallowed a large pie ce of meat and was cho king, gravely informed me that he would" hit him a good j ab in the wind, and that would mak e him belch it up. "

The firemen's lift and artificial respiration always proVE a source of amusement to many; possibly competitors and patients may be at all times specially excepted. As r egards the form e r, h e may be a rather corpulen individual who finds some difficulty in stooping, and to watch him as he struggles with a slip of a youth, who puts himself in th e most awkward positions and positively refuses to be docile and in an imat e , is a truly pathetic s ight. With th e perspiration sta nding on his brow, he essays again and again, only to record another failure; at last, in a fit of d es p e ration, he grabs the offending youth and drags him along the ground and disp e nses with th e lift altogether.

Arrived at his goal, it is then his turn, and a smile of almost sardonic glee o'er spreads his perspiring countenance as he proceeds to unbutton th e clothing of his p:1tient, and then producing a larg e r ed handk erc hief proceeds to flick the unfortun a te youth on the chest, neck or face ; it doesn't

AID.- 157

matter much where the blows fall so long as they get home and tell. And then follows the ceremony of tieing out the patient's tongue. Our friend is a man of r esource; no elas tic band for him. H aving list ened at his patient's chest to see if ther e is any signs of returning respiration, he proceeds to take out his boot ce (a good old leather one). into the helpless youth's mouth goes the red pocket handkerchief, the tongue is g ra sped and made secure with the grimy laCe. And then, the coat having been placed under th e patient's stomach, and his head rested - oh, so tenderly - on one of hi s arms, down comes the full full force of two hands, backed up by a weight of abo ut 17 stone This movement having been repeated about three or four times, the now docile patient is turned over, the coat placed undei' his .houlders, and artificial respiration is resorted to at a pace which proves our huge friend has plenty of energy Then follows a severe course of rubbing, when the unhappy youth returnc:; to his fellows, who have hugely enjoyed his expe ri e nce; while our perspiring fri end, with that sardonic smile still on his fa ce, also r ejo ins his compatriots.

The last test is one for the whole sq kl ad in stretcher work. And here we hav e the t est that proves which team possesses the greater method of working in unison. Some will start out in a way that shows at once how valuable their services would be in the case of an actual accide nt ; each man knows his proper post, and on arrival at the patient at once proceeds to carry out that portion of the work assigned him. Ther e is an absence of talking, only the leader can be heard at intervals giving his orders in a brief undert o n e The result being th at the injury is treated the patient and carried to the desired spot, whilst another team have been holding a committ ee meeting preparatory to a coroner's inquest, we should say, judging by the time they take.

On one occasion I remember the injury was a wound o f the abdomen. One team having fixed th e ir patient up - trussed him beautifully in fact -a nd planked pIllows here and coats th ere, start ed to place him on the stretcher. The attempt, however, was difficult of attainment. At last the lead er was struck with a br ght idea. Rolling his patient on to h is side, be placed the stretcher also on it s s ide close to th e patient's back, and then rolled him on it and carried him off in triumph . But what his instructor said to him at the finish is not wurth r epeating here. I could dilate on a few more incidents, but I am given to und erstand that space is limited. Perhaps this litt le a ttempt on my part may induce some other judges who have had a wid e r expe ri ence th a n myself tl chronicle a few of their experienc es Th ey will doubtless afford some little amusement to competitors, who I think lau gh as heartily as a nyone when their little slips are recounted tc them a ft er the competition is over.

A very sensible decision h as been come to by the Military Authorities. I t is intended to have a class for the special instruction of Infantr y Militia non-commissioned officers in st ret c her, bearer, and ambulance drill. The importan ce and value of suc h a mon th's course-the class is to assemble on the 4th proximo - is assuredly \'e ry considerab le, and there is but little doubt that the experiment will be hi ghly sLlccessful, and if so it shou ld prove a useful help to the R.A.M. C. from a recruiting point of view.

DECORATORS should read their Trade and Art Jouma l " Tlte Decorators' and Painte1'S JIagasi Jle" written by practical men for practical m en Price 6d., by post 8d.; 5s. per al1num post free. Published on the 15th of the month.

Publishers, Dale, Reynolds & Co., 46, Cannon-s tre et, E.C.

Railway Ambulance.

CALEDO IA. RAILWAY -On Saturday, March 28th, in the Company's Boardroom, Glasgow, the awards were made to the two most successful teams that took part in this railway'S Annual Challenge Cup Competition at Perth, on 8th Tovember last. 1\1r. Hillhouse (General Goods :Manager) made the presentations, which consisted of handsome gold badges, to each of the five men composing Buchanan-street Goods Team, and silver badges to those of the Perth contingent.

This is the third occasion on which the custody of the cup has gone to Buchanan-street Goods Team within the past eleven years.

G.c. R.- 'olonel Clement Royds, M.P., une of the directors of the Great Central Railway Company has preto a shield, to be competed for annually, 111 connectIOn with ambulance work.

The first competition for this shield, which is a very handsome one, took place recently in the Board Room ' London-road StatIOn, and extended over two days.

Fifteen teams entered, with the result that the team from Hull secured the trophy after a very close contest. The ewton team was placed and the Penistone team third

The competition was conducted by Dr. Chadwick, of Heaton Chapel, an official examiner of the S.J.A.A who reported that the work perfnrmed by the men generally was of a high standard, and he mentioned the Hull and Newton teams as being particularly smart.

The Hull Team, having won the shield, retain possession of it for twelve months, and they will now be entitled to for International Railway Shield, the competll1on for whlch takes place in London on May 13.

G.E.R. The fmal round in the annual competition on this railway for the Challenge Cup - given by the G E.R. Directors-was contested at the Town Hall , Ley ton, on Thursday R.fternoon, April 2nd.

Out of twenty-five teams who took part in the divisional competitions, the five teams securing the highest number of marks were :-Liverpool-street (No 1 Team), Colchester, March, Brentwood, and Stratford (No.1 Team).

In the final, the result was as follows :- ISt, March, 232 marksj 2nd Colchester, 219 3rd , Liverpool-street, 200 j 4th Brentwood, 176 j and 5th, Stratford, 170. The winner of the special prize for best individual work was Mr. A E. Mortlock, of the March Team, who made 67 marks out of a possible 80 marks.

In the evening a large audience gathered at the Town Hall to witness the distribution of the prizes by the Marchioness of Blandford. The Chairman of the ompany (Lord Claud Hamilton) presided, by Lord Fredk. Hanlilton, Sir Vincent K. Barrington, M A., L.L.M.,

}\[r. J. F. S. Gooday (General Manager), ="1r. J. IIolden (Locomotive Superintendent), Mr. II. G. Drury (Superintendent of the line), l1r. W. Gardner (Goods Manager)

}\[r. R. P. Ellis (Assistant-Supt.), Dr. C. Abbott, Mr. W. ;: Church -Brasier, apt. Hay, Mr. T. O. Mein (Secretary of the C.E. R. Ambulance 'orps), and other gentlemen.

Special War Medals, issued by the Order of SL. John were presented to eleven out of the fifteen members of the corps who had served in outh Africa.

A I D.- Apri l 1903.

The repo r t showed t hat s ince the formation of the co r ps in 1891, 2,305 men have secured cert i ficates i n first aid . The winning team-\larch - wil l this year represent the Great Eastern Rai l way Company in the Inter- Railway Competition for the Challenge hield presented by the S J A.B. The Great Eastern Railway Company's team lYon this competition in 1897 and 1898, and were among the first five teams which competed in the final in 1899 and 1901.

Lord Claud Hamilton spoke of the steady progress of the G E.R. Ambulance Corps, and said he did not believe that the B ritish public knew of the large number of civilians who were qualified to render first aid. The S.J.A.B. did a greR.t amount of good, but there was no institution that its functions more quietly than that great selfsacnficlllg body In England there were many instances where great works for the public good were done but in foreign countries most of such services were by State. But he had no doubt that our system made for the self-reliance and independence of the individual.

Lady Blandford t hen presented the prizes and the medals of the Order o[ t. J olm, and, on the proposal of Mr. J. F S Gooday, a vote of thanks was accorded to her ladyship, for whom Lord Frederick Hamilton duly responded. Other votes of thanks were also accorded and acknowledged.

L. &. N.-W. R. - With a view to increasing the interest of the men in the Goods Department in ambulance work the District Goods Manager (Mr. 1'. Shaw) has decided offer for competition annually a challen rre shield The competition for this year took place in b the dining hall Waterloo Station, Great Howard-street, on April 7th, the presence of Mr. Shaw and others. Each o[ the large StatIOns was represented by a team, there bein rr seven taking part in the competition, which was by Dr. R. Turner.

After a spirited contest the team from Canada Dock Station was declared the winners. The team from Edgehill Station was second.

At the conclusion of the contest Mr. Shaw complimented the men upon the !ligh state of efficiency to which they had attained in the work.

Dr. in a few words, then expressed hlmself as agr.eeably surpnsed at the knowledge possessed by the candIdates, and stated that the practical work of the majority of the teams could not have been improved upon, and that in the Canada Dock Team the railway had one of the finest teams it had even been his lot to meet.

The shield will be presented to the winning team at the coming annual athletic gathering of the company.

At the Zoological Gardens, Belle Vue, Manchester, on March 31st, the final stage of the Ambulance CompetltlOn, promoted by the London and N orth- Western Railway Company, was reached. Eleven teams had qualified by winning the district competitions and were entit led to prizes. '

The work was performcd by the different teams in a highly satisfactory manncr, and the judges had a difficult task in awarding the prizes.

The Kendal team won the first wh ich entiLlcd them to hold the Challenge hield for one year, and they have to reprc?enL the. L. &. N.-W. Railway Company In the S.J.A A National Railway Competition.

Kendal gained 436 marks, Shrewsbu r y being second with 429 marks; Oldham obtained 413; Wolverton, 408;

April, 1903 -FIRST

Bangor (Permanent Way), 406; Leicester, 4°3; Crewe, 392; Ordsall-Iane, 388; Stechford, 382; Spring Bank (loco.), 367 j Widnes, 361.

Mrs. Dorrington afterwards distl ibuted the prizes, and Mr. W. C. Dorrington spoke in appreciative terms of the exhibitions of the various teams He considered it be - and in their case it was - the policy of the directors, not only of the Railway Companies, but of every branch of the community, to encourage the spread of knowledge in first aid. Since 1897, 3,228 members of the staff had passed through the classes and obtained certificates of effic:iency. Of these, 845 had passed the second examination, and 547 the third or final examination and obtained the bronze medallion. During the past twelve months first aid had been rendered by the ambulance members in no fewer than 1,87 cases. With a view to still further encourage the ambulance men to keep up their knowledge of the work by passing the final examinations the London and North-Western Railway Company had just decided to give the men and their wives a special or extra pass over their system for the year in whieh members passed their second or final re -examination.

Dr. Wilkinson (Oldham) and Dr. Sutherland (Cl e ckheaton) officiated as judges, and the former gentleman, in a short speech, said the general work was of an exceedingly high standard.

MIDLAND AND GREAT ORTIIERN JOINT RAILWAY.Ambulance teams from various stations on tl1is railway mel in the C.RY.M.S. Rooms, Norwich, on Thursday, April 2nd, and, in the presence of a large assembly oJ speclators, competed for the challenge trophy presented by thr: officials of the railway. Surgeon-Capt. Brookes, of Fel ixstowe, and Dr. '. O. Eades, of Ipswich, were the judge s and ten squads competed. }\[elton .onstable No. Squad secured 429 marks, and retained the cup for another twelve months. The other scores were :- Norwich Loco. 4 08 marks, South Lynn No. I, 401, South Lynn o. 2, 306, Sulton Bridge 359, Melton Constable, No.2, 342, Torwich Traffic 335, \Visbech 294, IIolbeach 29 [, and Yarmouth 25 8

At the prize distribution by Mrs. Marrioll which followed Mr. J. J. Petrie (traffic manager) presided, and was supported by Surgeon-Captain Brookes, Dr. Eades and others.

The Chairman welcomed all those who were present upon that, their fifth competition for the Silver Challenge Cu p. He was pleased to learn that the work had been performed in a very satisfactory manner. He was glad to think that they had a young team from the little place called IIolbeach - whilst there was also present the comparatively newly-organised team from \Visbech. lIe trusted the employes would continue to evince the same interest in the work as they had done in the past. It was a humane work, and one which commended itself to them all.

Surgeon-Captain Brookes returned thanks to the Authorities [or having conferred upon him the honour of bing one of th judges. He certainly considered the teams were quite up to the standard of last year. His colleague and hims If had addressed purposely rather hard questions to the men in the 7'l'va VOt'e examination. With regard to the practical work, he was of opinion there wa a decided improvement, the bulk of the teams gra ping the principle of how to stop bleeding immediately, and also in the method of treating fractures. The men were attached to the St. John Ambulance Association, and were very properly instructed by teachers appointed by the company,

A 1 D.- 159

but what he wanted was to see them become members of the S.J.A.B. The Government were relying on that Brigade. In the late South African War 2,200 men were sent out to help in nursing our soldiers and only recently the Admiralty had recognised the Brigade, by asking the members, in case of necessity and national danger, to go on to the ships of war, or into the Naval Hospitals, to officiate as sick bay attendants. The men would need to perform only twelve drills per year for that purpose. If the men would join the Brigade he should be pleased to render them all the assistance necessary and he therefore hoped the company would prevail upon the men to join.

Dr. Eades also returned thanks for his appointment as one of the judges

The customary votes of thanks terminated the proceedi ngs.

N. - I":. R. The final competition in connection with Torth-Eastern Railway Ambulance Centre took place on 'aturday afternoon, April 4th, in the Railway Institute, York. There were six teams entered from various parts of the system, which the winner will represent the N orthEastern Railway Centre in the ational Competitions in London.

The teams competing were Leeds New Station, Hartlepool Station, Hull Goods, Newcastle Central, Darlington Torth-road Traffic, and York Goods. Dr. G. H. Darwin, of Manchester, acted as judge, and his task, as will be seen by the r e sults, was by no means an easy one.

Amongst those who attended were the following:Mr. Henry Tennant, J.P. (director), Mr. \Y. J. Cudworth (engineer), Mr. G. Hope (assistant general superintend e nt), Mr. H. T. Ellis (York North district superintendent), lr. W. oble (Leeds District superintendent), 1r. C. H. Ellison (telegraph superintendent), 1\1r. F. Penty (chairman of the centre), Mr. G. Jackson (general secretary of the centre), J. Tinkler and numerous other officials.

The General Manager ( It. C. S. Gibb) was to have presided and presented the medallions to the winning team, and also two bronze madallions - the Victoria Cross of railway men-and six certificates for" meritorious first aid services," but he wrote from London expressing his regret that business there prevented him attending, but he hoped that whichever team took part in the National Competition in London would bring back the challenge shield which hung in York Station two years ago. Mr. George Hope th 11 performed the duties which would otherwise have fall to I[r. Gibb

Dr. Darwin, in announcing the result of the competition, e ' pressed the great pleasure it gave him to come to York to examine the six sections. He put Hull first with 315 points out of a possible 364 j Hartlepool came s cond, with 299 j York third, with 293; Tewcastle fourth, with 282 j Leeds fifth, with 271 j and Darlington sixth, with 261. The York 1eam, added Dr. Darwen, was a very good one, and had they been a little more careful in one or two technical points they would have been above Hull. The m dical gentleman also spoke of the importance o[ railway people having a knowledge of ambulanc work, because they never knew when an accident might occur.

The Chairman then presented the medallions to the Hull Team. He also handed a bronze medallion to Edward K. 'lapham, a porter at Leeds Wellington who av e d a man from choking, and a similar honour to Leonard 'ockerill, of File)', who rendered first aid to a girl \\'ho had taken poison. At the time of the occurrence no

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was available, if it not been for the prompt actIOn o.f M1'. Cockenll the gIrl would have died. Four other FIley men, and a man from Leeds and one from York were presented with certificates.

Th.e men rescued four men who had been buned 111 a brIck through the roof falling upon them, and afterwards effiCIently attended to their injuries.

The Leeds man who is an engine driver, rendered all the ass]stance he could. to Guard Thompson, who was fatally scalded at the Nev]lle Hlll collision in 1901.

The York man attended to the wounds of a man who was severely,injured in York Station last August.

In. f!1akmg the presentation, II'. Hope congratulated reCIpIents, and said he hoped that the rewards would stImulate them to continue their efforts in the ambulance cause.

The proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Dan:en for his services that afternoon, and to the other gentlemen who had kindly given lectures and ll1structJOn to the men. He said the remarks of the doctor shoul? encourage them to go on with their excellent work, and, If they had beer: beaten that afternoon, to make another atten:pt next tIme. Mr. Penty seconded the vote of thanks whIch was carried with acclamation.

Dr. Darwen! in acknowledging the vote, stated that he had been teach!ng and examining in ambulance work for the last twenty-sIx years, and deplored the fact that those who worked so hard in the ambulance cause got no recogl1ltJOn. He was speaking broadly, and he thou ght a lecturer, aft.er ten or fifteen years service, should be some spec]al medal or some little order for his servIces.

.A similar v.ote to the chairman closed the proceedings, and 111 the a smoking concert was held at the Pack Horse Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. George Hope A capItal programme had been arranged and th.e entertall1ment was well attenged and thoroughly a pprecla ted.

S.-E. & C.R.-Never was the ambulance work on the and Railway taken such a keen Il1terest 10, as has been eVIdenced during the past season. Over three new members have joined the classes, an.d the competItIOns for the three Challenge Cups and prizes offered by the Directors have been productive of some excellent work all round.

There are teams throughout S.-E. & C.R System, and these teams competed at Ashford on March loth, .and at on the two following days. The first SIX teams qualified for the final competition which was held Camberwell on Tuesday, March 3 Jst, with the followll1g result ;-

1St, Victoria 9 [; 2nd, Herne Hill 88; 3rd, Ramsgate 82.J 4 th , Bron:ley 80; 5th Dartford 78; 6th, BroadstaIrs 74. MaXimum number of marks 100.

The first named team will represent the Company at the forthc?ming ationa l Railway Shield Comp t't' rrh t . e I JOn. e eam Jl1 que;tlOn IS team that has previously represented the Company I.n competition and succeeded on more than one occasIOn 111 fighting its way into the final round -no mean position.

The support given the am bulance movement by the. Directors and Officers of the Company is greatl appreciated by the mem bers of the classes y guardians have that the whole of the nu.rl1lng staff at the workhouse Infirmary. shall be taught fire drIll. Pauper messengers are also to receIve similar tuition.

AI D.- April, 1903.

The Lealnington Spa Fire Tender.

TOWARDS the end of last year we mentioned that l\f r. C. T. Crowden, of Leamington, haa secured the contract for supply of a motor. fire tender. for the Leamington Fire Bngade. ThiS machme was dcslNned and constructed by has had exceptionally wide experience cOI?nec.tlOn WIth such works as apply to fire extinguishmg-. m hIS own The veh.icle has been specially deSIgned,. an? as It IS the first ve.hlcle of its type in this It w111, no doubt, come 111 for considerable criticIsm. The considerations for an engine of this type are mal?)" and all appear to be well met in Mr. Crowden s deSIgn. In the first place, as will be seen, the vehicle accommodates a crew of six effective members the driver not being required to the horses. 'The escape c.arned IS ?f the u.sual deSign, thirty feet in length, in additlOnto which scalIng laddcrs are carried. The body of the a chcmical engine, by means of which carbOl1lC aCid gas is used to combat fire in enclosed areas. Three hundred yards of hose, together with the necessary nozzles, hranches, &c , are also carried.

As to the motor and its mechaTJism themselves these are. on with certain additions and to SUlt the CIrcumstances under which the vehicle IS to be T.he e?gine is of the four-cylinder type, WIth the cylmders 111 pairs and opposite one another the power developed being 20 h. p. '

A notable constructional feature is in the method of connecting the con.necting rods of the opposed cylinders to a crank-pm. The end of the first cylinder connectmg rod has a beanng upon the full width of the crankpm. The second rod end takes a bearing over first one, thIS. bemg recessed, to get the greatest bearll1g surface pOSSI ble. By this means the off-set on the rods i.s reduced to three-eighths of an inch, a practlcil:lly negative quantity, while the thrust upon the crank-pm IS the same from both pistons. There is of co.urse, a slight rubbing action between the big ends, 'but thiS only amounts to the d.ifference of the cylinder from the vertlc.al Substantial prOVIde for the effiCIent .lubncatlOn of both working surfaces. As connect1l1g rod bIg ends are solid on account of theIr ovedapping, a built-up crankshaft is used. The water jackets to the cylinders are constructed on a system for which Mr. Crowden holds a patent. This covers separate jacketing of. the cylinder and head, the connection between the two bemg made by copper tubing. The carburetter .IS of the DaImler type, and thc ignition is, of course, electnc.

Another feature is a central sliding bearing to the change-spe.ed gear shafts. These shafts are in the first place par.tlcularly but as the work will be heavy, it was conSIdered expedIent to add the extra bearing The result has been the elimination of all tendency to " chatter" by the springing of the two shafts. The gear itself is on the sliding principle, and four spee?s forward and a reverse. The usual side chams transmit power ro the road drivin a wheels the chains being, of COUlse, extra strong. b ,

The steering-gear is unusual in more than one respect as m the .first the steering wheel is placed on left-hand sld.e, and In the place .it acts directly on to the steenog arm, thus domg away WIth all connect in a the steering road wheels. b

. The framework is of plain bar iron, built in accordance WIth Bury locomotIVe practice, and well braced up. The

April, 19 0 3. -FIRST back axle and springs are carried in a supplementary frame sliding within the main frame to admit of a ready and equal adjustment of the driving chains. The road wheels are built on Mr. Crowden ' s patents, which cover the double dishing of the wheel, a system which secures remarkable lateral stability without any increase in weight. This is a wheel which we should like to see more generally adopted, as it is eminently suited to its purpose The tyres used are solids, extra long springs beil1g fItted to take up road shocks.

The vehicle has just undergone its urst road tesls, covering a distance of forty miles in good style.

Great praise is due to 11r. Crowden for the enterprise he has dis pia yed, as he was undou btedl y the first one to produce the modern motor fire engine when he converted the 1 0rw ich Union's (Worcester) engine into a selfpropeller, and he has now made another mark in history by the production of a fire tender.

The Leamington Corporation also deserve thelr meed of praise for the enterprise they have displayed, which has givcn their townsman a further opportunity, but it must not be forgotten that the contra c t was secured in open competition. Tile Autocar.

Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

Mr. William J. May, the officer recently appointed to take charge of the Bishopsgate Station of the Brigade, and a young fireman under his command, Laurence A. B. Peile, have had the distinction of being recommended by Captain Wells for the highest award obtainable in the London Fire Service, namely, the silver medal for extraordinary bravery. The act which has won so fitting an acknowledgment was performed by the two men at a fire which occurred in Great Alie-street, Goodman's Field s, just after midnight on March 23 rd An eight-roomed house burst into flames, and in a few minutes the ground floor and the staircase were blazing furiously, entirely cutting off the ordinary means of exit. By the use of a couple of blankets the police hastily improvised a jumping sheet, into which a woman fell unharmed from a second floor window at the back. Another constable entered the burning building, snatch e d up a child, and escaped with it to the street.

" Then the horsed escape from the Whitechapel Station drove up there were still a dozen people in jeopardy. One after another they were carried do\>yn. \Vhen it was thought all were saved a mother missed her babe, and rushing up to the firemen, besought them to try and save it. The place was so well alight that the attempt seemed to be almost hopeless, but withuut any hesitation Station Officer lay and Fireman Peile, who had arrived on the Bishopsgate steamer, essayed the task. The former mounted a ladder, and directed a powerful jct of water into the room where the child was supposed to be. He thus drove b:1ck the flames and smoke, creating a passage which enabled Peile to creep in on all fours in search of the child. After a protracted search Peile found the babe huddled under the clothing in a cot. Still protected by the jet of water, he fought his way back to the window, where the child was received and carried down by Fireman Mackay.

In making the communication to Officer May and Fireman Peile, Captain Welts shook each by the hand and eulogised their daring deed.

Between one and two o'clock on April 9th a fatal fire occurred at 9, Sumner -street, Clerk en well, occupied by an Italian provision merchant named Terroni. The police

AI D.- 16 r

discovered the outbreak, and learned that there were two persons asleep in the upper part of the house. Pending the arrival of the fire brigade from Rosebery-avenue, the policemen made desperate efforts to reach the sleeping inmates, but they were driven back by the flames and smoke . When the firemen arrived the building was like a furnace, and there was little hope of anyone being found alive within. Ladders were rais e d, and eventually the firemen made their way into the room where two young Italians had been sleeping. They were found suffocated. Their names are Ochi Cerevara, aged twenty-six, and Emilio Cerevara, aged eighteen. The shop and house were very badly damaged by the flames.

In opening the newly-erected fire station in Blackstockroad on Thursday, April 2nd, Mr. E. Smith, chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee of the Council, gave some interesting illustrations of the growth of the brigade since it passed into the care of the Council in r899. Then the brigade had nine long ladders; now it had 22. Then there were no horsed escapes at all; now there were 63, and to these appliances it was, he thought, impossible to attach too much importance. A horsed escape could travel a mile in five minutes, and whereas the men pushing the old hand escapes arrived at a fire exhausted, nowadays the men came fresh and ready for anything Under the Council, too, hydrants had been increased from 8,881 to 27.493, the strength of the brigade had been nearly doubled, and yet the whole cost was only a little over a rd. in the pound. Under the direction of Captain Wells a "call" was given, and escape and engine turned out in something like half a minute.

The new station was designed by the Council's architect, and constructed by the Works Department, and has cost £ r 1,620. It is furnished with a steam fire engine, a horsed escape, and besides accommodation for these and other appliances and stabling, has living-rooms for the staff of a station officer, nine firemen, and two coachmen. The building has taken about a year to complete.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

BLAcKBURN.-On Friday, April 3rd, the (Mr. 'IV. Farnworth) presented Inspector Simpson and Policeconstables Patterson and W. A. Jones, of the Blackburn Fire Brigade, each with a framed certificate and £3 35. from the Society ;or the Protection of Life from Fire, in recogniLIon of gallantry displayed at the fire at a waste warehouse in Fielding-street early on the morning of November 9th.

According to the official report, groans were heard in the place when the fire was raging, and the inspector, together with the two firemen, after crevping upon their hands and knees-being compelled to do so in consequence of the heat and dense smoke-came across the dead body of a man named O'Jvlalley. After they had conveyed the body to the boiler-house they were informed that groans could still be heard. Again they entered, and succeeded in reaching a man called John William Bolton. He was partially suffocated, and they carried him out, subsequently restoring animation by artificial respiration. The men and one or two others were rewarded by the Watch Committee, and the gallantry of the three named had been brought to the notice of the Society for the Protection of J ,ife from Fire.

The Ivlayor congratulated Inspector Simpson, and said he was an officer in the true sense of the word. He never

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asked one of his men to do anything he would not do himself.

Inspector Simpson briefly acknowledged the Mayor 's kindly utterances.

BRISTOL.-At the recent great fire in Bristol efficient provision was made by the S.J.A.B. City of Bristol Corps and by the Bristol City Marine Am bulance Corps. The members of the former were under the command of Supt. Morrish, and the Marine Am bulance men were under the direction of Capt. Tresize, Lieut. de JPorse)" 2nd Lient. Washer, and others. A strong force of police was required to cope with the crowds, and was directed by tIle Chief Constable (Mr. H. Allbutt),

The services of the ambulance men were called into requisition twice, though no serious casualties occurred. A fireman was struck on the knee by some falling matter, and had to be medically treated, while one of the police was temporarily overcome by the smoke, but was able to rP.turn to his duty.

CHIPPENHAM.-At the dinner on Wednesday evening, April 3rd, the Mayor presiding, the "ice-chair being occupied by Hon. Capt. Gardner, of the Stroud Fire Brigade, his Worship incidentally stated that the brigade possesses a n e w steamer, a splendid new engine house, and a supply of gear of which any brigade might be proud.

DRIFFIELD.-The fire escape presented to this town by the trust ees of the late Manuel Kirkby has arrived, and has been placed in the fire station specially built for the reception of the escape and its equipment; and the ambulance, the latter the gift of Mr. H. Powell, of Sou thorpe Lodge.

MOLD.-On Saturday, March 215t\ the members of the fire brigade were examined in the principles of first aid, as well as in stretcher ambulance drill, by Surgeon Major Harrison, Whitefriars, Chester, chairman of the Ambulance Committee of the National Fire Brigades' Union. The examination lasted several hours, and was one of an exceedingly severe character. The men had been most assiduously coached by Dr. Edward Williams, the chief hon. surgeon of the 10rth Wales district, and it is not too much to say that Dr. Williams has been unremitting in his attention, and has spared no pains to make the members of the brigade as efficient as possible. For weeks past drills have been conducted by Dr. Williams and Sergt. Instructor Whybrow at the Town Hall, and nothing has been left undone which could in anyway enhance the prospects of the men at the examination.

RUTHIN. -Si nce Mr. T. J. Rouw has resigned the captaincy of the Fire Brigade, considerable curiosity has been aroused as to who would be appointed to rill the vacancy The subject has been under the deliberation of the council, but no satisfactory conclusion could be arrived at. It is now rumoured that Mr. E. Tegid Owen, who is a lieutenant of th e Brigade, has accepted the captaincy, subject to certain conditions The appointment of lieutenants is still under consideration

Those of our readers who knew Capt. Rouw and had learned to regard him in the light of a personal friend will regret to hear of his severance from the work in which he took so keen an interest. Capt. Rouw and his Welsh pompi e r lads were always an interesting item at meetings of the National Union, and we shall miss his cheery and breezy welcome at future gatherings.

Al D. - April, 1903

Letters to the Editors

.

TVe al e in no way responsible for tlte opinions expressed 01' tlte statelllents made, by C07Tespolldellts. - EDITORS.

A correspondent forwards us the accompanying cutting and asks us to tell him whether it is official and authentic. to say it is not within our province to do so; we are neIther 111 the confidence of the army medical authorities or the other powers that be, but we presume the notice would not have been published were it not absolutely bona fide. At any rate our correspondent's best plan is to write to the fountain head and ascertain.

" For some months past Mr. Harry J. Sabin has been in communication with the War Office with referen ce to the clasps belonging to the South African war medals which were presented to the Birmingham Ambulance Volunteers by Mr. Chamberlain, at Highbury, last August. Mr. Sabin, IS one of reci pients referred to, forwarded a prelImIl1ary roll settII1g forth the names and particulars of a number of the men entitled to the clasps somc time back, and as has been some misconception on the matter has that :-' The members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade who served uncleI' contract with the Royal Army Corps will recei"e any clasps to which they may be entItled under the terms of Army Order 94 of 1901, the same as soldIers of the regular army, &c.' On applying for a copy of the Order to Mr. Sabin was informed that no copies were a\'aIlable for Issue from the \Va r Office but could be , obtall1ed on payment from Messrs. Harrison and Sons, St. April 1artln's-lane, W.e. Army Order 94 of 1901 appeared in the orders of that year, and was subsequently amended by the orclers of June, 190[, August, [901, and October, 1902. Tbe DirectorArmy. Medical Service, has expressed his inability to give an. approxImate date when the clasps will be ready, but they wIll be sent to Mr. Sabin for distribution as soon as possible, instead. of the Chief Commissioner at St. John 's Gate, Cle.rkenwell, as IS customary. Men who have not yet sent in theIr names should therefore so wi[hout delay, giving regimental number, name of medical unit to which they were attached, &c., and forwarcl the same to Mr. Harry J. Sal)in, Clarence Chambers, Corporation-street."

THE ROYAL PROGRESS.

DEAR SLRS, - Kindly allow me a few lin es on behalf of the Yorkshire men and nursing sisters who took part in the Royal Progress on October 25th.

The corps of which I am superintendent secretary had 36 mem bel'S accepted for the Coronation Procession June 26th men and 10 nursing sisters). Each volunteered 'on the condItIOns that. they paid their own expenses. Each ambulance member paId me by June 21st 20S. 6d., namely, 15s. railway and 5s. 6d. barrack accommodation. Each nursing sister pald.27 s ., namely, T 5s. fare and 12S. botel for two nights. On receipt of the sad news of the King's illness all the money was returned. When the second call was made for the Royal Progress, 28 were accepted ( 19 men and nine nursing sisters ) By October 20th each member again paid me a similar fare, and The party travelled by the mldmght tram, arnvll1g 111 London at 6 a.m. They were then on their feet until 6 p.m., when the free tea was partaken of at the restaurar:tt. Many who had expected to see London after duty and retIre to rest at [2 o'clock were g lad to retire by 10 p.m We all returned home on the Sunday so that it could n ot be termed a pleasure tri p

Most of our members lost a daY's wage for Saturday as well as the necessary expenses in London. Our members who volunteered for the Royal Progress were who were not not. able to vo lunteer for South Africa, but were willing to do their share for the S.) .A. B.; and seeing that medals were Issued to t!1e for the Diamond Jubilee, and two for South Africa, It was only fair that we should havc some recognition if only a Progress bar.

I feel sure that if our patron, King Edward VI I., knew that medals were to be granted to the volunteers and police he would certainly extend a like consideration to the ambul;nce men and .nursing sisters The Royal Progress not baving been mentIOned 111 the latest B.O, clateq Mi:l,rch ] $th, I think it

April, 1903. -F IRST is time that the officers in every county who were on duty, should petition headquarters on behalf of the members for some slight recognition. The hon-surgeons must have had a hard and expensive task to engage other surgeons to take their practice while away.

Thankin g you for the use of your yaluable FIRST AID Journal, which I consider the key note for ambulance information. Yours truly.

e. T. Dewsbury, April 13th, 1903.

DEAR SIRS,-Being a constant reader of FIRST Am, might I ask you whether, as Editors of FIRST AID, you could do anything towards obtaining for us medals for the Progression. I think we can all say we thoroughly deserve one, as our work wasn't easy anywhere along the route. I think it would be better for all the ambulance men who went IIp to London if they knew wbether it was" yes" or "no " in regard to the medals.-I remain yours obediently,

M. C. S. March 25th, 1903.

[vVe regret that we are unable to help our good friends. We quite agree that it does seem hard that those ambulancers from the provinces should not get a medal, but it must be borne in mind that it was given for Coronation duty only, and therefore we feel the duty =a t the Royal Progress does not count. Bowever, why not submit the question to Lore! Knutsford, the Director of the Order? His lordship is known as a kindly and sympathetic nobleman, and if be could redress a wrong he would spare no pains to do so.--EDs.]

DEAR SIRS, - While fully endorsing all William R. Magnus says in reply to " H. and D.", I venture to think that had thu se in authority taken the members of the brigade into their confidence, as I understand thc)' might ha\'c done some months' ago, they would have prevented a good deal of unnecessary grumbling and thc expression of such opinions as that of 'Hon. Surgeon. " E\'idently the "powers that be " at St. John 's Gate object to being hurried m'cr such a small matter as a decoration, for as long ago as August, 1901, they sent round an order stating that a brigade medal would be issued to those men who served in South Africa, yet after 20 months no medals are forthcom ing.

But patience is a virtue always expected and generally found in ambulance men.-Yours: &c., SERGEANT, ( No.4 Division ) S.J.A.B.

[ \Ve publish this letter , but we would remind" Sergeant" th at in our last months' issue we stated that the medal in question was issued, as we had received intimation to this effect from the courteous Hon. General Secretary of the ational Fire Brigades' Union. \Ve fear that" Sergeant" does not read his FIRST Am carefully - EDS.]

VOLUNTARY AID TO THE SICK AND WOU DED IN WAR.

DEAR SIRS, - I read Surgeon-;\1ajor Hutton's report on the above, given in your March issue, with much interest. Also the news of Colonel Duke, R.A.M.e., given therein. Is this the gentleman who is reported to have greeted a party of the S.J.A.B. on their arrival in camp at vVynberg as follows:" Have any of you men been in a hospital?" Reply:" No, sir." Then turning to his Sergt. Major, remarked, "vVhat's the use of sending mcn out like these, who know notllin g !" Col. Duke thinks that the S.J.A. men need hospital trainin g We are aware of it When and where would they get it? Would the Government pay for these men going one month or six months to do duty in a military ho spital? And would the employers of these men grant them leave of absence for such a length of time, in order to enable them to go into a hospital?

The S.J.A. men were indeed a long way in advance of the untrained regimental orderlies sometimes employed, for they did know sOllletlzz'ng about ambulance work. In fact, every man of the S.J.A. B. who went out to South Africa held the nursing certificate of the S.J.A.A., and had gone through a special course of training immediately before leavin g England.

I agree with Surgeon-Major Darwin that any man who merely

got the S.J.A.A. certificate, and then failed to keep himself in practice, not attending any ambulance drills or lectures, would soon be nearly useless as regards ambulance work. :vI any policemen get a "first aid" certificate, and then attend no further lectures or drills, yet continue to wear the S.J.A.A. badge. What use are such men in time of need?

Many men of the S.J.A. B. in Soutn Africa, although never having had any previous hospital training, took such a deep interest in their work and performed their duties so well, as to call for the high commendation from the officers and non-commissioned officers of the RA.l\l.e., under whom they served. This is enough to prove that the men of the S.J.A.B. in time of war, even at very short notice, were willing to leave their civil employment, and able to render a good account of themselves in carrying out duties, many of which were entirely new to them.

U nc1er such circumstances, every encouragement should be given to cvery ambulance corps throughout the Empire. An efficient ambulance man, like a soldier, cannot be made at a moment's notice. - Yours faithfully, J. Sli\[PSON YEATES, Supt. Pemith and District Ambulance Corps. M arch 28th, 19°3. -------.--.-------

I TERNATIONAL FIRE who ha\'e painted fire scenes or studies of fire brigade life are requested to communicate with the han. secretary of the Loan Section of the impending International Fire Exhibition, Earl's Court, S. ,\V. There will be a special group for British art in this section, as also a hlack and white group. Owners of pictures depicting acts of heroism at fires, either on land or at sea, are also requested to communicate with the bon. secretary with the view of exhibiting on this occaSlOn.

FERRIS & CO.' S " MIDGET" Pock et Ambulance Case

A NEAT TIN L.-\SE with ]{ o unded C orn· e rs Filling ea ily into the Pocket, measur· ing 4in. by 3iin. by in., and weighing under 50 Z

An extremely Portable and Handy Outfit for First Aid, which should be kept at hand in every Household.

SPa;ally Su;tabiL'/or :

FIR ST Am BY

PHYSI C IAr\S, TU R SES,

Ar.llHJ LJ\XCE

A SSOC IATIO)lS, TOUR1STS, ATllLETES, CYCLISTS, &c.

PRICE COMPLETE, 1/ 9 each. Manufactured by S/,aial Terms for Qualililies

FERRIS &. COM PANV, Surgical Instrument Makers, BRISTOL. CONi'LETE //, lfBULAJI 'CE OUTFiTS, STRETCHERS, Sl'LiXlS, c·c. Eyery Requisite for l'ubhc or l'rivate Ambulance Work,

p:ovlded which, together WIth the glVmg of n?tice wlthm the time as helembefore mentioned, is the essence of thiS

This insurance holds good for current Issue only, and carnes the benefits of and is subject to, the conditions of the.

ACCIDENT A D GUARA TEE COMPA \, Limited, Act, 1890,» Risks Nos. 2 and 3.

The Corporation admit that the purchase of thiS Paper IS the payment of a premium under Section 34 of the Act. "

No person can recover under more than one Coupon

The Independent Journal for the

o. I07.-VOL IX. [NEW SERIES.]

IMPORTANT NOTICE. - The date of publication of "First Aid" is the 20th of the month.

To Our Readers.

As it is the earnest wish amI desire of the new Proprietors to make thie; Journal as attractive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in al l parts of the country arc asked to gi"e it all the help they can.

Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Di"isions of the SL. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Volunteer l edica l Starr Corps, the Volunteer Ambulance School of In struction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the mem ber of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are ill\ ited for Prize Competitions ancl other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

\Ve particularly desire to our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication

\Ve are pleased to record the fact that we are already receiving a g reat accession of e;upport from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limit ed, in dealing with reports of I.)cal meetings for presentation of certificates, ,,"c., it would be better that a brief report were written, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon by tht:! principal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should be sent gi\'ing in detai l the whole record of the meeting. This report is doubLle s interesting to local First-aider, but it must be borne in mind that we are catering for the Ambulance anu Fire JJrigade worlel at hrge.

OF

For 12 111 on lhs, 2 6d., post free, to be sent to the ru blishe rs, Dale, H.eynolds and Co., 46, Cannon-street, London, E C. 7 'd',sraphic A ddress-" 'TweJltYJoll1', LOJldoJl.·' Telephone NO.-5'477 Balik.

Brevities.

"MOTOR " wri tes us and says: "Your very perseveri ng correspondent, 'L. .\. c.', I observe never fails to los e a chance of bringing to your notice something which is to be recorded against motor cars, but as he never has anything to say in their favour, I think I shall venture to take up a brief on their behalf, and with your kind permission from tim e to time plead something on the other side. The following comes from Paris where the motor is largely used. It speaks for itself, and is a vindication of the deadly murderous charge levell ed against the motor. You can pull up a motor, you see, in its own length, but if your hors es bolt and once get the whip hand - well, there you are!" * * *

"THE present week has indeed been an animated one In the automobi le world, for not on ly has it seen the start

and Fire Services.

and JOHN REYNOLDS.

[Entered at Stationers' Ifall.]

PRICE TWOPENCE.

of the great Franco-Spanish race, but the chauffeurs of the capital have made an attempt to convince the authorities how much less dangerous th ey are than their reputation. The legal rate of speed in Paris is r6 kilometres an hour (about 10 miles). Strange to say, in the Bois de Boulogne, where there is more room and less traffic, the maximum speed was r 2 kilometres. This crawling speed weighed on the chauffeurs - or, at least, th ey said it did, though I ha\ e yet to see the French motorist who observed the regulations. In consequence they invit e d the members of the Municipal Council to undertak e a test of the handiness and stopping powers of the modern motor car. Three or four itineraries two kilometres long were mapped out through the busiest part of the city. These were traversed by the motor cars, each containing a municipal councillor, in less than 60 minutes, that is to say, at a speed almost twice the legal rate, without the slightest accident. In the Course of the journ ey lay figures were thrown before the automobiles, to represent foot passengers, who might get in tbe wa)" and in every case they escaped scatheless, the cars avoiding them or pulling up dead before they were reached. It was pro\'ed that a motor car going at 25 to 30 kilometres an hour c:.tn be pulled up in its own length."

* * *

I N the early days of the late South r\frican War, Colonel Gubbins bore a considerable amount of the stress and strain that "'.:AS placed on the army medical department in coping with the calls th:1.t were made upon it to pro\'ide the necessary details, &c., to meet the requirements in South \fri ca. His speech at th e dinner of the Volunteer l \mbulan cl! School of Instruction was both a vindication of the cknges that hav e been le\'ellcd against th e and a lll:1.n!)" straightforward expression of thanks to the \' arious Associations which had come forward and helped their country in its hour of need. In the course of his remarks, Colonel Gubbins said: "It had been reported of the Army Department that it was unprepared, but he wished to point out to the medical officers present that at the beginning of the war they had been told that they would not be required to prepare for an army of more than 80,000 men, but the calls made upon them required hospital assistance for an army of 250,000 m en " In a thoroughly frank and soldierly speech he admitted how much the department o\yed to such societies as the St. John l \mbulanc e, the St. Andrew's Ambulance, the Auxiliary Bearer Companie, and to the private hospitals. olone! Gubbins did not claim for his department perfection, but he pointed out in a way that carried conviction, that everyone connected with that branch of th e service had done his best, and that they

166 - FI RST

w 're o nl y too an x ous Lo acknowl 'dge in the fullesL sens' how llluch Lhey owed to tht: spkndid volun ary assistallCl' they had recvivl'd ;ll thc hand s or tlwir civil ('ol11pnriols. t ",as a generous testimony, :1nd will, we aI" sure, hl' appre ciaLt:d by :t ll who had a hand 111 Al11hu!:11H'L' Sel vic' ill SouLh Africa 'X' -l(. *

A 1\II.:IIICI\1. correspondent asks how much long 'r arc th e allthoriti 'S at Sl. J olm's (;:lte going to rVI:tin as p:lrt of tlwir cOl11pelitio n progralllllll lh:ll :tnliquat'd itclll "the Ilrt; 11lal1 'S lifl a nd artif'tcia respir:ttio,l." I Iv points oul Ihat it is nvwr well dOIH', many of Ih e competitors silllply succecd i n g 11 ilia king thelllselvcs look ridiculous ill lIll'i I' struggles with a boy, agcd abouttL'11 years, who will not ('n tl l into th e spil it of tit ,t hin g. I fit lllu st he rcLlin 'd, hc says I>yall mean s have dUIIIIlly slIllJccls, as :lIl' llsed at rlre COI11 p'l1tlons In thL' cou r se oC It kngl hy \etll'r h rdL'rs to many ot\H'r d,tail s in c()l1nl'ction with COlllpl'tilions, but SO llie of thclll arc obviollsly IlIltttl'rS that should be rerCl"It 'd dile c to till' lH'adqll nll'l s of th l' St. .1 01111 Alllbul:lIH'l' Association, and ar' not su lljl'( 'IS rur di sc u ssi() n III OLII colul11ns.

Railway Alnbulancco

L.8.:. s. \V, RAII.WA\. Th c Iinal rollnd in Ih e third annua l a11lhul:u\('l' competition for the g rand ( h:lill ll gv Shi Id and si lvL:r Illedals, pre s Ill d Il y till' din.:ctors of Ihi s railway, took at Ull Api il 23 1tl 1,'u lIllcell tcam s from al parts of the ( 'oll lJ>any 's sys tem entel'l'd tilt , competition, and timin g the past rl'W WL'l'b these IIcre e\ :lInin'd in th eir r espcl'live districls, th e result being that 1L':ltll S I' 'p res Iltin g \vimbledon, ( 'hris lchurch, Soulhamptoll I locks II, and !t:\l'lt'r found themselves in th e /ina\. \ imlJIl'llon Wl'lL' s trong favourites, h :l \ ing won till' slti ' Id in l)0 I and :\g:t n la s )'L'ltr.

L'rior 10 tl\(' c()lIlpdilion, 1\11' \ \'. Illlckllla skr, the hon, send,\I y oj tltl' I " 1\ S, \V, \{ailw ,IY I lranl h of the S.J.l ,A, addlL'ssu l tit cUlIlpd itor s and alluded to the sylllpatlll'tic and very keen jll'lsonal interest takL'n by Sir ('hades (lw e n s, the (;L' ncral l\ l anag 'I, in thcir worl,- Much progr ess, Ill' said, had hc 'n made sinn: th amblllancL' IlHl\'l' ml lIt was sta r ted in B ()t). L::1I y 2,000 Iin;1 :lid and re l',al11ination ('l'rtillcall's had heen gainl'<l, and no fewcr than 1,182 cast' s of accident (m:tny or lhl'Il1 se iou s) 10 memb ers of th e staff had been allelltkd by the ( 'O IllP:II1Y 'S el1'p l oyL's.

IlL l'otlL'r, of Ken si n g lon In[irl1lary, conduclt'(\ Ih e e,aminatiol1, and, amid IllUch l'\citellll'nt, tkc aret! \\ il1lllle don th e winners wit h -.:It) points, Southampton )uck s B te:l111 being pllle'd s 'con d witlt _ I point s, ( ' hli stchmch thinl with _ I, and I':\l'ter fourth with It total of 205.

\\ learn that th' c1i :l ry of th lat SergI. Inti 'r is se ll ing well, mote than half the editton bein g aln.:ady dispo sed or. I"i rst ai(krs (ksirous of sl'curing a opy should s' lld th ei r orders ttl thl' publishers, !\Ie ss rs. Alkinson :tnd I'oll ett, ,-entlal, \VestlllOrL'lanu, without delay.

A I D. - MaY,II)°3·

The London Hospital.

SI' ';C IAI. 'I'll II I S .I(Il I HN\ I.

T was:1 p1l' as ltl'c to rl't'viVL' in 1"I {l)'I' Alll for April:l ('opy of lh e :lppl'al isslll'd hy the' C1lair11l:lI) of the ,o n(\ol1

II ospi tal (till' 11 011, S yd IIl'y I ollan d). Th e work t 11:1 tis ht'i n g dOlle by l1l s Iwspi t tI is not, I :l111 Sll re, know n 01 rL'alist'd I>y Ih e m:\jOl ily or Lond()11 'rs, The y" havv IW:lrd or th e ,ol1don Il ospital, :tlld know it s silll:\ll'd SO Illl' wlwr in tlw I ';as l 1': 11(\ 01 I ,OIHI0I1, ill an awl'ttlly I()w parI, but b eyo nd that the y know nothill g," wOllld Ihal 111)' j>l'1l co uld h:t< k lip lit' e loqu en t :IPPl':tI lIt:tdc Il )' Ih e chai llIan lo illduct' thelll to go :Inti Sl't' 1m I ht lIl sl'lvl's. ' ro sland within tht' pOlt:tls 01 tIll' Londoll Il o'ipit:11 1m all hour or 1\101' ' is tu willll'sS Ill000l' hl' :lrtr'lldillg (':\SL'S 01 g('lllli lll' di sl rL'ss, owing to si l'l((h' sS :lnd illjur), thall you will \\ itll('ss at :lll)' other plan' ill ,ondol\, I i'l'vl I canl10t do iJeltl'l' lh:1I1 jusl qllotl lwo p:\r : g rap!ts 11'0111 Mr. 11 ()lbIHI's appl':11. Th l'y are written ill th:lt slyk which is so ch:lr:\l'II'1 i,,1 il':tlly hi sow l1 : "\Vl' h:lvt tlHHtt /,257,000 illvl' slt'd, :tilt! 0\11 II1l'OIlIl' fro II I tltis, rmlll rllsl fUl1d s, :111l1 11'0111 oUt' l'"l:ltl' is ollly a yl'ar. It lal\l' s It )'( ,I I to "Vl'P lip Ihl' hu spita l. Of ('()lII'SC, Illis Sl l111 Sl'l' I1I S ( IIOIIII()IIS :lIlt! illl po ss ill\c to thl' Ill.ln who is fL'cling in lIis po('kl'ts t() Sl'l' if he has :l tllrL' L'pc lIl1y I)it inst 'ad 01':1 :-'IXP('IH't', whilt, singillg

11I s I ily -

'\Vl'IL' Ih,' \I hule 'L',L11l1 "I' !lallill' "'IIll', Tilts \I ,'(I' ;11l ,,'k, iug I.lr Ill" sllI:dl.'

" I kle is 110 qUl!stion of a llOspil:I! sitll: llI ,d wh ' e il is nol w:1I11l'd. The l1lo s1 :udl'nt hospital 1'l'lm,lIl'r h:ls neVl'r venlllred to that the Londoll II() spi lal ('oltld Ill' movl'd Olll' foot away t'ilhe l norlh casl, south, or ,,'('st rrom its presL'nt si l'. Ll is ill tIlL.: IlIi (]:.,t or Ihl' poo rl'st pcopk un Cod 's l':1I lit, :tlld is L1ll' Ilospilal fOl tllc l'OIl 01 I ,ondull al1l1 fm II\OSt o[ lltt' iVl'rsid(' W()I kl'l s."

I t t))ay not Ilt, gl'lH'r:llly knowll Ih,lt l\11. Sydlll'Y Il olI:mt\ is tht' son 01 tlll 'r 'VL'rl' d dirl'( 'tor 01 I Ill :1 111 hll 1:'11\('(' tkpaltlll c lIl or th Sl. .lOhll Ord er. ,ike his sin', his 11l':It't is in th e right plaC( ', :llld hl' Ita s a gl' l1uin ' s)'llIp:\thy ror sllITl.:rin g, cspL'('i:lIl) wit 'rL' it UCeLlI''i alllOllgst the IlllUI, wlt() :Ill', as :I rill e, owing Iu I1l:1lly cin'ulIlslaIH'L:s, ullalJIv to pIC p:lrc to l\ICe! it. wit n it ('(Jllles.

\t'OI Yl':lrs he took all : Idivc int ' I 'st ill llt c Pup lar I Io spilal, si lualL'd in th e n 'igh l)()lIrhood or tIll' docks.

I t waS:l good tlainin g ror tIll' po sitio l1 hl: holds to da y, Lll'lil'le it is :wth ntil' thaI 011(,(' wltl'1l an dTort was bl'ing madc L(J put dowll slreet cu lle c lion s, Mr. Il ul\;(nd, who klll'W how nUII'h hi s ho spila owed l() thest' st rcd ('<lIketions, "lhe clTorts of tIll' po or Oil I){'h:df 01 th l: pOO ," all noullced hilll sl' lf as on' or "the greal'st professional begga r s going." And II(' was li g ht ; would lhat lh l'IC Wl'le mor c of hi s S(:Ullp! I 'hl' wOlld wOllld hl' happi er :tl1d brighter if Wl' h :\ d a rl'W mor e Sytlll('y Ii ollallds. I ,'irst aid'rs, aye, :lI1d I'tn IllL'11 too, I apPl:al lo YOll 10 look arollnd, and st' ncl nol tltal liltl' thrl'!,[) encl' why was lllal eo it) evel slr uck ? hut a s ixpl'llcc, or, if you can :dTortl it, :l shilling. H will li g hl e n th e heart of Mr. Ii ollancl to I w abll' to inrurlll LlI 'ir 'st i es, wll 'n th 'y visit til, hospital thi s year, lh a a r esu lt or hi s nppeal to In II llnd women th c hospital funds arc in cr 'asing, and th e work of the ho spital Llll'reby e nhanc ed.

OUI- Portt-ait Gallery.

S lJ 1''1'. \ , I \ I{ V I', I v S, SlJ 1'1. Jo:.\SIJ I{ N ()I{'I II \ ( 'O IU' S, S ./. A. H

T ill'; sllilj l'(' of Olll s kctc h was horn III Sl. Alhans, It 'av ing that city fO I 11ll' lown of OIth:llllptOI1 wlll'11 Ill' was

Il'Il ye ar s uf age, alld ill the latln own Ill' was ed ll 'all' d al (ltv (;' llIll1lal' Schoo\.

II III{' Yl':\I' KXI) Itt ! IIr s look an iI1lL-r ('s III :LlltlHIalll,(, "'IH k :\lHI o!Jlailll'(\ hi s first aid cer li/lc 'ilt(' III i\1:1Il'1t

\{l'evl' s s popular a mon gsl all ranks in his corps, and, illell'l'd, il lIt:ly he sai d l ltal h! s tacl and cOllllcsy Illak l' hiltl a gl' l1l'ral (avou/ll l' III Illltllltl,l1H'l' (il'clcs gl'lIt'1Ol \I y,

The Voluntcer Alnbulancc School of Inst.oLlctiono

Till '; :t1l1l1l:tI dilllll'1 of thl' sl:\rr :llld IIH 'lI t1ll'r S ()f this Association was 1\('ld al lhl' 'tocadl'1O \{('st:tllr:tlll Oil Thur sday, i\lay I ,jl lt. Il rig,lde SlIlg('(lll LI l'1I1. Co\. Cilt-s was SIIPP() Ilt'd aillollgst othl'ls Il)' SlII'gl'oll (,vlll'l'al SIr \vtlll:11I1 'I' .IyIOl, K.( '. 11., I lin ('lol of 111l' AI'lI'y 1\ 1('di(:\1 I kPill (1111'111, ('01. (:ltlllliIIS, ('.IL, I', of tltv I/OIII l' Ili sl lil'l , 01. \VtlsoIl, ('.Il., Ass!. Ilill' Cltll }\IIII Y l\1(,tli(':I1 I lvpartllll'lll / ,i('ut. ('01. 'l'11'1)1(, ( ( , , , ., SlI l gvO ll Majol Slt'III:IIl, J\1:Jjol MaC'!IIIl', 'n'sidl'I1L oj till: S(' h ool, :lI td ot Iters.

AII('r 1IIl' lo ya l toasts had IH'l'll dilly hOIl()lll'vd, 1)1 Callowa y pr(J POSl't\ 111(' (, yill rt \I Y l'eI ml ('or p<;." III thl' ('ours' 01 !tl'i 1l'III.II'ks lit, Sl:lll'd that thl' Irallllng o( th e Alilly Smgeolls wa,; now 111(,st thorollglt, alld installtl'd tltal at a /vn lIl l':-',llllill:ltioll olle of till' l'x:ullillers told !tillt th,lt tilL! IILljCJl'ity or tl\{' (';lIldidatcs passl'd :1I1 C\:Llllill:IIIOII which ':()Itld Itdvv 'Iualilll'd 111l'11I ror till' 1·'('1 1(J\\'slt ip. III ('OIl('llISIOII, lit, poulll'd Oil how Itl'l'VSS :II), it was tl) [01111 1I1()1 L' In'all'l ( Olllpallics, :lIlel llrgt d that !'If01 Is shulIld ill' 11l:((\t- by till' 1II{ 'di('al oOwel's prest'lll to innl':lsl' tl\(' 11I11ltl H'1 or properly t'l\Iolll't\ IlI':1I 'I cOlllpallil's, l\lI'dieal stlldL'I\IS CSPl'( ially should Ilc :Isked to j(Jill.

oj Iltat )t'ar. ,I g:lil.ll'd Ihis Ill' il once juillt't\ Ih( ;

(j) lh:llllpton ( orps, III \\'hll'lt Itl' !t:IS ('\'l'r sillce Illailltailll'(\

:1I 1 al'live i'ltl'Il:".t, 11:1\ lisl'll Ily SU(,(,t'S.,iVl'slilgl'S 10 lhL: will( hIll' II(JW holds tltat uf SliP!'

Ir t'a<;lIIl'1' ul l!tl' orLll:llllploll ( '01 ps.

, n. lht' A,lltil1lblll't' Transport St'I\ icc of th· corps, ts adllllttedly Olll' o[ I Il l' lJ'st (Jrg:tnisl'ci ill til'

IlI'I ga dl', Ill' h :IS lal-l'll :11) ac'live :111<1 kl'ell illkll'st, and Ill h :ls 11I11I s(' 1I pn solla ll y COIl( ltl ctL'cJ (JVvr tltree hllntlll'd r l' l1l(Jval s by road :Ind r:lil.

Althouglt It IHI SY 111 111 in ('olllll'ctioll with :llllbld:lIH (' SlIP.1. \{L' evl's yel 1i1,1Lis tillll' ('or :(('tivity ill ('Oil n.et'tloll wl(h the Il g lttl sldl' (Jr lill'. s a h :lIilolle

slllg' r Ill' s It 111('III1>l'r o( the AIII,l!c\lr 0pl'ralic ('0111 ,):tny, :t1!cI Itt' has 1:1I\l'n lhe )ll'illcip:1I 1):nit()IIl' parts ill SI\ ('OI\lIC Opl'r:LS, (':teh of which hl'ld the hoards at tht! local for a w('ek. J I is also hOl1omry St'('I'l'lll1'Y 0(' the pari sh church ('hoiI'.

('o\. (:IJllllins, w\to Ivspolldl'd, t.hallk 'd tlH' company ror Ill' way the toast Itad h(,(,11 rl'('('lvvd, amI tllallkl'd 1) 1'. 1'01 his kim.1 rclllal ks ill plOplJsiIlg it. III lite ('oursl' oj illS SPl'U 11 Ill' S:\I<I IIt:!l a great dealltad Iw(!)) said :Li'(Jllt lite ('orps :IS H'g.llds ilL' Jatl' war. \V 'II, how did tltl' Illallt'r st:l lld ? Tlt vy Wl'll' told at. til!' ( OIlIIlIl'III"'IIIt'llt or 11Ostililit:S tltal Ihvy w(Jltld IlOt 1)(' calkd UP()II to provide !(Jr 111(J1'l' tllILll Ho,ooo 111( '11, IlIll tilL' wal Itad Ilot l)(,l'll I(JIIg III IJI:ogII'SS Ihat lllllltl'er was illl'l'l',ISL'd to !5 0 ,000 I ll- (milk I)' atllllillvd Ihat til 'Y cOllld lIol haw ('opt'd with the H )1111 U II S "I ra 111 .Il III for t spiv I(( lid v (J II III till Y aid Y rL ('l' I Vl:d, ,llld Ill' d 'slrl'd {'sJll'(lally to 'i ,IY how gr:ltL'iIJl Ilw} WCIl' to till' \'ulul1ll'cl i:l'arl'l ('Olllp;lllil's alld to lite Sl. Jollll Al1lhulill)l'l; Ilriga tit- It )I tit, splL'lIditl asslsl:lllll' tlll y at a llllll o[ gn';Lt strl ' ss. 111 cOllcluding, ('01. ( ullblllS ll'fl'l'lVcI tu tile s llI :LlI 1I111111ll'r or sln'tch 'I Ill';Ln I'S in thl' distli(,t ulldl'r Ilis cOlllllla lHI, :lIHI IIIj Wd lhal COltllll:Llld ing unicns shou ld assisl tltl'ir sllrgl'ons by thclll good IIICIL Il l' klll'W thal tlll'y \\t'lt' loth to pall wilh tht'il IIll'll lor strl:l! hn WOI k, hllt tlll'y should n'IIH llIbl'r th'lt 11) tlte eVl' lIt or a grt':Lt lIatioll:tI L:nll'rgl'llcy the hospital could .Ilot 1)(' tou hl.ghly traillcd or I(JO illll'lligl'lIt.

I Ill' II O\'(' sktlflll I 1tL' I1I1rSlllg till; SOOIH'r Wl: got (JIll sic k <llld wounded b;wk tu thl: ligltting lilll'.

D

ECORATORS should e,ltl their Tratle anti Alt JOllrnal, " /1/1' /) 1'((1)((/0)'.1" r,,"1 /'111,,1/').1" 1}ffl,<:If',/JII'," II'litlen by prnClil :lImen for pra c ti ca men I'nee ()(!., b y po sl St! .; 50.;. per annul11 po s t fl c. l'ubli s h d on th 15t h of lh month.

Publi !:i iIer!:i Dale, Co., ,,6, Cannon-slreet, E.C,

f\lay SO lll l: 1l10lC :l IJk pl'n than minl giv this :lP P 'H I It furt\wr pu sh. My heart feels much, bul Wl: don't writl: wiLh our heart s, :tl1cl the h a nd i s III tim es slow to r 'spo nd to th e 11L:art's di talLon,

Iloti ee would ilL' incolllpldl: without SOllie to th' fad thaI !'v I rs. IZl 'l'VL'S also takes an actIve in ,. tll work. or th.(.' S.J. \ H., al1 d holds tIll' of 'lrsl. Nllrslng ()/(I('l'r, alltl It0I101:lI' Y lady 11) lht Northal1lpton I t'.u lqllll·tl:rs )ivi sion.

Smart :tml illl lli ge nt a k l:L: 1l drill and all ent llu siast in a ll malleI'S appertaining 10 :ulIilu ance work, Supt.

I II proposillg till' llCxt toast, (TIll' Volullt 'VI School of )irectOl C 'II l'I:L I said hl' ( (Jldd 11 01 spt'ak too 11I ghl)' of th' work dOlll! by I hl' S( ilool alld its stafr. Bri gil dt / ,i,l'ut. ('.o\. (;Jlcs 1I0t ollly Iwld till' illlportallt [losl ur Sl:lllUr II1l'dl<'al oUlcn to IIIl' SlllOOI, ill tht' ('cliHllll't of which he touk all :ll'l iVt' :llIcI (':llllL'S( illll'll'st, bllt ill addi tion h did spkllditl \VOIk ill cOI1I1l·cti()1l with his HI igadc .Bearer ( 'oIlIJlallY, alld also in otlln direcl ions his pt'l'sollal InflllelH'l' had bel'1I lIsed to assist tlll'11I dlliing L1IC lall' war .11 ,the /\rtlly Mcdi( al I h'parlll1l'lll. Through his asslslance thl'y had enro ll ed for s('rVICt; ill South I \fli c:t

ASK YOUR NEWSA GENT TO SUPPLY "FIRST AID" EVERY MONTH,

over 100 hospital orderlies, well trained for either hospital or field work. Surgeon-Major Sleman and Surgeon-Capt. Ryan had also done good work in connection with th e school, and in addition to that they had gone through a portion of the war with the C.LY., and the knowledge .that they gained in actual warfa r e must largely t e nd to enhance th e ir reputation and sphere of u sefuln ess as instructors in the school. In conclusion, the Director-General wished the school continued and, if possible, greater success. He coupled with th e toast the name of the Chairman

Brigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Col. Giles, on rising to respond, was most cordially rec e ived. He intimated that he would rather that the toast shrmld have been responded to by their President, Major to wh om the school owed so much, but as senior the privilege fell to his lot, and th ey must perforce submit to his oratorical defects. Continuing, he said he r eg retted that up to th e present they had not succeeded in obtaining headquart ers of their own. Th e question of cost stood in the way, but they were deeply indebted to the commanding officers of the various regiments who so kindly placed their headquarters at th e disposal of the authorities of the school. With regard to some r emarks which had been made as to the difficulty in getting the necessary two men per company to train as re ; imental stretcher bearers, Col. Giles urg e d medical officers to hold their own and to persistently claim their right. As a result of that, in his own case his brigade company was over the strength, and his men had the advantage of attending two brigade camps in"the year; the expenses of the one only, of course, being paid for by the Governm e nt ; in th e other instanc e the officers and members amongst them defray ed the cost. The result was that the 100 m e n he sent out we re most highl y trained, a nd h e was justly proud of them. H e sincerely thanked the Dir ec tor-G e n e ral for his flattering, his all-too-flattering, allusion to his personal work in connection with th e school and with the Brigade Bearer Company whi ch h e had the honour to command . In conclusion, h e suggested to Provin c ial mem bers that if they were connected with hospitals or Union infirmaries, they should try and arrange for their men to attend sometimes either in the wards or dressing-rooms in order to further perfect themselv es as hospital orderlies. H e had done this, and with the most gratifying results.

The last toast was "Our Guests," propos e d by th e Chairman and r ep li ed to by Dr. Dawson Williams in a humorous speech, in which h e r e fe rred to th e blaze of colour consequent on the variety of uniforms around him. Although not now a volunteer, he had at one time served as a private in that regiment so ably repr ese nted by his friend Major Sleman, and although he n ever rose beyond th e rank of private, he was proud to say that during his three years' service he was effic ien t in each year. He beli eved thoroughly in compelling, if n ecessary, all young men to do some volunteer service, It inculcated habits of discipline, which would be of benefit in after-life. In con eluding his remark s, he stated that hi s pen and the columns at his disposal in th e British JJ£edical J01fr?lal would at all times be used to further and promote the extension and success of the school.

During the eyen ing a cap ital little programme of music, contributed to by i\Ir. Gus Elen, Col. Tr eble, C. M.G., and Capt. Green, was given. The latter officer has a splendid voice, which was heard to great advantage in his S co tch songs. Aft e r singing "Auld Lang Syne" and "God Save the King ", the company dispersed.

St. John Ambulance B rig ade .

METROPOLIT AN CORPS.

CLARNICO DIVISlON.-At a m eet in g of this division an inter es ting presentation was mad e by Mr. G. M. Horn (Messrs. :Clark e, Nickolls and Coombs) to Mr. B. Jennin gs, the First Officer. Mr. H orn, in addressing Mr. Jennings, said :"When I told you this morning that some of the men had a complaint to make against you it was hardly correct. The only real complaint they can possibly make is that you are a good-hearted comrade. Your heart is in first aid, and you make it a hobby. Through this you have been enabled to render valuable assistance to the unfortunate individuals who from tim e to tim e injure th e m se lv es. Many here and elsewhere have reason to thank you that they are alive and well, owing to your prompt tr eatment when they were injured. In re cog nition of thes e services, some of your friends desire me to present you with this desk and signet ring, as a mark of the esteem in whi ch th ey hold you and to show their g ratitude for r ende r ed, with th e hop e that you may long be spared to continue your good work."

Mr. Jennings expressed his surprise and his thanks to Mr. Horn and the donors, and said that he was g reatly moved at the warm words of praise from Mr. Horn. He did not think his servic es were so greatly appreciated, but h e hoped that for many years yet h e would have th e 110n our of continuing his work among th em, and r etai n th e es teem in which th ey now h e ld him.

o DIVISION WE. T L ONDON SEcTIoN. - In co nnection with this section a concert was given on Thursd ay eve ning, April 30th, at the Emanuel Hall, Harrow -road, by the Diamond Minstrels (Acton). Despite the inclemem weath e r there was a large audience present, and the concert was a success.

A very interesting it em in th e programme was a display of ambulance work by members of th e section , who acquitted thems e lv es admirably, and are evidently thoroughly well versed in the art of first aid.

It was announced that the Committee would be pleased tu receive new m embers, and if sufficient names could be obtained a class for instru c tion would be founed. Intendin g member" should apply t o the hon. sec. of the Section, Sergt. J. D. Collins, of 209, Ashmore -road, Paddington.

An admirable programme was presented, and th e Diamond Minstre ls were heartily thanked for th e ir serV lc es at the conclusion of the concert.

ST. JOH 's GATE No. I DIVISIOK.-The annual dinner of this division was held on th e 20th April last at th e Restaurant D'Italie. Supt. Lidd ell was in th e chair, supported by Morgan, Brigade Chief Supt. Church Brasier, 1st Officer J. P. Holmes, A. M. Oppenheimer, Esq., and there wer e also present several friends of members. During the eve ning, the" Sir Charles Opp e nh e imer " Cup, presented by Mr. Opp e nh e imer (who has just r es igned th e Division) in memory of his father, Sir Charles Oppenheimer, was handed to the winner-this year Pte. J. M Millward.

The chairman explained that the cup was given for all, round efficiency in ambulance work and drill, that by winning it Mr. Millward hall proved himself to be the

May, 1903 -F IRST

smartest man in the Division, and, in fact, it had been said more than once on good authority that the recipient was one of the best men in th e whole of the Metropolitan Corps. H e regretted that owing to business engagements and other good reasons, Mr. Millward had tendered his r e· signation, and the Division would belosing a valuabk member . H e th e n asked Mr. Oppenheimer to hand Mr. Millward the cup, together with a badge presented by the Division.

Mr. Millward, in returning thanks, regretted he was obliged to sever his connection with No. I Division. He supposed he had won as many prizes as anyone in ambulance co mpetition s, and he thought his successes were due to his taking up the work very thoroughly by studying anatomy, visiting anatomical museums at hospitals, and attending post mortems, from all of which a deal of u seful knowledge to the ambulance man might be obtained.

The toast of "The Brigade" was proposed by the Chairman and acknowledged by Asst.-Com. Morgan.

•

Several songs, recitations, &c., were given by friends and members, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. The musical items were in th e hands of Mr. Havelock Mason, whose friends kindly contributed larg e ly to the programme, and Mr. J. Vincent Smith (Sec. of the Dinner Committee) ably managed the evening

Letters regretting their absence were: received fr om Dr. F. Gordon Brown (Hon. Surgeon to the Divi sion) and Dr. J. M. Carv e ll, one of the competition judges.

The health of the Chairman was proposed by Mr. Brasier, and was drunk with musical honours. The Chairman's reply was followed by the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," which brought a most successful evening to a close.

.1'. JOHN'S GAT E I UR DIVISION. - During the rebuilding of the headquart e rs at St. John's Gate, the Nursing Sisters, in common with other Divisions meeting there, had to look out for temporary quarters in which to hold their meetings. The Nursing Sisters were assisted by Mr. W. H. Morgan, Chief Supt. of the Corps, who generously placed his offices at their disposal. To mark th eir appreciation of this kindly act, the Sisters decided to present Mr. Morgan with a little gift as a mark of their gratitude, and on Wednesday, May 6th, at one of the meetin gs, Mrs. W. J. Church Brasier, th e Lady Supt., handed to Mr. Morgan a handsome anero id barometer, presented by the Division, as a tangible proof of the feeling which the members fe lt for the kindly way in which he had helped them during the time th at they were practically homeless.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

ACCRINGToN.-Nearly forty men of this corps were presented recently with the bronze medal g iv en by the Chapter and Council of the Order of St. John for service in South Africa. The presentations were mad e by Miss Whittaker, of Sunnyside House, Manchester-road, Accrington.

EDENFIELD. - In th e village c hurchyard, on Saturday, Apnl 25th, a large stone cross, provided by public subcription, was unveiled to th e memory of Private Haworth member of this division, wh o died in South Africa in July' 1900. Th e unveiling ceremony was performed by 1\1r. A: J. Garnett, district superintendent. Colonel Kemp, M. P. for Hr> ywood Division, who was among th e large company pres en t, spoke on Ambulance and Army Corps work in South Africa. The h o n. member Solid th e numb e r of the

I D. -

Royal Army Medical Corps engaged in South Africa was something like 3,000, and about a similar number of Sl. John am bulance men, with whom the volunteers were proud to co-operate Despite arrangements by those in authority, epidemics and other circumstances might ar·se, such as did arise in South Africa, so that it was not always possible to cope with th e diffir.ulties presented. Therefore it was due that they should acknowledge the invaluable work by the St. John Ambulance Brigade. That body also re nd e r ed great service to the country in times of peace, and the least they could do was to acknowledge with gratitude its labour s, which certainly in war time saved th e COHn try what would otherwise ll1volve great cost.

HULL. - The Western Division had a very instructive meeting on April 28th at headquarters, St. Matthew 's Parish Room, Bean-street, when Nursing Sisters Mrs. Towns end and Miss E. Westoby, of the Central Nursing kindly gave an exhib ition of roller bandaging, th e varIOUS methods being afterwards practised by the members. L ater Supt. Wilson requested 1\1rs. Towns end to kindly present certificates to the successfu l members of the Coltman-street Class. In r esponding to this, the unanimous desire of the members, Mrs. Townsend said it was a great pleasure to her to comply, this being the first time she had been asked to perform so pleasurable a duty. Aft er the presentation a yote of th anks was unanimously accord e d to both Nursing Sisters.

Ip SWICH.-The r e-examination of memb e rs of the Nursing Division, I pswich Corps, took place at Beechh.olme, on Monday lay 11th. The nursing slsters took the opportul1lty of Lady Superintendent 1iss Coulcher's return from Palestine to present hfT with fa clock for the new ambulance headquarters. The clock is in oak, with a chocolate-coloured face, and brass hands and It is very handsome, and will be a great addition to the buildings now in course of erection. We are sure Miss Coulcher could not have r eceived a more appropriate 0: beautiful gift, we are certain she will appreciate the kll1dly .thought whlch prompted the nursing sisters to give so tanglble a proof of the pleasure they felt at her return.

LEI CE TER.-A pleasant social evening took place in Mr. Boswell's room o n Monday evening, May 4th. About 30 sat. down to light refreshments under the presidency of George Green. During the evening Superl11tendent Green, on behalf of the two sq uads that competed in the Dewar Shield Competition, presented Seraeant Shore and Corporal Smith each with a silver names engraved thereon, as a small token of tlon of the trouble they had taken in working up the teams for the competition. Supcrintendent Green also presented Corporal with the bronze medal given by the King. as Grand PrIor of the Ord e r, to all who h ad served in South Africa. The rest of the evening was allotted to an excellent concert.

OLDHAM: - The medals for the mcmbers of this Co rp s who saw speCIal war serv ice in South Africa in connectio n , WIth th e Royal Army Medical Corps, were presented to them on Saturday, 1\1ay 9th, at th e Volunteer Drill Hall Rifle -s treet, by the Deputy -Co mmis ioner of the Di s trict' Col. Trimble, C.M.G., "\ .D. But what was the little rift th e lute? \Vh at did "Fie!d Forc es" m -ite about and to what did th e C.S. of th e O.c. reply? " bo the is we

don't know . Somebody connected with the Orange Colony, perhaps, who is anxious t o show General De Wet's appreciation of the ambulance men who served in that, our newly annexed, Colony. At any rate, this why? wherefore? and what? &c &c., is very confusing to those not in the know, and we candidly confess we are not. Perhaps someone can enlighten us

PEl RITH AND DISTRICT AMBULANCE CORPs.-May loth being Hospital Sunday, the corps paraded at headqua r ters at 10.15 a.m., under the command of Supt. Yeates, an d led by the fine brass band of the Sons of Temperance (n u mbering 23 men), under Bandmaster Varty, marched through the town to Christ Church for divine service. After the service the corps, led by the band, marched back again to headquarters, where it was dismissed.

On May IIth, Capt. Haswell, M.D., M R.C.S., gave his fifth lecture on " First Aid," and at the close a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him on the motion of the Superintendent, seconded by Pte. C. Armstrong.

SOUTHPoRT.-An adjourned general meeting of the members of this division was held at Holy Trinity Church schoolroom, on Monday, April 27th Dr Brown, of Birkdale, hon. surgeon to the division, presided, and there were about twenty members present. At a meeting held on the 6th April the resignation of Supt. Wycherley was accepted, and at a subsequent one Mr. James Illingworth was elected superintendent. On "\fonday evening Mr. James Gregson, secretary, said he wished to resign the position, but at the unani mous request of the mem bers he was prevailed upon to continue in office to the end of September. Mr. W . Parkinson wa') re -elected treasurer, and Mr. F. A. Dobbins as corporal, whilst the election of sergeant is pending Supt. Illingworth made a statement to the members urging them to turn up to the drills in good numbers, so that they might be efficient in their wo rk.

WALTON-LE-DALE.-At a special parade at the drillhall, Bamber Bridge, on Thursday evening, April 16th, the members who had served in South Africa were each the recipient of the medal granted by the Order of St. John for hospital service.

VESTGATE-O?l-SEA.-Some thirty members were present at the annual inspection or this division, and the Margate section, which was held on April 30th, and conducted by District Chief-Supt. G. B Courtney, M.D , when the following members successfully passed their examination for promotion, vil.: Acting second officer Stanley, to be second officer and officer in charge of the Margate section; Private George Sawney to be sergeant of theW estgate-on-Sea Division; and Private ]. Wright to be sergeant of the Margate section. At the conclusion of the drill, Dr. Courtney complimented Supt. Venis on the work done, particularly the recruits, stating that it was one of the smartest divisions he had ever inspected. He reminded the Margat( members that their town was practically the mothe r of the S J.A .B., and expressed his great pleasure at the re-organisation of the oldest division in the country, it being inaugurated on June 7th, 1880. He then pointed out that although a small local corps was in existence capable of dealing with local cases, it was a grand thing to feel that they belonged to a body of men their country was able to fall back upon in case of a national emergency, like the late war, when over 2,000 brigade men volunteered for active service, whose services were gladly accepted, and who worked so well that the Admiralty are now forming a Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve from the rank and file of t he brigade.

Competitions for Challenge Shields, &c.

AT the Portman Rooms, Baker-street, on Wednesday, 13th May, the five selected teams for the National Railway Shield (Association Competition), and the five teams for the Brigade Competition (Dewar Shield and Symons Eccles Cup), met in friendly contest to decide the final issue as regards the ownership of these trophies for the next twelve months There was a large and appreciative audience presenl, and one could tell from the keen interest disp layed by the on lookers that most of them had more than a passing in t erest in the competing teams. Capital arrangements had been made by the authorities at the rooms, and it was possible for spectators to walk from one competition to the other, as both proceeded simultaneously

In the Railway Competitions there were detachments of five each present from the Mersey district, the Cheshire Lines Committee, the North-Eastern, the London and South-Western, and the Great Eastern Railway Companies, these sections having beaten about twenty-five other railways in thei r several districts.

I n the St. John Ambulance Brigade Competition five teams also competed, representing the following districts :No. 1 (Metropolitan), NO 2 (South Western), No. 3 (Eastern and Midland), NO.4 (North Western), and IO. 5 (North Eastern). These teams were also the winners of the preliminary competitions which had taken place in their own districts The competitions, which were of a threefold character, started at 9 a.m. and concluded about 5.30., when the results were declared as follows :-Railway Tational Shield-Great Eastern Railway, 1St; NorthEastern Railway, 2nd; London and South Railway, 3rd; Mersey Railway, 4th; Cheshire Lines, 5th. Brigade Competition - No r District, Metropolitan Corps Cyclists Division, 1St; No 4 District, Kendal Division, 2nd; NO.3 District, Wellingborough Corps Headquarters Division, 3rd; No. 2 District, 1vli11 Bay Division, 4th; NO . 5 District, Birchwood Corps, 5 th .

I n the former competition the Great Eastc:rn team from March (Cambs.) are entitled to hold for twelve months the handsome challenge shield presented by H.R. Highness the Grand Prior and the Chapter of the Order of St. John, and in the latter competition the Cyclists hold the handsome shield presented by Sir Thomas Dewar during his shrievaliy, in recognition of the splendid work performed by the members of the S.J.A.B.; while the second team from Kendal will hold for a like period the handsome cup presented by the late Symons Eccles, one of the most popular surgeons of the brigade, in recognition of the wo rk performed on the occasion of the wedding of the prese n t Prince of 'Vales Each team also received a handsome prize in addition as being the winners of their respective heats.

At the conclusion of the competition the audience repaired to the room in the rear of that in which the competition took place Here the prizes were displayed, and Si r H. C. Perrott, Bart., c.B., who was accompan ied by Adeline, Duchess of Bedford, and other ladies and gent leme n , at once took the chair, and in a brief speech, in wh ich he apologised for the absence of Lord Knutsford , Sir Vincent Barrington and others, introduced the Duchess, who then graciously presented the trophies and prizes.

At the conclusion of this portion of the programme, Nlr. Edmund Owen, in a neat and enective speech, proposed a vote of thanks to her Grace for coming amongst them that day and distributing the prizes. This was seconded by Colo n el Macnalty, and needless to say, carried

May, 19 0 3. -F I RST

with acclamation. The Duchess, in acknowledging the vote in a speech which at once appealed to her audience, betraying, as it did, the earnest and warm heartedness of the speaker, stated how pleased she was to be there and how great a privIlege she felt it was to have been asked to undertake the presentation. She was an enthusiast in the work of St. John, and she felt that it was a most gratifying thing to remark that, while science was developing that which led to an increase in the danger of our streets, this Assoclation was keeping pace with it by the higher training of the ambulance men and women to cope with the accidents which might thereby arise. She warmly congratulated those who had won prizes that day, pointing out that, as she understood that the judging had been very keen, it must be very gratifying to those competitors who had won to know that they had secured their respective positions; at the same time she hoped that the less fortunate ones would not be discouraged. Her Grace resumed her seat amidst a genuine round of applause, which testified how thoroughly she had won the hearts of her audience . Col. Royd, M . P ., next proposed a vote of thanks to the judges, Drs. J. Radcliffe Gaylard, Carvell and Charles Abbott, and also to 1\1r. 'IV. R. Edv,;ards, who had so ably arranged the competition. This was also carried with acclamation, and the proceedings closed.

In the preliminary competItIOn for ambulance teams in the Eastern and Central District, which took place recently at Wellingborough, Ipswich were placed first, being eleven points in advance of Wellingborough. A correspondent sends us a cutting, which says: '" Ve now learn that Ipswich has been disqualified It transpires that a competition took place in the Eastern Counties a short time ago to decide which of the teams in that neighbourhood should take part in the preliminary round at Welling borough, and that the papers supplied for this test were, through an oversight on the part of the Brigade staff in London, similar to those prepared for the District competition at Wellingborough. Ipswich, therefore, had gone tbrough exactly the same test that awaited them at Wellingborough on the 25th ult., whereas Welling borough and other teams in the competition were quite ignorant of the questions that were to be pu t. As a matter of fact, 'IV ellingborough were easy winners in the practical work, but in the questions put from the papers Ipswich were naturally at a great advantage. The fact that Ipswich had had this unfair advantage over the other teams was discovered when the papers reached London after the competition, with the result that the headquarters staff last Friday wished to know if Wellingborough (who came second in the competition) would be willing to meet Ipswich in an entirely fresh competition, this, it wac; thought, being the best way out of the diffi("ulty. WeUingborough have agreed, and a further competition between the two takes place at WellinO"borough to-morrow, the winner to appear in the final at Portman Rooms, London, on the following 'Vednesday." Our correspondent asks, do we not think it very careless on the part of the authorities at London? Well, on the face of it, we do certainly.

The ninth competition for the North British Railway Ambulance Challenge Cup took place in the Waterloo Rooms, Edinburgh, on Saturday, April 25th

Conducted under the auspices of the St. Andrew's Ambulance Association, the competition consisted of a practical demonstration of the treatment and transport of

the injured, together with an oral examination. In each of the three departments fifteen minutes were allowed for examination.

The competition was open to all ambulance corps on the Company's system, and each corps was represented by a team of five men. Teams came from Alloa, College, Cowlairs, Hardengreen, Helensburgh, Kipps, Leith Walk, Lennoxtown, Linlithgow, Perth, Polmont, Portobello, Queen -street, St. Margaret's and Waverley. The cup is held by the winning team for a year, and each member of the team receives a gold medallion.

The examiners were Drs. G. Burnside Buchanan (Glasgow), and D. J. Graham and Alexander Macdonald (Edinburgh).

The Helensburgh team won the cup; the silver medalliolls, given by the general manager, Mr. Jackson, were awarded to the St. Margaret's team; and the team from Queen-street won the silver medallions given by the Company

A competition between two ambulance teams, selected from the Glasgow police force and the Corporation tramways' Whitevale and Kinning Park depot teams was conducted in the head office of the tramways department in Renfield-street, Glasgow, on Ionday night, April 27th. Drs Carstairs and Macartney officiated as examiners for practical and oral work respectively. The result was as follows :-

Police "A" team, I7 5 points; Whitevale Tramways Depot, l8r points; Police "B " team, 162 points· Kinning Park Tramways Depot, 158 points. The tramways department won on the aggregate by two points. ------. .------

The Natal JVfermry tells a good story of the experiences of an Ambulance man up -country during the fighting on the Natal border. During a quiet interlude a section of the Ambulance Detachment were "told off " for an ambulance drill. The hero of the story was sent out to act as "dummy," but while waiting for the Ambulance men to come and pick him up he fell asleep, and was forgotten. When he awoke he found himself surrounded by a patrol of mounted men, and the Officer-in-Command addressed him roughly with, "What the dickens are you doing here? " " Me ? Oh, I'm wounded in the chest, and I'm waiting for the Anlbulance men to come and pick me up." The Officer thought there must have been a skirmish. ". How long have you been lying there?" he asked. "Oh, SlOce about 10 o'clock this morning " "I suppose you want a drink?" said the Officer sympathetically, handinO" " Jim" his flask of whisky and water. "Are you pain?" he asked, as the Ambulance man handed back the flask nearly empty. "Oh, no, no pain whatever" replied J im, getting up " Strange," said the Officer, ,,'1 can se -=no blood!" And then the truth came out. "We wer" Ambulance drill, and I was supposed to be wounded 111 the chest, but I suppose they forgot me," said Jim' " And why the deuce didn you say that at first?" roarec'l the disappointed Officer, surveying the wreck of his whiskv and water, while the patrol nearly burst with laughter The Ambulance man, however, paid pretty dearly for his and water, for he was arrested as a supposed spy, and It was only after two days' confinement that the joke was discovered.

FIRST AID

THE Fire Exhibition at Earl's Court

The Entente opened under the happiest circumCordia Ie. stJ.nces, for although there are vague rumours of international unrest in the air, the world is at peace. The opening ceremony which, so to speak, synchronised with the return of our dearly loved Sovereign from his eventful tour, was well timed. Foreign delegates were present not only from the countries visited by the King, but from other countries with which we are desirous of li\ ing on terms of friendship and mutual regard and esteem As our readers are well aware, this Journal has on mure th;.tn one occasion pointed out the desirability of brinbing into closer touch those organisations which have as their aim the protection and saving of human life, rather than that which has for its aim its destruction When his Im perial Majesty the Czar first suggested arbitration meeting at the Hague, there were many who assumed that the earnest advocacy of international arbitration by so grEat a monarch as the Czar of all the Russias was bound to bring about a reversal of those military armaments wbich are, at this present moment, doing so much to pepetuate the feeling of international distrust, whi c h even prevails to -day as it did at the time when the Czar's messJge of peace was first launched. Our monarch is, however, if not less anxious than the Czar for peace, at any rate more practical in the interest of that ideal, not only for the benefit of his own subjects, but for the workl at large. He has just completed a tour which has marked him out both as a great constitutional monarch and a statesman of the highest order, and must tend towards peace.

It was a splendid conception this tour of our King, anJ the results will be more fully realised later on than they are no\\'.

In eac b of "the countries that he has visited, both the authorities and people alike have that King EDWARD comes to them from the great British Empire as an ambassador of peace, as the dearly loved representative of his people, acclaiming to the world at large that it is his desire and that of his people that other countries should unite with us in promoting that which will tend to allay those sinister passions which have been all too dominant amongst the various nations of the world. It is a glorious theme for Britons to remark on, that during the whole of his Majesty's tour not a dissentient voice bas been heard. Nations may have their alliances written, signed and sealed, but our King asks for no paper treaty. He goes out to them with the right hand o[ fellowship and asks them to accept our friendship.

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May these countries realise the value of this alliance, and may our King for many years to appreciate the value of the services he has rendered to his beloved country. To his subjects we say, Do your best to ensure the success of this International Exhibition, and prove to the various nationalities taking part in it that our Empire has but one aim in view, to promote amongst all nations that humanity which is so eloquently expressed in the grand old motto: "Let brotherly love continue," for we are all brothers. May our King have inaugurated a new era, and may his work so ably commenced in this the first year of his reign result in proving to the world that the aims of the British Sovereign and his people are eminently those of" Peace."

South African Ambulance Volunteers and their War Medal Clasps.

RELATrVE to the controversy on this matter, Mr. IIarry ]. Sabi n of Clarence Cham bers, Corporalioll-sU eet, JJi I'm ingham, writes to us as follows :-

" My attention bas been drawn to a paragraph in your issue for l \pril under' Letters to the Editors' (page 162), where one of your correspondents appears to question the authenticity of a notice whicb appeared in the Birmillgham Dady Pust, as per the cutting he was good enough to send and which you considerately published. 1 pre!::ume your correspondent was a Birmingham man, and I m.ay therefore suggest that his letter to you was despatched wlth somewhat doubtful taste, seeing that my address was included in tbe notice referred to, and that I should have been only too pleased to give him all the confirmatory information he required personally or by letter.

"The gentleman is evidently not one of the forty Dirminaham Red Cross men for whom the information was intended, and it would be interesting to know in what direction his interest lies in the matter.

"However, the re-publication of the report referred to has had the effect of causing enquiries with reference to the above to be sent to me from different parts of the country. May I be allowed to state that I have only bt.en acting on behalf of the forty of the Birmingham City Division S.J.A.B., which is now disbanded (as per your notice under 'Brevities,' page 149), and which was only formed for the purposes of the late war in order that Birmingham should be adequately represented?

" Mr. J. R. Stamp, the orgamsmg secretary, on being lequested to move in the matter, regretted his inability to render any assistance. It was in this way, that, as one of the forty men concerned, I was asked to do what 1 could in the matter.

"To bring the claims for clasps before the War Office Authorities, and to collect the required and necessary information for the purpose, has involved much work, correspondence, and some expense. The task I have undertaken in this connection has been purely of a voluntary nature, and 1 shou ld esteem it a favour if you would allow me this opportunity to point out that the work has been so onero us, &c., that I cannot reply to any further letters from your readers, unless a stamped directed envelope is enclosed However, 'whert this is done 1 will endeavour to put the correspondent on the right track for getting medals or clasps.

"I may point out that there is now no dO'lbt whatever as to the titJe of S.J.A.B. South African Volunteers to

May, 1903. -FIRST

clasps. Army Order 94 of 190I (subsequently amended) applies to them just the same as to soldiers of the Regular Army.

"With regard to the Birmingham men, ten have already r ece ived their clasps, and the Principal Ordnance Officer, at Woolwich, has r ecently been instructed by the Secretary of State for 'Var to forward the remainder to me for early distribution in accordance with a list I submitted some time ago, which bas been confirmed and passed.

"I am arranging for a reunion of all the men A smoking concert will be held at which the clasps will be distributed. Mr. C. H. Rafter (Cbief Constable of Birmingham) has kindly consented to attend and make tbe distribution. If your correspondent will be good enough to disclose bis identity by writing to me, I will send hi m an invitation to the proposed gathering, where he will have practical evidence as to tbe information contained in the cutting he sent you being thoroughly bona fide, and where he may inspect the official War Offi ce documents relating thereto. "

In accordance witb l\Ir. Sabin's suggestion, we wrot e our former correspondent suggesti n g that he migbt like to communicate with th e former gentleman. This, however, he states he has no desire to do, "My only object," he says, "in calling attention to the matter was to draw attention to the fact that if 1\1r. Sabin's statement was correct, it seemed strange that others could not get the clasps, and it seemed more than strange that apparently th e authorities at St. J ohn's Gate hav e been totally ignored in t Jlis matter by both the War Office and Mr. Sabin."

The Municipal Ambulance Service for London.

THE question of establishing an efficient ambulance service for the metropolis has again been raised, this ti me by the Paddington Borough Council. The Council has addressed a communication to the London County Council, urging the latt er to consider the question of establishing an efficient service, either of horse or motor ambulances, and suggesting that the Metropolitan Fire Brigade stations might be conveniently utilised for the purpose of housing such am bulances.

At a meeting of the Islington Board of Guardians the proposal made by the Metropolitan Asylums Board to utilis e their vehicles for the purpose of providing an efficient ambulance service was unanimously condemned.

At a meeting of the Wandsworth Guardians a letter was read from th e M etropolitan Asylums Board, asking th e Guardians' vitw with regard to the proposal that the Board's ambulance service should be so extended as to permit of ambulance carriages being placed at the disposal of the public for the removal of m ed ical and surgical cases and persons of unsound mind. Th e Board pointed out that its present am bulances could only be used for cases of infectious disease, but considered its el f in the best position of any public body in London to provide a thoroughly efficient service for the metropolis with the least expenditure.

Mr. Chown: It would be the first time in their li\'es they did anything cheaply. To provide for the whole of l.ondon in this way would require thousands of these am bulances.

Mr. Newell thought this was an effor t on the part of the Asylums Board to find work for some of its superfluous staff.

Mr. Pannett felt that the proposal would only be an

exc use for the Board to spend a large sum of money and provide more ambulances.

:\1rs. Gray moved that the Guardians support the act ion of the Asylum Board, but this was negatived, and a further motion adopted pointing out to the M.A.B. that the Guardians consiclered the local authorities in each district the best fitted to carry out such a scheme.

It is just as we said. This rivalry, which is not of a wholesome order, is going to further delay the promotion of an efficient service. IIow long will L ondon submit to be treated in this cavalier fashion? Cannot someone rous e the medical fraternity to action? It is primarily a question for them.

------.--.------

The Royal Navy Sick Berth Reserve.

THE annual meeting of the York Town and Camberley Branch of the St. J ohn Ambulance Association was held at th e York Town Schools on Tuesday evening, April 21St. Colonel C. Bowdler, the Chief Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, presided, and there were also present l\Iajor-General E. Abbot Anderson, the Rev. E. C. Kirwan, Dr. Wooldridge and others.

The Chairman at the conclusion of the business, gave some interesting information as to the work of the S.J.A.B. As they were aware, he said, the brigade had saved the Army Medical Department from complete collapse by giving them 2,000 hospical orderlies. Since then he had undertaken to give the country ten complete bearer companies. He had given them five-the last one was handed over on Saturday-and there \\'ere five 1110re to come. Each company was composed of 58 trained men. In time of peace these companies would be simply trained with the ambulance units to which they belonged, and they had no real military status. Their agreement was that on mobilisation being ordered for home defence they would within 2...1hours turn up at their headquarters in readiness. That was a very important thing for the Order of St. John to have done. The men were essentially Volunteers-much more so than the so-called Volunteer3, because they received no payment of any sort. They were, therefore, not in any way under the orders of the Government. In addition to that, he had still a larger scheme. He had for three years been trying to get the Admiralty to utilise the services of the brigade to supplement the sick berth nursing staff in time of war. At l ast the Admiralty had taken the matter thoroughly in hand, an order in Council had been given, and there had been established an au"iliary Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve. It was composed exclusively of men of S.J.A.B. as regards England and Ir eland, and, as r egards Scotland, the men would be taken from the corps of the S A.A.A. The Sick Berth Reserve would consist of about 16,000 men, who had undertaken to go through an advanced course of nursing and first aid, at the e"pense of the Admiralty, so that in case of war breaking out there would be no lack o[ men to look after the wounded on board ship or in naval hospitals.

The movement referred to on behalf of the J av )' has something to commend it, but we are sorry to learn that it is not to be a separate volunteer unit, on the lines of the R.A.l\I.c. (volunteers). Dual control ne,'er yet answered, and we are sure never will. ,\V e won't quote the Scriptural phrase, but we might. To Our way of thinking, men who desire to become auxiliaries to our regular army or na\' y should join a service corps of volunteers. In case of national emergency th e services of the St. John men, St.

Andrew men, firemen and others, could be requisitioned just as they were. in the last war, and they would be found equally as effectIve.

Referring to the scheme, the People says :-

"Col. Bowdler, C.B chief com?'lissioner of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, told an audIence the other day that 'after trying for three years, he had at got the to establish an Auxiliary Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve, which will consist of about r6,000 drawn from the St. John Ambulance In tIme of war t hey would be available tend sIck and .on menof-war and in naval hospitals.' Now, whIle I qUlte agree that it is a most commendable thing to have a nursing staff for the Navy, yet I would at the outset pomt out that very few of these r6,000 men would I;)fobably have sea-stomachs, sea-legs or required by naval nurses Even if these were ho:v could they possibly be distributed among the fightmg S.hlpS of the first line who were bearing the brunt f)f the fightu;g at the outset of a war? In time they could, of course, 0e taken afloat and distributed, but not until after hundreds of men had needed their care and attention. When the bugle sounds for action with the enemy in sight. the present staff of doctors and sick berth attendants will alone. be there to care for the sick and wounded, and they WIll be found woefully inadequate.

"Zeal, which fortunately our doctors and theIr coxswall!s (the sick berth staff) possess in a pre-eminent degree, WIll not allow of all being done that might be done when, after the first real hammer with the enemy, ou.r ?ecks all .a shambles. They will need trained help If and IS to be saved; and this trained help only, m my opmlOn, be rendered to a satisfactory extent If every .officer and man on board ship is taught how to .render aid to a wounded shipmate It is shocking to thmk that \0 the present state of ignorance of our fleet men .a or may lie at their feet after a fleet actlOn wIthout their be\Og able to render him that scientific help which would prevent a loss to the country This IS another upon WhICh I cannot as yet get much help in the pr.ess of the country, and advocat nearly alone; but lS satlsfa.ctory to know Mr. Kearley mentioned it il! Pa:hament thiS year, and there is some attention now bemg given to the inside the service. It is certain to come eventually, but It is necessary that it should come quickly, naval ?fficers should organise for the to be given to the men at once in every ship of the Bntlsh. fleet. The nursing reserve will be good for our shore hospItals and our hospital ships."

The TVhdehal1 Review says:-" Colonel Bowdler, C. Chief Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance tion, is to be heartily congratulated on the of hIS three years' campaign, for he at last ??tamed the Admiralty's permission to establ.Ish .an Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve. ThIS wtIl conSIst of about r6 000 men drawn from the S.J.A B who, in time of war, will be available to tend sick and wounded on men-of-war and in naval hospitals The advantage of having such a corps of trained men available for such a purpose can 0r:ly be appreciated by those who know the awful resu.lts of \0adequate assistance on the battlefield. South Afnca taught us something in this respect !"

The Lincoln l l£essenger says :-

"In connection with a great scheme of naval am.bulance stations which the Admiralty contemplates establIshing all round the British coast, Col. Bowdler, who has the

AID.-

matter in hand, has visi t ed Grimsby in order to ?ecome co n versant w ith t he local circumstance a n d to consIder the suitability of making Grimsby one of the East coast bases. The scheme provides for r6,000 men the St. John Am bulance Brigade, and all possessmg of efficiency who are to be established at convel11ent centres on the c;ast and who, in the event of an European war, would be called up for service with the Corps. Ten bearer companies of 58 men each WIll do. duty as bearers bringin a the wounded from the sea lme to 111land hospitals 'when local institutions are too crowded, or they will be attached to mobile for.ces ?f Vo lLl:nteers. The Admiralty authorities have also 111 VIew sUlta.ble houses which in emergency could be utilised as hospItals. Col.

C. W . B. Bowdler, C.R., has made a thoro.ugh tour of the East Coast ports, acting under the. author.lty of the Selborne, and he has made careful of the fac.lhties offered by Hull and Grimsby, and was llnpressed wIth the usefulness of the latter port in the event of a battle in the J orth Sea for relieving. the fleet of theIr wounded. The scheme is being orgal1lsed by the St. John Ambulance Brigade, who will tra?sfer it. to the AdmIralty when it has been put on a workmg baSIS Col. Bo:vdler, Chief Commissioner of the St. John Ambulance Bngade, who was the prime mover in the scheme, was cO.nnected with the War Office and has seen serVIce

The Inspector-General of Hosp:tals an? :t:leets will, 111 all probability, be placed at the head of nilS Sick service when it is established, and the local pt;Obabl be the surgeon and agL:nt of the respectIve dlstnct y ." coastguard statIOns.

We shall doubtless have more to say about thlS scheme, but as our space is somewhat limited, we :11ust other matter for next month. In the meantime we 111vlte further correspondence on the subj.ect, as .we can foresee that it promises to be most interestmg readmg all who take, as all English men and women do, an mterest 111 " Our Sons of the Sea."

Ex hibition Note s .

One of the most interesting of the Exhibition is undoubtedly the fully equipped stat:on of the London Salvage Corps which has been erected 111 the grounds. A regular staff men, horses, &c., will, ,;ve understand, be stationed here ready for a "turn out to any fires occurring in the district. The stable fit.tmgs, &c., were selected by Lieut. -Col. Fox, the popular ChIef of the London Salvage Corps, from the St. Ironwork Company, and we heartily congratulate thIS firm on the appearance of their work. On the opening day, one of greatest centt;es of attraction was the Sal vage station., and we adVIse our fire brigade readers not to miss It, and If you have a?y idea of rebuilding or improving your statIOn, wnte to the St. Pancras Ironwork Co. for a puce list, &c.

Apropos of the grand fire scene in the Empress Theatre would it not be as well to have a drop scene to cover the fire station during this o! the sho:v? It looks somewhat absurd to see a fire ragll1g, whIlst opposite the burning building is the said fire station, the ?ccupa.nts of which are apparently so fast asleep that. the cnes, &c., fail to wake them ; and, stranger still, no one 111 th.e crowd, not even the "bobby" apparently, deems It necessary to give them a call

-F IR S T

Our Portrait Gallery.

EDWlN O SACHS, E SQ CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITI SH FIRE PREVENTION COM IITTEE, A D VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION, r903.

MR EDWIN O SACH S, whose portrait we have pleasure in producing this month, was born in London, on April 5 th 1870. Arter completing his education at the University College chool, Gower-st reet, W., he proceeded abroad with the laudable idea of making himself proficient in foreign languages. At Leipsic h e first commenced his

A ID .- 175

were serious, and on two occasions he was very nearly losing his life in the performance of these arduous and selfimposed duties. For instance, once fallmg through a roof, he was hanging by his arms for quite five minutes directly over the fly -wheel of a large engine going at full speed, and was only saved in the nick of time.

It was during his services with the Berlin Brigade that he obtained an insight into the general working of theatres, being not infrequently posted on the various theatre firewatches that are toid off for the protection of the theatres in the German capital. After a year's service the strain of constant duty caused him to be invalided to Egypt. During the whole of the period of the Fire Brigade service he continued to give attention to his architectural studies during his leisure hours, and on being sent to Egypt these studies were continued

On his r e turn to the Continent, he followed up his studies, travelling in Scandinavia, Denmark, the etherlands, Germany, Austria, Russia, and France.

Mr. Sachs, we understand, visited every corner of Europe. He ended this tour at Vienna, where for some months he held an honorary commission in the Vienna Municipal Fire Brigade, gaining much experience in the han?ling of men with the other duties of an officer in the service.

Returning to England after nearly seven years' absence, he established himself as an architect at II, Waterlooplace, London, W., in 1892, and whilst carrying on a rapidly increasing practice in domestic architecture, devoted much of his time to the fulfilment of a literary scheme in connection with the proper construction of modern opera houses and theatres \yhich he had seriously commenced. But it was not until 1898 that his plans were realised.

That his ideas were correct is amply proved by the fact that the publication of this work received the support of the Science and Art Department of South Kensington, of H.M Patent Office, of the L.c.c., and the leading Pu blic Libraries and Technical Institutions of the British Isles; whilst similar public bodies and institutions in other parts became subscribers and gave practical support to the scheme.

architectural studies at the Imperial Law Courts, under the architect-in-chief-Ludwig Hoffmann. Lat er on he continued his studies at the Royal Technical College at Berlin, subsequently returning to Leipsic to act as an assistant on the same Imperial Law Courts. Incidentally we may mention that the Imperial Law Courts are an imposing block of buildings in Renaissance style, at a cost of half a million sterling. Leaving Leipsic for the second time he entered the schools of the Prussian Royal Academy.

It was during his stay at Leipsic and at Berlin that Mr Sachs first took up the subject of theatre construction, and more particularly respecting the safety of that class of bu il ding from fire.

Feeling it was most essential for the successful combating of the fire fiend that he should have a thorough knowledge of fire, water, and panic, he decided to join a leading Fire Brigade, and the Government of Prussia allowed him to enter the Berlin Royal Police Fire Brigade as an ordinary private. The institution is a German military one, and of course, Mr. Sachs being an Englishman, the co n cession was a gracious one. It was here that he had the experience of some 2,000 fires, many of which

In r897 ?lfr. Sachs organised and founded the British Fire Prevention Committee, which was duly incorporated in r 89Y. He has since been most actively engaged as Chairman of this Committee, and in connection with it he created the first independent Fire Testing Station and Laboratory in the world at Regent 's Park, which station has now been removed, being carried on upon in a bigger scale in Bayswater, and has been the scene of some seventy important investigations.

In 190r this Committee was officially represented at the great International Fire Congress at Berlin, where Mr. Sachs took a deputation to the Continent.

Mr. Sachs is just now prominently before the British public, indeed, we might almost say the International public, in connection with the important part he has taken in the inauguration and promotion of the International Fire Exhibition at Earl's Court, and it is undoubtedly mainly due to his zeal and energy and to his thorough grasp of detail that the ExhibitlOn bids fair to be one of the most successful shows ever organised at Earl's Court.

In conclusion, it may be said of him that as an architect his practice is international, as his sphere of work is represented in all parts of the world. H e is a genu ine good fellow, earnest in all he takes an interest in, a good Fireman, and a capital comrade. He holds the honorary membership of the Belgian, Austrian, and Italian Fire

Federations , and recently was presented by H L M the German Emperor with the Order of the Red Cross (third class)

We wi sh him all success in this his venture to promote further Int e rnational amity.

Late Ambulance Mems.

National Fire Brigades Union.

EASTER:.\' DISTR1CT - Thc call m:lde up on this distri c t for t he benefit of the survivors of th e late fireman John Brown of the Barking Fire Brigade, who died on February 15th, 1903, resulted as follows. The cause of death was tuberculosis of the lungs. Epping, 12S.; H. E. W Tracey, Esq., IS.; " 'altham Abbey, 12S.; Edmonton, ISS.; A. Greene, Esq , B.A., 1.D., IS. ; King's Lynn, £1 7S.; Barking, I4S. ; Brentwood, IS. ; East Ham, 12S.; S o uthendon-Sea, £1; 1Iildenhall, 13s.; Ediswan, £1 IS.; Cheshunt, lIS.; Ilford, £1 4S.; Ley ton, £ I 7S ; Ponder's End, 6s.; Ch ingford, 12S. ; Grays, I4S ; 'IYisb ec h, ;£1 lIS . ; Bury St. Edmunds, I8s.; S3-ffron Walden, 9S. Total, £ 16 IS.

In Memoriam.

iv1El\LB ERS of th e fire service in this country and on the Continent will lea rn with deep r eg ret of the death of Alderman Thomas Dyson, J.P., of Windsor, who passed away on Friday, May 1St, after an illn ess of only a few days' duration Although th e late Alderm a n was well advanced in years, his friends can scarce believe he has gone to that bourne fr o m when ce no traveller returns His energy and "vitality were such that he could have given many a younger man points and scored off them. Although not born in Windsor -he was a Yorkshireman by birth-th e town of his adoption was very n ear to his heart, and owes much to the tenacity of will and which he at all tim es exercised when he was C0nvinced in his own mind that he was right. Mem bers of th e present generation may have differed with him, but all have admitted his honesty of purpose, and future generations will recogn ise and appreciate his farsightedness He will be greatly missed in Windsor. His upright carriage and genial fea tures compelled one instinctively to notice him, and by those in his own circle it may b e said to know him was to respect him ann to love him. Few men hav e so thoroughly earned and so fuily justifi e d the high opinion of their fellows as Alderman Dyson. To his so rrowing wife and family we tend e r r espec tful sympathy. May the remembranc e of th e r ega rd and esteem in wbich their loved one was h e ld be some solace to them in their hour of d ee p sorrow.

BTRML GH:I.i\I C:oRP s - The past month has been one full of in te rest. The Nursin g lectures, under Dr. Nelson, have been completed, and the members hav e met weekly for practice. Th e examination will take place next month. The divisional inspe c tions a r e taking place, and the result is highly satisfactory to Chief Supt. Gil?ert, who spal.·es neither time nor pains in carrying out the lmpor.tant dutIes entrusted to him. Three squads attended Wellll1gborough in connection with the preliminary competition for the Dewar Shield and Symon Eccles Cup. They acquitted themselves excellently considering the corps is of recent formation, but could not quite win a place in the There are now some forty members of the corps weanng the prescribed uniform.

BOLTON CORPs - The spacious Artillery Drill Hall at Bolton presented an animated appearance on the occasion of the distribution of J 24 bronze War Medals given by the Order of St. John t? mem bers or the Corps who served during the recent war ll1 South Afnca. There was a crowded assembly presided over by Chief-Supt. F Lomax, and he was supported by Colonel H es k et h, V.D., J.p., who distributed the medals, Corps-Surgeon J. J oh nston, the Office rs of the Corps, &c. Chief-Supt. Lom ax exp ressed his pleasure at seeing such a large audience, whose presence showed th e Ir appreciation of the wor k done by th e men at the front. In th e course of an interesting address Mr. Lomax gave a resume of the work done by the Corps during the recent wars. One hundred and twenty-five men had served und er the auspices of th e Brigade in South Africa; seven with the RA. M.e. for one year; four men with the Ho sp ital Ship Maine on the South Africa service; four men, for three years, served with the South African Constabulary Medical D epa rtment; and thre e men bad served with the Hospital Ship Maine in China, all being local men. The Bolton Corps bad also form ed the first of the Brigade Bear e r Companies (A), and h e had a substantial list of volunteers to send in for the Brigad es' ew Naval Sick Bertb Reserve scheme. H e announced ette rs, wishing continued success to the Corps, from Lord Stanley, M P., Financial Secretary at the War Office, who enclosed a cheque for £2 2S . ; Messrs. G. Harwood, M.P., H. Shepherd-Coss, M.P., W H. Lever, who also forwarded cheques, Colonel Duke, P.M.O , North-Western District, Colonel Trimble and Corps-Surgeon J. H. Thompson Colonel Hesketh, prior to handing out the medals, gave an encouraging address and warmly complimented the men on their good work and smart appearance on parade. The Corps progress was remarkable, the mainspring of its success was, undoubtedly, Chlef-Supt. Lomax. A better Chief-Officer could not well be found; he was enthusiastic in the good work, and knew well, and took an interest, in every man's welfare . He was pleased to think that the Corps would do quite as much fo r the avy as the Army. He considered the Navy scheme a n excellent one. Colonel Hesketh gave a cheque in aid of tbe funds, and said he should be delighted to subscribe to the work

Dr. J. Jobnston gave a bri e f address, and the proceedings of a memorable gathering closed with votes of tbanks

Medals were given during the evening to the rela tives of the four men who died on active service.

-FIRST

The International Fir e Exhibition.

WlIOEVER yet saw an exhibition that was complete on it s day of opening? Not one of our readers we s usp ect! Well, the Fire Exhibition was no exception to th e rul e, but at the conclusion of the day's proceedmgs the universal opinion was that it was a s ucc ess , a pr onounced success, and we heartily endo r se that vi e w. The ceremony of opening was quite a simple one. H.RH. the Duk e of Cambridge, who was accompanied by RearAdmiral Fitz-George, drove up to the Central Hall, where he was received by the Duke of Marlborough, as President of the National Fire Brigades Union, and by Mr. E. O. Sachs (Chairman of the British Fire Prevention Committe e)

His Royal Highness, followed by th e R eception Committee, walked through a portion of the Exhibition, and in a few informal words d ecla red it open, and then, re -e ntering his carriage, drove round to th e front of th e quadrant in the W estern Gardens, into which he passed for lun c h eo n, after pausing to witn ess a "turn o ut " from the Station of the London Salvage Corps. Th e luncheon was admirably served and the ga th erin g was d ec id ed ly Internati o nal in character. Space precludes a list of those who supported the chai rman Suffice it to say that th ey repr esented almost eve ry department engaged in connection with the saving of life from fire a nd th e prevention a nd extinction of fires, and th ey hailed from all parts of the world.

Th e usual l oyal toasts proposed by th e Chairman (Ir. P. Cremen-J aval) having been duly honoured, H.RH. th e Duke of Cambridge proposed the next toast, "Success to the Int erna ti o nal Fire Exhibition." The aged Royal Duke r eferr ed in earnest words to the interest he took in the work of fire prevention and fire extinction, and stated that h e felt that tho se subjects were not ye t dealt with as they should be for th e general advantage of the community. He briefly referred to the good work done by the Duke of Marlborou g h as President of the :K'ational Fire Brigades Union, and by Mr. Sachs (Chairman of the British Fire Prevention Association), and those assoc iat ed with th em, and concluded by wishin g th e Exhibition eve ry success .

In r ep lying, th e Duk e of :\l a rlb oro ugh exp ressed the prid e which he felt at being the spokesman of that larg e gathering of those who were int e res ed ei ther in putting out fire or in tIle erection of structures of a less inflammaule character than h ad hitherto been c ustomary. He instan ced that this was the first really comprehe nsiv e Exhibition of the kind a t which every country in th e world and every borough in the Metropolis had been represented, and as a ratepay er he could not but r egret that the L.e.e. had not seen fit to allow their appliances to be seen, for he thought that other rat epaye rs would have been int e r ested in them. He trusted he mi g ht be allowed to diverge from his toast for a moment, but he desired to call attention to a pamphlet by Captain Shean. This gentleman referred to the National Fire Brigades Union as a ve ry small body. This might have been so ten years ago, but the Union was now a strong and important body, and in corporated in it were some of the most important Fire Brigades in the country. He (the Duke of Marlborough) would be glad to see mOre interest taken by the Authoriti es in the Voluntee r Fire Brigade movement, because it might be that closer supervision would be valuable.

A I D. - 177

Mr. E. O. Sachs also replied, and referred to the fact that fire prevention was equally as impo rt ant as fire extinctio n. Every effo rt had been made to ensure the Exhibition being instructive as well as interesting.

Th e health of the Foreign representatives was proposed by the Chairman, and appropriate replies were made by Count Kamarowski (President of the Intern ational Fire Brigades Council of Russia) in French; and Chief-Officer Westphalen (Yice-President of the International Fire 13rigades Council), who spoke in English.

Various presentations were made to H. R. H. the Duk e of Cambridge, among th em being the Indi an Officers, who have come to this country to act as Orderly Officers to H M. the King. Their presence evoked loud applause as they saluted and offered the hilts of their swords to the aged Royal Duke in token of fealty.

An ad j ournment was then made to the Empress Theatre, where a procession took place of Firemen ranging from the days of the Roman soldiery to 1903, with their appliances, many of them the sun'iving engines of days gone by and in tbis nothing was more striking than the crude and elementary appliances for fire extinction with which Great Britain was content until the middle of the Victorian era. One appl ian ce which went past and created great amusement was facetiously called "The Deluge," and had the appea ranc e of a huge squirt. It was apparently filled from the top by the aid of a large funnel. The" march past," so to speak, was followed by a series of exhibition drills, quick "turn out," and drills with the pompier ladders, in which drill it will be remembered our good friend Captain Rouw's W els h boys used to shine. lYe believe they were the first to adopt this system in this country . Next came a comic opening to the great phce de res/stance, "Fighting the Flames." As regards this interlude, it may be true to life, but it drags, and could do with a little pruning Suddenly there is a cry of "Fire!" Screams rise from within the house. Flames burst from the windows - real flames, and plenty of them, too! Some inmates escaped by the doors: others rushed out from the windows or jumped into passing carts; escapes arrived; sheets were held by willing volunteers; fire-engines dashed up; water \Vas poured into the burning building Firemen performed deeds of valour, as is their wont, amidst an e nvir onment which, if not actually dangerous, gave an impression of reality. Indeed, one and all described it as the most realistic representation of a Lond o n fire ever witnessed on a stage.

Th e curtain then fell, and H. R.H. the Duke of Cambridge drove away amid the strains of the ational Anth e m.

In the evening, at the Criterion Restaurant, the Fire Committee - with 111'. Sachs in the chair-gave a dinner to the hon. l <oreign corresponding members, being for the most part the Continental officials, when brief and speeches were made by almost every guest, and 111 three languages-French, German, and English. But through them all ran a current of conviction that stress mLlst be laid not less on the prevention of fire than on its extinction.

The a uth orities have been able to secure the loan of several cornplete hi tori ca l collections for exhibition. They comprise, amongst others, the complete private collec ti on of ir Eyre Massey haw, with its numerous interesting relics; th e paintings and eng ra \'in gs belonging to. Colonel of the L ondon Salvage orps; the Rlecken collectlOn of. I SO engravings from Berlin the Van der Heyde collectlOn from Rotterdam.

Besides the above, a numb e r of English Corporations

Institutions, Insurance Companies, and many Foreign Governments contri bute historical exhibits.

The oldest fire preventive regulations of the 13th Century are shown side by side with the first e ngine ever made in England and Holland in the 16th Century.

Indeed, in a week or so we predict the Exhibition will be in full swing and will be largely patronised, not only by Londoners, but by our country friends-many of whom are interested in a service which in th e provinces is largely undertaken by volunteers.

The British Fire Prevention Committee.

TI lE testing stat ion of this comparatively young but all-important association is a t W estbourne Lodge, POl·chesterroad, W estbourne Park, \V., and adjoins the Roy a l Oak Station of th e Great Western Railway.

The premises comprise an old and commodious residence and garden. The principal rooms are used as committe e and reception rooms. Th e r e is a lso a museum, a laborat o ry and photographic d ark-room, and it forms a l so the r esidence for the resident engineer.

In a portion of the garde n are situated the huts in which tests are conducted.

The plant comprises a set of testing huts, In which floors, partitions, doors or ceilings can be tested The huts are laid down in two rows. Th e mat eria ls used in their construction are stock bricks with lime mortar.

Th e fuel used is gas, produced on the spot by a ge n erator.

The gas is conveyed from the generator by pipes to the several huts, and the supply is regul a ted by va lves and dampers, and as tbe gas enters the huts from the bran ch pipes it is diffused by m eans of mixin g chambers of firebricks.

Each hut has door-openings, ventilation and observation holes, the duors being closed by brickwork during a t est , and the ventilation hol es blocked, according to requirements, by firrc-bricks or fire -clay.

Each cham b,-,' for a floor test allows for th e floor und er investigation to be placed at least 7 ft. 6 in, a bov e th e floor of the hut, and tLc chambers are roofed in with galvanised iron, or tarpaulin wh e n nec essary.

Bricks or pig-iron are used for any loads that may he

AI D.- May, 1903 applied to floors under investigation, and water is applied from an ord in ary manual pump eq uipp ed with a pressure ga u ge.

Records of temperatures are taken, as far as pos s ibl E a utomatically, by elect rical pyrom ete rs d es igned by the late Professor Rob e rts -Austen, of th e Royal Mint and are ab le to record temperatures up to 2,300 degs. Fah r

Visual observations as to work under inv es tigation are also recorded, as far' as possible, by photography.

Deflections are measured by lev e and staff, or by weights and pulleys.

W e re it on l y f or this work alone-the promotion of this Committee-which, we be lieve, was the inception of Mr. Sachs, h e deserves well of his fellows, b eca us e in t eac hing how to construct buildings which sha ll offer th e least minimum risk to fir e is to do much towards diminishing th e loss of life by fire.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

COVENTRY.-The half-yea rly insp ectio n of this smart brigade took place on W ed n esday, April 22nd, at the Station, Hal e-street. There were present Ald Drinkwater, Councillors Armishaw (Captain of the Brigade), Colledge, Liggins, Webster, McGowran, and Newman. The brigade went through several dry and wet drills, Durin g the inspection a trial a larm of fire was given with the men in the recrea tion room, and the turn-out was effected in 28 secs, The bri gade was drawn up and add re ssed by Ald. Drinkwat er, who complimented them upon th e ir smart appearance, and the highly creditable manner in which they had performed their duties.

Capt. Armishaw acknowledged the added int erest that had been given to th e membership of th e brigade by the provision of gymnas tic appliances and a piano for the recreation room.

members of this brigade are to be congratulated on qualifying for the Red Cross of the Union . Capt. Fitch with Assistant Supt. Phillips and 9 m e n sat for the examination, all passing successfully This will have been very gratifying to Dr. Winter (the ir hon. surgeon) who gave the ten lectures.

The men were highly commended by Surgeon-Major Maitland Coffin, who held the examination, on the very sma rt wa y they did their work, and he also comp liment ed Dr. Winter on the able manner they had been coached to bring th em up to s u ch a state of efficiency.

H ERNE BAy, - The funeral of the late Mr. E. Taylor took place on Thursday, April 30th, and was attended by the ambulance corps and fire brigades of the district, of both of which bodies the deceased had for a considerable time been a member. The solemn ceremonies were in cha rge of Capt. Wacher, Herne Bay Fire Brigade, and Supt. Sh e ll y, of the Herne Bay Ambulance Corps.

lLKL EY.-On Saturday, ::vIay 2nd, this brigade, under Supt. J. A. Middlebrook and Capt. Pow e ll, turned out with the e<;cape, scaling ladders and jumping sheet , for the purpose of ascertaining the best methods of placing and using these life-saving appliances at houses situate on the hill side, where the slope renders it somewhat difficult to work, and at places not readily accessib l e on account of garden walls or projections of one kind or another. Much useful

:Y[ay, 1903, -FIRST knowl edge was obtained by the members from this practice, and it is intended that similar practice outings sha ll be held at int erva ls in th e future. Probably during the summer an exhibition of a ll the appliances \\'ill be held at some convenient place in the town.

ORTH SHlELDs.-The market in this town, a long, narrow building, covered with some thousands of square feet of g las s, took fire on Sunday, May 17th, The conflagration soon assumed alarming proportions, and th e r esidents of the adjoining hous es were aroused, and their furnitur e was removed into the streets. Before the flames we r e got und er, the roof fe ll in, tog ethe r with a larg e iron girder. One of the firemen sustained severe injur ies, and th e chief co nst able was also cut about the face and hands, Several shops were destroyed, and a large paper store, owned by Mr. Allan Little, suffered a like fate. The market, which is owned by the Corporation, was erected 16 years ago The Fire Brigade prevented the flames from spread in g to the ad j oining propcrty, and a very creditable " stop" is reported to have been made.

SUN])ERLAND. On April 29th, the new copper dam, patented by Mr. T. S. Forster, was given another trial by th e Fire Brigade. Since the previous trial ;'1r. Forster has made several improvements in the apparatus, with the object of making it more handy. At the trial, which took place in the park, it was considered that the invention was highly successful. The members of the Fire Brigade Sub-Committee were present, and it was decided to ask the Ch i ef Constable (Mr. W. Carter) and the Superintendent of the Fire Brigade (l\Ir. W. F. Yelland) to make a report on the apparatus,

YEOVIL. - A new 50 ft. telescope fire escape, fitted with the latest improvements, has been purchased for the fire brigade. The escape, which cost about ,£ 100, is a considerable improvement on the apparatus lately in use, and can be ca.sily worked by a much smaller number of men.

A number of ladies have presented the Fire Brigade at Summit, New Jersey, with a huge coffee-urn, mounted on wheels It will be taken to big fires to provide th e men with r efres hment. The idea is scarcely new, We believe that the Chief of the L. C. C. Metropolitan Fire Brigade has for a considerable time had a coffee-sta ll, but there, we forget! A huge coffee-u rn is decidedly an improvement on the stall. For instance, it might be fitted with a screw, and if, on arrival at a fire, water failed, hose and noz zle could be affixed-and th ere you are, don't you see!

In a certai n village not very long ago, says the LIverpo o l Dai£l' Post, a benevolent doctor offered to gi ve a therm ome t er t o every cottage, carefully explaini ng its use. Soon afte r their arrival a district visitor entered one house wh e r e th e n ew thermometer hung proudly in th e middle of the rO om, dangling at th e end of a string. The visitor complImented the owner upon it, and enquired if she remembe r ed the in st ru ct ion s "Ay, that I do," was the reply. "I 'a ngs 'un th e r e, and I watches 'un until 'e gets above 60 " "Quite right, Mrs , --," said the lady much pleased that the directions given had taken root·' "and what do you do when it gets above 60 ? " "Why; then" was the unlook ed-fo r answer, "I tak es un down from the and puts 'un out in the garden, and coo ls un down a bit! "

Letters to the Editors.

rVe ale ill 1lO way respollst"ble JOY Ihe opim'olls exp1'c ssed or tlte statell/e n ts made, by C;orresj1olldellts , - ErHToR s.

WHY DO I OT THE LO DON POLICE WEAR THE AMBULANCE BADGE?

DEAR SIR S,- On the front page of FIRST Am for April

I read with interest your remarks on the surprise of our provincial fr iends at never seeing a London policeman \I 'earing an ambulance badge. They ask, why is it? I answer, because the authorities at St. J olm 's Gate and Scotland Yard appear to have drifted apart. That co-operation which existed 15 years ago and seemed li kely to become established, does not now exist. I refer to the time when St. John litters were to be found at all the London Police-stations, and active steps were promoted to induce the police to take a permanent interest in ambulance \I 'o rk; but now one may look in vain for any sign or effort, official or otherwise, being made to that end. The Yard goes its Iray and the authorities at the Gate go theirs, while the intelligent provincial look s in vain for the bacige on the tunics of our not altogether effete Poli c e Force ,-Yours, &c.,

L. A. C April 29th, 1903.

THE ROYAL PROGRESS.

DEAR SlRS,-'Vill YOLl please allow me, as one who took on that day, to echo all that has been said preVIOusly on thIS well thrashed out subJect? I think your suggestion in la s month 's issue advising an appeal to be made to Lord Knuts.ford, the Direc,tor of the Order! a very sensible way out of the dIfficulty. If he IS, as they say, kmd and symp a theric feel qui te sure he \\"ill see at once the unfa ir way mem bers the provin ces are being dealt with in not parti c ipatin a in tIle honours gained. And then this subject might be to close! and the space taken up month after month in your Il1terestlllg paper mIght be used for some other topic. Thanking you in anti c ipation,-Yours truly, Leeds, April 28th, 1903.

J. A. M.

"FRACTURE THROUGH RIGHT ELBOW JOINT. " DEAR SIRS, Being a constant reader of FIR T Am and having ofttimes benefitted through the instructive letters the various correspondents, I venture to ask the opinion of brigade officers and others upon the treatment of the folloll'lIlg case : _ At a recent co mpetition one of the cards showed the following"Fracture through right elbow joint. " 'Vould there be no daJ:ger to bend the in this case to apply L-shaped sp lll1t thereto? Accordlllg to page 56 of Dr. Cantlie's book we are taught to app ly this splint, but I cannot possibly ol;lt that the bending of the for this purpose is not fraught WIth danger to nen es and artenes at bend of elbow. 'Vho will enlighten me ?- I remain, humbly yours, " PORTMADOC. "

[Perhaps some, of our medical readers will reply to t h IS query. RelatIve to your other query about the National Railway Shield, it should have been made to the authorities at St. John's Gate. - EDS .J

AMBULANCE

SERVICE FOR LO

DON.

DEAR SlRS,-Your correspondent L. A, C. whose letters I read interest, has, it seems to me,' made a good suggestIOn; that IS to keep ambulance wagons at the fire stations and to arrange for the police to have facilities to ca ll help from any street fire a larms I cannot, however see where motor ambulances would be at all suitable.- l am, yours faithfully, OLD READER.

DEAR SIR S -Yo ur ambulance scheme is a grand idea worthy of FIR T Am, but I am afraid it will prove very when carried out, and do not think motor ambulances would prove a real economy,-Faithfully yours, A FIR T AlDER.

DK\R SIR. ,-S hould your ambulance scheme come off up will go our rates. Could some money be taken off

e xisting Local Government expenses and spent on your proposed ambulance scheme there might be some' good in it, but no doubt if the idea was can ied out it would be in a very expensive way -cost ly motors, palatial stations, staff, officers, superintendents, &c. It does not matter whether the County Council or any other body carries it out, up will go the rates - I am, yours, &c.,

A AND ,\ R,\TEPAYER

DEAR SIRS, - Though it is very interesting to learn, through the medium of your valuable and much improved Journal, that an effort likely to result in an Ambulance Service being established worthy of this great city is about to take place, I confess that, as a payer of very heavy and increasing local rates, I view the idea-excellf'nt as it is - with so me mI sgivings, and the proposition of adopting motor ambulance cars in the same li g ht. Being the man ager for years of a large, wellknown firm of carriers who, e\·er since motors were allowed to run freely on the roads, have been experimenting with a variety of motor carrier vans, I may say they have been tested and found wanting. W i th everyone of them, when required to stand the daily wear and tear throughout the year, the cost was in no way below tbat of horses, as skilled mechani cs comma n d high wages, with labourer s under them-and these you must h ave for driv ing purposes. Our bills for repairs were quite as hi g h as our farrier 's bills for a twelvemonth.-Yours, &c., OLD BAILEY.

l\tfI DWIFERY . - Ladies wbo hold the 'ursing Certificate 1l1. of the St. John Ambulance Association and wish to attend a course of le ctures on illidwifery, or to qualify as midwives under the New Act, sbould apply to tbe Matron, Stockwell Private Maternity Hospital, 32, Stockwell Green, S.W.

BELFAST SHIRT co.,

The House patronised by the S.J.A.B.

SHIRTS AND RECULATION CLOVES

A Speciality.

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IMPORTANT NOTlCE. - The date of publication of "First Aid" is the 20th of the month.

To Our Readers.

As it is the earnest wish and desire o f th e new Proprieto rs to make thi s J ourna l as alt r act iv e and ente rt ai ning as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked 10 give it all th e help they can Su perintendents of Corps and Officers of Divi s ion s of the SI. J o hn Ambulance Brigade, Officers of t he Volunteer l\ledical Staff Corps, th e Volunteer Ambulance School of I nst ructi on, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongl;t the membe r s of their re spective orga ni sat ions, and will al. 0 send for publication their offic ial news and notices Suggestions are im itecl for Prize Competitions and othe r matters whi ch will advance the interest. of the J ou rnal.

Ne particularly desire to ask o ur correspondents to he hrief and to tbe point in any communications they may send us fo r publi cat ion vV e arc pleased to record t he fact that we are a lr eady r ece iving a great accession o f s upp o rt from all part s o f the country, and as ou r space is so m e what imited, in d ea ling with rep or ts o f loca l meetings for presentation of cert ifi cates, &c., it would be better tb at a brief report were writt en, giving a short esume of the various points touched upon by the principal speakers, rather than that a engthy newspaper report sho uld be en t giving in detail 1he whol e re cord of he meeLing This report s douhtless int eresti ng to loca l First aiders, hut it must he borne in mind that we are catering fo r the Ambulance a nd Fire Brigade world at la rg e

TERMS OF

For T2 mont hs, 2S 6(1., post fr ee, to he se nl to I he I'll hI is her s, M ess rs Va e, R ey no l ds and Co., 46, Cannon·street, London, E. C. Te!e51-aphic Address-" Twent)l-jollr, LOlldon."

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ticket bearing or paying passenger, or .w ho shall have been fata lly = _

injured thereby (should death result wlthm mnety days after such @ I

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PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or e _ • ""

stee l fo r r esisti ng rifle fire. The motor and shield will be heavily fired at when shielding a dummy soldier receivi ng first aid from two other dum m ies

Tm: following is taken from thc Dazly Telegraph:" In r ererence to the report tha.t pompier ladd e rs were to be introduced in the Metropolitan F re Brigad e , it is authoritively stated that hook ladders formed part of the equ ipmen t for some time. What is now taking place is that a new drill, showing the proper method of using th ese ladde r s, has been put into practice, and can be witnessed at the publ ic weekly drills on Wednesday afternoons at the h eadquarters in the Southwark Bridge-road " This seems rather a strange explanation. We ga ther from the facts stated above th at hook ladders hav e rormed part of the equipme nt fo r some time, but a new drill slwwlIlg Ill e proper metlwd of using tltem Itas llOW been Plft hI pradice (the italics are ours). What was th e good of carrying th ese ladd e r s if th e men in charge did not know th e proper m e thod of using them?

I N concl u ding its annual repo rt on th e year's fir es, the F ir e Brigade Committee of the LOlldon County Council says :-" Advantage is to a greater exte nt than form e rly t a ke n by Londoners of the incr ease d facitities which have been provided in recent years for calling the brigade by t e lep hone, eithe r through an exchange or by a dir ec t lin e from business prem ises to th e nearest fire station, or by means of the street fire -alarms. This is a matter for congra tul ation, for if the br igade is to save life and prevent small fires developing into se ri ous conflagrations, it is csse ntial that a prompt ca ll shou ld be given to e very outbreak, h o weve r trifling. To correct misappr e h e nsion which we believe ex ists in certa in quarters, we consider it desiranle to add that no charge is mad e ror services re nd e red by the brigade in connect ion with the saving of life or the ext inction of fir e within th e county of London, save in th e case of chimney fir es "

her person or. bad at home t!1is ticket, with his, 01: her, usual

Address (a post,card Will do) f signature, wrlllen prIOr to t.he on t.he.space t. Dr. TIBBLES VI-COCOA, Limited,

which, together With the g iving of notice wlthm th e tIme as herem· = 60,61, &. 62, Bunhill Row, = before mentioned, is the essence of this COl1lract. l I

This good for current only, and the London, E.C. ie benefits of and IS subJect to, the COndJlIOnS of the OCEAN - (P I t· th O paper) "

A D GUARANTEE COMPANY Limited Act ease men Ion IS • ACCIDE , ')

A. M. S. writ es to til e Bni/slt JlIediml Jourlla/: "As it is now considered imp ossib le to rcnder su rgical assistance in th e lin e of fire, I tru st that army s ur geons of all ranks with expe ri e n ce of the war will answer the appeal of Major E. Palliser, Army and Navy C lub, Pall Mall, for th e ir views (not for publi cat ion) as to th e exper im e nt s proposed of firczone m o tor s t o r e li eve th e suffe rin gs of ou r so ldi e rs. Major Palli se r writes: "A well -kn o wn m o tor company is prepar· in g for expe rim e nts one of th ei r m o t o rs to mitigate the sufferings o f o ur soldiers in th e firing lin es owing t o tb e want of wat e r, surgical atteIJdance, and amm uniti o n. "

M a jor Palliser has r eceive d letters fr o m officers as to th e ir po ss ibl e usefuln ess as am munition and wat e r carriers a nd ask e d for communications from th e Royal Army Medical Corps as to th e p oss ibl e us e fuln ess for r e movin g or aidi ng wound e d. Tbe s hi e ld of th e motor s is to be of ni c kel

BJRClIWooD.-We lea rn that First Officer Jno. M. Davies, of the Birchwood Coll ieries, a nd the popular sec retary of th e Birchwood Ambulance Sports, has found it n ecessa ry to aga in seek a change of a ir to regain health and strength. Through the kindness of a well -known beneractor spent some time at Skegness, which seemed to improve hun. However, he is now stay in g at Ashover with a view of further impr ov in g his condit io n. We learn that he is mending very satisfactorily, a nd we fee l sure his many friends in Birchwood and district will join in hoping that the benefit derived from a stay in Asho \ cr \\'ill be 1+ lasting and effec tive one.

Railway Anlbulanc

REAr E,\'-'TFRN P, lLW. Y. In celebration of the success of the lleat Eastern amhulaucc team ill winning the challengc shield at the l' ailway 'otl1petitioll, thc chief otlicers of the COI1lP;\l\Y entertained at dinl1 'r at th> ,I' 'at Eastern Hotel, I i,-erpool- treet, on :\londa' evening, June 8th, th' winning team (members fthe "\tar 'h diyi ion), the team who ompet'd in the fmal round of the Great Ea tcrn P ailw3.' 'up omp,tition, and al 0 the e retaries and fir officers of all the other di"i ion on the s r tem. The chair was taken by Mr. J. F. S. Gooda (General Manager) upported b - several of the principal officer of the ompany and other gentlemen.

The hairman in proposing the "Y,"inning Tcam," aid it wa vcr' pleasing to him to find that the serYants f the ompan' had obeed his requc t, for it would be within their recollection that he told the March team at Le 'ton that the' had the honour of the reat Ea tern P ailway in th ,ir hands, and that c\cr man would be expected

had b n at their 1m 1 all throuh 1h' ompany's mp,titions, the int'r·railwa omp tilion , and likewise the 10 al competiti ns. 11e kn 'w [n oth'r railwa where there were so man' pri\'ilcges granted to the ambulance men a on the reat Eastern P ail",a', ancl he doubt'd wh ther thcr' \\ ere I.IW othel officials on an other rail \\ a that would ha.vc gi\'en the lllen such a. reccption as their ol1icials had gi them that night. Thcre was no tcam representing any other company who 'nterccl for the hield competition that had a bright hining light ahead of them in the shape of ;{ 25 for the winning team. fhe all kncw who the hacl to thanl ior that £25, and on behalf of the team he e\.pressed their inc're thank' to the chail man for thi great kindness.

Ir. T. rein (llon. e r tar', G.E.I. mbulancc orp ) proposed the health of th' Chairman. The Gteat Eastern P ailway were the first company to start an ambu lance class among railwa companies.

Other toasts followed, and a capital musi 301 pro gramme was carried out.

FIRST

Bonsol, of the' S.E. ancl '. R. COlll)J:lIly, who was SllpPOI tcd by th' dir 'C[OJ'S of the Company, Ullrl also 1\ JI. C. Sheath (fll'Cfl'taIY), l\lr. W. \\ 'ooc1ll1ru! (acr,0uJ1tant), :1IIr1

I. Thompsoll (flllpel intcndellt of the 11I1e), &c..

illl'lL'l'll teams flOlli dlfG'1 'nt parts of the JIl1C cnlel.ccI into [h' cOlllpcl ilirlll, I he fil sl thlee priz' leams COll1l11g fnJI11 \ iClori,l, Ilcrne 11 ill, and In Illak thc plesl'ntatl(Jl1, [he Chalrlll.an n'[('rrccl to the e\\ 'Ilent work pelfOll1led hy tl1(' first cud men on Ihe lint' and to what extent the cOlllpany's servants hnd bel'n inst; Ulliental in alk, i:lting th Slllfc'rJl:gs of l!aSSL:llgl'ls lh'll r'IJow "'01 k1l1ell who b"r\ IllCt With aClldents on and off lhl' rail",;]). Je urg d till' m '11 to furtiwi l'ncoutage

'Yw.

son (station mastcr), and last but not least, Mr. Church Brasier, who had been a \'alued in.structor.

II'. Goodley (first officer of the winning team), whose name was coupled with the toast, said it was his pleasing duty on behalf of the winning team to thank the chairman for the kind words he had conveyed to them. He also desired to thank hi fellow competitors for the kind letters of congratulation they had recei"ed from all quarters of the ystem. uch words as had been spoken to them by their worthy chairman, would act as a sti mulant not only to themscl\'e but to all the ervants of the Company. When they won the shield they had no idea they would have such a grand reception at the hands of thc officials of the Company as they had had that night. He regretted very much the absence of one of their members (Mr, Brundell). After all the privileges that had been granted them by the Company, they would ha\'e been lacking in their duty had they neglected to bring back the shield to the Great Eastern Railway Company. He fully endorsed the remarks of the !n regard to their honorary surgeon, Dr. O'Connor; Without hun they would never have won the shield. He

day, ] une 4th, this team which r 'cently won tbe B ailwa' hallengc hield, gave an ambulance display in aid of the funds of the larch Nursing Association, and a large audience greatly appreciatecl the e).cellcnt ent rtainment provided. The Rc\'. T. T. Peyton, 1L\., occupied the hair. The handsome shield and silver cupwhi h theUarch Ambulance orps have just won 0 cupied prominent positions on the platform, and the handsome prizes were also displayed. One of the very best musical programmes heard in 1\1arch for a very long time had been arranged, and was well

[\R II. n Thurs- to do his dut " ancl bring back the shield, and this the had done. Thi was the third occasion upon which the shield bad been \Yon b' the Great Eastern Compan·. Beferring to thc winning team he under tood that on seyeral occa ion they had been unsucce:; ful in carrying olr the Great Ea tern hallenge up, but they had followed the old adage " fry, try, tr again," and this time the' bad succeecled. He referrecl to the time and patience which had bcen devoted by 1k O"onnor (ilIarch) to the ilfarch team in tbe work they had to do. They' must also recognise the assistance they had recei\'ed flOm Mr. Crisp and Mr. Jack-

carried out.

During an interval in the programme a very interesting presentation took place, when Mr. E. C. ottage received some very useful gifts from the mbulance Corps, the Railway Band (of which he is secretary), and from his fellow workers. Mr. C. Crisp made the presentations, and spoke of Mr. Cottage's connection with the ambulance team, and said when they heard he was going to commit matrimony they fear d it might prove a superior attraction, but he actually took his ambulance book with him on his honeymoon. The present efficiency of the band, Mr. Crisp said, was in no small degree due to the excellent work of its secretary. Therefore, in the name of th e band, he wished to present him with a beautiful cruct. In making the third presentation, of a chiffonnier, from his fellow workmen to 11r. COllage, lVIr. Crisp said they appreciatcd his efforts and never-failing courtesy on all occasions.

SOUTH EASTERN AND CHATHAM RAILWAY.-The cups and prizes gained by the various ambulance first aid teams were presented in the board-room at the London Bridge Station on Wednesday, May 20th, by Mr. H. Cosmo

III 'Ilt alld huped that ne t )' 'ar \\(Jlild find the !eplC the :-;.1<:. and ('. R. ill the allonal COlllpellllon, nnd winnil;g the shicld which. is by , S.l:\. \. ompelltion amongst ?II I be. and R. l1t1d twice held third posilion In thiS compelilion. , A pleasing ll1cident took pln.:e when 1\[1'. 1 hOl11son, the popular of the on heha.lf. of the teams, prescnt 'clto 1\11'. bnest A. Rllhards, of his p Isonal staff ami hon. secre tar), uf the al11iJu lance classes, a vel y handsome silyer pl:ltl'd oak liqllL'ur flt:tnd, as 51. tol '11 or 'their

'st 'Ill and srltisrilc tion at th' way in which all the arrangements in COllne tion with the \ompclitions for the last 5i years had been made by him. !Ill. Thompson, in h,1.nding the testimonial lo 1\\ r. Richard'l, expressed his personal ad miration nt the success and high state of efflciency of the

THE INTERNATIONAL

nrc nlJ\c.: to state definitely that OUI presenl method of !nduring rcspiration by is often With serious c1nngC'l, morc espeCIally to the hvcr. and till' internnl organs, which in most of ,ac;phy la I)(' omc: consirlerably congesLed nncl fhey counsel the I tion of pi essur<' to the I11lddle ralls of lhe rilf'st,. or Ir applir'd to the epigastrium, a gl ntlc and Mill"( 0\'('1 th e expel 1m ('nts po III t to the prone posllion of the sui>j('( l snfC'r than the inasmuch pressure applied to the IJack bel'OI.l1es In the. posilion more cvenly disll i1Jute,d. 1\ slill more stnkll1g feature of the exp 'ritnents is the testimony they offer to the of the rolling method that is, lIw of the from the 1£ltcrclsupine to the prone combined With dOlS,d pressure, of the: most salls,far Lmy r altiflcial aeration bell1g attal\1crJ by thiS meane;, fhls lllcthod has been prov d to facilitate the escape of and mucus flOm the moulh and air passages. 130th thiS method and the simpler one of rhythmic pressUle upon the back, the subject being prone, the comlnlttc(; should occupy a plOl11inent place in all made With the view of lhe resuscitation 01 the apparenLly drowned. Several falls of minor inFIRE EXHIBITION.

The July number of "First Aid" will be a

special, enlarged issue, and will contain, amongst other features, an illustrated notice of the above Exhibition, also a full report o.f the International Fire Prevention Congress to be held July 7th to 10th, and descriptive, illustrated notices of the principal exhibits, am bulance men on the railway, which su ess he altributcd to the lauer's efforts and dclermll1alton.

Mr. P ichards briefly responded, and thanked Mr. Thomson for his kind and eulogistic also the subscribers for their beautirul and gift. The pro eedings closed by the dm.: ctors generously entertaining the various teams at luncheon.

Artificial Respiration.

FOR th e last twelve years a committee of n:cdical xperts has been silling on the much subject of artiflcial respiration. The report, we hem> shortly to be issued. In tbe meantime we are publtshll1g an cxt:act from a rcport made by a pressm:m .in the orth of l'..ngland. Wc should like to hear the Views of our readers on the dictum laid down. We should like also .to hea: Lhe vicws or Mr. I:'Ienry, the popular and energellc PreSident of the Life Saving Society, who. is, we are the greatest authority on the q uestlOn of resuSCllatlOn drowning :-" As th e rcsult of experiments, the con1l11lllce

terest were also obtained through the experi ments. Contrary to expec taLion, very little water is found ll1 the lungs of persons on whom arti ficial respiration hns been exerted without success, the reason being that it has become absorbed in the blood.

Another curious discovery, made aftcr experiment ing on living animals, is that immersion may so mel m c s last several minutes without causing death, provided, or oursc, efficient attirlcial respiration immediately fo1lows."

])l<: ATll 01' MR. R. C. YELLAND. - On June 1st, at his residence, Penn)' -lane, Waverlree, ML Richard ollins Yelland passed to his rest in his sixty -ninth year. The deceased, though he retirecl the Liverpool Salvage orps about cleven years ago, IS still for the excellent organisation and the wise poliCY by which, retaining the salvage of cotton and other goods in the hands of the corps, fires of that descnptlOn were reduced to a mimimul11 from something appallingly destructive. The late 1r. Yelland retil ed with a testimonial, and his son now controls the fire salvage department in Derbyroad, Bootie. The deceased served in his youth in the Naval Brigade, and was awarded three and lhree clasps for his services in the War 111 both naval and military operations. After the an? before coming to take barge of the LIverpool. Salvage Corps, upwards of thirty years ago, h.e served first 10 the London Fire Brigade, and afterwards 111 the Salvage Corps.

THE G.E.B. ( TEA:'II,

ERS OF THE B AILWAY CIIALLEI GE SHIELD.

-FIRST

St. John Ambulance Association.

most enjoyable gathering took place at the Bush Hotel, on Tuesday evening, May 19th, when sixty members and friends were present at the second dinner held by the members. Dr. Hugh F. Ealand presided, and there were also present Drs. S. G Sloman, C E. Tanner, and E. Robinson (Frensham), the Rector (Rev. T G. Gardiner), Capt. Sampson and other friends. The vice-chair being occupied by Mr. \V R. Worsam, treasurer of the Centre.

After the Royal toasts had been proposed and duly honoured, the Vice-Chairman proposed the Imperial Forces, alluding to the valuable services by members of the Association in the late war. Captain who had been wounded several times, suitably responding.

Dr. Siomoon proposed" The Bishop and Clergy of all Denominations." The Rector responding in his usual happy manner.

The next toast on the list wss the toast of the evening, viz.: "The S.J.A.A. Farnham Centre," proposed by Dr. C E. Tanner who said there was no toast that would be received with greater enthusiasm in Farnham than that of the Association. It was the greatest possible comfort to all doctors in the neighbourhood to know of its existence. He could imagine no association to which any young man who wished to be of service to his fellow men and women which would afford him more opportunities than the S.J.A.A. In Farnham there WaS no difficulty at all, for all the doctors had to do was to communicate with a member of the S.J.A.A. and a patient was removed from his own home to a Hospital or elsewhere at once and in a thoroughly skilful manner. The great charm of their work was that there was no "gas." It did its work and did it well. Dr. Tanner coupled with the toast the name of Mr. Winslade the Hon. Secretary, and said it would be pr es umption on his part to tell how much Mr. Winslade did for the Association, but if ever he was in a difficulty he went to the

Mr. Winslade, in responding, spoke of the increase in the nulO ber of classes and stated that sixty-four memb e rs had gaineu certincates that season. Since August 3 1st 19° 2 , forty -three cases had been attended by mem bers. The van having covered a distance of 194 miles and 854 cases had bep.n recorded in the occurrence books of the Centre .

The Chairman then distributed medallions and certificates to the successful candidates who had the class in the town.

Mr. Furlonger proposed the toast of the ({ Medical !)rofess ion." Drs. Sloman, Ealan? and Robinson res pondmg, the latter gentleman remarkll1g that he knew 01 two most difficult cases in his district that we re removed in a scientific and manner, and the medical profeSSIon were greatly mdebted to the mem bers for their assistance.

"The Chairman" was proposed by the Rector in a ve.ry humourous speech, Dr. in responding, saId there was one great dIfference 111 the Association and the profession men worked for nothing and the profeSSIOn dId not If they could help it.

"The Vice-Chair" was proposed by the Chairman who referred to Mr. Worsam 's good work for the Centre.

A capital. musical had be e n arranged and was ably earned out, lI1c1udll1g quartettes by Messrs. Young, Lambert, Winslade and McConnochie; duets by

Messrs. Wins lade and Lambert; and songs by Messrs. Guest, Lambert and McConnochie. Mr. Lambert causing much amusement by an added vers e to his song, of his own composition, anent the work of the Association.

The accompaniments were all thal could be d esi red at the hands of Mr. \\T. H. Kerridge, F.R.CO.

GLOUCEsTER - There was a large gathering at the Corn Exchange on "Wednesday evening, May 20th, when the presentation of certificates, &c., gained at the rece nt examinat ions of this Centre was undertaken by the Mayor of Gloucester (Ald. E. Hartland). Mr. J. M. Collett (pI"esident) presided, and was supported by th e Mayor, the City High Sheriff and others.

The Chairman refe rred to th e excellent work accomplished by the classes, which had been we ll attended. One thing which they n eede d in Gloucester in addition to that they already had, was a wheeled litter. Th eo nlyon ea t present in the city was kept at the Corporation depot at Stroud-road, and it was rather awkward to obtain, especially at night-t ime, as the depot was locked up. Th ey reqUIred a wheeled litt e r to be kept at the police-station in case of emergency. If any lady or gentleman was disposed to make the centre a present of one, it would be most thankfully received.

During the evening displays were give n with success by Alington, Sherborne -s treet, Corporation,. "Midland Railway (passenger department), Co-operative, Tumey, and St. Catherine's classes, and the Polic e Force. The latt er was watched wi th the greatest interest, and consisted of th e conversion of two bicycles into a litter, by the aid of which the patient could be conveyed comfortably and eas ily away.

The Chairman, in moving a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor, was pleased to state that the remarks he h ad made in the early part of the evening had born e fruit. J fis Worship had kindly given him a sovereig)1 towards the litter they hoped to obtain, and he (the Chairman) would add a second.

NORWICH. -A meeting of representatives of the police, the two Railway Companies, and Messrs. Laurence and Scott's ambulance co rps, was held at the Guildhall, on Wednesday, Jun e 3rd, to discuss the desirabilty of arranginO' a local competition with a view to obtaining increased interest from the public generally in this very important work.

Mr. Archer, the president of the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway Ambulance Corps, was voted to the chair, and re ferred in sympathetic e rms to the accident to the Chief Constable-who was in consequence unable to be at the meeting

Tt was agreed after a le ngthy discussion, that a competition should be held in Norwich on October 22nd next, and that the rules should be on the same lines as those approveo by the St. John Ambulance Association for the inter-railway competitions held annually in London. It was also decided that the Mayor and other influential gentlemen in. the city should be asked to attend a meeting to be held 111 the near future to settle further details. Seeing the great benefit it would confer upon the city and public generally, should there be a growth in the movement; it is hoped that the necessary support will be obtained to provide a cup and shield to be competed for annually, together with prizes to the team judged to be the most competent in individual work, and in the transport of the injured,

Th e Ambulan c e Colli e ry, n e ar Cl asses Wi g an ,

-F IRST AI D.-

at A bram Lancas h ire.

0)1 th e 28th or :\1ay last annua l distribution of medallions and certifIcates took place at Bickershaw.

The gentleman whose portrait appears this month, Mr. A E. J ohnsoo, J. P., Honorary Associate of the Order of th e 1-1 ospi tal of St. John of J e ru sa lem! n England, and who is also President of the Abram Colliery Ambulance

St . J o h n Ambul a n ce B rigade.

METROPOLITAN CORPS.

We are informed that Col. Bowdler, CB., has resigned the position of Chief Comm.issi.oner and has a.ppointed Commissioner. General Nml1ls, Deputy-CommIssIoner has been appointed Chief Chief Supt. 10rgan has been appointed Asst.-CommIssIoner.

On Saturday, June 13th, the medals awarded to men who had serveu in South Africa, and the medals awarded to the Metropolitan Corps, were dIstrIbuted at the Charterhouse by the Chief Commissioner. It was intended to have held it at the Moat by the Tower, but the wcather conditions were unfavourable. Prior to the general Jlresentation, 1\1r. Cc.cil Baker, Sergt.-1[.aj?r or the Langman Hospital, was presented WIth the Dlstll1gUlshed Conduct Medal.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

BlR nursing classes having come to a conclusion, the members presented themselves o.n the i th inst. for examinat ion . The examiner was Dr. RIchardson Rice, of Coventry. It is hoped that the greater part of th e 27 who faced Dr. Rice wi 11 pass. Th.e corps has. ?een asked to ambulance tbe city on the occasIon of the of the Princess Christ ian on the 23rd. Some 60 men wIll be on duty in charge of Chief Supt. Fred Gilbert.

Some of our readers who remember the contretemps which caused Messrs. Stamp and Tozer to be expunged from the Roll of th e Chapter of St. John, will be interested in knowing that they been re-instated, and are !,?w again Hon. Servmg Brothers the Order.. I he inforl11:ltion was conveyed to Lord LeIgh, the of the Birmingham Centre St.John, by Sir H. Perrott, In an exceedingly graceful letter.

Classes and the local DLvision of the Ambulance Brigade, and whose kindly int erest and is always sho\\,11 in all usefui movements in the lo cality in whi ch he resides, took th e l ead in g part.

The classes wer e formed in ) 882, and up to the present the total number o f passes are 852. During the ,,:ho le of that period A. E. Johnson ha s tak en a very actIve part in th e ambulance movement, and Mrs. Johnson, who has for several years the medallions ,an? certificates to the successful candIdates at th e Abram CollIery Branch, again presented th e medallions and _.

Every encouragement ha s been gIven to the offiCIals and workpeople at the Abram Collieries to k eep qualified to re nder first aid, a nd amongst thIngs a gold medal was offered in 18g8 for competItIon, and ha s now become an annual event.

The list of winners of the " Johnson)) Gold Medal are as follows :- 1898, Mr. Ellis Greenough ; r899, Mr. Albert Staylay; 19°O, P.C. Barber j 19°1, Mr. Fred Oakes, 19°2, Mr. William Green. .

A fairly strong Division of the Ambulance BrIgade has been in existence over three years and has fully justifi ed its formation. Four men volunteered to go out to South Africa and hav e re ce ived medals for th ei r services, o ne being presented to NIL Francis A. Linton at the a nnual distri bution.

BLAcKPooL.-The fri ends of 1\lrs. Orme, and they are many will learn with pleasure of the honour that has been confe:Ted upon her by the presentation of an illuminated diploma on vellum Order of St. of Jerusalem in England in recogl1ltJOn of valued serVlces to the work conducted in connection with its ambulance department. Herewith is the Order's high appreciation :-" Grand Priory of tbe Order of the Hospital.of St. John of in England. Extract from tbe mmutes of the meetLl1g of the Chapter General held on 24th February, 19°3, at St. John's Gate, Clerkcnwell, London. Resolyed :-.

"That tbe special th an ks of H.R.H. the Grand Pnor and th e Chapter General be hereby t<? Yirginia Mar garet the Nursmg DIVISIon, for valuable and dIstIl1O'Ulshed servIces Jl1 furtherance of the philanthropic work ofo the Order in connection with its am bulance departmenl."

Th e diploma is signed by the of Wal es, Grand Prior, Lord Egerton of Tatton, and SIr Herbert Jekyll, Secretary General.

A letter accompanying the certIficate em bodl,:s .a request by th e Chief of the .Order tbat. thIS should be made the occaSLOn of a publIc presentatLOn to Mrs. Orme."

1\Irs. Orme is the only lady superintendent is this, the NO.4, District, who has been awarded the diploma.

The annual inspection of th e am bu lance a nd nursing

-FIRST

divisions of this town took place on the parade ground at the Blackpool Police Station on May 20th. Lieut.-Colonel C. J. Trimble, C.M.G., YD., the DeputyCommissioner for the North-Western District, was the inspecting officer, and also presented the special medals granted by the Chapter of the Order of St. John in recognition of service in the South African War, to the members of the division entitled to them. The proceedings were thrown open to the public, and although a co13 wind rather chilled the enthusiasm, the large attendance showed deep interest in the work and evinced its recognition.

The Commissioner (Lieut.-Col. Trimble) was supported by the Assistant·Commissioner (Mr. J. c. Derham, Chief Constable), and Hon. Surgeon L. G. S. Molloy.

The ambulance division was under the command of Supt. G. Gosling, and the nurses were drawn up under the Lady Superintendent (Mrs. V. M. Orme).

The nurses having given a good account of their training in the afternoon, the ambulance men were put through first aid and stretcher drill, and they went about their work with earnestness and precision.

The two divisions having been lined up, Lieut.-Col. Trimble said he was gratified to be in a position to tell them that he was perfectly satisfied with everything he had seen. Like all other organisations, he was afraid they could not claim to be perfect, not by a long way. At the same time, as a body of civilians, banded together to endeavour to get a certain amount of military knowledge, they had been markedly successful. So far as their work that day was concerned, he could say that it was very creditable, and showed that they had acquired considerable knowledge of first aid. In conclusion, he would like to convey to Surgeon Molloy his satisfaction at the condition of the division, of which he was the senior officer.

Lieut.-Col. Trimble afterwards presented the medals to the active service volunteers, and in doing so he addressed a few encouraging words to each recipient.

BouRNEMouTH.-Members of this Division were on duty during Whitsun-Monday at the Pier and in the Square, and dealt with several cases, principally from the effects of the heat. Mr. C. J. Austin was in command, and the following members were on duty:-Sergt. Adlem, Ptes. Cluer, Sparkes, Giles, Girling (Bournemouth Division), Corporal Heddon, Ptes. Hayes and Johnson (Winton Division).

An imteresting display was given by the members of the Bournemouth and Winton Division of the S.J.A.B., undn the direction of the following officers :--Mr. G. E. Bridge, corps sup2rintendent; Mr. C. J. Austin, superintendent Bournemouth Division; Mr. Gibson, first officer; and Mr. Gurney, second officer. The judges were Drs. Heygate Vernon, Bottomley, and Wilson. The work performed was such as the members would be called upon to do at a fire. They dealt with a case of suffocation, and resorted to artificial respiration; also a case of fractured forearm, the patient being carried on what is known as the two-hander] seat. Another case was that of a punctured wound to thigh, and the men showed how severe bleeding could be stopped. The Am bulance arrangements on the ground were under the supervision of Mr. C. J. Austin, and Dr. N unn and two Nurses were in attendance. Seven teams entered for competition. The first prize being awarded to Corporal Shiner, Ptes. Biggings, Woods and Hammet. Second prize, Sergt. Adlem, Ptes Marshall, Palmer and Jackson. Third prIze Corporal Heddon, Ptes. Froke, Steward and Cull

AID.-

June, 1903.

At the conclusion of the competitions the prizes were presented by the lady Mayoress.

NUNEAToN.-The South African war medals which have been granted by the Order of St. John to the members of the Brigade who had been to the front were distributed on Saturday, May 20th, by Mr. F. A. Newdegate, M.P., at the Headquarters, New Bridge-street.

Mr. T. Horton (chairman of the District Council) presided. In the cause of his remarks he said there were some people who said the war was over, and the sooner they forgot all about it the better. He was not of that opinion. If the bravery of the young men who had left home and given up good situations to go out to Sonth Africa and tend the wounded was to be forgotten he would be very sorry.

Mr. Ntwdegate then presented. the medals to the various recipients who had served in South Africa.

In replying to a vote of thanks, Mr. Newdegate said he was pleased that Nuneaton had contributed to the Ambulance Volunteers, and that they had returned home safe. At the present time there was great necessity for ambulance men. Now the war was over, the credit of this country stood higher than it ever had done, and they ought to remember that it was owing to the splendid response to the call for volunteers.

NEWCASTLE.-This division intend having a march of about 20 miles shortly. The route will be via New Bridgestreet, Wallsend, Tynemouth, Whitley, Benton, and Northumberland-street. Leaving Newcastle at 3 p.m., and allowing for a short stop at Whitley, they expect to arrive at Northumberland-street about 8.30 p.m. They are to carry their stretchers with them.

ROCHDALE.-In connection with this Corps, a parade and inspection took place at Whitworth on Saturday, May 31St. After parading the street, the Corps (which included the Rochdale, Milnrow, Norden, Castleton, and Whitworth Divisions) proceeded to the Whitworth Foot ball and Cricket Grounds, where they where put through various drills, &c., by Supt. Garnett, and Drill-Inspector Crossland, of Rochdale.

They afterwards adjourned to the Whitworth CoOperative Hall, where they and a number of friends partook of a capital tea. The after proceedings were presided over by Mr. J obn Hollows (president).

During the evening the Rev. J. R. Schofield, M.A., vicar of Whitworth, presented medallions, and about twenty certificates to successful students at a recent examination. He also gave some very encouraging remarks on the work.

Dancing was freely indulged in, the accompanists being Mr. W. Uttley (pianist), Mr. F. Mills (violinist), Mr. M. Lord (cornet). Sergt. C. Howarth officiated as the master of ceremonies.

SANDOWN, ISLE OF WIGHT.-The superintendent of this division will undertake removal of patients (infectious cases excepted) in Sandown by trained men, and arrange for transport to any part of the country. Applications for removals should be addressed to Secretary, P. W. Hawkes, 29, Fitzroy-street, Sandown,!.''''.

WELLINGBOROUGH.-The distribution of medals to the ambulance men of this division covered by the Wellingborough corps who served in South Africa took place in Bassett's Close on Saturday evening, May 23rd.

June, 1903·

Mr. Dulley, before presenting the medals, said he was very glad to be able to forward that most noble movement. He was still further pleased to know that there were .5 I of the Wellingborough Ambulance Corps who assIsted. 111 the humane duty of attending to the wounded dunng the recent war.

There were forty-five members of the corps to receIve medals, and Mr. Dulley tben proceeded to hand them to the respective individuals. c?ngratulated on doing that most humane and chnstlan work to fellowsufferers on the battlefield. It was now, he belIeved, much more dangerous on the battlefield, owing to the powder that was being used. They could locate thelr and consequently the work must 111volve more enemy, ., 1 l'k d How danger. He did not belIeve In war; )e I e peace.ever, war would come, and the ambulance corps rendered great service to those men who were wou.nded on the battlefield. The men did their work for n?thIng, he hoped they would long continue to take lnterest Jl1 and that those medals which they had receIved that evemng would be handed down to their children.

Chief Supt. Hilton then expressed, on behalf of t their sense of appreciation of the charactenstlc presen , h h . d kindness of Mr. Dulley for comIng t ere t. at evenIng an encouraging them in their work, in present111g those If it were not for such gentlemen as Mr. Dulley their work would be almost impossible.

Asst.-Commissioner Woolston seconded.

The company then gave three hearty cheers for the president, for which Mr. Dulley returned thanks.

Ambulance Camp at Easton Neston.

THE glorous weather this ha.s been a pleasant surprise to the Ambulance men campmg m Easton Neston Park, near Towcester. they Northampton en route for r.amp ram was pourIng m tonents, there was every prospect of a dismal and depressmg outing. I' 1 d t Soon after they reached their Itt e tente own,

county. The men spoke enthusiastically of the arrangements made for their comfort, for there were very few camps which had been looked after better than the one at Easton N eston Park.

, It is five years since the last camp, and thIS year s experience is t<;' lead a development of the gathering both m duration and Importance.

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St. John's Gate and its Environs.

WE reproduce here a series of four little graphs of the above. They are by).1r. V Fincham, the respected churchwarden of. St. } oim's Church, Clerkenwell, and are to be both in scrap book form, or on postcard, at_ the pnce of

four ence each, and will be sold in aid of the Crypt p. f d Doubtless many of those who are restoration un. S h interested in the old Gate, especially those went out and attended service in the Church, would ltke to a cop)'. H. W. Esq., John-street, Clerkem. ell, E.c., will supply copIes on receipt of order.

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Independent Ambulance Corps.

however, the clouds rolled away, and the men had ideal weather, the only discomforts be!ng m the. early morning, when the heavy dews make gettmg about. 111 the long grass rather unpleasant. The camp was so enjoyable that most of the men are lamenting it could not have been arranged to extend over a week mstead of three days. It has, however, been by no means play, they have put in many llrills and much hard, soltd work 111 ambulance PENRITH.-Miss Yeates, bon. secretary of the Nursdrill.

1 . Division Penrith and District Ambulance Corps, last On Sunday morning they marched to Towcester Pans) wrote'to Miss Florer:ce . ightingale on of Church, headed by the Astcote Brass Band, and atten?ed Nursing Sisters: "The J ursmg SIsters of the and DISDivine service. The sermon was preached by. the Vlcar trict Ambulance Corps wish t? convey to Florence (the Rev. Canon In the afternoon Sir Nightingale their congratulations on her buthd.ay, May Hesketh threw open hiS grounds to the men and. theIr th and feel honoured to be able to do so. They trust friends. Sir Thomas and Lady Hesketh were at so valuable a life may still be spared to. encourage Easton Neston just then, and they w.atched the dnllIng man to follow in the steps of one whose splendid example of our Ambulance comrades with keen mterest., has been an inspiration to thousands of .h er fellow coun.try The serious work of the camp began at seven 0 clock " In reply 1iss Yeates received the followmg on Whit-Monday morning with a parade, another at 10.3 0 , A. (secretary),. 10, South-street, Parkand a third in the afternoon. number. present I W ._" Miss ightingale deSIres me to thar:k you for on parade was IS0 all told; the commg from words and good wishes from the ladles ?f the Northampton, Wellingborough, and kettenng. Penrith and District Ambulance Corps on the of The site of the encampment could not have oeen her birthday. I am happy to tell you that she IS remarkbetter chosen, for it was on the high land just on the brow ably well, and will, I trust, be spared to us for many years of the hill leading from Towcester to .N and f h tl ye t. " commanded a sweep 0 t

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JUNE 20, I903.

THE terrible disaster which has over-

The taken one of the most popular of our Eton Fire. public schools sent a thrill of horror throughout the country, and very general and genuine was the sympathy felt and expressed by press and public alike for th e bereaved parents of the two bright young lives thus cruelly cut off. The inquest has been held, and the only verdict possible has been returned; but, as regards the origin of the fire, we have no evidence that would throw any light upon it, and we do not suppose that any will ever be forthcoming.

One good end has, we hope, been attained by this awful tragedy, and that is the instant abolition of all barred windows, and the provision of household escapes and other fire appl iances in the various huuses attached to the college. Might we go a step further and suggest that a certain number of th e student') should also be instruct ed in fire discipline and fire drill? Eton College has its rifle corps-of which she is justly proud-and we believe that the formation of a college fire brigade would promote a like feeling of esprd de corps. If some such steps as these are taken as a safeguard against future possible outbreaks, these two young lives will not altogether have been sacrificed in vain. At any rate, should the college authorities fail to adopt the strongest and most complete precautions they wi II incur a terri ble responsi bility, for it is asserted that in the past they had been advised by the veteran fire chief, Sir EYRE MASSEY SHAW, as also by Capt. TOM DYSON, of the Windsor Fire Brigade. May we hope, however, that this time the lesson is well taken to heart?

Police Ambulance.

HUM-:NITY RI£WA.RDED.-Among the awards made by the Society fur the Protection of Life from Fire at its meet,ing just held were the following :-Silver medal to Sub-ll1spector J. Lambert, and bronze medals to Constables F. Penny, H. Lake, G. Dowling, G. Livermore, W. Truman, T. Hughes, H. Taylor, E. Turton, R. J. Beels, J an: es , \y. Crouch, all of the Metropolitan Police, for their merItOriOUS and humane conduct at the fire which occurred at Colney Asylum on January 27 th ; bronze two gUll1eas to Sergeant D. Richards, Metropolttan Poltce, for gallant action at a fire at Acton on December 20th last; medal to Constable W. Mead Metropolitan Police, for having at great risk rescued woman from a burning room in Little Earl-street on March nnd; medals three guin.eas each to Peter Boyd and W. l'raser for theIr bravery In saving three children from a burning house at Perth on February 16th. Apropos ?f.the Colney Hatch fire, it will surprise many to hear that It IS stated the L')ndon County Council has forbidden its

Al D.- ] une, 11)03.

nurses and attendants to receive tbe medals on the ground that it would be against the Council's rule as to the receipt of fees or rewards. The Commissioner of Police sees no objection, of course, tc? his men receiving the society'S medals, and the presentation is being arranged to take place shortly. It is to be hoped that the London County Council will relax this stringent rule in time for their nurses and attendants also to participate.

LONDON SALV,\GE CORPs. - In his annual report, Lieut.-Col. Fox, the chief officer, states that 2,53 6 fires were attended in the metropolitan area, and the number of cloths spread - 3,677-a larg e increase above the average, representing the saving of property to a great value. Special work of a useful character has been undertdken in the inspection of wharves, docks, and warehouses, and also Christmas bazaars and printers' establishments. The efficiency and discipline of the staff continue to be of a high order, and Colonel ox acknowledges the courtesy of th e officers and men of the fire brigade and police, stating that the relations between the corps and those bodies were never more cordial.

STOURBRlDGE. -Viscount Cobham (president of the Corbett Hospital), Viscountess Cobham, and a number of members of the management Committee of the institution assembled at the hospit2.1 on May 25th, when a horse ambulance was presented by the Brierley Hill Police Force and Brierley Hill Fire Brigade. The ambulance has been purchased at a cost of .£ 126, which has been secured by matches between the brigade and the police. Spendlove made the presentation, and Captam Clulee made a few remarks, and handed a key of the ambulance to Viscount Cobham.

His lordship, in accepting the ambulance on behalf of the Management Committee, said he was proud to think Hill supp<:>rted hospital, and looked upon It as bell1g as much their hospital as Stourbridge did. Tbe ambulance could not but be of great assistance to the institution.

A New Pattern Ambulance.

THE Holbom Board of Guardians have recently purchased from the S.J.A.A. an ambulance carriage which presents several new and us e ful features. The vehicle is designed to carry two on stretchers, and a third lying on the seat, bell1g left for the attendant inside. By a simple contrivance the rests for the stretchers can be removed and inside seats for eight persons arranged; or the seats be lowered and the space for a carrying chair is available. All difficulty in placing the stretchers in the carriage has been overcome by means of what may be described as a detachable tramway projecting at the back. Tbe front stretcherbearer can rest on this the front feet of the stretcher and passing under one of the sides of the" tramwa;," he IS enabled to push the stretcher into the carriage.

Convenience, such as an inside locker, speaking tube to the driver, and a gong have also been included. All the cushions can be removed for thorough cleansing and disinfection. Although the inside height of the carriage is nearly six feet, viewed from the outside its size does not attract Being built of varni.shed mahogany with ash frammg, ItS genera l appearance IS pleasing. Except for long journeys, the ambulance can easily be drawn by one horse.

Our Portrait Gallery.

SUPT. CHARLES HAYNE.

THE handsome subject of this month's portrait .gallery is a Citizen 01 London, member of the. WorshIpful \=ompany of Drapers (which is one of our nchest CIty GUIlds), and an old London fireman, as he was for many years connected with the Edmonton Brigade. Twenty-one years ago Capt. Charley Hayne, who is a replica of our Lord

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found in their proper places, fitted together, and for use. In several more minutes the Malays were tuggmg the engine and hose down Strand-street. When they g'?t halfway they concluded was heavy, and retired to a position of masterly mactlvlty. l'ortunately, the fire was very small. Let the procedure: con.trasted witb goes on at present. !he alarm ]S gl ven el at the or one of the sub-stations, and wlthm t\\'o mInutes men and horses are in working trim, ready to start It may be on a life or death journey."

Salt water at I201bs. pressure is principally used m CapPo Town, and as a consequence the engines specially fitted with gun-metal pumps, &c., and the consist of one NO.3 equilibrium steam by Mason and Co., imported in 1883; two 7 m. manual engll1es, for use by 28 men, by the same firm; two hose-reels .for hand use; one hose-reel and implements cart,. carryll1g 3 000 feet of hose; and one ladder truck, carrymg seven The brigade is supplied with 5,000 ft. of leather and rubber-lined woven canvas hose, and one Plymouth telescopic fire-escape. The latest addition (but there no finality about Capt. Hayne) is a motor engll1e, and the writer when recently m Cape Town, had a most successful run 'on it up and down the hills.

Bobs, as his friends and staff always address him, was selected out of 700 applicants, for the post he now so well .iIIs, and the great strides made since tbe contro.l of the fire department of Cape Town was taken over by hIm, and. the constant desire that he evinces to take advantage of any improvement, designates Charl eS Hayne as one of the firefighting chiefs of the Empire.

The opinion held of e.O. Hayr:e, who as a young fire enthusiast attended the funeral of BraIdwood, may be gleaned from the following extract from the Cape Times, the leading journal in South :-.

" The' captam,' as IllS men call him, IS httle, but he IS also like the lady in lily Swe et/leart, 'mighty smart.' At any rate he has proved himself smart enough to lower the average of fires, and the percentage loss caused by fires, in the most satisfactory way, and he IS the terror for those who have a penc!zant for arson. Truly, the difference between method of fire extinction - if there was methodthen pursued and that now in use is l1?arvellous One can imagine the feelings of the superintendent, fresh from England, when he first tned hiS at fire extinction in this capital. The scene was a shop. There was the usual big crowd at the fire-statIOn, and In twelve or fourteen minutes from the time of the alarm several of the Malay firemen came straggling up. There was a delightful system then, under each took with him whatever part of the engll1e struck hIS fancy, sometimes bringing it down again when required. The new chief informed the nlen that all the parts would be

The brigade is supported the CorporatIon though the Government £250 yearly .1he uniforms used by members of the brigade are the same in pattern as those of the London Fire Brigade. There are no less than three Volunteer fire brigades in Cape Town-one in connection with the Municipal Brigade; the second composed of servants of Harbo.ur Board' and the third which is known as the Railway FIre The last-named consis.ts of l.ike a d07.en officials in the railway serVIce, and the chief IS Mr. A. H. Harper. The railway men have work, and as much may be said of the Dock BTigade, whllst the vohinteers attached to the Municipal Brigade - eight enthusiasts - whose only honorarium is their cab fare, on the occasion af a fire, often render material assistance. The fire-station is in telegraphic communication with the Commercial and Telephone Exchange, the hospitals, the of Parliament, the Superintendent of Waterworks and CIty Engineer, and the Police-stations. Patent alarms are fItted to most 01 the large warehouses hotels.

There is one respect in whIch the old system IS still carried on. It is with regard to the ringing of the public alarm bell an old Dutch custom wbich those responsible for the extinction of fires decidedly prefer in the breach rather than in the observance. It is pOll1ted out that the only effect of ringing the is to attract. a large crowd, by which the brigade IS certull1ly not aSSIsted The worst times of the year for fires, by-the-bye, are from June 15th to July 15th, and from November 15th to December 15th.

The returns given below speak for themselves, and that in the most instructive manner possible:

No of Percentage Percentage. \' ar. Fire. Insurance. destroyed. sayed. [883 35 £106,7 20 188 4 3 2 3 6 , 80 5 74:\

18 90 - 1 47 4 8 ,3 80

It will be seen that the figures, in eight years, have been more than reversed.

Capt. Hayne has about 50 men him, and is Chairman of the N.F.B. U. for South Afnca, and we hope in the course of the next few weeks to have the pleasure of welcomin a him in London, whence he is coming for a wellearned bcliday, and also to study the few advances made i.n British fire-fighting. A practical fireman, a lover of hI

-FIRST

work, and one whose brain acts In umson with his heart, is Charks Hayne. Lon g life to him and may it be our pleasure. with hi s many friends, to again enjoy his good company.

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The Fatal Fire at Eton College.

A DEEP gloom was cast over Eton by the disaster at the College, such an event not having occurred within the memory of the present generation. At an early hour on Bank Holiday a fire broke out in th e house of Mr. Kindersley, one of the assistant masters, and re sulted in the loss of two young lives; the victims bemg Lionel George Lawson, aged 14 years, only son of Mr. Frank and Mrs. Lawson, of Hyde Park Gat e and James Kenneth Horne, aged 14 years, son of Major Horn e (of the 3rd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders), of Wick, Caithness.

The fa tal effects of the outbreak are made even more regrettable by the fact that they might have been averted but for the survival of the antiquated practice of barring the windows of the bedrooms to prevent the students leav ing th e ir dormitories at night in search of adventure.

The fire occurred, as has been stated, in the house of Mr. R. S. Kindersley; an old two-storey structure, with a modernised wing, situate close to Baldwin's Shore, adjoining Barnes Pool Bridge, and usually oc c upied by Mr. Kindersley (who is an assistant-master), his wife and family, ten young women domestics, and a male servant. and usually by 33 students.

Some uncertainty exists as to the exact time when the fire broke out, but it was, within a few minutes of four o 'clock -so me short time after daybreak-discovered by Mr. Bertram Rolfe Jackson, "third captain" in the house, and who, as a member of the Fifth Form and "First Hundred," is one of the senior scholars. He was sleeping in a room on the ground floor, and was awakened by a crackling noise and an overpowering smell of smoke He arose at once and observed smoke coming through a crack in the door, on opening which he found the passage was so full of fire and smoke that it was impossible to leave the building that way. He jumped through his bedroom window-to quote his own words - which was but a few feet from the pavement, his room being by this time in flames. Having descended to the pavement with nothing but his night-dress on, he endeavoured to arouse the inmates of the house, and proceeded towards the Fire Station in Eton to g ive the alarm. Unfortunately he was unaware of the close proximity of the residence of the Chief Officer of the Eton Fire Brigade, and as he shouted Fire!" .an assistant-master, named Mr. Bland, residing 111 the HI gh-s tr ee t, sho ut ed through his open window the location of the FIre Station, and the whereabouts of some of the mem bers of the Brigade

Mr. Jackson'S shouts of alarm and of "Fire!" appear to have bee n heard by P.e. Rawlings, of the Bucks Constabulary, who was on duty in the College, but when he got round to the (ront subsequently, all the occupants of the house were reported to be in safety.

In front of the building devoted to the students was an immense wistaria creeper, which enabled most of the boys to reach the ground in safety, some only in nightshirts or pyjamas, and some in dressing-gowns also.

The flames raged furiously, every moment the floors threatened to collapse, an.d, added to an overpowering heat, was a .dense smoke, meant suffocation for anyone who failed to get out qUickly. While most of the boys

AID.- June, 1903. made their way safely to the ground by means of the creeper, others took flying leaps, several being badly cut by the hard gravel on which they alighted.

The Eton Brigade arrived at the fire as rapidly as possible, but there is no doubt that had they been in electrical communication with the Fire Station they could have been on the spot with greater facility. On their arrival, some College servants were at work with a single hose attached to a hydrant in the old brewery yard.

The Eton Fire Brigade was quickly followed by the High-street, Thames-street, and upper part of Peascodstreet Section of the Windsor Fire Brigade, who took with them the hose-reel and lengths of hose kept at the Town Hall. They had been aroused by the alarm-post on Castle Hill, which had been broken by the Castle lamplighter. Unfortunately, however, they were informed by Captain Dugdale (chief officer of the Eton Brigade) that their services were not required, and it was not until later that they received orders to work on the back of the house.

The alarm was also conveyed to Slough Police Station, where Supt. Pearman resides, and the Slough Brigade with the steam fire -e ngine, under Captain Turner, turned out with commendable promptitude, and was speedily on the spot, as was also the fire picket of the 1St Scots Guards from Victoria Barracks with their manual.

Meanwhile most of the inmates of the house had made their escape, some of them in a miraculous manner.

"Baldwin's End" became a blazing mass in an incredibly short space of time, and the firemen turned their attention to putting out the flames, which gradually threatened to spread to the adjoining buildings. Luckily there was very little breeze, and an excellent supply of water being available from the Corporation water mains, thanks to the manage r, Mr. e. Sainty, who put on an increased pressure, the flames were got under control by a quarter-past five o'clock, and by six o'clock were effectually extinguished. All appliances at command were utilised, and it was obvious, from the appearance of the ruins, that the fire had been checked at a point when it had threatened to spread along the whole line of Baldwin's Shore, and perhaps engulf, rearwards, the Chapel of the College, besides leaping the archway to the modern annexe, built in red brick, at Baldwin ' s End.

At eleven o'clock on Tuesda y morning, Mr. G. A. Charsley-Coroner for South Bucks-opened an inquiry into the cause of death of the deceased, the inquest taking place in the Choristers' Class-room a.t Eton College, where the c horisters of the Chapel are educated. The jury was a strong one, no less than sixteen gentlemen having been em panelled. Evidence was given by Mr. Kindersley, Dr. Hale, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bland and others. At the conclusion of the evidence, which has been fully reported in the daily and weekly press, the jury deliberated for upwards of a quarter of an hour, and had to be reminded by the Coroner that they had only to give him their verdict as to the cause of death; any presentment they chose to make was another matter.

Ultimately the jury return ed a verdict that "the deceased James Kenneth Horne and Lionel George Lawson died from accidental suffocation in a dwellinghouse partly destroyed by fire, but there was no evidence to show how the fire arose." The following rider was added :-" The jury would strongly recommend electric communication with the engine-house from every boardinghouse in the College, and that printed lists of members of the Fire Brigade be placed prominently in every hous e. They also most urgently advise the removal of bars from all windows at once."

June, 1903· -FIRST

The Foreman remarked that the jury were not unanimous as to th e la tter recomm e ndation.

Mr. N ew (a juryman) : We don ' t think it necessary. We are told it is being done.

The Coroner: There is no reason why you should not affirm it.

Are we to be unanimous?

Th e Coroner: Not at all. It IS only a presentment, and I n ee d not tak e it at all.

------.--.-----The Eton Fire.

CAPT. T OIl! DYSON, the popular Chief of Windsor Fi r e Brigade, writing to the Daily Telegraplz, says :-

" In replying to 'A C?f.an Eton Boy,' I would point out th at the on ly means of ITlInlmlsmg the danger of future conflagrations and giving every inmate (not only the college students, but others who occupy the premIses) a reasonable means of escape is to do away with the unfortun ate death-traps which exist.

"Laying down extra hydrants. and putting up electriC alarms for calling the fire brigade WIll do much to .save PToperty, but will go but a.litt.le way to prevent loss of hfe, whIlst badly planned and flImSIly constructed rooms are used as dormitories

" I do hope that the authorities will see that Important work is not neglected.

"The Windsor Brigade, and, in fact, all fire both paid and voluntary, always do their very best to and property; but chance. has a. brigade of savmg when in all probabilIty Me IS extmct before the call IS received ?"

We cordially endo rs e Capt. Dyson's rerr:arks, a?? .we can only hope that the College authorities Will his assitance in making such provision th at shall mInliTIlSe the dang er of fire and probable .loss of life in the future. Windsor is singular well placed m the matter of fire extinction as it has at the head of its loc a l brigade, a man who is admittedly one of th e smartest fire chiefs that this country possesses

Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

For some considerable time past the men under inst ru c tion at Southwark Bridge-road, the headquarters of the London Fire Brigade, have in l?o?lpier ladder drill which is quite a new Item m the trammg of this brigade: The men are being trained t? asce?d buildin gs by means of hook ladd e rs used m conJunctlOn with th e ordinary long ladders, and the new metl:ods present important possibiliti es in the work of rescue from burnin g buildings. The hooked ladd ers a re termed emergency ladders, and are now carried on every horsed escape in London.

The methods used are as follows :-At the Southwark headquarters th e re a very lofty tower, 100 ft;, high,') which is used for dnll purposes. On an ImagInary call. the firemen rush to this tower with a long ladd er, whIch IS run out to its full ex t e nt of something like 50 ft. A firstfloor hdder is then lashed to the top of the long ladde r, and from the top of this the men t.he hook ladders. The ladders are hooked on to a wmdow m th e tower; the men scramble up th em, pull th e ladders up after them, fix them at a higher point, a nd so get at the top of th e tow e r, from which they rescue a dummy fi gure . The whole performance takes a little over two minut es

Another important change which is now in process of

AID.-

compl e tion at the headquarters is the erection of a sliding pol e running from the single men's apa rtm ents to the grou'nd floor. By means of this. the men, the bells "go down," will reach the engmes from their without having to use the staircases . Another deVIce which has lately been brought into use is to have. the ready harnessed to the horsed escapes at certa111 hours 111 the night.

In the course of his Annual Report, Captain Wells, Chief Officer of the 1etropolitan Fire Brigade, says :-It is to be hoped that the attention of the Press will be drawn, with a view to its pow erful aid, to the nu m ber of fires are caused by lamp accidents, by matches thrown mto basement areas, by the careless u sc of gas, by matches left within the reach of children, and by unprotected fire -g rates, all causes of sad trouble, and easily preventable."

The news th a t Capt. Wdls, the chief of the brigade, had been selected to succeed Mr. Middleton as chief conservative agent, came as a great .surpr.ise to all connected with the fire brigade. That the mtelhgence out befor e it was intended is evident by the followmg message, which, by orders from the chiE f officer, was telephoned to every fire station on Tuesday, Jun e 9 th .

"To the officers and men of the Brigade, from the Chief Officer. - I regret that I was not able for obvious reasons to be the first to communicate my new appointment to the brigade, but now I see it in the papers I to say my preferment is distinctly due to my success 111 thiS work, which I attribute entirely to th e eve r-r eady help I always received from the officers and men under my command. I have served the Council with loyalty and the bri aa de with devotion, and I am delighted to say in my office I shall I know, have the satisfaction of beir.g in dose touch myoId comrades in this service. I need hardly add that Mrs. Wells, as I do, feels very keenly the separation from the brigade in their active work."

A congratulatory reply from the brigade was telephoned to Capt. Wells.

A special meeting of the Fire Brigade Committee of the London County Council was held on the afternoon of June 9th. Captain W e lls attende.d, and formally tendered his resignation of the post of officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The r es lgnatlOn was but Captain Wells will continue to hold office until hiS successor can be appointed. The London County Council will at once advertise the fact th at the post is vacant, and that applications for it may be made.

The total strength of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade is 28 5. It possesses one fire-float, five steam fire engines on 72 land steam fire and I7 six-inch manual fir e engines. It also has 42} mdes of hose, 20 long fire ladd e rs one motor car, four bicycles, 288 hors es, 16 telephone lines between fire stations, and 80 fire alarms.

Th e general idea by the press and publ.ic a lik e is that, in the appOIntment of a successor to Captam W ells, the new chief must be a fireman. 'V e quote one paragraph from the Tf:1eek 's Surve/ :-" 'Ve hope a. new parture will be made m the appOIntment of Captam Well s successor and that some officer who has won his way up , throu gh the fire brigade will be chosen. Then we 1l1lght get a man who understand his work and introduce 111 London th e Improv ements which have'lon g been in use in the brigades ?f New Berlin,

antl other cities." May we say that we lhoroughly endurse this view, and we lrust that Mr. Gamble, a man who has experience as a fireman, and the confidence of the whole brigade and the public alike should, in our opinion, be appointed to the post.

The Battersea Coroner concluded the adjourned inquest into the circumstances of the death of Adolphine Khede, aged 8 I, widow of an engineer, who lost her life in :l. fire m a tobacconist's shop at 108, Battersea Rise, on Tuesday, May 19th.

The jury returned an open verdict that the deceased woman was suffocated during the fire, the cause of which there was no direct evidence to show. They expressed the opinion, however, that had a determined effort on the part of those on the premises been made to save Mrs. Khede they would prubably have been successful.

The coroner said he entirely agreed with lhe jury.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

BIRIIIINGH.U1. - Councillor Brooks, at the meeting of the Watch Com In ittee, stated that a donation of ,£' [00 had been received from the trustees of the late Dr. Griffith for the fire brigade libr ary and sick fund. He proposed a vote of thanks to the trustees, which was seconded by Councillor Middleton, and carried unanimously.

The annual report in connection with Mitchells' and Butlers' Fire Brigade, just issued by Superintendent Hamilton, states that during the past year the brigade had been summoned to fifteen fires, live less than in the previous twelve months. Of this number six were on the premises of the company. The total amount of loss from fire was estimated at £ I, I 18, and the value of prope.rty at risk £43,720. Compared with the previous ye:n thIS was a decrease of £1,185 in th e estimated loss and £6,980 in the amount of property at risk. The lance work had been successful, the number of cases treated being 189.

BURNLI£Y. - On June 4th, the members of the Burnley Fire Brigade were presented with a shield and medals won at the recent Show. Councillor Macfarlane presided, and the presentatIon was made by Mr. G. H. Lightbown. The billiard-room uf the station, where the gathering took place, was decorated for the occasion.

The chairman said he was very pleased that the shield should return to the Burnley Brigade, who had lost it the year before last. Burnley Fire Brigade, he declared, was second to none 111 England.

Mr. Lightbown, in making the presentation, also complimented the brigade 011 its efficiency. He tnen handed the shield to Superintendent Steadman, and the medals to Engineer Lofthouse, and Firemen Holt, Burnett, Fowler and Jones.

Superintendent Steadman, in replying, said during the last four years they had won eight first prizes one second prize, and one third prizp, and he thought th;t was not a So I.ong as they had the support of the Fire Brigade CommIttee and the Chief Constable they could tun'. out a brigade second to none in sl?ire, and there was not one member of it unwilling to do hIS best at a fire or competiti(;>n In the town, probably £4 0 ,000 per year was paid to Insurance companies, and h e thought that If the Corporation would form an insurance fund of their own they could save the rat epayers at least £30,000 per year.

AI D.- ] une, 1903.

Rel're!-,lllllCl1lS were vanaken of, and an enjoyable smoking concert was held.

GREENOCK.-By a disastrous fire which occured in this town seven persons were killed and several others injured on Friday night, June 2nd. The deaths were caused by th e blowing out of the gable of a Dour mill which caught fire, and at the same time at least six persons were more or less seriously injured. The killed and injured formed part of the crowd watching the fir=. When the gable blew out a large number of persons were struck by stones or buried among the debris. Over 15,000 cclsks uf whisky were destroyed, and a great stock of stores were burned to the ground The flour mill was completely destroyed, and other blocks of property were damaged. The local fire brigade was assisted by about 400 men belonging to H.M.S. Benbow, who rendered excellent service.

The names of the killed are :-William Richardson, engineer; William Sloan, aged 50; Christina Buchanan, aged 4 (whose parents are among the injured) ; Archibald Nichol, aged IS David Collins, aged 9 Agnes Dunlop and a lad of 15 named Young, all of Greenock.

KING'S Ly N. - We understand that the Watch and Fire Brigade Committee of the Town Council have under consideration the cost to the town of the upkeep of the fire brigade. A table of fire brigade expenses in towns of similar size to King's Lynn has been prepared for the members of the com IJ' ittee, to make comparisons, and it shows that the King's Lynn Fire Brigade cost during the last financial year as mucb as £509, an amount greatly in excess of most of the 28 towns enumerated

LEA1I1INGTON.-After several previous severe trials the new motor fire tender for Leamington was ordered by the committe to be taken to the fire station. The machine was then sealed and not allowed to be touched by the makers. The tender was witb a 46 ft. fire escape, hose, standpipes, and necessary fittings for working from the water mains in the borough-over 30 cwt. was carried. At 5 o'clock the committee inspected the machine, and a false alarm. giv.en at 5.17 p.m. Superintendent Engineer McWllham, WIth other firemen, mounted the tender. The machine, which was driven by Mr. Chas. T. Crowden's engineer, Alford, started up instantly, and was clear of the fire station in 35 seconds. The [{Jute chosen by the comwas via Parish Church, Spencer-street, Adelaidebridge, Church-hill, Porto bello, along Rugby -road, where a halt for five minutes was made at the Leamington Brewery Proceeding to tlte LJilington Water Works another halt was made, then on to Cubbington, Lillingtonavenue, to the Town Hall, Leamington. The machine left the fire station at 5.l'l, and returned via Bath-street, ilt 5.58.

The trial, which was considered very satisfactory, met WIth the approval of the Fire Brigade Committee, and passed off without a hitch.

The Comniittee ronsisted of the Mayor (Alderman W. Davis), Alderman .S. T. Wackrill, J. M. Gordon L. Bland, WIth the town clerk (Mr. Leo. RawlInson), and Chief Constable Earnshaw, under whose direction the trial was carried out.

LgwEs.-On Wednesday afternoon an interesting wedding took place at the parish church of St. Mary, the bridegroom being 1fr. William Arthur White, a member of the fire brigade, and who, as a member of the N.F.B.U.A., served for a year in South Africa in the Yeumanry Hospital.

June, 19 0 3.

-FIRST

The bride was Miss Nellie Clifton, of Harold-terrace, Battle.

TORQuAY.-Fourteen members of the Corporation fire brigade have served on an average over sixteen years each. This is a good record.

-------. --. ------

London Private Fire Brigades Association.

A SPECIAL general meeting of the above Association was held at the Coach and Horses, St. John's-square, Clerkenwell, on Wednesday, June 3rd, Chief Officer Brasier (chairman) presiding. The object of the was to consider, and, if approved, pass the new rules whIch has been drafted by a special sub-committee for the future government of the Association. The Hon. Solicitor (Mr. T. W. Tempany), who was present, gave a lucid. very valuable exposition on the rules as framed, pOll1tll1g oul where amendments would strengthen certain rules and possibly tend to their better observance. A very full discussion ensued, and eventually, the rules as amended were passed.

Some Ii ttle discussion took place on the dlSll1clll1atlon or the Leicester Private Fire Brigades' Association to allow the Nestle Cup, of which they were the holders, to be exhibited amongst the other trophies belonging to the Association at the Earl's Court Exhibition. It was felt that it would be only fair to Mr. Nestle that his valuable trophy should also be exhibited. The Hon. Secretary was instructed to write to Leicester to this effect, pointing out that they could have it back for their local meeting.

Some further discussion took place as to the proposed display in connection with the Fire Exhibition, which it was understood was to take place about Septem ber. Several Officers considered that a meeting should certainly have been held before this, as the various affiliated Brigades would desire to get to work at once, and it not be fair to advise them at the eleventh hour that theIr services might be required. The Chairman and ViceChairman, who represented the Association on the Committee of the Fire Exhibition, undertook to make further enquiries.

A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Tempany for his presence, and also for the valuable aid he had given in framing the new rules.

.--.------

I'IRE PROTECTlON IN SCHoOLs.-Mr. W. Leach Lewis, of Margate College, draws attention to the fact that hi.s scholastic premises are fitted with up-te-date fire appliances, and his masters, pupils, and servants are regularly instructed in their use. This is as it should be! Other colleges please copy.

----

Speaking at a meeting recently, Col. Trimble, C,.M:G. said he was desirous of placing on record the gral1fymg ract that in Blackpool they had one of the most peJiectly worked amb1.Jlance systems in England. That was entirely due to NIr. Derham, the Chief Constable, and the force he commanded. Such praise must be very gratifying to Mr. Derham and his men and also to the town he serves so well.

DEC O RA TO RS should read Trade JOll mal, " The DeCo1' ators' and Pa117ters' Magaslne,' written by practical men for practical men. Price 6d., by post 8d.; 5S. per annum post free. Published on the 15th of the month. PllbJishers, Dale, Reynolds & Co., 46, Cannon-street, E.C.

AI D.- 193

"The Rapid" Fire Extinguisher.

AT the invitation of Chief Officer Church Brasier (chairman of the London Private Fire Brigades' Association) a very full meeting of Officers mustered in St. John's-square, KC., to witness a demonstration in connection with the above fire extinguisher, "The Rapid," which is the invention of M Fleury Legrand. It is a small hand-pump which contains three-quarters of a gallon of water which is chemically charged. Its action is so simple that a child could very well manipulate it. If necessary it will throw a jet 40 ft. high, but there is no doubt that it is at close quarters that the value of the machine would be most

in evidence. Several trials were made by the various Officers present, and the unanimous opinion was that for drapers' shops, small warehouses, hotels, schools and private houses" The Rapid" was a most valuable appliance, and would undoubtedly prevent many a small fire from assuming larger dimensions if brought into play at the initial stage.

Mr. Thiroux, the London agent, who was present was most courteous and explained in detail the working and action of "The Rapid."

The price of the extinguisher, which is only £ T, should commend it to Officers ot private Fire Brigades and others who are believers in first aid as applied to fire extinction.

------. --.

The death took place at Monkwearmouth, of Dr. Frederick S. Pearcey, on May 27th. The deceased gentleman was 4 years of age, and was a native of Southwick. He was one of eight sons of Mr. J. Pearcey, a well-known local gentleman. Four of the brothers adopted medical profession, but only two of these are now living, Drs. P. A. and G. Pearcey. Deceased was a Liberal Unionist. He was a lecturer to St. John Ambulance Association for anum ber of years, and resided for some time in Accrington and Burnley. The interment took place on Saturday, June 2nd, at 2 p.m. at the Mere Knolls Cemetery.

National Fire Brigades Union.

The General Hon. Secretary of the N.F.B.U. has pleasure in announcing that the whole of the firemen engaged in the drills and displays at the International Fire Exhibition at Earl's Court, have been drawn from the provincial fire brigades affiliated to the Union, the mem bership of which now comprises some 600 brigades, with 10,000 firemen under the presidency of the Duke of Marlborough, and with headquarters at Guildford.

In particular, the Union point out that the firemen engaged in the pompier scaling ladder drills have been drawn from the Aldershot and Margate brigades, the former brigade having long since adopted these very handy appliances. Among other brigades represented, and manning the fire engines, and taking part in the fire scene, are Exeter, Hampton, Hastings, Edmonton, Pontypridd, and Ryde.

All men seconded for this special duty bear first-class characters, and were highly recommended by their commanding officers. The officer in charge is Captain Graham, commanding the Hampton Fire Brigade, who is chairman of the Union's Widows' and Orphans' Fund.

CLARNIco.-On Saturday, May 23rd, the members of this brigade were examined for Red Cross badges, when fifteen candidates put in an appearance. In the unavoidable absence ('If Dr. Green, of the Eastern district, Dr. Ettles, chief surgeon N.F.B.D., put the men through a severe test in first aid work. Of the above number eleven were successful, and Dr. Ettles (who was received by the whole brigade, numbering 84, commanded by Chief Officer G. M. Horn) in complimenting the members of this well organised fire brigade, said it was very encouraging to him to examine such a painstaking and well-informed class, and he hoped that during their career, they would, whenever necessity arose, give a good account of themselves.

SOUTH EASTERN DISTRIcT. - The annual Fire Brigade Tournament in connection with this district took place on the New Brompton Football Ground, Gillingham, on Monday, ) une 1st, before five thousand spectators. The proceedIngs commenced as ten o'clock in the morning and lasted until 9.30 in the evening, there being, besides the tournat?ent! a. series of sports, dancing on the green, and the extIngUIshIng of a house on fire by the brigades. Troe results of the various events in the tournament were as follows ;-

One-Man Engine Drill.-I, Blacklock (interchamplOn), Lydd, 46 3-5th secs.; 2, Stidolph, GlllIngham, 54 sees.; 3, Margate, 56 secs.; 4, Sutton-atHone, 57 secs.

Tug of War.-I, R.E. Training Battalion; 2, Erith Fire Brigade.

District Challenge for the best aggregate time m one-man, four-rr.en and SIx-men manual engine drills.Won by Folkestone Brigade.

Four-Men Manual Engine Drill.-Gillingham, 23 I-5 th

AI D.- June 1903

secs.; 2, Margate, 24 secs.; 3, Sutton-at-Hone, 24 3-5th secs.; 4, Canterbury, 25 sees Hose Ca.rt Con;petition, the Tonbridge Challenge Shleld.-I, Wh1tstable, 36 sees.; 2, Sittingbourne

3 2 secs ; 3, Tunbridge W e lls Salvage, 44 3-5th secs.· 4' Gillingham, 45 sees.; tie 5 and 6, Margate and Hone. Sittingbourne's time was shorter than Whitstable but sO.me infringment of the rules lost them the first prize: Slx-Men !'1anual Engine Drill.-I, Tunbridge W e lls Borough, mm. 4 I-5th sees.; 2, Folkestone, I min. 6 secs.; 3, Faversham, I min. 8 secs ; 4, Foots Cray.

Steam Fire Engine Drill.-I, Sittingbourne, 40 secs.; 2, Milton, 43 2-5th secs ; 3, Tunbrid ge W ells Borough, 44 secs ; 4, Folkestone, 44 2-5th sees.

Fire Escape Competition, challenge shield pres e nted Mayor and Corporation of Tunbridge Wells.-I, Glllmgham, 56 secs.; 2, Tunbridge W e lls Borough, 62 secs.; 3, Margate, 65 secs ; Tunbridge Wells Salvage, 66 sees. Ambulance Competition, silver challenge cup presented by Mr. H. W. Tinne, chairman of the distriet.-I 81 points; 2, Milton, 76 points; 3, Tonbridge: 75 pomts.

The Margate Brewery Challenge Cup, for the smartest and best equipped detachment with steamer, was tak en by 'Margate (Chief Officer Wells), th e holders.

Letters to the Editors.

We al in no way responsible f01' the opiniolls expressed. 01' the state/ll en ts made by Correspondellts.-EDITORS

THE ETON DANGER AT ST. JOB'S GATE. The recent fata l fire at Eton has brought out prommently the danger of barred windows in outbreaks of fire. I would therefore draw attention to the fact that the new buildings at St. John's Gate have practically barred windows i.e., strong iron window frames braced together. In London' at any rate, there are many buildings being continually erected with these deadly window fittings, yet there have been many deaths from this cause. It is not unlikely that some of your re.aders may remember that Fireman Jacobs was killed, roasted ahve, from exactly the sa me cause, early in the afternoon of September 13th, 18 89, at Bell-lane, Wandsworth.-Yours sincerely,

c.L.A.

THE MOBILISATION OF THE ST. JOHN ME GENTLEMEN,-I, in common with many of my comrades who were sent to the fr.ont connection with the St. John have m vam for some Royal Recognition of the splendId serVIce rendered by the Brigade Superintendent during that trying period. We men who went to the front kno.w what we owe him for his ki.ndJy in us, not only our at the Ga!e pnor to gomg on service, but whIlst on servIce, and even smce our return to the front again' his name indeed is a treasured one amongst all of us. Ask any St. John man his opinion of Mr. Brasier; ask our officers who sent us out; and their one reply will be that he was a to l.a ds. For myself, I shall never forget his kll1dness. Stnct he was, but never curt or brutal in his manner.

Join hands with me, St. J obn men, and advocate £01' some recognition for the man to whom we and-I say it fearlesslythe country owes so much.

Trustmg you can find room for this. - Yours fai thfnlly Observatory, Cape Town.

S. A. CONSTABULARY.

P.S.-We look for" F.A." each month.

ROYAL NAVY SICK BERTH RESERVE.

DEAR. SIRS,- vyhile at the :rournament at Islington I vlslted a fnend of mme, a fireman m the London Fire Brigade at Highbury Vale fire station He showed me a copy of FIRST AID - the first I had ever seen. I was greatly inter-

June 1903· -FIRST ested in it, especially about the Royal Navy Sick Berth Reserve, and think your remarks in the concluding two or three lines at the top of page 174 just hit it off.-Respectfully yours, A. B.

DEAR SIRS,-Coupled with the requisite explanations and replies to inquiries, the following ca techisms on the St. John Ambulance Association Text Book" First Aid to the Injured, " by James Cantilie, Association Lecturer, were arranged and used by your co rre spon dent for the two hour courses of the twenty-two weekly meetings held during the past winter session, October 1st, 1902, to March 31st, 1903, of the newlyformed Rad s tock Division of the S.J .A.B.

The arrangement proved so helpful that the writer is constrained to send it you for publi catio n, with the hope that it may prove no less useful to many others similarly situated.

I may be added that the s ummer session consists of weekly outdoor squad, and R.A.l\f.C. stretcher drill; with which it is aimed to include simple physical exercises-wit hout apparatus-and swimming.

Wi th hearty anticipatory thanks, and all good wishes,·Yours very cordially, S. LLOYD HARVEY. Radstock, June 15th, 190 3.

Su e/ect of Catechism.

Introduct ory and ske leton

Fractures, causes and general treatment

Fractures, special, and treatment

Muscles, dislocations, sprains and st rains

Circulation, a rr est of general hlCmorrhage

torniquets

Course of main arteries, arrest of hremorr· hage in head, upper extremities, chest and abdomen

Course of main arteries, arrest of hlCmorrhage in lower extremitie veinous ancl capillary bleeding

In sensibility, shock, concussion and compression of brain; apoplexy, symptoms and treatment

Collapse, epilepsy, fainting, and hysteria, sunstroke and electric shock, symptoms and treatment

Treatmen t of wound s, general and special Bites of animals, snakes, insects, and treatment

Respiratory system, a rtifi cial respiration (viva voce), strang ul ation

P oisons, signs and symptoms, genera l and special neutralizers

I njury of eye, ear, nose and lung, wounds of abdomen, signs and test of death 7

Subjects of Practical Application.

Artificial re spiration, restoration of apparently drowned

Bandaging fractures, folding triangular bandage, tying reef knots, and making, slings pad, and compresses

Bandaging specia fractures and applicacations of sp lints

Bandaging, arrest of hxmorrhage, and 23 reta ining of dressings

Carrying injured, hand·seats, improvised ;;tretchers, fireman 's lift s Stretcher tran sport, general and No. and 4 exercises

Stretcher tran spo rt, No. 2 and 3 ex ercises

Preparation s (indoors) for rece ption of accidents

6

6 157 164 and In set

5 5

A I D.- 195

its own length, but if your horses bolt and on ce get the whip hand -we ll, there you are!" Quite so; and the recent loss of life in the Continental motor ra ces has show n beyond doubt where they were! As regards the motor speed tr ials in Paris, it is hard to believe adults could be so childish as to throw dummy figures about and content th emselves with believing th ey faithfully represent the a c tions of live bodies. When you throw a dummy it lies where it falls; a li\'e human being who falls, or is thrown, is more likely than not to get injured in try· ing to save one's self. Again, horses are often calmed by a voice they know; not so , however, a motor.- Yours sincerely, LA. C. May 29th, 1903.

DEAR SIRS,- The accident on the underground railway at Westminster, where seven persons were injured, brought to my mind, through seeing so much in your interesting Journal about the need of a Municipal Ambulance Service for London, that it is at such calami ties as t hese that the full value of a properly established ambulance service would be appreciated just in the same way as it would when the fire brigade effect:\. good" stop" at a fire which may have appeared likely to be another Cripplegate "call." Hopin g your Journ a l will meet with e\'ery success. -Yours, &c.,

CITY A D SUBURBA

June 5th, 19°3.

DEAR SIRS,-Being a provincial, an ambulance man, a nd one familiar with the municipal ambulance arrangements of most of the big provincial town s and cities, after five years' residence in London, during which I have lived ill several districts North and South of the Thames, I have followed by month the letters, &c., that have appeared 111 FIRST AID concernIng the Ambulance Service for London with much interest. The latest I read on page 173 of FIRST AID for May makes the outlook more hopeless than ever. If the M.A.B. do establish a service it will be in the face of much prejudice, as the public mind here connects the l\1.A.B. with extravagance on the one hand, and fever on the otherYours, &c., S.J.A.B. ( formerly Manchester).

THE ROYAL PROGRESS.

SIRS, - When Col. Bowdler's lett er came down asking for volunteers for the proposed Naval Sick Berth Nursin tf Reserve, our superIntendent paraded the men and asked for the of any men who were desirous of joining to be sent to hlf!1. What was the result? Out of a division of nearly 50 ul1lformed members not one has come forward, the reason given being the shabby treatment meted out to those who did duty at the above.

I happen to know severa other divisions and corps where the same thing has h appe ned and for the same reason. Perhaps tho se in authority will take the hint. - I am, yours truly, HON. SURG. S.J.A.B. EW DIVISION.

DEAR SlRS, - I desire to form a Division of the S.J.A.B. Will some of your readers kindly assis t by giving me a little information, viz. ;--

1St. The probable cost of the equipment, uniforms, &c., of a division of 20 men?

I9 I2

171 182

201 194

190

193

202

200

212

7

20 5

AMBULANCE SERVICE FOR LONDON.

DEAR SIRS, - On the front page of FlRST AID for May a correspondent, "Motor," proposes to take up a brief in favour of motors, owing, I suppose, to my attempts to bring before your readers the real and growll1g danger that is surely coming on our roads. In thIS month's FIRST AID alone four correspondents support my remarks, pages 179 -80 Your correspondent writes, 'You can pull up a motor in

2nd. Can any of the things required be purchased second-hand?

Jrd. If so, where, and at what price or prices?

May I suggest that, as many persons join and leave the bngade, and have articles for disposal, you should open an " Exchange" column in your va lu ed Joumal ? -Yours truly, A COUNTRY SECRETARY.

[The above suggestion is not one which we can see our way to adopt, a t the same time we thank ou r correspondent for making i t. -EDS. " F.A "]

THROUGH RISHT ELBOW JOINT.

DEAR SrRs, I n answer to "Portmadoc's" query as to the above, I should like to say that I have attended such a case. I t is known to medical men as a fra cture of the

-FIRST

olecranon, that being the process of the ulna that grasps the arm bone behind and turns the point of the e lbow, more commonly known as the funny bone. The first aid treatment would be to apply a long splint from the arm-pits to the fingers ' ends. Bandages as follows -( I ) round the arm; (2) above and below the fracture ( as in the fractured patella; (3) round the wrist. This is, of course, only first aid treatment. Perhaps" Portmadoc" did not notice that on page 56 (c. F.A.) it says, "i n the neighbourhood of the elbow joint." think such a case should be more fully explained to COI11petitors. - Yours, &c., SERGT. S .J .A.B.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE with the S.J.A.B.

GARROULD'S

FOR ALL KINDS OF

NURSES' UNIFORMS, CAPS, COWNS,

furnishing of these habitations with simple structures which arc the means of preventing much loss of life is, surely, more to be desired.

B

y the late W. S. [ DER, attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps "The book should prove not only an ir.teresting keepsake for all those who watched the progress of their sons and relatives volunteering in the South African Campaign, but a valuable contribution to the literature of one great phase of the war which h itherto has received but scant tleatment." --.!.ancashire Daily Past. With twenty-five illustrations. 4S. net. ATKIN SON & POLl.ITT, Pub li shers, Kendal. 1\ ' 1r D\yr F.ERY. -C lass now commencing for the tr':lining of 11' _ l\lldwlves under the new Act. Pup!ls can jam up to the end of the month. Lectures by medical man. - For particulars apply to the Matron, Stockwell Private Maternity Hospital, 32, Stockwell Green, S.W

BELFAST SHIRT co.,

The House patronised by the S.J.A.B. SHIRTS

BELFAST HOUSE, Farringdon Road.

(Thr ee minutes from St. 101m's Gate.)

COUPON TICKET

SPEC IALLY GUARANTEED BY

The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, LIMITED, 40 1 42, & 441 MOORGATE STREET, LONDON, E.C.

(to whom Notice of Claims, under the following conditions, mu st be sent within seven days of accident to the above address.)

£100

will be paid bv the above Corporation to the legal representative of anyone who s killed by an accident to the Passenger Train (within th e United Kingdom or Channel I slands) , in which the deceased was a ticket bearing or paying passenger, or who shall have been fatally injured ther eby (should death result within ninety days after such accident).

PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or her person or had left at home th is ticket, with his, or her, usual s ignature, written prior to the accident, on the space provided below, which, together with the giving of notice within the time as herein· before mentioned, is the essence 'If thi:; contract.

This insurance holds good for current issue only, and carries the benefits of and is subject to, the conditions of the "OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE COMPANY, Limited, Act 1890," Risks Nos. 2 and 3.

The Corporation admit that the purchase of this Paper is the payment of a premium under Section 34 of the Act.

No person can recover under more than one Coupon ticket in respect of th e same risk.

Siguature

As it is the earnest wish and desire of the new Proprietors to make this Journ al as allracti\'e and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Offlcers of the \' olunteer Medical Staff Corps, the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are invited for Prize Competitions and other mallers which will ad\' ance the interest of the Journal.

We particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication

We are pleased to record the fact that we are already receiving a great accession of support from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limited, in dealing with reports of local m e etings for presentation of certificates, ec ., it would be beller that a brief report were written, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon by the princi pal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report shou ld be sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This r eport is doubtless interesting to local First-aiders, but it must be borne in mind that' we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at largc.

TERMS OF SUBSClUPTION.

For [2 months, 2S. 6d., post free, to be sent to the Publishers, Messrs. Vale, Reynolds and Co 46, Cannon·street, London, E. C. Tele,l;1'apltic Address-" Twellly-joul', London." TeleplLOlIB NO.-'i477 BanI.:.

Brevities.

THE number of children sacrificed owing to the want or neglect of proper precau tions is si m pI y appall ing. Thus, in England last year th ere were 1,684 inquests held upon children burnt to death, and in the case of 1,425 the fact was elicited .that ther e were no fireguards in the rooms where the acc id ents occurred These articles are not expensive, and their absence in th e livin g-rooms of the poor is negligible on the part of the parents, and is evidence of deplorable shortsight edness on the part of the authorities who have built or who own the tenements in question. It should be made compulsory that all the new workmen's dwellings which are being rapidly run up in different parts o f surburban London, and other great cities should be supplied with proper constructed fireguards in all living -rooms Cupboa rd room may be a most excellent thing, but the

THE Rosselldale Free Press says the St. John Ambulance Association invited the Council to attend an interesting, albeit a sad ceremony in Zion Chapel, the unveiling of a tablet to the memory of Private Tom Peat, who lost his life while serving in South Africa. The Council decided to accept the invitation, but the Mayor said he could not attend through a previous engagement. Later on, he gave as another reason for his absence that he had been "snubbed" some time ago, when Sir William Mather was invited by the association to welcome a deputation, and the Mayor had to play second fiddle. What a very sad affair! From what we know of the Ambulance Association, and those who conduct its affairs, we have no hesitation in saying that" snubbing" finds no place in their programme. Ind eed, it would not be to their interests to offer insult to any public man, especially the Mayor of the Borough. The secretary of the association will doubtless expla in the incident satisfactorily, and then perhaps the Mayor will apologise for ba ving accused the Association of doing something unknown to them. IV e can only express our regret that if this is true, that any gentleman holding so distinguished a position as that of Mayor of the town, could have offered so gratuitous and unwarranted an insult to a body of rulers who desire his presence in his official capacity, to pay a mede of honour to their dead comrade.

Order of St. John of Jerusalem.

Prince of Wales, in his capacity as Grand Prior of the Order of the Hospital of St. J obn of Jerusalem in England, visited St. John's Gate on July the 9th, for the purpose of opening the new hall and ambulance headquarters, rendered necessary by the development of the branches of the order's work of recent years, which have been built adjoining, and to hold a investiture of recently created Knights of Justice. His Royal Highness was received on arrival by the Chancellor, Lord Egerton ofTatton, Dr. Edwi n Freshfield, LL. D., Colonel Sir Herbert Jekyll, Canon Duckworth, Colonel Sir Herbert C Perrott, Bart., C B., and Lieut-Colonel R. Holbechc, executive officers of the order, and a ft er robing in the council chamber was conducted to the new chapter hall, where the members of the chapter were assem bled. Besides those mentioned, other members present were :Knights of J ustice. - Sir John l'urley, cn., Colonel B. 1\1. Dawes, Lord ./'I.mberst of Hackney, Colonel J. c. Dalton, RA., Colonel Lord William Cecil, Lord Knutsford, Mr. Arthur F G. Leveson Cower, Lieut.-Colonel F A. Hey-

2 -FIRST

gate Lambert, Colonel C. Wyndham Murray, M.P., Lord Sand hurst, Captain N. G. Philips, Lord Meath, Lord Mostyn, Colonel Charles Hunter, the Duke of Portland The Marquis of Breadal bane, Mr. R. B. Carter, Mr. N: Hay Forbes, and C?lonel J. A. Man Stuart. Knights of Grace.-Colonel SIr E. Thackeray, K.C.B., V.c., Sir Dyce Duckw<;>rth, M.D., l\Iajor-General Sir O. T. Burne, G.c. LG., S11- George Hayter Chubb, Sir R. Douglas Powell, and Major-General Lord Cbeylesmore.

His Royal Higbness having declared the new hall open, expressed the hope that it might long be used for the purposes of thE.. order. The form of reception of the recentl y-elected Knights of Justice was held in accordance with ancient custom. At the conclusion oftbe chapter the Prince medals and other awards voted by the dUrIng the past year for deeds of gallantry in saving 11fe ?n land at imminent personal risk, and also presented granted in recognition of long and conSpiCUOUS assIstance rendered to the S.J.A.B.

Before leaving the new building the Prince of Wales 1I1spected special pattern ambulance wagons and other materIal tn the showroom, which has been specially for the purpose, and subsequently drove away amId the cheers of the crowd.

The recipients of the service medals were :-Brigade Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel G. S. Elliston, YD., M.R.C.S., W. E. Audland, M.R.C.S., Frank de Becho Pim

P.c.I., A. c.. M.D., F.R.C.S., WIlham Hughes, Dlstnct Supt. Treasurer, W. H. Winny, and Privates George Phi1lpott, and ]abez Bratt.

The awards life at imminent personal risk were :-.Nurse EdIth Lmdsey (Queen's Hospital, Birmingham), sIlver medal, a\'V-arded for great bravery and courage display e d at Bromsgrove (M.R.) on June 3rd, 1903.

Cha:les T. Rowe, R.N. (first-class petty officer and torpedo 1I1structor ?f H.l\1. S. "Latona "), bronze medal, awarded for conspl.cuous bravery disfJlayed at the shipyard of Messrs. Vickers, Sons and Maxim, at Barrowin-Furness, on February 12th, 1903.

George Pett, Jobn Tong, Ernest Godden, and Edwin Harmer bronze medals, awarded for great bravery displayed at Booth's Cement Works, Borstal, near Rochester, on November 27th, 1902.

Hickey (late corporal) Royal Wdsh Fustllers), certd'tcate of honour, awarded for very conspicuous conduct displayed at \Vrexham on May 11th ] 899, in stopping a pair of runaway horses. , John Edward Roberts (railway porter), certificate of awarded for great bravery displayed in endeavour1I1g to rescue a passenger from being run over at Penmaenpool Station, on May 14th, 1902.

William Henry Hewitt (bupder), certificate of honour, awarded for gallant conduct displayed at Sun-hill, Alresford, Hants, on October loth, 1902.

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Mr. J. D. Holt, of the Civil Ambulance and Transport Brigade, of New South Wales, who is now in this country, with a view to studying our method of ambulance transport,. writes us under date July 15th in the follo:v1I1g terms :-" I beg to inform you that I am in the receIpt of a letter from Lord Kno11ys, dated Buckingham Palace, 13th July, 1903, in which it is stated that my report subm!tted to His Majesty the King, and that HIS l\IaJesty Wishes every success to the C ivil Ambulance Transport Brigade of New South Wales." We congratulate. Mr.. H?lt on. th e. r ece ipt of this generous message, which Will give satisfactIOn to his confreres in New South Wales.

AI D.- July, 1903.

In Memorium.

IT is with prlJfound sorrow that we have to record the death of Sir Vincent Kennett Barrington, Deputy Chairman of lhe St. John Ambulance Association, which occurred somewhat suddenly on July 13th, the result ot a balloon accident which occurred a week or so since. Sir Vincent was an enthusiast in ambulance work as may be gathered from a brief recital of his splendid services on behalf of suffering humanity.

He was engaged as Commissioner under the Geneva Convention during the Franco-Prussian 'Var the Carlist War of 1873-6, the Turco Servian War of 1876, and during the Turco-Russian War of 1877-78. In the last operations he was Chief Commissioner of the He )oined Lady Strangford s mISSIon m rehef of the VIctims of the Bulgarian Revolution. In 1885 Sir Vincent Kennett -Ba rrington was rendering similar services the Suakin .Expedition, and during part of thIS and the followmg year he was engaged in the Servo-Bulgarian War.

Proceeding to South America, he did ambulance work in Argentina and in Brazil in 18<)1, and founded the Venezuelan Red Cross Society.

In 1886 he received the honour of knighthood. He was the possessor of the Khedival Star the Osmanich, Takova Order (Servia), Isab e l (Spanish), Alexander (Bulgarian), the French Bron3e Cross, and Turkish, Saxon, Egyptian, and other war medals, and also the silver and bron ze medals of th e Society. He was for a long period With .the S.J.A.A. and in recognition of hIS valuable services he was made a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John in 1889.

Sir Vincent was the Government nominated member of the Metropolitan Asylums Board si nc e 1883, and he hrought considerable knowledg e to bear upon its fever and smallpox ambulance department. He was e lected to the London Chamber of Commerce in 1883, became its deputy-chairman in 1889, and had since then been chairman of its South American section, and since 1886 had been on the council of the Association of Chambers of Commerce.

In many circles Sir Vincent will be missed but in none will his loss be more keenly felt than in of the ambulance world. In this work he had endeared himself to all with whom he had come in contact and there is no doubt that it. was due to his magic charm of manner that first aId work caught on with the members of our working men's clubs.

To Lady Barrington and her young family who are left to mourn their irreparable loss we our smcerp. sympathy. May the knowledge that their loved one is mourned by all with whom he had come in in some measure the poignancy of grief. HIS death at a comparatively early age IS much to be deplored, for the cause he loved can ill spare such m e n as he, but we fee l that his work will in trutr live afte:- him a deathless and imperishable record of a genumely unselfish life.

July, 1903· -FIRST Our Portrait Gallery.

C.<\PTAI EDWARD 'VE STI3ROOK CTJlEF OFFICER TUNBRIDGE WELLS FIRE BRIGADE.

THE Chief Officer (Captain Westbrook) of th e Tunbridge

W e lls Borough Fire Brigade and Salvage Corpi;, has been connected with the fire service from boyhood, and was appointed to the command of the above Brigade in Novemb er r882, and assumed command of the local Salvage Corps on its affiliation with the Brigade in 188 7.

Captain Westbrook has given his best attention to all details of fire brigade work with the result that Tunbridge

AI D.- 3

of the Union, also at several other competitions at Earl's Court.

Capt. Westbrook holds the medalion of the S.J.A.A. and has also qualified and wears the Red Cross badge of the ambulance department of the N.F.B.U.

Only recently he nearly lost his life in tackling a fire single-handed, at an hotel in Tunbridge Wells, when he was accidentally shut down in a cellar-but was fortunately rescued from his perilous position by of his brigade who quickly appeared on the scene. Capt. Westbrook is looked upon as one of th e best known and most e nthusi astic firemen in th e co unty.

Captain Westbrook, although a gallant and energetic fireman, is not one of those men who pushes himself to the front on every occasion. lIe is somewhat retiring, and it is undoubtedly due to his own personality that he is so popular-not only in his own district, but in the other districts connected with the Union. He is an ideal fireman, fully up-to-date with all matters connected with th e fire service and its sister service.

It is such men as Captain Westbrook that have assisted to bring the Union to its present high position, and his many they are legion-were deservedly pleased, when he received at the hands of the Executive of the Service he had served so well, the well-merited recognition of which he is so deservedly proud.

'V e trust for many years to see Captain "\Vestbrook's name at the head of the smart Brigade he so ably commands, and we feel sure this is a sentiment that will be endorsed by all those who know him.

Obituary.

W e ll s now possesses on of the most effic ient brigades in th e district-indeed, we might say in the country-as the fact of winning the District Steamer Cup and also the District Six-men Manuel Engine Cup(eac h three years in succession), besides a host of other first prizes, will abundantly prove.

In 1895 when the South -Eastern District N.F.B. U. was in a very unsatisfactor y condition and serious thoughts were entertained of adding Kent to another District, Captain Westbrook took over the position of district secretaryship and that of treasurer with the result that at the pr esen t time the South-Eastern District is recognised as one ot the best in the Union. The n um ber of brigades in this county alone who are members of the Union being no less than fifty -four.

We observe that Capt. Westbrook is a member of several committees of the Union, is a member of the Committee of Management, and a life governor of the Widows ' and Orphans' Benevolent Fund. I-Ie ha s also the distinction of being the only provincial fireman, who has received th e honour of being elected an honorary life member of the Union for valuable services rendered th e Fire Se n ·ice The other two genLiemen who have recei\"e d a s imil ar honour being Sir Eyre j1. Shaw, and Second Officer Gamble, L.YE.

H e has also a r eputation as a judge at local competitions and is in constant r eq ui sition For the fifth year in succession he has judg ed the One-man Championship

The friends of )'1r. and i\lrs. W. J. Church Brasier will unit e ",vilh us in an expressiun of sympathy with tbem in another loss they have sustained by the death of a dearly loved re lative Miss Schartau, who was on of the most popular nursing sisters in the St. John's Gate Nursing Di vision, succumbed to that terri ble disease cancer, afLer a long illness borne with a patience that was characteristic of her kindly and genial nature. Her funeral, which took place at Kensal Rise Cemetery, was attended by many of the nursing sisters of the division in which she took so great an interest, and where she will be sorely missed by all who had learned to love her for her genuine unselfish and sympathetic nature.

We regret to record the death of Dr. Daniel DavisJones, of Windsor Villa, Mountain Ash. The deceased gent leman contracted a severe cold in the early part of last month which developed into pneumonia and pleurisy. At first it was hoped he would pull through, but on Monday, June 13th, a relapse set in, and about midnight he peacefully passed away in the presence of his wife and family. He leaves a widow and two children. Great sympathy is felt for the family, his loss to the community being almost irreparabl e. He identified himself with all progressive movements. He initiated first aid and nursing classes under the auspices of the S.] .A.A. Twelve months ago he. took his 1. D. degree. The funeral took place on Fnday, June J 2th.

DECORATORS should read their Trade and r\rt Journal, " The alld ',zill/t! rs' J[rr.t;asillc," WrItten by practicallllel1 for pra c tical men. l)ri ce 6 <1., by post Sci.; 55. per annum post free. l)ubli s hcd on the 15th of the month. Publishers, Dale, Reynolds & Co , -+6, Cann.on- treet, E.C.

AI D.-

FIRST AID

JUL l' 20, I90J.

July, 19 0 3 -FIRS T

A I D.- 5

IN season and out of season this Journal has adyocated the policy of " peace" not that kind which is voiced by the advocates of "peace at any price," but a peace that is founded on mutual regard and esteem between the different nationalities which people this earth of ours. For many years we have been as the voice of one crying in th e wilderness, but we have never lost heart, we have always possessed the mborn conviction that sooner or later this question, which is so dear to the hearts of many of our well-thinking statesmen, was bound to come to the front. Little did we think, however, that the cause to which we had pledged ourselves would one day be strengthened by the advocacy of two such powerful rulers as our own beloved KING EDWARD THE SEVENTH and of President LOU BET The promotion of the entente cordiale which commenced with the visit of our King to France was formally ratified in this country on the occasion of the return visit of the French President, when all classes united to assure him of th::! warmth of the feeling with which this country entertains both for his country and his countrymen, and also the personal regard which we ente rtain for him as a. man who, as the head of a friendly state, has always evinced his anxiety to promote thos e mutual feelings of regard and esteem which should dominate the actions of two countries bound together by so many ties of fr aternal feeling and separated only by a slight expanse of water. To our own Sovereign we tender our grateful and earnest congratulations for the leading part that he has played in this cordial and earnestly to be desired re-union, which, must necessarily prove a lasting and beneficent augury for the peace of the world. It is a happy omen also that while our Monarch was enterta ining his august guest, the British Fire Service was entertaining its confreres from all parts of the world and joining in that bond of brotherly comradeship which must all tend to promote the union of hearts wbich we all so much desire. This series of co rd ial greetings has been no formal union, the outcome of diplomatic correspondence or am bassadorial meetings; it is the spontaneous outburst of fee lin g brought about by the initial effort of our own sovereign, KING EDWARD VlI. Had our King been born in any other sphere which might have led him into the diplomatic service, he would have made an ideal diplomatist. He possesses that ready tact, that, not only enables him to direct, men aright, but, by his own personality to lead them in those paths which will best conduce to the welfare of mankind at large. Happy is our country in possessing such a

The Entente Cordiale.

Monarch, and may we with all reverence utter the prayer that the Almighty may long spare him to his people to assist in carrying out those beneficent schemes which are so near and dear to his own heart, and to those of his faithful subj ects, and which cannot be more ably expressed than by the motto of that ancient and chivalrous Order, of which he is the Sovereing Head and Patron, "Pro utilitate Homium."

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FAVOURED by splendid summer weather,

The the third Fire Appliances Exhibition, International Camp and Tournament, held in LonFire don, may be proclaimed an unqualified Exhibition, success. Thanks to past experience, Earl's Court, the faults inher ent to all new underLondon, takings were absent, and Colonel DlXON, who makes a most excellent chief officer, together with the indefatigable and most courteous Hon.

Secretary and Assistant-Secretary, Captains H. S. FOLKER and TABOR, and other mem bers of the staff, are to be heartily congratulated, not only on their orga nisation, bUl also on the results. The Exhibition was well arranged, and every opportunity was afforded for the practical display of appliances; some very fine engineering work, both English and foreign, was on view, and afforded a most useful lesson to all practical CO.'s, especially those who hitherto have been exclusive in using only one system of manufactures, for it cannot be denied that some of the foreign engines and appliances and many of the exhibits of new firms are worthy of serious attention. Most of the provincial exhibits are dealt with in another part of this Journal, and others will appear in our following issue. The work of the judges was thorough, and awards in this section will not be known for a few weeks, but we hope to have them in time [or our next issue.

The exhibits of fire prevention materials are both instructive and most interesting, and no small mede of praise is due to The Fire Prevention Committee, so ably presided over by E. O. SACHS, Esq, for this collection.

In the Loan Section, Colonel Fox (CO. London Salvage Corps), Sir E. MASSEY SHAW, various English and foreign brigades and private individuals, contributed to what we believe is the largest collection of fire relics, pictures and ancient appliances ever got together, and a whole day was required to examine them. It is to be regretted that in a few weeks this collection will be distributed-it is worthy of a permanent borne; and under the circumstances we would suggest to Mr. E. O. SACHS, th at photographs of everyth ing possible should be secured, and a collection sent to some public institution.

The competitions for thE' various challenge shields, cups, &c., went off in good time. No new records were made, but a private brigade which has just joined the

N.F .B .U., the" Clarnico" 1'fessrs. CLARK, NICIIOLLS and COOMBES, Hackney), certainly distinguished itselr, and its chief officers, Lieut. G. M. HORN and Capt. Sll\[PSON, are to be felicitated. The brigade was smart, and well drilled in both fire and ambulance work. \s the awards in this section are of importance, the issue of FIRST "\ID this month has to be somewhat delayed; they will now be found on another page.

New and up-to-date tents were this year provided by the Union, and the maker, 1fr. A. DULL, of Guildford, certainly brought into use the best practical knowledge in their construction, The N.F.B.U. Field Hospital Ambulance tent was perfection, and it was visited by many thousands, who admired the arrangements, and also the exhibits contributed by Messrs. CARTER and Messrs. BAILEY. We were pleased to learn that the ambulance section of the Union is making great strides, :ll1d is very popular in the sister service.

An institution which our foreign comrades have hitherto not apprer:iated-for want of knowledge-was thoroughly and pra.ctically demonstrated by Colonel Fox, the Salvage Station in the Western Garden being much admired, and the value of the service readily realised.

The camp only afforded accommodation for I30 men, but throughout the tournament some 600 were accommodated out of a total of I,200 applicants

These remarks would be incomplete without SOme acknowledgment of the useful services renclered by the staff generally, and particularly Surgeon-Major H r\RRT. ON, Major FINN, and Capts. JOHNSON, CLULEE, DYER, TRACY Po CKROT and G,\RDNER, whose errorts collectively will r esult in much good to the Orphans' and 'Widows' Fund

St. John Ambulance Brigade. CORPS.

The mem bel'S of the Metropolitan corps have recently had a busy time, that must have remillded many of them forcibly of the Coronation festivities last year. On the occasion of the arrival of the President of the French, the corps mustered in full force, and again 011 the day of his visit to the Lord Mayor a thoroughly representative number of the corps were in evidence. Then came the visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Grand Prior of the Order of St. J Ohll, to open the bandsome addit ion to the Old Gate; here, again, the corps was well represented. This voluntary duty on the part of the members shows a spirit of self-sacrifice which should, and we believe does, recommend the corps to Londoners, who know and realise the value of its work. We are proud of our ambulance corps, a nd we may well be. Other countries may have th eir splendidly organised paid services, but in no in the world we believe, is there such a highlytram ej volunteer force of ambulance helpers, and it would be a matter of regret if the formation of an ambulance service for the Metropolis should do away with this splendid

organisation of voluntary helpers. We understand that many of these men sacrificed three days' pay in order to carry out their self-imposed duties. Our presem Lord Mayor has shown his kindly sympathy with many organisations during his year of office i might we suggest to him it would be a fitting opportunity to recognise in some way the long and continued services rendered by these volunteer ambulance helpers, both men and women. Other bodies have been received by his lordship at the Mansion House, why not a reception of the S.J.A.B.

For years past now, the members have been quietly and unostenatiously carrying out the duty of looking after the safety of the huge crowds who, assemble on any great occasion is it not now time that they received some little formal recogni tion of the val ua ble services that they have rendered?

TO. 13 DIVISION (KING'S CROSS) G. .R. -The officers or this division, 11essrs. Cooper, Hankin and Seabright, and twenty-one members on pleasure bent, went down by train to Knebworth, Herts., on Saturday, July 4th. By kind permission of Lord Strathcona the party were admitted to the gardens of the park of Knebworth House, and after a pleasant ramble around had tea in the grounds in a lovely spot by the lake.

Tea concluded, Supt. Cooper presented South African and Coronation medals to several of the mem bers. Brakes were then provided and the party went for a long circular drive in the districts of Knebworth and '\Velwyn.

The weather was superbly fine, and a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent. Undoubtedly an outing of this description will become an annual function in the future.

ST. JOHN'S GATE JURSING DIVISION -A presentation was recently made by the superintendent and members of this division, to their secretary, Mrs. J. Calvin Lines, as a mark of regard and appreciation of past services

Mrs. Lines has fulfilled the duties of secretary since the inception birth of the division, years ago, and was mainly instrumental in its formation. The presentation was made by the hon. surgeon of the division, Jas. Cantlie, Esq., who, in the graceful way that always obtains with him, referred to the useful and willing services at all times cheerfully rendered by Mrs. Lines, and to the pleasure each individual member felt in this opportunity or expressing her personal regard and esteem.

The gift was a handsome electric table lamp, suitably inscribed, and came as a great surprise to Mrs. Lines, rrom whom the matter was kept entirely secret.

The full appreciation of this kind act prevented a reply at any length, but without doubt this was an instance of the few words being the more expressive.

PROVI TCI \L CORPS.

BARROWFORD.-The following is a record of the victorious march of the Barrowford Female Am bulance Division, viz.:-r89S, at Blackpool, challenge shield and gold medals; 1896, at Southport, shield and gold medals; 1897, at Nelson, silver medals' r898, at Blackburn, shield and gold medals; r 899, at Preston, second prize and silver medals; 1900, at Bolton, shield, gold medals, and first prize for company; 190 I, at l\Ianchester, second prize and silver medals; 1902, at Barnoldswick, first prize and gold medals; 1903, at Warrington, shield, gold medals, and first prize for company.

6 -FIRST

BIRlIITNGHAM.-We deeply regret to learn that rumour hath it that the new Chief Commissioner has already crossed swords with the Superintendent Secretary of the Birmingham Corps, one of the finest ambulance workers in this country, and that the resignation of 1\11'. J. R. Stamp will be the result. This is to be deplored, as :1\1r. Stamp is a power in ambulance work in the metropolis of the Midlands. We understand that Chief Commissioner Ninnis has already paid one' visit to Birmingham, and has had a lengthy interview with Chief Superintendent Gilbert, but the result of that interview is not known to our correspondent in that town.

BRTGHousE.-An interesting church parade of ambulance men was held at Brighouse on Sunday, June 28th, the towns represented were :-Brighouse, Dewsbury, Hebden Bridge and Huddersfield Corps, IIeckmond\vike, Halifax and Eiland Divisions, altogether about 140 officers and men. The men marched from the Station to the

AI D.- July, 1903·

nection \vith the Hull and Barnsley Railway Company, Neptune-street Division, the occasion being a presentation to Dr. loir of two medical books and a Ii brary chair, subscribed for by the members of the Division named, as an acknowledgement for the services rendered as honorary instructor in first aid.

Mr. J. Larder, agent to the Hull and Barnsley Railway (who has been an ardent worker in the past), made the presentation on behalt of the class, and in a few brief remarks, said it gave him the greatest pleasure to have the honour of making the presentation and that the result of the examination showed that the medical gentleman had the abilities to teach men what to do as first aiders and also reflected great credit upon the men themselves.

Dr. Moir, in acknowledging the little sou venier, said that he was thoroughly surprised in the way he had been treated, he never expected or anticipated being the receipient of such a beautiful present, he had been amply repaid by the splendid result in so many securing their

July, 1903· -FIRST

MARGATE.-Over 100 members of the S.J.A.B. from all parts of the county, attended the church parade to the Parish Chruch (St. John the Baptist), Margate, on Sunday afternoon, June 28th, the whole parade being under the command ofJ)istrict Chief-Supt. Courtney. Headed by the band of the local Volunteer Company of the East Kent Regiment, the senior or Ashford Division,. led the parade, followed by the Faversham, Ramsgate, "\\ tstgate, Margate, Birchington, Doddington and Greenstreet divisions.

AI D.- 7 was exceptionally smart, in fact it was the best he had seen since it came into operation.

TIlE "CLARNICO " BAND, FIRE AND AMBULANCE CORPS.

Parish Church, headed by the bugle band of the local corps. Divine service was conduckd by the Vicar (Rev. O. S. Lawrie), who gave a very instructive address on the "History of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem." After service the men marched to Lord's Dining Rooms, where they were entertained to a light luncheon.

HALIFAx.-The division recently formed in this town has this week received a pleasant surprise, namely, the gene:ous offer :1\11'. J. H. Murgatroyd, silk spinner, to prOVIde a ten gUInea cup for competition amorwst the various corps and divisions in the parish of such competition to take tbe form of first aid, stretcher drill. &c. It is anticipated that keen interest will be taken in the event the exact date of which has yet to be decided.

HULL-A pretty little ceremony took place at the Offices, at Neptune-street, on Sunday June 21St, in con-

first aid certificates, he heartily thanked one and all for the present.

Inspector Craven, who had charge of the proceedings, proved to be the right man to keep things in proper working order.

Supt. Wilson, of the Western Division, was present he being one who haJ helped to bring the new Division up to its present position. Mrs. Wheately and several lady friends were also present. Sympathy was felt for Mrs. Laverack wbo. had promised to be present but could not attend owing to illness. Altogether a pleasant morning was spent.

On July 4th a detachment of the Hull Western Division, under the command of Corporal Whitehead attended the Hull Harriers' sports on the Boulevard Track.

The detachment responded to the call of four accidents Nothing se ri ous happened, but owing to the track being gravel there were some nasty grazes.

•

At the Church, which was beautifully decorated with flowers and plants, the Vicar (Rev. C. J. E. M. Sbaw), delivered an excellent and impressive sermon. In tbe course of bis remarks about the society and its objects, tbe preacber said tbat in St. Matthew xi. 9 the question was asked « "\Vhat came ye out to see? " Tbere was, he said, in that chapter the powerful influence of St. John Baptist. The people went out to see a propbet-and even more than a prophet. The people of the early days were asked by the prophet to go, and hear the Man who taught them the evils resulting from sinning against God; and his message was to look for and take the Kingdom of God. Suppose that message was given at tbat present moment? Would the listeners take it. As to the particular service that day he (the preacher) might be allowed to say that when he was asked to support the work of the S.J.A.A. 11e hesitated. The question was - was it the promotion of the WOrk of St. John? He thought it was the work of St. John the Baptist. After referring to the early history of the Order, the Vicar s3iJ it was particularly appropriate that he members should go there that day and join together in the worship of God. The work of the Order of St. Jobn had been beneficial to the Christian religion, and to humanity. It was a good thing to revive anJ kee{J alive an Order that had been of so much good. The Order of St. John the Baptist had been impressec:l upon the people. Where was the Order of the Templars now? It had disappeared because its work was not slleh as that of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem which still went on as in the days gone by. Now the wish was for brotherhooduniversal peace-when wars will cease and there shall be an universal brotherhood. "Ab!" he said, "May God give us grace to do our duty." That was the spirit of St. John the Baptist. He took it that those who were bearing the Saint's name were doing his work-the work of Christ and in Christ's name. In Margate they reckoned themselves pioneers in tbis sort of noble work, and he wished to extend a greeting to all in that ancient Church of St. John, to whom the sacred edifice had been dedicated. They had to do the wl9rk they were called upon to do. Let all do their work in the name of Christ and in His way. In conclusion, the Vicar hoped the membership would increase. Such organisations and services were good, they tended to place good life and the higher life everyone should seek to attain.

MOREcAMRE.-The annual inspection and re-examination in connection with, he above division was held in the Albert Hall, on Saturday afternoon, June 20th, the inspecting officer being Captain E. B. Pooley, L.R.C.P., superintendant of stores for the No. 4 District. There were present the Hon. Surgeon H. F. Oldham, Supt. Hargraves, Sergt. Kennedy, and twelve privates. Five men absented themselves without leave and two men with leave. At the close of the proceedings the Inspecting Officer, addressing the men, said it gave him great pleasure to inspect the division. He was sorry not to see the number on parade as la st year, but that was no fault of those present; the work he had seen was very good, the new infantry drill

RETFoRD.-The ambulance brigade of this town has been in existence over nine years, and has done very good work, fIrst aid having been rendered in about 270 serious cases. There has not been that public support accorded to the movement as was warranted and needed, and only within the last few days the question as to whether the brigade would have to be disbanded through lack of funds, had Lo be considered. To te s t public feeling, the captain of the brigade, Supt. Thomas, called a public meeting, which was held in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall. The meeting was unanimous in its resol\'e to do eyerything possible to prevent the extinction of the brigad e , and a committee was appointed to render" first aid" in the shap e of organising a method of obtaining monetary support. There was a disappointing attendance.

------. --.

Punctured Wound of the Elbow.

THE following description of the treatment of a punctur e d wound has been given by a high authority on first aid, and we have been permitted to reproduce it.

"A punctured wound in the baL'k of the the elbow should be treated, as far as first aid is concerned, by (1st) having the clothing removed; (2nd) wiping away any blood or foreign matter round the wound by dry cotton wool, or in its absence a piece of clean linen, wet or dry; (4th) apply a straight-splint from the middle of the arm to th e middle of the fore-arm, along the front of the limb, or in the absence of a splint, tie the limb to the side of the body.

"A wound of the fi-Ollt of the elbow would, in all probability, be attended by severe arterial hzcl1l0rrhage from the brachial, or from the large veins, or from both. The treatment should be (rst) to arrest tbe hremorrhage either by a pad and bandage at the elbow or by a tourniquet on the brachial; (2nd) the elbow placed in a flexed position ; (3 rd ) a dressing of cotton wool or linen over the wound, the limb should be placed in an angular splint, and th e fore -arm supported by a sling.

"I cannot see that there can be any question as to these being the proper methods, I don't know who is to diagnose a punctured wound of the front of th e elbow, the part is so deeply covered with muscles-it can only be infel-red from the slfbsequent swelling of the joint should this take place."

The Ley ton and Leytonstone Fire Brigade hav e asked permission of their Council to exhibit their new chemical engine at Earl s Court and the application has been granted.

J\fessrs. Pilkington Brothers, Ltd., of St. Helen's Lancs., who are the" only " makers of fire-resisting glass, tested by the British Fire Prevention Committee, are showing at their Stand, o. 83, at Queen's Hall, Earl's Court, a great variety of samples of their new Patent Wired Rolled Glass, which has been found in practice the most effective protection against the dangers of spreading fire. In a recent instance in which it was severely test e d, the glass (in consequence of the intensity of the flames) bulged inwards but held the water, showing conclusively that Wired Rolled Glass is th<; best barrier to the passage of fire.

Hercules Fire Engine &Appliance Co.,

CHAS T. CROWDEN, Engineer, Motor Works, LEAMINGTON. '.,.

Hercules Self Propelled and Horse Drawn Steam Fire Engines, Tenders, Hose Carts, Chemical Engines, Escapes, &c.,

As supplied to the Fire Brigades of LEAMINCTON, WORCESTER, LEICESTER, and others.

Expert in Fire Extinguishing Appliances; Electric and Oil Fire Engines; Pumping Machinery; all kinds of Fire Appliances. CORRESPONDENCE INVITED.

..................................... ...,.

INTERNATIONAL FIRE EXHIBITION, EARL'S COURT, LONDON, STAND No. 146.

The Steam Fire Engines of the Hercules Fire Engine & Appliance Co. are the Largest and Finest in the Exhibition.

WHHlN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEAEE MENTION " FIRST AID,"

The International

Fire Exhibition. ·

IT is with just pride, that the Fire Prevention Committee, under the able leadership of Mr. E. O. Sachs, can point to the results of their perseverance, having achieved a success which must have excelled their most cherished expectations.

The Fire Exhibition of 1903 will go down to posterity as t;le first attempt of the National Fire Brigades Union, in connection with the Fire Prevention Comrr.ittee, to gather under one roof the foremost exponents of fire fighting and fire prevention. We purposely eliminate the mIsnomer ,. firepoof," which, according to the most recent investigations of our foremost fire architects, does not exist, and the English vocabulary must perforce be satisfied with the descriptive pronoun of "fire-resisting."

civilisation, some came to prufit, others to te.l.ch, and all to intermingle in the "cameraderie," which is so characteristic of tile British nation.

The International Fire Prevention Congress, attended by a II the BI itish and foreign delegates, was opened on July the 6th by the Lord Mayor (Sir Marcus Samuel) in the presence of the majority of the leading foreign dignitaries, and considerable time was spent in exchanging those international courtesies, which tend to make the whole world akin, and ease the roads of intricate diplomacy for our political leaders.

Copy of telegram from the I nternational Fire Prevention Congress to His Majesty the King ;-

ELYSJA, THE G \RlJEN OF VARlET\,.

Names like the Duke of Marlborough, E. O. Sacbs, Capt. Graham, Lieut.-Col. Dixon, Lieut.-Col. Fox, Capts. Dyer, Dyson, Pett, H. S. Folker, Thomas, Messrs. Tabor, YV. J. Church-Brasler and a bost of other good men and true, will henceforth be the most revered names in the history of the British fire service, men who deserted home, family comfort and mammon in order to serve their fellowmen with the very best they could offer, who in true British manner, with hearty British cheer, met those hundreds of foreign gentlemen who so readily responded to the call of duty-a duty to humanity, in whose service they have grown gray in experience and wisdom. The 800 delegates, mostly chief officers in Government service, recruited from fifteen different countries, came to 1,.jS in the path of

To the Lord Knollys, July 8th, I903. Buckingham Palace.

\Ve the assembled official delegates and members of the International Fire Prevention Congress, representing fifteen Foreign and Colonial Governments, SC\'eral Departments of the Home Government, some two hundred British ancl Foreign 1unicipalitles, many of the Technical Societies interested in the subje c t, anel the Professional and Volunteer Fire Brigades from all parts of the world, desire to convey our respe c t to the King, and trust that he may be spared for many years to rulc Q\'er the Brit!sh Dominiol'.s and further the development of those International scientific and benevolent services with which his Iajesty s name has al\\ ays been associated.

(Signed ) J\IARLBOROUGH, Vice - President Of the I nterqational Fire Congress. .

HARRY HILCKES,

Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth Hill, Queen Victoria Street, LONDON, E.O.

MAGIRUS " PATENT ESCAPE.

[His Majesty 's reply.]

Buckingham Palace,

July 8th, J903 ·

To the Duke of Marlborough, Curzon House, Curzon-street, vV.

I have bad the honour of submitting to the King the telegram which I have received from you on behalf of the Official Delegates and Mem bel'S of the International Fire Prevention Congress, and I am commanded by his Majesty, in reply, to request you to tbank tbem from him for their co rdial good wishes. The King sincerely trusts that the of this important and representative body will lead to a further development as to the best means to b e adopted in regard to the prevention of fire and to the sav ing of life in cases of fire.

(S ignee! ) KN O I.LYS

1r. Edwin O. Sachs, the Chairman of the British Fire

AI D.-

(b) To consider the equipment of buildings, particularly in relation to the application of electric power and electric ligh t, elici ti ng the views of electrical engineers and fire brigade officers as to the origin and prevention of electrical fires, including sa feguards against fire s caused by li g htning.

(c) To co n sider the developme:1t of ordinary a nd automatic electncal fire-alarm systems and their application.

(d) To consi der the le gis lative enactments in for ce in cities and di st ricts , parti c ularl y in respect to the limitation of area or cub ical co ntents for warehouse buildings and workshops, and the means of separating and uniting such buildin gs, also the means of escape in case of fire, lik ewise the regulations governing the co n structio n and control of theatres and places of public re sor t, and the me ans of escape in case of fire in shops and tenements.

(e) The best means of watching or inspecting buildings and plant exposed to fire risks without undue incom'enience to

" POMPIER " LADDERS. POMPIER BELTS.

As supplied to all British Brigades.

Prevention Committee, had been entrusted with the pleasing task of opening the discussion by explaining the aim and origin of the Congress and its rais oll d' fire M r.

Sachs started off with the" Professional interest in fire prevention" of which he is one of the foremost exponents, and ex pressed his pleasure at the representative character of the Congress, which, judgi ng by the presence of some of our ti t led savants u pon the field of science, deserves special mention. Subsequently Mr. Sachs dealt with th e" Initiat io n of Fire Preve n tative Measures and the Objects of the Congress" as follows:

(

a) To consider the practice of building construction and the of building materials from a fire-preventive P01l1t of vIew; comparing the practice in different countries and in quiring into the latest materials and systems of co n struction available, as well as the latest inventions for t h e general equipment of bui dings

owners and occupiers, the pra c ti ce ot fire brigades in thi s direction, and the experience of the \'a rious fire-patrol systems.

(f)

The late st experience as to spo nt aneous ignition and sa feguards for the storage of explo"ives and oils; the practice in respe c to insurance against fire; the systems adopted in various contries ; the risks insured against; the relations of National, l\Iunicipal, Public and Private Insuran ce Corporations; systems of mutual insurance; the precantions taken against in ce ndiari sm; the statistical r ecording of fire losse s and the prepara tio n of uniform fire maps and plans.

The be s t m ea n s of recording and tabulatin g the causes and also the effect of fire, and, from a com parison thus obtained, com pili ng stan dard s for 'ariou degrees of fire resistance required in different buildll1gs and suited for various material s : also the best methods of testin g materials and re co rding' the facts of such tests for the information of

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which appeals to the PRACTICAL FIREMAN. WORKS 3 HOURS WITH ONE CHARGE, AND R.ECHAR.GED IN TWO MINUTES.

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-F I RST

th ose engaged in the construction, u se, and protection from fire of buildings.

Mr. Sac h s finished with an appea l to a ll present to assist in popularising fire prevention.

S ub seque ntl y t h e following papers were r ead ;-

G Edward Atkinson, LL.D., Ph.D., President, Boston Manufacturers' l\1utual I nsurance Co., U "The Prevention of Loss by Fire in the United States of America."

Guy Pym, I P., London. c. The necessity of placing Fire Brigades on a "ound Legal Basis."

SECT IO N I.

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION AND EQUIP:'.lENT

Privy Councillor J. Stiibben, late President Alm g Societies of German Architects and Engineers; late City Surveyor of Cologne. "Urban Fire Protection as I nfluenced by Street Pl a nnin g and Building Regulations."

Firemaster Pordage, Fire Brigade, Edinburgh "Building ConstrLlc tlOn from the Fireman's Point of View.".

Chief Officer 'W es tphalen, Hamburg City Fire Brigade "Modern vVarehouse Construction at Hamburg. "

Max Clarke, A.R. I.B .A., London. "How to make existing London Buildings more Fire-resisting "

B. Dicksee, Di st ri ct Surveyor, London. "Fire Preventive Clauses in the London Building Acl."

Ellis Marsland, District Surveyor, Camberwell, London. " The Planning and Arrangment of large Retail Commercial Establishments."

A . B. Markusowki, Adjutant, City Fire Brigade, Budapesth . Some Notes on Fire Pre\'ention, having particular regard to Theatre Safety.

SECTION II.

S.\FEGUXI{DS ,\ND FIRE ALAR:'II

Alexander Siemens, Past President. In st. of Electrical Engineers. " Safety and Control Arrangements for Fire Alarms."

G. ] 1. Oatway, London. "The Necessity of Automatic Fire Alarm Systems."

E. C. De A.l\LInst.C.E. "Electric vVirin g and Electric Risks."

AI D. -

sives, London. "The Storage of Exp losives, Petroleum and certain Chemicals within densely inhabited areas."

P. Dvorkovitz, Principal the Petroleum Institute London.

" The Necessary Safeguards for the Prevention and Spread o f Fires in Petroleum Stores."

Dr. Boverton Redwood, Ach'iser on Petroleum to the Supr. WI!:LL S OF THE PO;\lPIER TEA:'II.

Hom e Office, and Captain J. H Thomson, H.M. Chief Inspector of Explosi\'es. "The Prevention of Accidents with Petroleum Lamps. "

Professor \ Voolson, Columbia Uni\'ersity, New York " Non-Flammable and Fire Retarding Wood." \V ith Experiments Professor i\1edem, Uuiversity of Greifswalcl 'Spontaneou s Combustion." With Exper ime nt s.

F. V. Hardwi c k, University College, Sheffield. "Undergrou nd Fires."

SECT I Ol I V.

FIRE SURVEY 'D FIRE P.\TROLS.

' V. H. Hunter, Engineer -in-C h ie f, Manchester Ship Canal. "T he Value of Fire Patrol in Harbour Property."

A. Dittman, Chief Officer Bremen Fire Brigade. ., The I nfluence of the Fire Service on Fire Prc\'ention."

J. De Boles, Departmental Councillor, Home Office, Hun ga ry. Notes on the General Fire Pre\'entiye {easure s Adopted in Hun ga ry, having primary regard to rural townships and vi ll ages."

D 'vV. Reutlinger, Editor" Feuer und Wassel', " Frankfurt, a i\1. "The Value of having Professional Reports upo n Fires wiLh the View ofInstructing the Public."

Gorham Dana, Inspector Underwriters' Bureau, 1 e\\' England, Boston, U.S "The Care of Pr ivate Fire Appliances."

lI ip, Cazier, Crei l, Vice-President, In sl. Fire Brigades Council. "Electrica l in Th eatres " <Alfred Hands, F. R.M et. S., London. "Necessary Pr acti cal Sa feguards against Li g htn i ng. " III.

STORAGE OF OILS AND SpO TA rEOUS COMBUSTION. Captain J. H. Thomson H.M C hi e f In spec tor of Explo-

A. Goldoni, Chief Officer Fire Brigade, Milan. "Fire SlIl'\'ey and Fire \V atches in Th eatres during performances."

R. Czermack, Hon. President All trian Fire Brigades A ociation. Th e Question of Te c hn ica l In struction for Volunteer Fire Brigades in the interests of Fire Prevention."

SECTIO V.

FIRE LO SSES AND IN SURA)lCE.

Chas Hexamer, Pres i dent, National Fire Protertion A ssocia-

tion, U.S.A. "The Principles of Fire Insurance Practice in the United States."

C. E. overre, London [anager, or\\·ich Union I nsurance Society. " Fire Insurance and its I nfluence upon the Reduction of Fire Risks."

H. vVilmerding, Secretary Philadelphia Fire Underwriters' Association. "Fire Prevention through Schedule Rating."

W. H. Stratton, Chaitman of the Executi\'e, ational Fire Protection Association, U.S.A "Fire Hazards in America from an Insurance Point of View."

J. Sheppard, Torth British and Mercantile Insurance Co., London. "The I mportance of Statistical Research for determining the. General Causes of Fire."

AI D.- July, I903.

Chief Officer Welsch, City Fire Brigade, Ghent. "The Necessity of generally Standardising Testing Operations." RESOLUTIONS.

Re THE TERM "FIREPROOF."

The Congress having given their consideration to the constant misuse of the term" fireproof," and its indiscriminate and unsuitable application to many building materials and systems in Great Britain, have come to the conclusion that the avoidance of this term in the general business and technical vocabulary is essential.

Re TllID TEID[ "FIRE-H.ESISTI C."

The Congress consider the term "fire-resisti ng" more appli -

THE EARL' COURT \\'110 \.1\.E DAILY E;\IPLOYED I?\ "F IGIlTH,G TIlE FLAilJES' IN TIlE K\lPRESS TlIEATRE.

July, I9 0 3· -FIRST

3. The fully protective class; in accordance with the committee's sched ule.

Re THE METRIC SY S TEM.

The Congress considers: That in all reports dealing with questions of fire-resi s tance and tests, the metric system of measurement, weight and temperature shall be adopted as well as any local system.

Re "TEST! G STATIONS."

The congress strongly re co mmends the establishment of testing stations for fire-resisting materials and their adoption of a universally recognised method of testing; as also the formation of an International Technical Committee, which shall meet at suitable periods to discuss, fix, and modify the uni\'ersal methods of testing.

He FIRE RESIST[ TG MATERIALS AND B U ILDIN G LEGI. tATION.

The Congress considers it essential to revise the building

AID - I7

Re LIGHTNING.

The Congress considers that having regard to the neg lect of precautions against damage caused by lightnin g, the subject should have the serious consideration of the Covernment and Local Authorities, the techni cal profe ssions and the fire s er vice.

Re FlRE BR[G,\VES ,\. ]) FIRE

The Congress considers that the public authorities should encourage their fire brigade officers to take an active interest in the preventive aspect of fire protection, inasmuch as the result of the fire brigade officers' experience in actual fire practice, if suitab ly applied in conjunction with the work cf architects, engineers and public officials, would be most useful for tile organisation and development of precautionary measures.

The Congress considers it of importance that volunteer fire brigade societies, associations and unions, shall henceforth

F. Baynham (Chesham), J. Blanchard (Hampton), G. Brice ( ate :\Ietropolitan), C F. Brown ( \Iclcrshot), \. Buckland (Ryde), T. W. Cheesman (Coachman), J. lJ ay (Westgate -on -Sea), C. Dobson (Farnl>orough), L. Freshwater (Coachman), A. Garner (Altrincham), A. E Goddard (Erith), G. Graham ( IJampton), J. ll an ey llampt on) B. llan son ll eston and Islew or th), A. Ir enley (Crowborough), \V. H enley (Crowborough), I r. F. H em (Exeter), J llubllard (lreslon and I slc worth ), I J. J. Janaway (Coachman), W. J. J ones (Hastings), W. JJ. Kenning (Sa lford), J. L ewis (late :\ I eLropolitan), J\. Pelt (Exeter), E. Phillips (I'ontypridd), W. E. l 'lallen (Edmonton), J. C. Plim50Jl (late G, Pocock J, D. K. Restler (Hampton). A Samson (Rainh3.l11)' J. S. Sawford (i ylesbury), J. E. Sl1Iith (Coachmam), II. Smitherman (Gillingham), lJ. Stent (Coachman), F. Ste\'enson (IIolbeach), S. Styles ( lIampton), II. C. Thoburn, J. O. Thornber (Windsor), J. Thomas (late "Il et ropolitan) , II. Tingle (llolbeach), C. Trevall ( ll astings), C. Wain (Swanley), N, II. Wells (:\largate), V. '. Wells, (:\Iargate), C. W ood hou se (Edmonton), J. "W o rt on (Edmonton), F. ;\L Griswold, General Inspe ctor , Home In surance Co., U.S.A. "Standards for To\\'n \Vater Supply and Fire Protection from the American I nsuran ce Point of View."

SECTION VI.

FIRE TK..,TS ,\ 'J) \V. H. Merrill, Jun., The Underwriters' Laboratories, Chicago. "The Testing jJrinriples adopted at the National Fire Prevention Laboratory of Chicago."

Crown Architect Jaffe, Berlin. "The Testing Principles adopted at the Royal Technical Resear ch Laboratory, Charlottenburg, and at other Fire Tests in Germany."

Edwin O. Sachs, Chairman, British Fire Prevention Committee. "Proposed Standards of Fire Resistance. "

cab le fo r general u se, and that it more dire c tly describes the varying qualities of the different materials and systems of construction intencled to re sis t the effect of fire for shorter or long'er periods at high or low temperatures, as the case m;ty be; and they aclvocate lhe general adoption of this term in the place of the term" fireproof."

Re ST:\NIMRJ)S 01' FIRE RE"rsTA:\'CE.

The Congress confirms the committee's proposed standards of fire-resistance, subject to certain gramnlatical amendments, and the standards of fire-resistance shall in the future be:

-

1. The temporary protective class;

2. The partially protective class;

rANOR \i\1.\-THE GREAT FlRE OF LONDON, 166 6 regulations to accord with the results obtained by the investigation of fire-resisting materials and methods of construction.

Re TECH 'lC \]' EDUCATION'.

The Congress considers it essential that courses of s tud y should be provided in universitie s, techn ical co lle ges and schools for the instruction of eng i neeri ng and archi te ct uml students in the fire-resistan ce of building materials and the methods of construction as based on investi ga tion.

He I NSURAN'CE IN'FLUIWCE 0 FIRE PRE\'EN TION

The Congress considers that the Factory Mutual II1 urance System as adopted in the United States, materially tends to the prevention of fire and the reduction of fire waste.

Re THE LEGAL STAT US OF FIRE BRI G, \DE..

The Congress considers it most necessary that fire brigades be placed on a sound legal basis and that it is advisable that their efficiency be supervised by a Government Department.

encourage among the brigades affiliated to these bodies the study of questions of fire prevention.

Re RECORDs.

The members of this Congress are strongly of opinion that in the public interest it is of the utmost importance that on the occurrence of e\'ery fire an investigation should be immediately made by an official, duly qualified and empowered to ascertain the cause and circumstance connected th ere with , reporting the result of such investigation to a publi c department for tabulation and publication.

The whole or part of the cost of lIch inquiry to be charged to the occupier of the premises where the fire occurred, as may appear desirable n the circumstances of each case.

Wednesday and Thursd ay afternoons, June 8t h and 9th, were devoted to testing operations with a view to demonstrating the British Fire Prevention Committee's

practice in this direction; and there was a larg e attendance on both days at the testing station in POl'chester-road, Payswater, having particular regard to the fact that similar testing stations are about to be created in different count rie s

The arrangements for the testing operations were in the hands of Mr. Ellie; Marsland and Mr. Max CLarke, and the visitors were received by the Chairman and Sir John Taylor, and other members of the Council.

The first test was with an armoured door by the Curfew Armoured Door Company, of Manchester, and was of one hour's duration. Two specimens of doors were under observation-one a hinged door, and one a sliding door.

representation and voting power will be more in ratio to the relative importanc e of the different countries, the basis of repr ese nt a tion being by millions of inhabitants, with a maximum representation of fifteen for anyone country.

permanent International Council's Executive also received the addition of two Vice-Presidents, viz., Count Szechenyi, President of the Hungarian Fire Brigades' Federation, and Mr. Ed win O. Sachs, Chairman of the British Fire Prevention Committee.

The of Professional Fire Brigade Officers held their meeting at Caxton Hall, Westminster, on Thursday and Friday during the Congress week. The first meeting was entirely devoted to matters of business; the second to papers.

July, 1903· -FIRST

Fire Brigade, conceived th e idea of creating the most realistic" fir e show" ever staged within human memory; that he succeeded beyond tile fondest expectations of all pessimists, would hardly describe the instant and lasting popularity of this gigantic performance upon a stage, the dimensions of which reminded us of the old Roman plays in the vast Pantheons of a vanished empire.

The performance under the title of "Fighting the Flames" has been staged in the Empress Theatre, and managed by Mr. John Douglas.

AID.- 19

Ton bridge; Brackley Fire Brigade; Captain Inkster, Aberdeen; Urban District Council, ,,\.lnwick; Captain Dunkley, Rothwell; Corporation ot Great Grimsby; Captain Crouch, Worthing; Lewes Fire Brigade; E. G. Barnard, Esq., Stowmarket; Captain Haddon, Shefford (Beds.); Fire Brigade, Farnham; Sir Thomas H. Tacon; Central 'tation, Dublin ; .\'lton Fire Brigade; Captain Shaw, King's Lynn; Grantham Fire Brigade; Barnes Fire Brigade; J. T. H. Baily, Esq.; Staines District Council ; Fire Brigade, Enfield; Fire Brigade, St. Albans; Fire Brigades, Stockport, Glastonbury, Whittlesey, Waddington, Milton, Leighton Buzzard, Oundle; Messrs. Barratt and Co., Wood Green; E. L. Peronne; Duke of Newcastle.

The second test was with a partition by Messrs. Van der Vygh, of Amsterdam, and was of one hour-and-a-half's duration at increasing temperature from I80 degs. Fahr. The thickness of the partition was in.

Thursday's test was a two-hours' test, with a gradually increasing temperature, with a Karri timber floor, provided

accorded to the Members of the Association.

Among those participating in the discussions of papers were Mr. Edwin O. Sachs and Lieut.-Col. Fox, primarily on on the subject of Water Damage. e.O. Paterson, of Glasgow, presided, and was supported by the Chief Officers of Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, and other large towns. The courtesies of the Congress were by Miller's Karri and J.Lrrah ,\'ooJ Company, com Karri rebated boarding on bearers.

The result of the tests and the usual log and report will be published in the ordinary way in the British Fire Prevention Committee's publications.

The following members of the International Fire Prevention Congress, accompanied by the Congress Chairman (Mr. Edwin O. Sachs) attendeJ tLe Gala Performance at the Royal Opera House :-Prince Alex. Lvoff (representing the Russian lVlinistry of Interior) ; Graf Sze-

chen)'i, President Hun- S \\7 11

garian Fire Brigades' Supl. Wells. ·Wells. \Y e lls. Capt. H.. G. Graham.

Federation, (representing the Hungarian Ministry of Interior ); Eug. Govaort, Chief Engineer, Ministry ofPu blic Works (represent1l1g the Belgium Ministry of Public Works); G. Guesnet, Councillor General de l'Oise, France (representing the French of Commerce); e. o. Giersberg, Royal Police Fire Brigade, Berlin (representing the Prussian Ministry of Interior); Chevalier Goldoni, President Itali an Fire Brigades' Federation (representing the Italian Ministry of Interior); G. de Marie, President Luxemburg Brigades' Federation (representing Luxemburg Government); General Jos e },Iarie Perez (representing the Government of }, Iexico); C. O. Westphalen, of Hamburg (representing the In ternational Brigades' Council); State Councillor Sokoloff, of the Russian Fire Prevention Society; Colonel Sextus Meyer, of the City of Copenhagen.

The International Fire Brigades' Council met at the invitation of the British Fire Prevention Committee at the Congress Bureau, some fifteen countries being represented. Most of th ei r time was devoted to a material alteration in the Committee's statutes, by which means, in future, the

The preliminary meetings of the international juries for the Society of Arts medals and for Steam Fire Engine Section met during the week, and numerous important trials were carried oul. TO less than three of the 80 ft. long laddels tried were worked mechanically, and could reach the fuli height of 80 ft. in less than half a minute.

Reg a r ding the steam fire engines, it was interesting to know that the steam fire engine makers of London, Austria, Sweden, Germany and Belgium were contesting in friendly rivalry.

Among the many courtesies accorded to the Foreign and Colonial Congress visitors were courtesies by the Speaker of the House of Commons, His Grace the Duke of Sutherland, His Grace the Duke of Wellington, the Committee of the Junior Constitutional Club, the Committee of the Ranelagh Club, the Committee of the Old Welcome Club, by the Master of the Royal Mint, thl:! Secretary to the Postmaster-General, by the Counr:il of the Zoological Society and the Council of the Botanical Society, the Directors of the Alhambra Theatre, the Directors of Empire Theatre, the Managers of the St. James' Theatre, Daly's Theatre, and His Majesty's Theatre.

Among the 'many particular buildings of importan ce which were open to the view of members were the University College Hospital, the Shannon Factory, Electra House, the Rowton Houses, and the Power Station of the Central London Railway Company.

In order to follow the progress of fire-fighting and fire prevention for the last few centuries, the fertile brain of Captain Graham, the energet ic chief of the Hampton

By the courtesy' of Messrs. Keliher, Ltd., we are enabled to reproduce a few excellent illustrations of some of the scenes at Earl's Court. The performance commences with a historical procession representing the earliest period of fire-fighting and fire-fighters from the year of 15 R,C. to our present day, and we only regret that some of those marvellous mechanical" fire escapes," as used in the American and German fire departments, have not been given a chance to bring this realistic display up to the pre, sent day.

We hope that favouritism will not stand in the way of permitting the foreigner of giving us an object lesson, how an 82 ft. escape may be got ready for life-saving in 24 seconds, as shown before the jury by the " Magirus," and some other world-renowed makers.

This realistic show proceeds with an energetic competition between two steam fire engines, lent by rival makers; by the way, a grand free advertisement for the firms concerned.

Messrs. Bayley's fire escape goes through a very creditable performance.

The next item at this interesting "fire show" consists or life saving by means of "pompier" ladders, a most thrilling performance, given by a team headed by Mr. H. N. Wells (son of our old friend Captain Wells, of Margate). The fearless courage of the ladies, Mrs. and Miss "\ Yells, is really worthy of special commendation. We are repro, ducing the team on the following pages.

The exhibition of Fire Appliances proper consists of two sections, viz., the Loan Section, containing Historical }ire appliances; and the Modern Section, contributed by exhibits of numerous manufacturerers from many climes and countries, forming one of the grandest object lessons to the student of modern fire service.

The Loan ection consists of quaint curios, artistic and historical relics, trophies of past victories upon the field of glory, and, saddest of all, " 'Iomentoes of fallen heroes,' ) whose names are engraved upon the" Memorial Stone)) in front of the Empress Theatre.

The following gentlemen, municipalities and brigades contributed to this interesting and most appreciated part of the Fire Exhibition :-

Phene Spiers, Esq., F. ..: \.. ; Dutch Royal Arcbceological Society, Amsterdam; Mr. D. J. Tvethout, Editor of Eclzo, Amsterdam; D. S. Hotboom, Esq., Haarlem; Fire Brigade, Friesland, Netherlands; Fire Brigade, Amsterdam; H. G . Bom, Esq., Amsterdam; G. van Stolk, Esq., Rotterdam, Holland; Messrs. J\. Bikkers and Zoon, Rotte.rdam. (Thanks are due to Captain Fabius and Mr. Bikkers for the above-mentioned handsome collection.)

Amongst the British exhibitors in this section we noti ce many well-known names, such as Captain Mitchell, of the champion team at Smethwick ; Rugby Volunteer Fire Brigade; J\. Jacoby, hsq., M.P.; Hugh Wickham, Esq. ; George Terry, Esq., Chief Officer, Eastbourne; W. Brind, Esq., Chief Officer, Walton-on-Thames; Wm. Ely, Esq., Chief Officer, Leicester; Captain Wake, Westonsuper-Mare: Captain Dyer, Alton; Urban District Co uncil,

Sir Eyre Massey 'haw lent a collection of great variety and of intense fascination for the professional fire-fighter. Like a good old" fire-dog,)) Captain 'haw cannot desert his old love, and we trust that he will enjoy for many years the well-earned rest which the fruits of an a c tive life demand. Lieut.-Col. Fox, that enthusiast in fire matters, has undoubtedly contributed the most complete and numerous exhibit to this section, and we can well imagine the attraction of Watling-street, apart from the bon homt'e of the Colonel.

The British Fire Prevention Committee have collected numerous examples of fire-resisting material, which have been acquired as results of their tests at their station in Regent's Park.

Mr. Folker and Capt. Graham contribute some photos, sketches and painting of historical interest. The Fire Brigades of Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham) Leeds, Edinburgh, Manchester and Windsor, contribute a varied collection of very interesting matter.

Let us pause here, to express our most acute regret at the action of the London County Council, a body who, as the elected servants of the public, so scantily recognise their Qbligations towards that splendid body of men, who made such a comprehensive show possible. That the Fire Department of the foremost city of the world should actually "boycott,)) went beyond the comprehension of our foreign visitors, who expressed themselves in unmeasured terms at the inconsistency of that mysterious organi ation which had no soul to save or body to ki c k. Against stupidity even the gods fight in vain.

The industrial exhibits deserve more space than we can devote to them, therefore we shall only confine ourselves to some of more immediat e interest to our readers.

Amongst the most important exhibits we noticed Messrs. H. Lotery and Co., of St. Mary-street, N.R, the contractors to the National Fire Brigade Union, the Army and Tavy, &c. This firm employ nearly 2,000 hands in coping with their immense trade, and be it said to their credit, that they always give preference to British labour. The stall is handsomely arranged with examples of wellmade uniforms and acoutrements for nearly every service. The promptness with which the largest order is executed is one of the marvels of Messrs. Lotery's organisation.

Messrs. Pearson's Fire Alarm have a very attractive stand, also Messrs. Sinclair and Co. with their new Chemical Fire Engines, the May-Oatway stand is a centre of interest to those interested in fire alarms

In the Imperial Court, which has lost nothing of its attractiveness, there was little to remind one of a Fire Exhibition , Cigar and candy stalls were al ternatino- with real Oriental antiquities which we have admired for b many years past, and the attractive damsels presiding over these permanencies are still as forcibly persuasive as of yore which reminds the visitor of our "home made))

WHEN CORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASE MENTION "FIR'BT AID "

TIlE TEX\J AT EARL S COU RT.

\ e s

W. II. Kenning. G. Brown.

-FIRST

A I D.- 21

July, 1903·

bazaar, when the necessary .< wind" has to be raised fo r the o rgan fund, or some other spiritual commodity. The so le real novelty of genuine int e r est to our fri e nds, we found at the stand (No. 146) of Mr. Chas T. Crowden, of Motor Works, Leamington, who at infinit e trouble and expe n se, is showing a steamer of herculean proportion s , appropriately named the "Hercules." It redound s to th e c r edit of Mr. Crowden a nd thos e assoc iate d with him, that no British orContinental ex hibitor ha s anything app ro ac h ing th e " Her c ules, " and we hav e list ened with ju stified pride to the extravagant pr a is es expressed in va rious l a n g u ages by th e foremost r e rresentativ es of all nation s, who co n g r egated

inlets and an improved quick stea min g type boiler. With a two inch nozzle it throws 250 ft, and ma y be fork e d with thr ee o th e r branches, throwing a s tr eam from each. In supp lying a water towe r it will "knock" (in Yankee parlance) "bits orf a 14 ft wall," and break the backbone of the most se ri ous conflagration The suctio n pipes are the largest and stronges t ever produced in this country_ It developes 175 horse-power, indicating J 50 Ibs pressure on the delivery hose and may be supplied with selfpropelling motor of the necessary horse-power, which Mr. Crowden is actually constructing at his works at L eamington

POW ERFUL STEAMER AT

EXHlnITION

R. : CROWDEN'S "HERCULES ." in crowds round the "Hercules," des e rting the commonplace exhibits which were so sumptuously s pr ead in close proximity. We were pleas e d to notice that this spec im en of British ingenuity has already found an eage r purchaser, and that repeat orders from some of our foremost fire brigades have be e n b oo k e d.

For the information of num e rous in q uir e rs we herewith beg to r ecord the actual dimensions of th e " H e r cu l es" steam fire engine. She is ca pable of delivering 1,500 ga ll s per minute, is constructed of the eq uilibrium type, having four del;very outl e ts fitt e d with special double -e nd ed coupli n gs The" Hercules" is capable of performing the work of four ordinary steamers, having two" Giant" suction

At Stand No. 93 in the Queen's Hall is shown a most interesting display of automatic fire a l arms, telegraphs and accessories, and we need not go to America for th e latest and most practical devices in fire discovery 11'. A. C. Brown, of 7, Queen's-square, Finsbury-avenue, E.c., one o f the pioneers of fire telegraphs, has constantly advanced upon the electrical principle and has without doubt met with the greatest success by having his a larm posts adopted by the L.Cc. :Metropolitan Fire Brigade, and some of the principal provincial brigades, of whi ch th ere are nearly 1,500 in use_ Our illustration shows here an ornamental lamp post with the words" Fire larm" and the a larm in the centre of th e post, as shown in full size nt

THE MO ST

THE]

.-1'II

Ce. Metropoi ita n Fi re B ri gade. These posts may also be used fo r amb u lance and police calls and have proved of i mmense se r vice wherever adopted

M r. A e. 13rown also manufactures combined clock and fire a larm (combinat10n protect e d) showing e x act time publicly by electric synchronisation over the existing nre alarm wires A most useful and inexpensive addition.

ir. Brown has also introduced a wall box, which may bc fixed in various prominent positions in streets or buildings, containing a transmitter or "callpoint," and a receiving indicator with reply key and telephonic appliances f () r com m unicating wifn Fire Stations. The special features of this system are as follows :-

After the handle has been

A I D.-

pulled, nothing can stop the call. A reply signal is retu rn ed to the call box.

False alarms are instantly recognised, without disarranging the system. There are no in the posts. Where desired a permanent telephone receiver is fitted to the posts in order to be available for police and ambulance or any first aid calls.

A most ingenious arrangement is the Pendulum Fire Alarm Call of which Mr. Brown is the original patentee, and which has been made by him as far back as 1883. The Pendulum, as an alarm, rings the bell at the same rhythmic rate, thus the call may easily be distinguished from a false alarm, and, in the case of numerous call-stations on one circuit, each station is distinguished by a rated harmonic pendulum; thus every call is easily recognised at the central station

The "Coroner" fire call timing block, for indelibly recording the actual time of arrival of fire calls over any of the lines, prevents disputes in case of inquests or investigations; it cannot be tampered with, and should be adopted at every central station as a ready means of control for the sub-stations

The latest ingenious nov e lty introduced by 1\1r. Brown is the "Fire Sentinel," the most compact and reliable portable nre alarm capable of being installed by anyone by simply being stretched across the ceiling It consists of a mechanical bell which is connected by an ordinary tape with a number of fuses, which act upon a certain temperature being artificially created in the room. In conclusion, we are desirous of specially drawing the attention of all who have made fire prevention a study, to Brown's "Climax" automatic nre alarm, which may be attached to curtain poles, the most vuh lerable point in pri vate house s, and for cei lings at factories, warehouses, hotels, asylums, &c., the slightest rise in the rooms giving a speedy alarm, without necessitating a laborious process for re-arrangement. This system is provided with a " return check," by means of which false alarms are entirely obviated Users of the much-boomed automatic fire alarms, have, no doubt, within their experience received many false calls, involving waste of time, expense, and nervous excitement, when by some unaccountable mean the rising temperature expanded the various metals, &c., used, thus prO\-ing the incomplete control afforded by fads which cannot stand the test of accidents_ Mr. Brown' patent check enables tl:e officer in charge of a central station to check every call received, and ascertain the temperature of the place from where the call emanated.

Another very clever idea-a portable alarm clock with sensitive fi r e indicator which rings at the slightest provocation-should ensure Mr. Brown's name being handed down as the foremost savallt upon the field of fire preven tion.

All the above appliances can be seen at Stand 93, Fire Exhibition, Earl's Court.

Since the late popular outburst of "First Aid " chemical fire appliances, we have been practically inundated with numerous inventions of the kind, which claim fire ext i nction as their chief virtue.

Upon closer investigation we were compelled to discard the majority of them as mere pit falls for the innocent, who in their blind confidence in the efficiency of these so-called (( extincteurs " may some day dearly pay for their experience. The fundamental principle upon which t hese chemical appliances are constructed is carbonic acid gas, which may be a good servant in proper hands, but a terr ible master fo r t h e unwary.

We have lately met with a nove l type of extinguisher

A e. BROWN'S TELEPHONE AND F I RE ALARl\[ POSTS.

HARRY HILeKES,

Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth Hill, Queen Victoria Street, LONDON, E.C.

The "MAGIRUS"

TURN-TABLE FIRE ESCAPE.

DIM ENSIONS :- Length , w i th pole, 32 ft .; without. pole 2? ft.; OVtr all, 9 ft. ; Width, 7 ft.

Simplicity of Construction. Perfectly Balanced. Ball Bearings throughout.

Low Total W eight over the whole carriage.

THE "MAGIRUS " TURN·TABLE ESOAPE OAN BE MADE TO ANY LENGTH.

The annexed Illustration shows our Turn·Table Escape; it is so-called because the extended ladder can be turned in a complete circle on its carriage, without moving- the l attar in aDY way. By this. means. the E.scape can he even 111 narrow sLreet WIthout lI1terfenng wlth the orcl!nal y traffic. Only in "en· rare instances will it be necessary to alter the position of the carriage itself, different can be b): merely turning the Escape in the required dlrectl.on. Vhth. ordll1ury Escapes of great lenath delay IS always caused If the posllion of the extended ladder has be altered, as the whole carriage has to be bodily moved; whereas with our Turn-Tahle this may be done easily by one man To this important fea ture is mainly due the sale of about 80 Turn-Table Es capes in abou t two years.

A numher of Fire Brigades ha\"e repeated their orders again and again, which in itse lf is a practical confirmation of the great claimed for the ., Maglrus " Turn-Table E cape; it has now by far the gr e atest sale of any simila.r machine in the world We ha\"c had also \11C the assistancc of most of the experienced· cl-Qefs of the Contmental }'ire Br igades, after using our have vol?ntarily a number of 'a lual,!c suggestions, enahllllg us from tIme to lil1le to bring same to s till greater ef1iciency, The Turn -Table Escape, as manufactured by us to-dRY, is therefore the latest outcome of the experience or the most impoItant Continental Fire Brigades Vhene\'er possible, we seek to· si.mp lify its construction, consistent with the redu ct ion of the total weIght.

All our Escapes are constructed with ball-bearings throughout, both for the axles as well as for the raising and extending m(;chanism, ther eby reducing friction to a minimum.

a steady movement of

y,

The above Turn-Table Escape may be seen at Earl's Court Exhibition. It IS made in lengths up to 700 ft.

PRICES AND FULL ESTIMATES FREE ON APPLICATION TO THE ABOVE.

WHEN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISFRS PLEASE MENTION ., FIRST AlD."

Jul y, 1903· -FIRST

man ufac t ured by the Compagnie Parisienne, and exhibited a t S t and 7 5, at the International Fire Exhibition, at Earl's Co ur t , and h aving witnessed several protrtLcted displays we have no hesitat ion in advising our readers to give them an ea rl y trial. Our objection in the past to chemical applia n ces was the calamitous delay in re-charging and the n ecessar ily small quantity of fluid which was availabl.=. for th e first onslaught, in many instances the speedy extinction o f an outbreak has been prevented by the paucity of the c h a rge in the chemical extincteurs. This grave defect has bee n ove r come by the Compagnie Parisienne, who with o n e of the ir type are enabled to fight the insidious flames for three hours with a 93 ft. jet, and by the sacrifice of five m inutes can add another three hours to the fighting force

V

A I D.- 25

of an outbreak of fire on account of the remarkable results it has given in a number of severe practical tests. Its action and construction are quite simple. The extinguisher consists of a brass tube about 20 in. long and 3 in. in diameter, filled with a solution of chemical salts. At the top of the tube is a cap, which is sealed to the tube by means of very brittle solder. On smartly striking this cap in an upward direction against a wall or with a poker, or a tool that i'3 provid ed , the solder fractures and the cap is readily knocked off. All that is necessary next is to dash the contents of the tube upon the fire with a sharp sweeping motion. The effect of the fluid upon a burning mass is very surprising, and as a "first aid" appliance greatly recommended.

THI!:

G ApPARATU

At Stand 125, Ir. Thiroux, of 3, Tudor-street, Ludgate-circus, is exhibiting the Hydraulic Spray Nozzle Protector Patent Arnaud-Soumain. It consists of an ingenious

o f th eir appliance

We are illustrating one of their extin cteurs, and the marvellous efficiency of these little e n g in es sh o uld te n d to make them popular in hote ls, as ylum s, &c The re-filling is ve r y simple and may be e ffec t ed in fifteen seconds; there are no bottles to break, n o thin g t o cut , no in t ricate mechanism, and any child ca n o p er a t e it with perfect safety After the numero us tr ials we h ave wit nessed we gladly avail ourselves of this o pp o rtun ity ot tes ti fying to t he match less efficiency of these " Firs t Aid" appliances, and Mr. F. Geiger, the London age nt , is to be congratulated upon hav ing introduced the rea d y mea ns for protectmg life and property by the exp e nditur e of a few shillings St a nd 84 is occupied by the Stevens Eemergency Fire E xt in g ui sh er , as i ll ustrated here, is attracting the attent ion o f all t hose co n ce rn ed i n t h e ea rly and effectual extinction

SPRAY OZZLE.

a r rangement, a diagram of which we illustrate herewith, whereby the most effective protection is afforded in cas e s where firemen are compelled to operate in close proximity of fire and smoke. The spray emitted in conjunction with a most powerful jet, offers the safest means of escape to fire fighters.

1\. most important claim, verified 10 severa l instances,

Two men can raise the escape in I5 seconds. Ball-Bearings Safety-Brake will pre\'ent any acc dent through careless man p ulation. T he men a re we ll placed; the stee l wire be lt enab l es

the ladder, and ensu res abso l ute sec urit

COMPAGNIE PARI SIE0l'NE EXTINCTEUR

"SPIRO" BRE \.THIX

-FIRST

is the possibility of entering smoke-laden places for the rescue of human beings, by means of "Le Spiro," exhibited on Stand 126, by Mr. Thiroux. This breathing apparatus, the patent of 1Ir. Debaucheron, enables the merest novice to entcr the most dangerous places with th e greatest safety. It has been tried by the Chief Officer of the Eastbourne Fire Brigade, who authorised the use of his name to testify the efficiency of the "Le piro." It is also being used with great success at Pari,>, Boulogne, Cannes, Cognac, also in GermlJ.ny and many other places on the Continent. We are illustrating this useful device, and Mr. Thiroux will be pleased to answer all enquiries by appointment.

Mr. Harry Hilckes, of Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth-hill, Queen Victoria-street, E.c., represents some of the principal fire appliance manufacturers of the Continent, among them being:-

Mr. C. D. Magirus, of VIm, on the Danube. The Magirus Patent Escape has a world-wide reputation,

A I D. - July, Ig03. compare favourably with British-made escapes of much simpler construction. 'Ve have been asked to illustrate some otber specialities of tbis enterprising firm, and do so with pleasure, giving an opportunity to those of our readers who cannot spare the time or expense to vIsit tbe Exhibition.

1essrs. Magirus manufacture every appliance for firefighting, and have been honoured with the highest distinctions wherever they have exhibited. In Paris, in Ig00, they received the OIl!Y gold medal for fire appliances, and at the Berlin Fire Exhibition, in Igor, they took the first prize for the best turn-table escape in the shape of a gold medal and a cash prize.

For small brigades we would recommend an escape which may be easily worked by One man. It is made from 30 ft. up to 50 ft., and its rigidity and strength in strikingly shown by a fireman, in full uniform, standing on the extreme part of the escape.

This trial of strength is one or the most severe tests

HILCKE S' "MAGTRUS" T URN TAR,r .E E SCAPE ing Co., of Berlin, who construct building of specially moulded stones, r ed ucing the cost by 30 per cent:, whIch. has been .largely adopted in Germany for S dwelllllg.s.. ThIS firm shows a special, very SImple system. of ce tll.ng constructIO n, executed by the aid of wIre nettl11g, which is fireproof and suppor ts a weIght C?f 550 lbs. to th e square foot, at a cost of 3 s 6d. per yard. Th ey also show an artificial marble which IS equal m toughness to the rcal article for coverinrr Boors 11 d' , 0' WJ. s, an m cnd l11g worn-out steps, &c. There is also a patented for layin.g parquet floOl'illg directly on the concrete flOOring by th e aId of a special putty.

Messrs. Mullar, Marx and Co., of Berlin, show models and photos of fireproof and fr eebea rin rr ceilinas which t d . f 0 0' s an. a stram 0 10,000 Ibs. to the square yard, and are speCIal ly fitted for warehouses and th e lik e. This firm also plates for portable buildings, and make a speCialIty of mfectiol1-proof stable installations as executed for the German 'Var Office. '

The Oberbaurat eXh.ibits his uniqu e system of l.ong c.el:le nt spans for light bndges, halls, viaducts, &c. ThiS ex hIbit shows about 30 ft. of cement-span without any centre support. The "Eggert" fr eebea ring staircase is also worthy of special notic e Dr. Sar.ason, of Berlin, exhibits his models of hospitals for open mr cure, and all "first aiders" are earnestly entreated to study this ingenious exhibit. Every floor has

MESSRS. CZERl\fACK'S STEAM FIRE ENGINE, "MARION I."

acknowledged by the foremost brigades of the civilised globe. We think this escape of sufficient interest to show an illustration. Our readers, who are mostly familiar with the working of up-to-date fire escapes, will easily recognise the advantages by studying our illustration, which shows the extended escape weighted with four firemen. Few escapes of equal weight could show such carrying capacicy, when the height (84 ft.) is taken into consideration. Several of the "Magirus" escapes will be shown by Mr. Hilckes. The most practical for brigades in large cities, where high buildings predominate, is undoubtedly the "Magirus " turn-table fire escape. It is simplicity itself in operation, may be extended to 84 ft. by two men, and turn in any direction without moving the carriage with the least effort, thus doing duty for three or four ordinary escapes. \V e are illustrating this type in order to show the advantages which until recently have been so scantily recognised in this country. Turn-table escapes may be supplied with carbonic acid elevating gear, and the priCES

which could ever be put on any escape, and several British officers at the Earl's Court Exhibition have tested this to their entire satisfaction.

Another firm under the charge of Mr. Harry Hilckes, is Mr. R. Czermack, of Teplitz and Vienna, in Austria. This firm manufacture all sorts of hand and steam fire engines. Messrs. Czermack have been supplying for many years steam fire engines to several of our colonies and have met with. great success, and repeat orders wherever they compcted. They guarantee their workmanship, and replace all defective parts free of charge. We cannot do better than give an illustration of Messrs. Czermack's steam fire engine "Marion 1." shown at Earl's Court, which will do more than three columns of descri ptive matter.

The German Section is divided into two; the first one represe nting the Fireproof Building Section; the second, General Fire Appliances.

On entering the spacious hall, the visitor is confronted by the substantial and varied exhibit of the Terrast Build-

a garden attached to it. His method does away with the objectional roof-lights.

The system of patent spandrel walls is shown two substantIal exal!1ples.; they are absolutely fireproof and crack-pro.of, are b.Ullt of Jron, bricks and cement, and they no mtermedlate support, even for long spans. The of wall may be reduced without lessening its sollcltty, 111. they a re 30 to 50 per cent. cheaper than a solId wall. No special training is required for. erectIon ?f tl:ese walls. The large spandrel wall adjoll11l1g the 'hctona Restaurant in the (rrounds is an object lesson to all visitors. 0'

The German and Austrian Isolir and Cork Factories Ltd., of Dresden, exhibit models of fireproof construction' each separate room in the building r etaining its own perature. S?me of the buildings have been under a severe fire te?t for SIX hours. The model exhibited showed about 4 0 spaces, a nd scientific method adopted for the of the vanous spaces should be of infinite ll1terest to our up-to-date architects.

The Lapidon Works, of Berlin, exhibit a new fire and weather proof material in wood and stone, chemically treated by a secret process. The beautiful effects obtained by some of their exhibits should created an extensive demand.

Now, from the Building Exhibits we proceed to the

HILCKES' "MAGIRUS" FIRE ESCAPE AT A NOVEL R ESCUE.

m ore i mmedia t e m eans of fire protection, such as alarms a nd escapes

T he fi r st fi r m to attract our attention is Oscar Schappe, o f L e ipsic, with a u tomatic fire alarms for closed or open c urr ent, which have been in use lor the last 27 yea.fs in Saxo n y, and proved thoroughly reliable.

Mr. Max Vester, of Leipsic, exhibits a combination of call boxes, telephones, and fire alarms for hotel use.

Messrs. Siemens and Halske, of Berlin, exhibit fire alarms, electric appliances, and the Berlin alarm posts, which have answered so well in the German capital. We also noticed an ingenious window escape, the "Scherrer," which has lately been adopted by Messrs. Gosnell, of Cherry Blossom fame, at Black friars-road. This escape offers undoubtedly the readiest means for saving life, by having a substantial metal ladder in short sections attached to the window frame.

Mr. J B. Schroer, of Dortmund, exhibits chimneytops constructed of artificial stones of the highest finish, with a patent top and an ingenious arrangement of up-anddown draughts, giving an increased velocily for the emission of smoke.

The firms of Salzkotten showed a large selection of Explosion-proof receptacles for dangerous fluids. The gases, which are formed through rising temperature, are

July, 19 0 3. -FIRST

Mr. Paul Hartman, of Berlin, has a complete display of first aid ambulance medicine chest.

Mr. Aug. Honig, of Cologne, is showing an elaborate mechanical fire its substantial appearance betokens good workmanship.

Messrs. Oppen and Prinzke, of Spandau, are displaying their patent hose couplings (system Giersberg), nozzles and hydrants.

Taking Germany as a collective exhibit, we can safely assert that it represents the most complete display we have ever seen in this country, showing possibilities for our own manufacturers, which we trust they will take to heart and profit by. We have been told that most of the German exhibitors are opening up trad e with our own Colonies, and are booking good orders at prices which our own makers could not approach.

------.--.------

Natio n al F ir e Brigades U nion.

C'OllI PE TlflON E.\RL'S COuRT, 190.1.

HILCKES'

HILCKES' "MAGIRUS" CANVAS CHUTE. allowed to escape, and even if ignited can never reach the liquid This is a most important exhibit, worthy of more space than we can spare at present.

The Suddeutsche Wasserwerke, of Frankfurt, show a new system of hydrants for brigade or street use; the couplings are simplified [or quick service

The Associated Hose and Rubberworks, Ltd., of Gotha, show a large selection of canvas hose, jumping sheets and shutes, which, since the late lamentable disasters, are coming into fashion again

Amongst the small handy extinguishers we noticed one of Eduard Rau, of Munchen, well made and very serviceable.

The chemical fire extingu ished, which is exhibited under the name "Excelsior," has been adopted, after severe tests, by the Kaiser for llis various palaces, and certainly bids fuir to become popular as a first aid appliance.

Mr. G. A. Fischer, of Gorlitz, is showing some up-todate manuals with special patent valves, detachab le for cleaning.

Messrs. Kuhlstein, of Cbarlottenburg, show a ve r y complete und ingenious water tender.

gi\'c the re su lt of the National Dewar Silver Shield, as this Journal was on the press on Friday night, and the above compe tition was not held until the following day (Saturday)

N.B.-The time of every competitior will be given m our next issue.

In t er n ati onal Fire Exhibiti o n, Earl 's Court, L o nd o n, STAND No. 146.

HERCULES FIR E ENGINE &, APP LIANCE CO.,

CHAS. T. CROWDEN, Engineer, Motor

PUMPING MACHINERY , EX PERT S IN FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS.

ALL KINDS OF FIR E INS TALLATIONS CARRI ED OUT.

ADYICE GIYE N. PLANS PREPARED . FIRE AP PLIANCES.

STEAM AND OIL FIRE ENGINES.

ELECTRIC FIRE ENGINES ,

Works, LE A MINGTON.

MOTOR FIRE ENGINES. HOSE CAR TS. YANS AND ESCAPES .

'orwich Union Fire In surance Offices, Angel Place, \V orcesler, 7th February, '903

C. T. Crowden, Esq., Engineer, j\lotor 'V orks, Leamington. DEAR

lVL-\.GIRU S FIRST Am POCKET BOOK WITH Ml!:DICINES AND ApPLIANCES.

"MAGIRUS" ESCAPE

London's Ambulance Service.

WE are glad to find that the Medical Press are taking the lead given by this Journal, .and has ?nce agam their columns to thIS pressmg questlOn. The Brttlslz .Llfedical Journal, in a recent number called attention to way in which the whole question of an a.mbulance for London is being muddled. 'IVe prmt the artIcle m question and we trust that the will support. their own journal in its crusade against thIS present campa Ign of muddle and deiay.

" We have from tim e to time called attention to the unsatisfactory provision available for dealing street accidents and casualties in London as compared WIth other large provincial towns and certain foreign cities. W.e thou ah t some action was likely to be taken to remedy this stateDof things by the local anthorities Last year a able report was published by the London CouncIl in which the shortcomings of the metropohs m the matter of ambulance service for street casualties were fully ex· {-Iosed Thus, not to go further afield, Manchester and Liverpool have horsed ambulances summonable by telephone street alarms; Birkenhead, Bu:nley, work ambulance systems in connectIOn With theIr fire brigades. Yet in London we daily hear of, or witness, cases of fractured ribs or thIgh, dragged from beneath the wheels of an omnibus, van or motor, and thrust into a cab, and so conveyed to hospital. These things ought to be. From inquiries we have made we are led to belIeve that London, the capital of the empire, is again sufferi?g from the divided jurisdiction which contrives to muddle ItS affairs The County Council had the matter well in hand and appeared to be propounding a remedy. The Metropolitan Asylums Board has appeared upon the s.cen.e, and has circularised the beWilder e d borough councils m terms which seem to imply that it is the body which is alone capable of doing all the ambulance work of London. Meanwhile the Home Secretary's Police have to keep the streets clear, and, with this as their primary duty, apptar to be satisfied that the pres en t system, or want of system, is all that is required. Perhaps the new chief of the fire brigade will be able to plan a scheme for bringing succour to threatened life and lim b as speedily and effectively as means for the salvage of property are brou gh t by the fire brigade "

The Public Health Committ ee of the Deptford Borough Council having a letter the Metropolitan Asylums Board, suggestmg that their ambulance service should be extended, so as to permit of the carriages being placed at the disposal of the public for the conveyance in London of medical and surgical cases, and of persons of unsound mil:d, rc;commen?ed cil approve of the suggestIOn. After dISCUSSIOn, m which Councillors Dr. Tayler and Dr. Groome, and Dr. Roberts (medical officer) testim?ny to the of the police flmbulance serVIce, which was always available for accidents and illness in the street; the matter was referred back to the committee for further information.

At a meeting of the Hampstead Borough Council the Public Health Cummittee reported that with reference to th e proposal of the M e tropolitan Asylums Board that the operations of th eir am bulance service should be extended so as to permit of ambulance carriages being placed at the disposal of the public for the conveyance in London of medical cases and surgical cases, and the persons of unsound mind-and inquiring whether, in the event of the

proposal being adopted by the Boar d, this Council would be disposed to support an application by the managers of the Local Government Board for the necessary legal anthority for giving effect to it - the committee had ascertain ed from the ASylums Board that the Mead Ambulance Station at Fulham was considered the most convenient station for the majority of cases, but that adjoining the Eastern station at Homerton they had special facilities for housing ambulances, and that, should these two stations not be found sufficient, arrangements could be made at any or all of the remaining five stations for the provision of other un infected vehicles. The committee considen::d the proposed arrangements unsatisfactory, and having regard to the probable expense, they recommended that the Metropolitan Asylums Board be informed that the Council are not in favour of the proposal.

Replying to Councillor Pearsall, Councillor Hendrick, chairman of the committee, said the reasons which influenced the committee in coming to this decision were that they thought the proposed service would be inefficient, insufficient, and costly. The recommendation was adopted.

The Marylebone Borough Council have had under consideration a similar communication from the Metropoli · tan Asylums Board, asking whether, in the event of their adopting the proposal, this Council would be disposed to support an application by the managers to the Lccal Government Board for the necessary legal authority for giving effect to this.

The Council have agreed to support the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board in the event of their making an application to the Local Government Board for the necessary legal authority to enable them to extend the operations of their ambulance service in the direction indicated.

A similar communication to the above has been under the consideration of the Kensington Public Health Committee, who, at the last meeting of the Borough Council, recommended that a communication be addressed to the M.A.B. informing them of the Council's willingness to support the Board, provided no additional burden of a permanent character is thmwn on the rates, and that any action in the proposed scheme shall be of a temporary character until the fact that it can be made self-supporting is clearly demonstrated.

Mr. Bicker-Caarten asked for more information of the desire of the M A. B. to become job-masters. That business was entirely outside their sphere of operations. He thoug11t the matter had not received the careful consideration it deserved. He did not think there was a large number of people who would require the ambulances. Those in a good position would be able to pay for a private ambulance, and the poor people would be removed by the Guardians. The proposed scheme would be useless in the case of sudden illness or accidents, where ambulances were really needed. In addition, they could obtain an ambulance from the S.J.A.S. at a very small fee. The M.A.B would have to purchase fresh ambulances, for he did not suppose that anyone would care to llse the fever vans, and the large outlay would probably result in a heavy charge on the rates. He l'noved that the matter be referred back.

Mr. Tanner seconded the amendment.

Dr. Vinrace said in his experience there were many cases where ambulance accommodation ",as required.

Mr. Whittaker Thompson (chairman Public Heaith Committee) said the scheme was an endeavour to give the poor ratepayers a chance of removing their sick relatives at

W H EN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASEl MENTION " FIRST AID ."

July, 1903 · -FIRST

a very moderate fee. The question of whether or not there was a demand for the proposed service was for th e lvLA.B. to consider.

Dr. Alderson having expressed himself in favour of the report, the amendment was defeated by a large majoriry, and the committee's recommend at ion carried.

We can see coming that which we predicted all the along. Between the London County Council, Metropohtan Board and Borough Councils, the whole matter WIll undoubt ed ly be shelved once mor e. In the meantime there is no diminution in the large number of accidents occurring daily in the streets of London.

Le tt ers to t h e Edi to rs. '

IVe al e in 110 way respon sible lor the OPilliolls expressed. or the state//lents //lade, by Correspondents. -EDITORS

FRACTURE RIGHT ELBOW JOI T.

DE,\R SIRS, - vVlth reference to Sergt. S.J.A.D.'s answer to Portmadoc's query, I should like to say that the first aid treatment he details in such a case would submit not bc suitable, in every ca.se. In the whe;'e the patient was found With arm In a tent pOSition, surely Sergt. S.J.A.B. WOUld. not straighten .the aad apply a straight splint. A first alder must be gUided In hiS treatment by the circumstances of the case he, has to treat. vVhilst Sergt, S.J.A.B.'s treatment would, be .correct In <I: case where a patient was found in a stralgl?t pOSitIOn, a L splll1t, I submit, should be used where the arm IS found to be in a bent position.- Yours, &c., JAMES W. HOUSE.

am very thankful to "Sergeant" for ex. pressing. hiS ':'Iews here, and fully, though concisely; yet I should hIn1 to u,nclerstand I had noticed page 56 C.F.A , and splmt and on same principle as mentioned by hm, but for notiCing page 56 and thus treating lost a lot of Personally, I with Selgeant but we ha,:e It agam from a "ery emll1ent wl:o was the adJudicator,. that L shaped is the only SUitable splll1t for a fracture of thiS nature, I quite endorse " Sergeant's" remarks when he says "the matter should be more fully explained."

Are \I.e to take it from C.F.A. that treatment for fracture

In the nelghourhood of joint is the same as if the fracture was actually through the joint ?- Yours, &c., " PORTl\L\DOC."

SIRS,-\Ve are apt to criticise the red tapeism of the War Office, but about the red tapeism of the Order of St. John after the followmg :-

,On July 5th, 1900, a party of six men and a sergeant belonging to the S.J.A.B. returned from South Africa on the ss " Bavarian." The s,taff officer told the sergeant to remain board untIl the followmg morning. This the latter undertook to do. In the meantime.a clerk the War Office paid us up to. date, and the questIOn was raised as to payment for the followmg day. The answer was, seeing that aU the patients been we were to clear off the boat, and we \I 'ere our permits to travel on that day to London. The serJeant thereupon us off the boat, and we returned home.. The ';,eek ,5 of the said party sailed on the Amencan HospItal Ship Mall1e" for China, myself one of the party. Unfortunately the sergeant died a few days after returnmg from South Africa.

N ow, after all this time we are informed our record sheets were marked of orde1'S, the medal given by.the Order of St. Jobn has been denied to us. The time for which we elected to serve, as shown by our contracts, had been l11?re completed; so we are now bemg punished for a crIme, we had comm itted, in a double sense, and even If It had been committed, we hm'e not been permitted to answer the charge. for taking your space, but knowing that F lRST AiD IS a of r have sent YOll this to know what your readers tl1lnk of It.·-I am, dear Sir. yours truly, ONE OF THE PARTY.

AI D.-

THE AMBULAI CE ARRANGEMENTS IN LONDO ON THE OCCASION OF THE FRENCH PRESIDE T'S VISIT.

DEAR SIRS,-My business happening to place me right in the way of see1l1g a good deal dunng M, Loubet's visit, I obSCI ved lhe ambulance arrangements while passing through the following thoroughfares :-

Higl: Ilolborn, near Leather-lane, 3 R.A.M.C. men; I2.30 p.m., at Somerset House, on the Embankment a litter and one private of the S.J.A.B" also a stretcher' the corner of Hor se Guards Avenue (Embankment end ), one R.A.l\l.C. an:bulance wagon complete, with lO·gal. water cask and one prtvate of the R.A.M.C., a stretcher carried by two privates of the R.A.M.C, a stretcher carried by two privates of the and one, I think, by the men of the Essex regiment.

This was all the ambulance I saw \Vhile all the time I thought how a municipal ambulance service would takes its place so naturally if London only had such a service instead of or at least in addi tion to, the above jumble of first aiders

Yours sincerely, L. A. C:

, CENTLJDIEN,-Referring to your letter in last month's Iss ue anent the non-recognition of Chief Superintendent Brasier I notice that once more a foreign has recognised at the opening of the Fire Congress at the Fire ExhibitIOn Mr. BraSier? 111 .with other gentlemen who have rendered good SUit and service 111 the cause of humanity was presented by the Prefect of the Paris Police on behalf of the French ,with a medal. Truly a is not without honour, save 111 hiS own country. But why should this be?

I belle"e If the A?1bulance Corps and the Fire Brigade Union worked t?gc::ther m the matter they cC?uld this. I t only wants brmgll1g by one 111 authOrIty.

Thoroughly 111 accord With the project, I hope it will be sllccessful. - Yours truly,

[ R. G, \y.

, The Editors of A. " will be pleased to render any assistance to advance thiS laudable object.]

AMBULANCE NEGLECT IN LO I DO

DEAR a specimen of the deplorable state of concern1l1g the ambulance arrangements for street aCCidents 111 London, r \Y<;mld draw the attention of r our espeCially your City and London readers to the H.ospltal Association litter kept up an archway on' Holbom Viaduct, between os. 46 and 4?, on the right going west. vVorkmen have been at work, brIck repairing of some sort stood there neglected, smothered in an Il1creasll1g dust, own hood apparent!y r:ot dust proof. a ca}1 for ItS use had come whde It was 111 that condiwould It been a c,reditable appliance to rerr.ove a patIent on? ThiS state of thll1gs existed during the last week of May.- Yours, &:c.,

L. A. C.

OTTS, send us the follow!ng pars from a country newspaper, and asks w,hether the Writer IS correct. He docs not however, sta!e ,which part?f the paragraph he questions, but we presume .It IS that to th e red cross, in which case our reply IS 111 the negatl\ e.

"I that the" red cross, " which is the outward and vI.slbl,e signs of successful, in the principles and actlce of rendering first accorcllng to the methods of the St. John Ambulance Ass?clation, is bei ng worn by several of the of the ottll1gha,m Corporation tramways. , The .knowledge of phYSiology and anatomy and of Sl mple surgical methods the teaching of the ambulance gwes, must (e\ en If!t IS ne,'er to be utilised in connection With actual ac.clclents 111 public ) be of great educational value to tho s e pas mg through the classes.

\\ ',e,ha\'e se\ eralletters with reference to the non. rec')gnltIon of \\ -. T. Church Brasier

In c,onnectIOJ: With the mobIlisatIon of the St. John men service 111 South AfrIca, \Ve regret that owing to extreme pressure on our space we have been compelled to hold these over this month.-ED "F.A."

LEYTON AND LEYTONSTONE FIRE BRIGADE.

On Bank Holiday, August, 3rd, 1903, A GRAND FIRE BRIGADE FETE AND COMPETITION,

Will be held by kind permission of the member of the Di strict Council and R. Chapman, Esq., at CHURCH LEYTON.

DONKEY SHOW, THREE

GARROULD'S

NURSES' UNIFORMS,

CAPS, COWNS, 80 NNETS, &C.

TWO

AS SUPPLIED TO

The Principal Hospitals and Nursing Institutions and H.M. War Office.

PATTERNS sent free of the Washing Cotton Materials as used in the London and Provincial Hospitals including REGATTA CLOTH, CLIO HOSPITAL CLOTH, MELVILLE CLOTH,

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and Fire Services.

To

As it is the earnest wish and desire of the new Proprietors to make this J ourna l as attractiv e and ente rt a inin g as possible, cor respondents in a ll parts of the count ry are asked to give it a ll the he lp they can.

Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions of the St. John Ambul ance Brigade, Off,cers of th e Vo lu ntee r Medical Staff Corps, t he Volunteer Ambulance School of In struction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send [or publication their officia news and notices. Suggestions are im ited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance th e in terest of the Journal.

VI e particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication INe a re plea secl to reco rd the fact that we are a lr eady receiving a great accession of support from a IJ parts of the country, and as our space is somew h at limi ted, in dealing with reports of oca meetings for presentation of certificates, &c., it would be better that a brief report were written, giving a short r esume of the various points touched upon by the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report shou ld be sent gi\ ing in detail the whole record of the meeting. This report is doubtless interesting to local First-aiders, but it must be borne in mim1 that we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at large

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Brevities.

applied to th e Sj. A. B Howenr, owing to memorials, which had been sent t o th e Central Execut ive Committee in L o ndon, the question was to be r e-opened He was on th at committee, and would do a ll he could to get the medal for the provincial corps and divisions. He was being support ed in that by other senior deputy-commissioners, but h e could n o t say whetl-)er th ey wou ld be successful or not."

* * *

SLOWLY but surely the various daily papers are recognising the n eed of a proper am bulance serv i ce for London. C ) mm e ntin g on a case that had been conveyed t o St. Thomas 's Hospital and discharged after a very superficial examination, th e Star says :-"A lab ourer who had received an accidenta l injury to his side was seen only by a dresser, who, fa ilin g to disc ove r that h e had badly fractured ribs, simply bound up his side a nd told him to come again n ex t day.' He was le ft to find his own painful way home, by tram car and on foot, a nd in this way so aggravated his injuri es that pleurisy and bronchitis supervened, with fatal results. * * *

"'VHAT London wants is a series of First Aid Centres, where cases of accide ntal injury might be taken for instan examination and dia g nosis by public m e dical office rs, who would d ea l with slight cases th emselves , and a ll oca te serious ones to th e instituti ons best qualified to deal with th e m. This would n o t please th e medical schools, which compete ,k ee nly for an interesting 'case,' bu t it would be an excellent thin g for t he public, and It would not cost an y more than the present unorganised sys t em of overlapping hospit a ls. "

i anyone who is ki ll ed uy an accIdent to Passenger Tram (wlth1l1 the = , =11' United Kingdom o r Channel I slands), In whIch the deceased was a '= ticket bear ing or paying passenger, or who shall ha\'e Leen fatally IIi ! injur ed thereby (should death result within ninety days after s uch c: II accident).. _ =

PROVIDED that th e person kll!ed o r had upon hI S or

Ii

Address (a postcard will do); I her perso n or had left at home lIllS tIcket, Wi t h h IS, her, us ua l c: Dr. TIBBLES' VI-COCOA, Limited, ::1 signature, written pnor to the on l.he. space belo.w, t , ! whi ch, together with the giving of n?tlce WIthIn the lime as herell1- I 60,61, &, 62, Bunhill ROW, i before mentioned, is the essence C)f c Lond::)n, E.O. Thi s insu ran

MANY of our country r ea d e rs, members of the S.J.A.B., who did duty in connection with th e Royal Progress, continue to send us l e tters of prot est aga in st th e withholding of the Coronation medal from th em W e sympathise with them, but we think our readers will ag r ee with us that this question has been thoroughly thrashed out in these columns. The matter should now be l eft to the authoriti es at their headquart e rs, who are evident ly moving in connection with it, as the subjoined pa r agraph will show Speaking at a meeting r ece ntly in Ipswich, in r e ply to a vote of thanks, th e popular Deputy Commissioner of the district said:"It had been decided by the Home Secretary a nd the Chief Commissioner of Police th a t the police, who were on duty in October, and not in August, should not r ece iv e the medal, and therefore it was ruled the same s hould be

QUITE so! that is just what L ondo n wan ts. And that is just wh a t this Joumal has advocated single-handed for years, for e ven when an influential journal did by chance ve ntur e to r efer to the subject, once in a way, they always dropp ed it very promptly, it was n ot a pleasing subject even in the "silly season" wh e n stray copy is eagerly snapped up.

REF ERR fN G to th e r ece nt appoin tm ent of a successor to Captain 'V e ils, Tmtll says :- It is rather surprising that a body like th e London County Co uncil, which has no affection in a ge n e r al way for bad old traditions, should adh e re to the practice of going ou t side th e fire brigade service for a chief officer fo r its o wn brigade. 0 other municipal authority in England does such a thing, and I imagine no other in the world. Th e only case analogous is that of th e selection of a rmy officers for hi gh

-FIRST

appointments, and this is a custom much mor e honoured in the breach than in the observance. It is perfectly true that in time past the Navy has provided some excellent chief officers for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, and no doubt it will in the future. But fire brigade work grows more technical year by ye a r, and it is 00 the face of it an adsurdity that the control of th e largest fire brigade in th e world should b e handed over to a ge ntl e man, however able, who has to lea. rn the whole business from the b eg inning, in preference to some officer who has sp e nt years in fire brigade work, whether in London or in any of the big provincial towns.

***

WE recently had the pleasur e of calling upon some of our fire brigade friends in various parts of Belgium, and on visiting Antwerp we wer e particularly struck with the up -todate installation of th ei r brigade. Com mander Schepers and Captain Kinard are to be congratulated on the upkeep and also on the splendid variety of appliances at their command. The Antw e rp authorities us e appliances from all countries, provided they are of us e in fire extinction, and we know of hardly any other station in Europe whe re such a fine sel ect ion of appara ti and appliances can be seen.

Police" Ambulance.

inter es ting display of a mbulan ce work was g iv e n on th e parade ground at the r ear of Blackheath-road Police Station, on Friday eve nin g , July 24th, by some thirty constables of the "R " Division. Th e Chief Commissioner (Mr. E. H. H e nry), the Assistant Commissioner (Major Woodehouse), the Chief Constable (Captain Dean), Sup t. Wakeford, Supt. Hobbin s, Chief-Inspector Kit c h, Sub-Divisional .Insp ecto r Moran, Rev. Stewart H ead lam (C hairman of the Evening Continuation Schools Committee London School Board), Dr. R. J. Collie (S upt. of the School Board's Ambulance and Home Nursing Classes), Surgeon-Colonel Stephenson (lecturer) and otl:ers were among those present.

Th e display was und e r the able direction of Mr. Ernest T. Feltham, of Blackh eat h-ro ad Board School, who has spared neither pains or troubl e to bring the men to a high state of proficiency.

The class first gave an exhibition of renderin g first aid to th e injured, and afterwards demonstrated the methods which would be adopted in resuscitating the apparently drowned and rescue from fire.

The various movements were very creditably performed, and the Chief Commissioner warmly congratulated both Mr. Feltham and th e class upon their effic ien cy. H e (the Chief Commissioner said that the police were often called upon to attend to accidents while on duty in the streets, and a knowl e dg e of ambulance work was a v ery useful thing to th e m. H e only hoped that mor e m embers of th e poli ce forc e under his command would d evo te a little of their spare time to make th e mselv es efficient in this all-important dep a rtm e nt.

The following took part in th e display:-Serg ea nt H e neybun, Sergeant Fish, p. e's Canvin, Goddard, Slat e r, Hicks, Whing, G. Baker, F. Baker, Tutt, Dibbs, Miles, Clegg, McCarthy, Burnett, l\1ottram, Cottle, Truss, Will, Pearce, Cook, Rowe, Brown, Cummings, Clouser, Payne, Lefevre, Howick, Briggs, Eglington, Bolton, Green, and Farmer.

AI D.- August, 1903.

This being his first visit to Blackheath-road Police Station since his (Mr. Henry 's ) appointment, the Chief Commissioner, accompanied by Mr. Wakeford, inspected the building before leaving.

The Chief Commissioner has decided that polic e constables holding the London School I30ard certificate are competent in first aid work.

DORCHESTER.-A a meeting of the Dorchester Joint Committee, the Chief Constable report ed that during the past year the officers of the force had rendered first aid in seventeen very s e rious cases, all of which were reported by medical gentlemen, who also certified to the skill displayed by the pulice and the care and kindn ess shown to th e patients. Two cases of restoring animation by artificial means were speciaIJy reported upon, and in one case animation was only restored after the constable had persisted in his effo rts for considerably over an hour. As th ese facts wer e seldom r epo rted in th e newspap ers he did not doubt that the Committee would be glad to know th a t the members of th e force made good us e of the instru c tion in ambulance work which had b ee n g iven to th e m.

The Chairman characterised the r e port as most satisfactory.

Mr. Barnes observed that th ey were all gratified at h earing of what value a knowledg e of ambulance had been to the police force. The whole of that tuition had be e n given by the Technical Instruction Committee ; but he thought it would be found that that tuition would no long er b e available; and th e refor e he thou g ht th at arrangements should be mad e whereby th e instruction could be continu e d. He suggested that the police surgeons of the respective divisions might be instructed to give tuition periodically.

Th e Clerk stated that th e Technical Committ ee had framed a new scheme und er which they would n o t spend so much on this subject.

Sir Richard Glyn questioned the accuracy of Mr. Barnes' statement that th e Techni ca Committee were going to cease to g iv e gra nts towards amb ulan ce classes. All "play employments" we r e in futur e to be excluded; but h e should not have called ambulance a "play employment. " It was, in fact, a n exceedingly useful emp loym en l. H e did not think that at any tim e the Technical Committee paid the whole cost of instructin g the police in ambulance work. He thought it was only a portion of il, and in all probability they could still find mon ey for that.

GALLANT ROAD FOREMAN. -Some workmen commenced operations on a manhole situated in Mu swe ll -road, Muswell-hill, on W ed n es da y afternoon, August 3rd, which has not been opened for some tim e, with r esu lts which, had it not be e n for th e bravery displayed by one man, would undoubtedl y hav e been fatal. Two men-Stephen Plumb, flusher, and Samuel \V ea le -had only desc e nded the drain a short time when they were overcome by the foul gas and render e d helpl ess . Another workman, Wm. 'Vatkins, who went to th e ir assistance was also overcome. Arthur Book e r, road foreman to th e Homs ey Distnct Council, after trying a wet cloth round his mouth and nose d esce nded at great personal risk what could now only be called a de a th-trap, and after putting ropes round the m e n, succeeded with the help of the bystanders in raising them to the surface. Watkins was taken home in a cab, bUl Plumb and Weale who were restor ed to consciousness by artificial r es piration we r e conveyed to the Great North e rn Hospital, wher e Plumb was detainedin a precarious condition.

August, 1903. -FIRST Our Portrait Gallery.

F. E. DE B. PLM, ESQ., L.R.c.p:, DrsTRlcT SUPlml TENDA T TREASURER No. IV. DISTRlCT S.J.A.B.

OUR readers who resid e in the district of the St. J o lm Ambulance Brigade which is so ably controlled by Colonel Trimble, C.M.G., will have no difficulty in recognisin g in our Gallery this month the genial features of its popular Supt.-Treasurer.

Dr. Pim is one of the greatest enthusiasts in ambulance work you eVer m e t, and s in ce his first connec-

AI D.- 35

Dr. Pim rec e ntly had the h o n our of a command to attend at St. John 's Gate, E. c., to receive at the hands of his Royal Highness the Grand Prior, the Service M e dal awarded by th e Chapter of th e Oreer of St. John, dnd his many fri e nds hop e that this distinction is but the precursor of others to follow, and that his splendid voluntary services in conn ect ion with the ambulance cause may yet be more fully reco g nis ed

In conclusion, we may say th at while there are such exponents of the am bulance cause in o. IV. District the work will always be well to the fore, a nd we trust that Dr. Pim may be spared for many years to take his place in th e front r ank of its most able advocates.

South African War Medal Clasps for S.J .A.B. Men.

Mr Harry J. Sabin, of Clarence Chambers, 39, Corporation-street, Birmingham, who has been in communication with the War office for many months past e nd eavouring to secure th e clasps for the forty Birmingham ambu lanc e men, has at last been successful in securing the bars for most of his late comrades. Thirty -o n e clasps, as per the followin g list, have rec e ntly been forwarded to him for distribution. Th ey will be presented by Mr. C. H. Rafter (Chief Constai)le of Birmingham) shortly :-

tion with it, in the year 1887, h e has regularly in each session given three or four courses under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association. For many years he occupled th e important position of vice-chairman of the amalgamated North-East Lancashire Co rps and Divisions, a post he only resignen in 1arch 1892 in order to take up his present appointme nt that of District Supt.Treasurer. In municipal life, it may be mentioned Dr. Pim is also a busy man, holding as h e does amongst ot h er appointments the important position of Medical Officer of Health to the Barrowford Urban District Council.

In the No. IV, Distri ct h e is a popular Staff Officer, and his presence is always welcome at any annual gathering of a Corps or Division in the position of In spec tin g Officer. As a competition judge his services again are always welcorned; his keen perception and thorou g h knowledge of all the intricate details connected with the work of impartial judging commending his d ecis ions to th e various competitors taking part.

Although now a District Staff Officer, Dr. Pim has never lost touch with his old divisions in Barrowford- both ambulance and nursing- and it is, we are sure, a gratifying reflection to him that prior to r es igning his position as hon. surgeon he had fully assured himself of their financial stability, and as a proof of their efficiency he may well point with pride to the fact that his Nursing Division has proved most redoubtable in th e various competitions h e ld within the district.

Clasps Aw a rd ed. * e.C, O.F.S, Trans\·aal. ee, O.F.S. Transvaal-N ata\. Natal. ee ee. ee, O.F.S. Tatal. ee ec, O.F.S. 1 ata!' ee, O.F.S c.c. Natal, Natal. ee, O.F.S. c.e ee, O.F,S. ee, O. F.F. ee, O.F.S. r e fe rs to Cape Colony. O. F. S., Orange Free State. Obituary.

Baldwin, P. Barrier, J. Chilton, T. R. Clews, W. G. Dale, G. Doyle, J. Finding, G. Harris, H. Hir o n s, A. E. ' J ackson, J. L owe r, F. . ?\1 c Iv or, J. Sabin, H. J. Shipton, J. Smith, W. Smith, E. Speers, W. Stafford, 1\. Thomas, F. Ward, W. H.

TH OSE members of the St. John Ambulance Asso c iation and Brigade will regret to learn of th e death on th e 6th inst., at the age of 68 years, of lr. Joseph Shepherd, of Compton-buildings, Goswe!l -road, for many years the senior coac hman to th e St. John Ambulance Association, St. John's Gate, Clerkenwell.

The de ce ased, who was an ex-trooper in the 3rd Dragoon Guards, was a popular and picturesque figure at St. John's Gate, and was ofttimes likened in face to th e g rea t German soldier, Von Molke. Owing to increasing age and illn ess he was pensioned by th e Association a short tim e since. Hi s serious illness, however, has swallowed up all his scanty savings , and we r egret to learn that h e leav es a widow and young almost unprovided for. Should any of our r eaders like to send for them a small subscription we will gla.d ly forward them on.

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St. John Ambulance Brigade.

METROPOLIT AN CORPS.

Sergt. Elam, No.2, St. John's Gate Division, has received from Mr. Kusel, the representative of the French Federation of Sapeurs Pompiers, the Insignia of a Member d' Honneur. This is presented to him in recognition of his services to the Ambulance Department of the Fire Brigades' Union when the department was sending members out for hospital service in the South African War. The insignia was handed to Sergt. Elam by Mrs. Church Brasier at a special meeting of the Central Club Fire Brigade.

As an outcome of the various letters which have appeared in the colulnns of the Isit'Jlgto?l Gazette "\Ve are pleased to learn that a preliminary course of instruction in first aid has started at the Grove United Mission, Lyntonroad. A class meets on Sunday mornings at 9 o'clock, and another meets on Thursday evenings from 8 to 9 o'clock. Information may be obtained of Mr. H. J. Gibson, 65, Crouch End-hill.

HAi\fP STEAD DrvIsION.-At a meeting on July 28th, Supt.. E. H. Evans, on behalf of this division presented Miss Hoare, one of the members of the headquarters nursing division (St. John's Gate) with a testimonial as a token of the appreciation of the active and kindly interest which she has always displayed in the welfare of the Hampstead Division since it was formed in January, 1896. The testimonial took the form of a pair ot framed photographs of the members of the division. Dr. E. J es sop, an hon. surgeon to the division, then asked Supt. E. H. Evans, in the name of the members of the Hampstead Division, to accept as a mark of their an enlarged copy of the photograph of the division, framed in oak, and bearing a suitable inscription, engraved on a brass tablet. Dr. Macfadden, also an hon. surgeon to the division, endorsed Dr. Jessop's remarks, and Supt. E. H. Evans, in thanking the mem bers of the division, said he always felt proud of his men.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

ASHBY AND OVERSEAL.-These divisions, under the command of Supts. Baxter and German, were inspected in the Bath Meadow, Ashby, on Wednesday night, July 29th, by Assistant-Commissioner T. H. Woolston. There were 40 officers and men on parade. The divisions were put through hand, seat, and bearer company drill by their superintendents.

At the conclusion of the inspection, in addressing the men, the Inspector thanked both for parading there that night, and so saving him a double journey. NO,3 district was a large one, comprising as it does over 2,000 men, and it was as much as he could do to visit every division in the district during the year, therefore it was a great help to him when he could inspect two divisions together in that way. He had been well satisfied with their drill, and considered they had done remarkably well to get so many men into uniform since the last inspection. It was the King's unifom, and one that they might well be proud of. In regard to the Ashby division he urged them to get up a new class for the coming winter months, and so obtain a few more recruits for tile next season. He also asked them to try to go to camp next Whitsuntide, but they must not think they

A I D.- August, 1903

would go there to play. It would be a week of hard work, but they would be all the better for it. In conclusion, he was pleased to say he should be able to report to Col. Elis[Qn that ambulance work had made good progress in this district during the past year.

BARNoLDswICK.-The annual ambulance review was held at Barnoldswick recently, when the town was filled with people from all parts of Lancashire, much interest being taken in the event. The following were the awards :Company drill: J, Colne; 2, Accrin)!ton. Squad Competition: I, Brierfield; 2, Earby. Nursing DivisionsCompany work: I, Accrington; 2, Burnley. Squad Competition: I, Accrington; 2, Burnley. In addition to the above events there was a comic band contest, and Accrington (Lane Bridge) band secured first prize, and Skipton Midland second prize. The procession through the streets was marred by the rain, but the turnout of ambulance and nursing divisions was excellent and the competitions keen.

BOLToN .-The Bolton Corps was the first of the S.J.A.B. units to form a brigade bearer company (A), and on Saturday, August 1st, Inspector General H. C. Woods, C.V.O., C.B., R.N., VIsited the corps headquarters to inspect the first section formed for the Naval Sick Berth R2serve. Twenty-four enrolled volunteers paraded, and fifteen of them wore war medals. Col. C. W. B. Bowdler, c.B., and Lieut.-Col. C. J. Trimble, C.M.G., V .D., were unable to be present. Chief Supt. F. Lomax handed over the men for the Admiralty inspection. The men were put through a strict examination in stretcher drill, company drill, first aid and roller bandaging, also a viva voce exam ination. Dr. Woods briefly addressed the men at the close, and expressed satisfaction with the display. Supt. Lomax thanked the inspecting officer for his remarks, and hon. surgeons J. J ohns0n and J. H. Thompson also spoke. The Bolton Corps has been heartily congratulated on its latest success.

BRIERFIELD. - The shield, to be presented to the local division by Mr. Harry Tunstill, J.P .. as a memorial to the late Mr. "William and Mr. Robert Tunstill, is being manufactured, and is expected to be ready about the end of the present month. Arrangements are being made for an ambulance competition open to All England, to take place on the loth October. The competing teams will consist of four men and an officer. The shield is only to be held for one year, but gold centre silver medals will be given to the winning team, enamelled centre silver medals to the second team, and silver medals to the third team.

BRISTOL - This Corps has placed an order for a new ambulance carriage. This will greatly strengthen the equipment of the company, as it will enable the members to deal with cases of accident or sudden illness with the celerity which is so desirable when immediate removal is necessary. It can be horsed by a pair or a single, as occasion requires. A small charge will be made to those who can afford it, but for the poor the services of the company can always be commanded without fee. It is said that the company will send a strong contingent to the autumn manceuvres on Salisbury Plain.

At a gathering held at Broad Plain House, A ug. 1st, • Dr. C. A. Hayman, the president, of the Western Branch of the British Dental Association, was the recipient of a handsome silver cigar case, presented to him in recognition

WEEN CORRESPONDING WITH ADVERT]SERS PLEASE MENTION "FIRST AID."

August, 1903.

-FIRST of his work in connection with the Bristol Corps, S.J.A.B. It was inscribed as follow3: "Presented to C. A. Hayman, Esq., M.D., hon. surgeon, by the officers and men, in recogmtion of his services during the years 19°1-2-3."

Above was a representation of the badge of the S.J.A.B and the words "Bristol City Corps." \1rs. Hayman, who takes great interest in the work of the corps, was also presented with a silver jewel box.

BURNLEY.-The members of this nursing division, in charge of Lady Supt. Stevens, and 1st nursing officer Taylor, were successful at Barnoldswick in carrying oFf second prize in the company competition, and a squad 111 charge of Lady Supt. Stevens was suscessful in carrying orf second prize in the squad competitiorJ.

DURY.-The annual inspection uf this division took plac e at the Y.M.C.A. on Saturday afternoon, July 25th: the inspecting officer being District Superintendent Whittaker, of Accrington. Between fifty and sixty members were on parade, the ambulance division under Superint e nd ent J. Houghton, and the nursing division und er Lady Superintendent Howarth. The members were examined i n bandaging and stretcher drill, &c., and questions were put orally. The inspecting officer stated his report would be a favourable one.

CHATHAM.-The first annual insp ec tion of the Chatham and District Ambulance Division took place in the Chatham Town Hall on Saturday evening, August 1 st. The inspecting officer was District Chief Superintendent G. B. Courtney, M. D. The division was drawn up und e r th e first officer, Mr. D. Scott. After a careful inspection of the division, and the books and material, the members were put through a few exercises with stretchers, and were then addressed by the inspecting officer, who congratulated the division on the state in which he found it. He added that it was young, but he had great pleasure in pronouncing it a healthy child. He also expresse d his pleasure on learning that the ambulance movement had been so cordially encouraged, and supported financially by the Chatham Town Council. He heartily wished all other divisions were so fortunate.

DUDLEY. -On July 25th, Assistant - Commissioner Woolston held the annual inspection at Wolverhamptonstreet Board Schools. Supt. Dawson put th e men through the requir ed first aid work, and at the close of the in spection the Inspecting officer complimented the officers and men for smartness in their work. Corporal Charles Ollis, who served during the South African war, has been promoted to the rank of sergeant.

HAwARDEN.-On Tu esday, Aug. 4th, the Hon. Mrs. W. H. Gladstone distributed the medallions and certificates to :)he successful members of the Hawarden division of the S.J.A.B. in the Gymnas.um. There was a good attendance. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. Wright, chairman of the parish council, supported by the R ev. A. Abel and the officers. Miss Gertrude Gladstone was also present. The proceedings opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss V. Thompson, followed by part songs and solos. • Following these Mr. J. H. Adkins, th e superintendent, reported that at the recent examination by Dr. Lees ou t of 19 candidates presented 17 passed. All the candidates for the second and final or medallion examination had been succesful. Since the division had been established, about two years ago, 32 certificates in first aid had been gained. Meetings

AI D. - 37

for practice are held monthly, so that the kno\vledge gained is kept up. The division had, through the kindness of the Hon. Mrs. Gladstone, been able to add a stretcher of the latest and most improved kind to their equipment. The Hon. Mrs. Gladstone then distributed the certi ncates. After which the Rev. A. Abel asked the Hon. ;\lrs. Gladstone, on behalf of the members, to present a dressing case to their superintendent, Mr. J. H. Adkins, in acknowledgment of the interest he had taken in the division, and of the high esteem in which he was held by the members. Mrs. Gladstone handed to Mr. Adkins a h andsomely fitted lea ther dressing case bearing the following ins cription: " Presented to J. H. Adkins by the mem bers of the St. John Ambulance Association Class, 1903."

Mr. Adkins, who was warmly received, in thanking the members for th e ir beautiful present, said it had taken him completely by surprise. He was only too g lnd to assist as far as he could th e work of their instructor, Dr. Burlingham, and to superintend th e practices.

Mr. John Wilcock proposed a vote of th anks to Mrs. Gladstone, which was cordially endorsed, and after other votes the proceedings closed.

WORKSOP.-It will be within the recollection of our readers, th at when making his annual inspection of this division, Assistant-Commissioner Malkin referred to the need of a new am bulance wagon. The following week in th e local press the usual " cantankerous crank,' who is found in eve ry town both small and large, let himself go, and no doubt imagined he had practically wiped the floor with th e whole division. The bugle band, and the uniforms worn by the men seemed to haye especially raised his ire. In fact, he suggested that in order to obtain the am bulance van they should pawn these-to him-instruments of torture, and allocate the funds thus raised to the purchase of the wagon. We are glad to see that his impudent aspersions, hurled at a body of men whose boots he is not worthy to black, have been promptly answered by a very popular member of the division, and a South African hospitaller as well. Sergt. Tom Mitchell, in the course of a capital reply which is too lengthy to produce in full, says :-

"As a mem ber of the Worksop Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, allow me to reply to the imp ertinent letter of your anonymous correspondent, who wisely hides himself behind the nom-de-plume of "Venox " (not "Venom. ") 'Vith r egard to his remarks re our excellent bugle band and our uniform, I quite agree with " Venox" that broken bones are not mended by th e sound of the bugle; n e ither do we profess to be able to melld bones, but we are at all times ready to r ender first aid, which goes a very long way towards the mending. As to our uniform, which is none other than the regulation uniform of th e S.J.A.B., no one who has seen a squad of ambulance men at work in a lar ge crowd will doubt for a minute th e absolute necessity for such men being in uniform. I think the above remarks quite justify us in continuing to have our band and wearing our uniform.

The am bulance van for which su bscri ptions are bei ng solicited, "V enox " fails to see, is not for the sole benefi t of the division, nor for use as a "triumphal car," but for the use of the general public of Works op and district, and I feel convinced that the good people of the town will rally round us, as they have don e before, and ere long we shall possess an ambulance van which will be a credit to the town and to the men of the S.J.A.B. who may have to use it."

W e hav e look ed in vain for an apology in the local

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press from" Venox," but it has not appeared; doubtless, however, he is known, and will, we should ostracised by all respectable members of the commul11ty III which he resides.

Railway Ambulance.

L. & N. W. R. (Bletchly Station).-On Monday evening, July 27th, an int erest ing presentation of a.maible timepiece and purse of money was made to the cblef clerk, :'1r. J. M. Smith (captain of the St. John Ambulance Corps, London and North-Western Railway Centre), on his removal to the Northampton Loco. Department L. & N. W. Railway, by the members of the corps and his fellow workmen by whom he was very highly esteemed and respected.

When Mr. Smith came to Bletchly four years ago there was no ambulance corps or equipment. Now he is leaving it with full equipment for dealing with any accidents, which unfortunatply have been rather numerOllS since our formation.

Owing to his coaching, the team won the North Bucks Challenge Cup in 190I, and in [902 Mr. Smith secured the individual prize for the best all round man in the District Competition between London and W 01 verton inclusive, which prize he again secured in 1903.

No doubt that energetic officer (Supt. Reeves) of Northampton, will take notice of his transfer, and get him into ambulance harness again at orthampton.

L. l:' N. \Y.R. .\ l1lt::eting w"s held in the Town Hall 011 Wednesday evening, July 29th, in connection with the Crewe ambulance classes. Mr. G. Whale, the newlyappointed chief mechanical engineer of the Company, presided. Mr. J. Norman presented the report for the Crewe district.

Lord Stalbridge, chairman of the Com'pany, presented to members ot the classes who had acquired proficiency in the work certificates and medallions. His lordship, in an address, congratulated the men on the acquisition of such useful knowledge as that of how to render first aid in cases of injury and suffering, and said the Directors of the Company were anxious to do everything they possibly could to increase this knowledge among their employes. He testified to the valuable work rendered by ambulance men in the Chelford railway accident, and said that he believed the services rendered so promptly on that occasion were the means of saving lives. Ambulance men were most helpful to the surgeons in treating cases of accident, and the good rendered by bodies of trained men, knowing how to act in cases of emergency, was incalculahle. In conclusion his lordship, on behalf of the classes, presented Dr. Lawrence, who had trained the members, with a set of valuable medical works.

G.C.R.-An interesting presentation took place on J ul y 3 1St., at London-road Station, Manchester (Great Central Railway) by Colonel Royds, c.R., M.P., one of the directors. Colonel Royds a short time since presented a shield for competition, this has been won by the Hull Ambulance Team, and wi II be held at Hull for one year. The shield is of beautiful design, and the nam es of the men of the Hull team have been engraved thereon. The captain of the team is Mr. R. W. Winter. The ,,rinning of the shield also carries with it a money prize of £5·

Colonel Royds, in presenting the shie ld to the team,

AI D.- August, 1903.

complimented them on the efficiency which they had attained, and commented on the humane work performed by ambulance men in relieving their fellow sufferers. In connection with the competition, the Newton team were adjudged second, and won a money prize of £3; and the Penistone team were third, winning a prize of £2. Unfortunately, the General Manager of the Company ( Ir. Fay) was unable to be present, but the following officers attended Mr. R. Haig Brown, Mr. C. T. Smith, Mr. C. A. Rowlandson, Mr. O. S. Holt, Mr. J. Rostern, Mr. C. W. Neele, Mr W. Clow, Mr. J. W. Lee, Mr. A. Furniss, Mr. W. Edge, and Mr. J. Pollard, th e Company's Ambulance Secretary.

N. E. R. CENTRE.-We have received from Mr. George Jackson, the courteous General Secretary, a copy of the circular from the president upon the result of the competitions in 1903. It is 1110St care fully compiled and should prove a .useful work of reference, showing as it does the rapid extension of am bulance work on the N orthEastern Railway.

N. E. R. the 15th July the Moorthorpe Class were presented with the certificates, &c., by the General Secretary (Mr. Geo. Jackson) and he also handed to Dr. F. J. Burman, on behalf of the class, a silver sugar sifter as a token of regard from the members.

On July r6th, at a Chapter of the Grand Priory of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England, Mr. Geo. Jackson (General Secretary of the North-Eastern Railway Centre) was appointed an Honorary Serving Brother of the Order, and has since received the insignia of his grade, and a shoal of congratulations.

On July r8th, Hartlepool Team competed against eleven other teams connected with various works in the Hartlepools for the "Sir Christopher Furness" Challenge Shield, and were declared the winners by 3 7 5 points out of a possible 380. Dr. R. Anderson, Gateshead, was judge.

On July 18th, a most successful smoker was given by the York Carriage Shops Team, at the Victoria Hotel, York, in honour of their winning the" Pickersgill Challenge Cup" at Monk Fryston on July 4th.

The annual meeting of the Centre was held at Stockton, on July 26th, when delegates were present from all parts of the system. The various officers were re-elected and the General Secretary reported good progress all round and pr?spect of a good number of classes during the ensumg c;eSSlOn.

On August 8th, the 1)arlington District held their annual distribution of certificates, &c., in the grounds of E. D. Walker, Esq., North Rise, Darlington, and Mr. Alderman Sedgwick-in the unavoidable absence of Mr. Walker-handed to Mr. J. S. Tinkler (the late District Secretary) a handsome gold chain and pendant from the members of the district, and also a silver mounted pipe, a cigar holder and cigarette holder in cases, from the General and District Secretaries on his retirement. Tea was kindly provided by Mr. and Mrs. Walker and Mr. W. C. Johnson (the new District Secretary) moved and Mr. Jackson (General Secretary) seconded a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Walker and their friends for their kindness.

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August, r903.

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Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England.

We have received an intimation that the King has appointed the Marquess of Breadalbane director and chairman of the am bulance department of the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in England in succession Lo Viscount Kuntsford, resigned. The of Connaught has accepted the presidency of the Dublm centre of the S.J.A.A

Very genuine regret will be by all .workers in the ambulance cause at the resignatlOn of VIscount Knutsford. His lordship has endeared himself. to classes who take an interest in the work by hIS kmdly and sympathetic manner of meeting them, and on more than one occasion it has been due to hIS ready tact and thorough grasp of procedure that has .led to sO.me of the most successful meetings ever held 111 connectIOn with the Association and which would, but for his tact, have resulted at in some little heart burnings between opposing clements. Lord Knut,sford is, glad to say, succeeded by a nobleman who IS no novice 111 nection with ambulance work, for many years th e sIster association in Scotland, has owed much to his fostering care. Under his guidance we hop e that the beneficent 1V0rk of both may be still further advanced and. that. they may by his influence be brought into closer r e latIOnshIp.

------.--.------

Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

Lo C ACRE, W.c.-On Sunday morning, 1\U gust 2nd, a fire occurred on the second floor of a residential flat, Queen's Mansions, Castle-street. A call was sent through to the Theobalds-road Fire Station, Holborn, and the horsed escape was immediately dispatched On arrival at the burning premises it was discovered .that two of the occupants - Mr. and Irs. Beasley-we re ll1 .a from which escape on to the staircase was made ImpOSSible by the flames .

.I\ splendid effort to effect their rescue was made by the police and the neighbours by means of ladders, but all without the desired success.

,. •

Directly th e horsed escape arrived it. was at once into position and the inmates brought qUIckly down amid the cheers of the people who had congregated. The fire itself proved not to be of large dimensions.

.--.------

London Private Fire Brigades Association.

We have received a cOt>Y of the last annual report of this valuable organisation, and we are pleased to that it continues to make steady progress. Four new bngades have joined during the first year, and we are glad note that the financial status of the brigade may be conSidered firm. Should any of our readers desire to have a copy of the report, which is too lengthy to insert in full, are sure that the courteous secretary, Mr. W. A. Sttllwell, whose address is 92, Ani bier-road, Finsbury-park, London, N., will only be too pleased to oblige with copies.

We are pleased to note that the. challenge shield by the City of London CorporatlOn, for amongst the private fire brigades of Lundon, IS now an

accomplished fact, and may be seen in the Loan Section of the Fire Exhi bition at Earl's Court.

It is intended, provided a sufficiency of names. are obtained to have a trip to Boulogne before the Wll1ter session. '\Ve understand that a cordial welcome may be anticipated from the fire brigade of the tow.n, and we have no doubt the trip would prove a most enJ<?yable one. Special railway rates and hotel expenses Will be arranged, and firemen of other brigades affiliated to the Association are invited. Further partlculars may be obtained of the secretary.

IBJ' of the propridors of " Fid· .1/,; Cp. "

On Sunday, August J 6th, at six a.m., Capt. Hamilton had the Hilckes' "Magirus" fire es.cape out for a spin through narrow lanes of the City. After negotiating, at full gallop, Bow-lane, Lawrence-lan e, e TC., it could not take the sharp turn from Addle-stre et into Phillip's-lane, when the inventor, to prove his claim to hand traction as well as horse traction, detached the horses and went through the most complicated evolutions ever witnessed in this country. The reports of various evening papers that the. ladder jammed in Wood-street has been declared by eye-wItnesses to be absolutely incorrect.

FIRST AID

,·1 CCCST 20, £903.

TH E terrible disaster which has plunged the City of Paris into mourning, has evoked universal sympathies in this count r y from the highest in the land to the humblest. It has also evoked other feelings, and natural ones, and that is the question of the safety of our own tube railways. I is, therefore, gratifying to learn from the management of the various systems in London that every precaution, as far as human foresight can arrange it, has been taken to g u ard agai nst so terrible a calamity occurring in our midst. I t is often times, however, the unexpected that happens, and should the Metropolis be visited by so dire a disaster, how are we prepa r ed to meet it? It is true that we have a police force and fire brigade service second to none in the world, and there is no doubt that they would be promptly on the spot, ready with cool heads and ready hands to carry out the duties that would devolve upon them, where is our Ambulance Service?

The Paris Disaster.

National Fire Brigades Union.

Co IPETlrION RE ULTS, EARL'S COURT, 190.").

A correspondent, who was in Pa ri s at the time o f the accident on the Underground Railway there, writes us th at one of the brightest episodes on that sad occasion was the rapid and ready response made by the various ambulance services in Paris, and he was struck by the large number of ambulance vehicles which were promptly on the spot. How many am bulance vehicles would respood to ::t s im ilar call in London? Very few that would be suitable for a disaster of such magnitudr:!. At G lasgow, too, on the occasion of the recent railway disaster at St. Enoch's Station, the ambulance wagons of the St. Andrew's Ambulance Association were promptly on the spot and rendered valuable aid, as is shown by the letter we print in another column which has been received by the Secretary of the Association (Col. BARNES) from the Directors of the Glasgow and South-Western Railway. 'W hen will the authorities of London awake to the necessity that exists for a fully equipped and properly-manned efficient Ambulance Service? Will they wait until some such terrible disaster awakens them to the fact and public opinion then forces their hands?

At a recent function General Buller, V c., presented war medals to the surgeons who served in the Princess Christian Hospital in South Africa. This Hospital it will be remembered was provisioned and fitted out by Mr. Alfred Mosely. The reports of the work done proved conclusively how beneficial it is to the Hospital provided by civilian sources when it s freed from the trammels of the wretched red tape of the army

Our readers will remember the ready response that was made by the members of the ambulance department of the Union when the call was made for ambulance men for the front. The majority of these men served in the Yeomanry Hospital at Deelfontein, and during their time of service they earned high ecomium from the staff, both medical and administrative. It is gratifying to know, therefore, that the executive have recognised their patriotic zeal, not only to their country but to the Union itself, by presenting them with a silver medal in recognition of their self-denial and splendid record while on active service.

" The Fire Kings" mustered at the Old Welcome Club in the Western Gardens on July 15th, when Her Grace the Duchess of Marlborough present.;d the> medals on behalf of the Union. The ceremony having been performed, the Duke, who spoke out clearly and well, expressed great appreciation of the men's service in South Africa. They had done most useful work, and he had been told by some who had seen it that they were not behind any in hospital service. Some of the men now possess three medals, the late Queen's, the medal presented by the Order of St. John, and that of the Fire Brigade Union. Chief urgeon Ettles, Supt. Poncerot and Capt. Folker also received the medal in recognition of the valuable services they rendered .in tr aining and equipping the men prior to their departure for South Africa; but general surprise has been expressed that two of the earliest members of the ambulance department, who both saw service in South Africa-Sergt.- lajor Trimmer and Sergt. orfolk-have both been left out in the cold.

The Faversham and District Fire Brigades had a fieldday on August Bank Holiday on the Mall Ground at Faversham, the on-lookers numbering about 5,000. The chief event was a competition between Ramsgate and Folkestone for the S E. District Nation al Fire Brigades' WHEN OORRillSPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS MENTION ., FlRST AlD ."

-FIRST

Union Challenge Shield, for the best aggregate time in the four, and six men manual engine drills. This final was the result of a tie between the two brigades at Gillingham, on June 1St. The result was a win for Folkestone, in 2 min. 53 3-5th secs. Ramsgate failing to complete the last drill. The four men mannal wet drill was won by Faversham, 65 2-Sths. Whitstable, 2nd, 65 3-5ths. Canterbury, 3rd, 67 4-5ths. Folkestone, Ramsgate, and I\'estgate also competing. First prize, siiYer cup, presented by the "Buttercup Polish Co.," and £2 lOS.; 2nd, £1; 3rd, lOS. The other events were the one man manual, which was won by Canterbury, followed by Whitstable, Faversham, Folkestone, \V estgate and Ramsgate, ' in the order named; and a fireman's obstacle race, won by E. R. Parker, Canterbury; W. H. Eastman, Canterbury, 2nd; C. Chapman, Faversham, 3rd. Capt. Westbrook, the popular district secretary of the Union, and Capt. Hedley Peters, of Sittingbourne, acted as judges; and Capts. Murton and Goode, of Faversham, superintended the arrangements. The S.J.A.B. had a tent on the field in charge of Supt. C. E. Clinch and First Officer Sherwood.

American and English Fire Alarms.

THE free and liberal criticism so handsomely bestowed upon the London Fire Brigade by sundry wiseacres, who, no doubt, could have done better (in their own mind ) has now been silenced by the appointment of Capt. Hamilton, whose record is excellent in every way. He will, no doubt, have his hands full in replying to charitably inclined inventors and purveyors of outrageous fire appliances, and for the next few weeks he will req'Jire an experienced pilot to steer him safely through the pitfalls \vhich he so bravely weathered during his career in the Navy. \S in his former profession, there are rocks at Southwark, of which a mere landlubber has little conception. Numerous portly gentlemen with influential backing are insistingly alluring with the glorified advantages of l\luglestone fireproof caramels for getting up steam in a leaky boiler, which they in their benevolent condescension will supply without asking for the money in advance, notwithstanding the reckless extravagance of the L.ee American extravagancies have been held up as worthy of imitation by professional windbags, whose sole goodwill was a big diamond stud and a bigger cheek, and our worthy Capt. Hamilton has no doubt by this time tasted the delights of power, and we should certainly advise him to fix up at head quarters a good "American Kicking Machine," which, by pressing the knob, does the work of three American policemen effectively, and no questions asked as to funeral expenses.

The great need of our fire system is alarms; they ought to be as plentiful as houses, and in numbers America is in front of us; but the system used in the New York Fire Department is after all only a bad copy (with plenty of brass) of our own, discarded 25 years ago, for defects which are only too apparent to those who a r e familiar with the subject. That progressive should • be so much behind in fire alarms, apart from vested interests , IS amaz111g, but the facts are that th eir system consists of ridiculous complications, which only result in unnecessarily delaying calls so important to effic ient fire fighting.

Whereas the L'Jndon street telegraphs supply calls instaneously, directly, and with no chance of erro r ; New York has to rely on the l\lorse system for signals and directions, an intermediate re-transmission of the call over long lengths of unnecessary line wires, with deplorable delays, inaccuracies and frequent breakdowns.

A I D.- .\uguSl, 1903.

The London fire telegraphs, which, no doubt, our readers have noticed distributed all over the London streets, have been brought level with the very latest inventions of electrical science. Upon giving a call from the scarlet painted posts, a bell rings the distinctive fire call direct into the fire station nearest to that particular call box, and a disc drops showing the fire brigade, inst anstaneous ly, all the information they need for a IS second turnout; and no matter what Americans claim, 'with all th eir time-saving appliances, they cannot turn out as quickly and effectively as our own brigade, because they persistently disregard the vital defects in the most essential and important part of th ei r service, viz ., the fire alarm.

The Americans have to wait for information in dots and dashes before they are in possession of facts relating to a call, thus the chances of sending the engine to the wrong spot is greatly enhanced, in fact, it has been a standing joke in America to refer to the rare instances when they do arrive at the right place. It is not to be wondered at when one conside rs that the aforementioned dots and dashes (like a cable message) have to be deciphered, and by referring to a long list, the call station ascertained, and to this facl must be added the ignorance of new men who have, perhaps, never before manipulated a telegraph instrument, all these details lessen the chances of an efficient and rapid attendance. In New York also every wire fault puts out of action all the call points on a given system, instead of one call point as in London. In reliability of action, the Yankee system bears no comparison with our own, the former consists of a mass of clockwork, which is often disarranged by a misguided New Jersey mosquito; whereas, in London, the call point contains only an electro· magnetic switch and a reply bell, the latter giving the return signal to the caller.

The mechanical simplicity and certainty of our London fire alarms stand pre-eminent as the most efficient appliance which human ingenuity and experience could produce, and we greatly deplore that owing to th e expense of installation out of all proportion to the actual cost, which is charged by the Post Office Authorities, so few private concerns have availed themselves of the security afforded by a prompt call. We have taken great pains to investigate the subject, believing that th e safety of London greatly depends on an efficient fire alarm system, and we shall not rest until every house in London is provided with a fire call-box leading to the nearest fire station.

The Post Office Authorities must wake up; if a lot of telephone call-points are multiplied on the one wire, as we understand is practicable, they could well afford to do the whole installation for 2.n annual charge of say, lOS., which would handsom ely repay their whole outlay within a few years, and no doubt the insurance companies would soon recognise this additional safeguard in the reduction of their premiums, whereby the householder would benefit.

IVith the exception of a few private call points, only possible to the very wealthiest firms, London's safety depends greatly upon the street posts, which, judging by many past conflagrations, are hardly in sufficient number to afford the much needed security to the wealthiest city of the universe.

IVe hold no brief for any manufacturer or patentee, and don't care whu gets the plum for 10,000 private call points, which are absolutely indispensible, but remember, captain, modern appl ianc es are all well and good if you have them, but still better is not to want them ; we've got a splendid fire alarm system, and if multiplied by one hundred it ought to lessen the work of our brigade by numerous efficient stops, which is first aid to fire prevention.

August. I903. -FIRST

Our Portrait Gallery.

CAPT. James de Courcy Hamilton, R.N., of the Torpedo School Ship, at Devonport, whose portrait we reproduce, has beel! selected by the London County Cou?cil to replace Capt. Wells in the command o.f the Fire Brigade. We welcome Capt. Hamtlton to thls most

AI D.- 43

deserved recognitlOn by the appointment to the command of the Difiance.

During the Coronation festivities he served on the Dreadllaught, and was presented with the Coronation medal by H.M. the King. After such a brilliant we ha,:e every confidence in the fitness of Capt. HamIlton for thIS much-coveted command, and trust that he will acquit him self as in the past, to the satisfaction of all who wish to see an up -to -date Fire Department in the foremost city of the universe. Our photo is from Heath, l)lymouth.

The International Fire Exhibition.

IN our July number we were compelled to omit reports and illustrations of some excellent appliances, which, olVing to want of space, were held over. Amongst the useful and instructive displays we are constrained to refer to the exhibit of the Ludwigsbergs Works, Ltd., of Stockholm (Sweden), occupying Stand I I2 at the above exhibition Their steamers (Gran ell's patent) are not a whit behind those of our own makers: in fact, we are compelled to admit that, judging by the performances we have witnessed, they would be a credit to an)' fire brigade. They have been in official competition with English, German, French, Belgium, Austrian and American makers, and hav e invariably emerged with highest honours. They exhibited at Paris in I900, and at Berlin in 190I, and in every case have been appreciated by foremost awards.

important command, with a Sll1cere desire to see him do well for his emp loyers. the L.c.e, who are, perhaps, the most critical masters he has ever had to please.

The glare of fair and unfair publiCIty, and the eagerness of "catchpenny" journalists, has caused intense pain to many good men who han passed out of the public eye; therefore, let us hope that the strong sense of British fair play will restrain our exuberant journalists, and give Capt. Hamilton plenty of latitude and scope for the evolution of ideas, which have won for him such splendid credentials from a most exacting service.

Capt. Hamilton was born at Heacham, Norfolk, in February 186o, thus being comparatively a young man, and entered the Navy as a Cadet in 1873. After serving as a Naval Cadet andMidshipman for six years on H.M.S. Pear! and Ruby, he was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in I879· He received his first baptism of fire at the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882, on board H.M.S. IIeit'co II when he was promoted Lieutenant, and received the Egyptian medal with th e Alexandria clasp, and the Khedive's bronze star. He subsequently served on the JlferClll,]" Dragol/, Gal/ges, then, having qualified as a torpedo officer, served on H.M.S. Fo6'.Plzelllus, and was for some time in the service of the Victorian Government. After leaving Australia he joined the Jfozve in the Mediterranean, and from thcre was promoted to Commander in 1895. He was second in command of the Hawke, Rami/lies and the Europa on the same stiltion. In 1900 he was put in command of the Hecla, and in 190 I his thorough seamanship won a well-

I\'e are reproducing here a sketch of one of their small steamers exhibited at Earl s Court, which is eminently suitable for villages, small brigades and factories, and is easily run out by one horse or three men, owing to the marvellous exactitude with which it is balanced. It is suppli ed with one cylinder, and 'will throw 125 gals. per minute in an equable (not jerky) jet to IS0 ft.; this is a performance witnessed by our own representative. Their larger steamers, as our photo shows, are provided with two cylinders, and the one exhibited has a capacity of 250 gals. per minute, throwing a I t in. jet 185 ft. and 135 ft. high, without any but the ordinary force.

The" Ludwigsbergs " steamers are known all over the world for elegance of design, neat and strong finish, eliminating all unnecessary appendages, and giving the greatest power for the least weight. They are manufacturing various si zes of steamers, from 80 to 880 gals the smaller sizes, on two or four wheels, as wanted, and the larger on four wheels, to English specifications; and guarantee the solidity of their workmanship equal, if not superior, to any British make. Their steamers are, if required, provided with return valves, which means that by shutting off the water in the nozzles the return pressure in the hose acts automatically upon the pumps, shutting off further supply to the steamers. To economise 111 weight and size, this firm has adopted many novel devices found extremely practical in actual use. They are capable of getting up steam from cold water in eight to ten minutes, but supply also the customary constant heating arrangement, reducing the actual time to three minutes

This firm had the intention of exhibiting one of their floating fire engines, made for the fire departm e nt of Bergen, but could not get it ready in the time stipulated by the jury. These floats are the most powerful appliances ever seen in this country, and we hope to see one shortly on the Thames. These floating fire engines contain, according to requirements, engines of varied power, and by one of their patent attachments 12 distinct streams may be directed upon any conflagration.

CAPT. J Al\IE S DE COURCY I-LUllLTON, R.N , METROPOLITAN FIRE BRLGADE.

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We welcome these progressive Swedes to old England, and hope they will help to fill a gap of very long standing. Competition is good for trade, and it ha.s been needed in this country for many yp.ars.

A further trial took place at the International Exhibition, Earl's Court, on August 7th. This timesmall fire escapes were viewed by ajury, consisting of a number of provincial fire chiefs, among whom we saw Capt. Dyson, Capt. Dixon, and others, also of the Fire Prevention Committee.

The machines were arranged in the Queen's Court, and a horse escape of Ylessrs. Bayley, said to be 60 ft. high, was very smartly managed by six men in 24 seconds: it was one

At D.- August, 1903.

escape was of exceptional rigidity. The same escape was then extended horizontally, with one man hanging at the extreme point.

Finally Messrs. Merryweather brought one of their three escapes forward, but for some reason or other the apparatus did not work. After being extended a few fee t, something stopped its further progress, and a man had to mount the par t 1 Y extended ladder repeatedly to remove the obstruction. No speed test was taken of this machine, nor were the other two machines viewed by the jury. It was certainly a very mysterious occurepce, but no explanation of it was given.

August, 1903.

-FIRST

an apparatus which could throw water on a fire without the slightest los s of time. The machine is very simple; it consists of a large tank filled with about 150 gallons of water; underneath are fitted two cylinders containing compressed air. These are joined to the tank by a delivery hose with branch pipe and nozzle connected. The idea is that the machine should arrive at a fire and instantly be able to throw a very powerful jet of water. At the trial before the jury it took two seconds from the word "go" to the lime the water left the nozzle. Such a machine could arrive at a fire, and without any wasle of time deliver water before any steam engine could be got ready to start. The apparatus is really meant to fill up the time during which a steam engine is getting leady to start. There are twelve such machines in Berlin, one at every station. They are sent out at the first call with a couple of Pompier ladders attached, thus forming practically a most efficient "first aid" appliance. In case of necessity there is not"1ing in

AI D.- 45

paration enables the wearer to extract the purified air passing through, thus allowing him to pass from 30 to 60 minutes in the most dangerous places. In Paris and in all large Continental fire every fireman is provided with one of these breathing apparatuses, carried in a small satchel, by the aid of which hundreds. of lives have been saved during the year. The agent for this country is Mr. E. Thiroux, 3, Tudor-street, E.c., and we understand that the British patent is for sale.

I nternational Fire Exhibition, Earl s Court, S. W., Aug. 7th 1903. Stands Nos. 75 and III.

SIRS,-In FIRST AID, July issue, on page 23, you write of the" Extincteul'," and say :-

"The fundamental principal upon which these chemical appliances are constructed is carbonic acid gas, which may be a good servant in proper hands, but a terrible master for the unwary."

THE LUmVIGSBERGS FLOATING FIRE ENGINE.

A most disagreeable incident happened during the trial. A photograof those machines utilised at the Empress Theatre, and the men who worked it were the identical team who were working the same in "Fighting the Flames." That may somewhat account for their undoubt edly smart work.

Then followed Messrs. Shand and Mason with a 50 ft. escape, which took 53 seconds to put in position, and was managed by three men. A similar escape, on a kind of hand trolley, was shown to the jury, although no speed test was taken.

This was followed by a " Magirus" 2-wheel fire escape, exhibited by Mr. Harry Hilckes, Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth-hill, Queen Victoria-street, E.c., which was worked by one man, and extended in 22 seconds

Some very interesting tests were shown to the jury with this escape, one of which was to fix a rope to the top rung of the extended and free-standing ladder, a kind of platform was suspended, which was mounted by three men, thd whole hanging above the ground, thus showing that the

pher was taking photographs of the various machines as they were shown to the jury one of the competitors naturally objected, and wished to know to what use the resulting photographs were to be put. The photographer refused an explanation, and referred the competitor to the Committee, who curtly informed him, within our hearing, that if he did not allow his machine to be photographeCl he would not be allowed to take part in the trial. We understand, however, that a protest will be lodged with the Exhibition Commitree to prevent any abuse of such photographs. \Ve deplore frictions of any kind, and hope the matter will receive amicable attention.

The jury then went round on a tour of inspection, other members joining during the afternoon. About 6 o'clock the full committee assem b1ed to view a very interesting display of a so-called chemical fire engine, exhibited by Messrs. Klihlstein, of Berlin, who had sent two men specially from their works to exhibit to English fire chiefs

THE LUDWIGSBERGS DOUBLE CYLINDER FIRE ENGINE FOR Two HORSES.

this country to compare with the utility and power exhibited by this machine.

In our July number we mentioned particulars of a breathing apparatus for smoke·laden premises, the invention of M. Debaucheron, of Paris Since then, the inventor has had to appear before the International Jury at Earl's Court for the purpose of verifying his claims, and we must confess that" Le Spiro, " the name by which this invention is known, has superseded all similar appliances, by the most severe test, displayed at Earl's Court. A tent e r ected in the grounds was filled with deadly acid fumes to such an extent that the jury and the spectators had to retire to a very respectful distance, but the inventor, with his " breathing apparatus)) over his head, spent 25 minutes in this impossible atmosphere inside the tent. This invention does away with air pumps and Tubber tubes; it is ra simple cloth bag with a mica spectacle; A secret chemical pre-

Surely your reporter is in error. Should he not have said su/jJllIwic acid? Ours ( Com pagnie Parisienne ) is the only one which employs carbonic acid gas, and we claim for it that it does no more harm to the human skin or any fabric than plain water.

\Vith this explanation, I trust you will kindly give a correction in your next issue. Thanking YOll in anticipation,-I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

F. GEIGER, Agent for the Compagnie Parisienne.

INNERLEITHEN.-The members of this Briga.de had their annual excursion to the Forth Bridge on Saturday, August 1St. Taking train to Leith, the party sailed up the river to the Forth Bridge, of which a splendid view was obtained. Landing at South Queensferry, the nine miles drive into "Auld Reekie" was safely negotiated, and thp. party trained home having thoroughly enjoyed their outing.

THE LUDWIGSB ERGS FIRE ENGINE FOR SMALL BRIGADES, FACTORIES, HOTEL, ASYLUMS, &c.

-FIRST

Letters to the Editors.

TVe mB ilt 110 way respomible for tIle opillions expressed. or tI,e state/llwts made, by Correspolldell!s. - EmTORS.

CONGRATULATIO TS

I t IS often our pleasure to rece ye from our readers congratulatory letters expressing the interest that they take in FIRST Aw, and stating how they look for its production each month. This is "ery gratifying, and it is our intention, with the permission of the writers, to publish from time to time some of the letters which we reeeive from many friends in all parts of the world.

GENTLDrEN,-1 shall feel much obliged if you will kindly insert the enclosed in your valuable paper, yiz., FIRST AID. I myself have been a subscriber for a number of years, and admire the improvements which have taken place.

Thanking you in anticipation,-Yours faithfully, (Co rpl. ) F. BARKE. Derby, Aug. 8th, J 903.

DEAR SIRs,-In reply to your letter of July 31st, I beg to you for the sample copy of your paper, which is always interesting to me, and it is a great improvement on what it used to be. I have been a subscriber for the past three or four years through a local bookseller.-Yours faithfully, JOHN \V. SHAW. King's Lynn, Aug 4th, 19 0 3.

MOTORS Al 0

THEIR DRAWBACKS.

DEAR SIRs,-Having seen motors and their drawbacks frequently mentioned in your valuable journ a l, I am curious to know if other of your ambulance readers have noticed a steady increase since the beginning of this year in first aid cases, caused through motor vehicles. )\1y 0\\'11 experience has been surprising; considering I became an ambulance man because of constant accidents on the railway, I find there are now more persons killed and injured by motors going 30 miles an hour on the road than by engines and trains travelling at the same speed on lines, where they can be easily avoided by public, and kept out of the way generally.

Hoping your Journal will meet with every success, and that you will be able to spare space for my few lines, - I am, yours, &c.

GREAT EASTERN.

A1IBULANCE 1 lCO SISTE CIES.

DEAR SIRS,-Although an ambulance is always useful wherever it may be stationed, it is at places where experience proves accidents most frequently occur that it seems reasonable to expect a litter to be placed. The Hospitals Association seem to miss thiS point sometimes. Recently I noticed that one of their litters is kept at the new Tottenham Fire StatirJn, located in an out of the way spot, and another near Harringay Railway Station in the Green Lanes; while at Highbury Station, the Angel, Pentonville-road Uunction with King's Cross-road ) Archway Tavern and many other danger spots the Association s Ii tters are not to be seen.

Again, litters kept in isolated positions are not likely to be used, people being aware of the mileage by the road to the nearest hospital, and thus injured persons are likely to be conveyed in butcher 's carts, greengrocer's vans, and such like undesirable vehicles to save time. Persons having no first aid knowledge do not realise the danger to fractured limbs caused by jolting vehicles.-Yours sincerely, L.A.C.

THE PUBLIC AND FIRE BRIGADE APPOl TMENTS.

DEAR SIRS,-Of late years there has invariably been a storm of publi c dissatisfaction at the retirement and fre s h appointment of a new chief officer for the London Fire Brigade.

AID. - August, 1903.

There is a great airing of catch phrases-"a practical fireman," "efficiency," "up-to-date," &c., &c. -a nd a wonderful ignorance displayed at the same time by the critics I have seen in print, in the pages of reliable papers, that some members of the L.C.C. did not know London had telephone call posts, or what method of action was adopted by the brigade when answering calls, how brigade districts were arranged, neither the pumping capacity of the engines, how the engine fires were lit, or any of the details that count for so much in fire brigade management.

I have observed that there is really no criticism concerning a new chief for the Metropolitan police on his appointment. It seems taken for granted that a gentleman experienced in commanding men, combined with skill in organisation and strategy, will be appointed. There is no talk of a " practical policeman;" critics seem to understand that the superintendents and other officers are practical policemen. \Vhy they do not apply the same wisdom in criticising the appointment of a chief officer of the fire brigade I have yet to learn. - Yours sincerely. HOLLOWAY.

CAB ACCIDENTS AND AMBULANCE IN SIRs, - The intelligence of London jou rnalists has again apparently been strained to its utmost, owing to recent hansom cab accidents in London; some acute intellect amongst them having discovered that four-wheel cabs are safer than those cabs with two wheels only. This light has penetrated their craniums since Mr. Chamberlain's accident in a cab in Whitehall.

My remarks on the ambulance arrangements in that neighbourhood were kindly pI inted by you on page 16 of FIRST AID for July, 1902. Yet 1 remember some dever person connected with the Press wrote condemning the War Office, as usual, for deciding not to adopt, after a lengthy trial, two-\\ heel ambulance carts (Ma rk I I. r899 ) though the se carlS had two horses, a pole, rings for stretcher handles to fit in to prevent sliding forward, and the chances that t IVO horses would not stumble or fall together. \Vishing every success to your valuable J oUl·nal.- Yours sincerely, L.A.C.

THE UNION JACK CLUB.

DEAR SIR - Seeing in the papers that rooms are being endowed by individuals in memory of relatives, and by reg-iments in memory of their comrades who fell in late South African campaign, may I suggest that you open a subscription list in your columns in order to endow a room in memory of the members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade who died on active service.

do not suppose that many members of the S.] .A.B. would have occasion to use the club, but would it not be a graceful compliment, or I might say a comradelike action, to endow this room and hand it over for the use of of the R.A.M.C. The S.J.A.B. is being brought into closer touch with the R.A.M.C. by the formation of Brigade Bearer Companies, the members of which would serve with the R.A.M.C. in the event of mobilisation; what, therefore, could tend to the promotion of good feeling and comradeship more than the suggestion I have thrown out. I am sure those of us who served with the R.A.M.C. would gladly avail ourselves of the opportt1l1ity of promoting this kindly feeling. - I am, dear Sirs, yours truly, E. P. PHILLIP S

[I f the scheme meets with the approval of our readers, and they will all help, we shall be pleased to entertain it.-ED s " F. A."]

THE ST. JOHN SOUTH AFRICAN MEDAL.

DEAR SIRs, ·-Havinz heard on good authority that certain members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade have received, or are about to recei\ ' e, the above medal in recognition of the vices they rendered in connection with the mobilisation of the brigade for South Africa, and knowing as I do the months of hard work that many of these members put in at headquarters and elsewhere, I quite agree that it is on ly right that their services shou ld be recognised;. but do you not think that they will

August, 1903. -FIRST

be placed. in rather a false position, parti c ularly \\'hen in uniform and weanng the medal.

Might I .suggest to the authori Lies at St. John's Gate Lhat they Issue to members who actually served aL the front a bar, With the words "Service in S.A. " engraved on it. I kn.ow that there are .oLhers be side myself who are only too conSCIOUS of the splendid services rendered by many, but who feel as I do, that !here sh.ollid be some distinction to show who on actual active servlce. - Yours truly, RllODESL\.

The folJowi ng letter has been forwarded to the Clasgo\\' local press ;.-

ST ANDREW'S AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION. Head Office, 176, West Regent-street, Glasgow, August 6th, T903.

Sm,-In for:"ardmg .the enclosed letter for publication, I shall be grateful If you Will allow me to appeal through your the.ladies of (flasgow to come as lady col!ectOls fOl the St. Andrew s Ambulance ASSOCiatIOn. As stated

In your recent report of our annual meeting the Asso c iation s accounts sho:ved a deficit on last year's wo;k. \Ve are that our ser":lce to [he public ( wh.ich is increasing ) should show. no fall!l1g off; but to keep It as effiCient as it has been in past It \\,111 be ne cessary for the subscriptions to be increased to meet the cost of our extended activities r may point out that in acci.dents the recent regrettable one at St. StatIOn, and, 111 practically all accidents OCCUI 111 GI.asgo\\' and \' ICI11Ity, the sufferers are conveyed to the.111firmanes or their homes entirely by the waggons of the ASSOCiatIOn free of all cost. Of late years a good man gaps. have occurred in the ranks of the lady collectors which require to be filled up,. and I shall be glad to recei\ e names as SOOf: as pOSSible. A. list of districts va c ant and any other informatlOl: \\:111 be supp lied on application at the head office of the ASSOCiation, 176, \Ve st H.egent-street. - I am, &c.,

H. J.

, [Copy of letter.]

(,lasgow and Railway, General Managers Office, St. Enoch Station , Clasgow, August 4tl;, J 903.

DE.\R Sm, - The directors of the company de s ire me to convey to y.ou, and throu gh you to those members of your staff were I.n attenclance. at. the recent acrident at St. Enoch their high of Lhe able and willing services I enc1erecl on that occaslon. - I am, yours faithfully

( Signed) D.w!;) COOPER.

Lleut:nant-Colonel H. J. Barnes, St. Andrew 's Ambulance ASSOCiation, \-Ve st Regent-street, Glasgo\\

MR. GIIlSO;\', of 65, Crouch End-hill, ., writing to the ./s!mgioll Ca:::ellt', says: in this neighbourhood about 16 months, I have been thmk!l1g what a g-ood thing it would be if a local ambulance could be formed in Hornsey. The reason I suggest thiS .IS that. we are some distance from any hospital, and as the hIlly neighbourhood makes it so danrrerolls one kno\.vs when an might happen. held a certI ficate of the St. ] ohn Am bulance for last 12 and having assisted in the fOl of first aid classes 111 other districts before comin o' to thiS part, I should be very pleased to do anything that lay my power to further the movement of such a class beiwr started.

" I may say. that I have a stretcher, splints, and bandages my own, which I should be only too ready to lend at any time should they be for any accident in the neighbourhood, and, I 111 the way when applied to, would rende.r any aid that lay 111 my power. I may add that there is a those I ha\ e spoken to on this subject that a thll?g of the kmdls needed, and some have already given me names and addresses. If there be a sufficient number of appltcants, should any. of your readers care to take up this noble work and woulet like to know anything further concerning class, I sho.uld be very pleased to furnish any further l)artlculars they might ask."

Reviews.

FRO:'l[ the Scientific Press we have received copies of two most valuable little works:SlCYT A;\'D HEARING IN CrJ[LmrOOD, by Drs. R. Brudenell Carter and Arthur J 1. Cheatle. This is a most valuable manual,. and we commend it to those of our readers who take an ll1terest tr:t tl:e eyesight and hearing of our children. The authors of little as is well known, stand in the forefront ?f their profeSSIOn m connection with the study of these subJe.cts. The preface of the book gives full and ample reason for ItS productIOn, and we commend it alike to medical and members of ambulance and nursing par.tlcularly [hose who may be entrusted with the tra111ll1g of chdclren.

BANDAGI TG AND DRESSIXG, by \V. Johnson Smith, F :R.C:S. The. of this little brochure has taken pa111s,1I1 compd1l1g a manual that should proye of 1l1est.,mable :valL.Ie to medical students and members of the nurs1l1g ,ProfeSSIOn. The various subjects dealt with are 111 a way proves. that the author possesses a skl,uec.l and ready way 111 Iml?artll1g information, and as a book of Il1terest and of reference, It should certainly find a place on the bookshelf of every ambulance man or woman who will find the chapters on bandaging and kindred subjects most helpful. BELFAS1T

The House SHIRT co., patronised by the S.J.A.B. SHIRTS AND RECULATION CLOVES

BELFAST HOUSE, Farringdon Road. (Thr ee minutes frol/l St f oh n's Gate.)

FERRIS & CO.'S " MI06ET"

Pocket Ambulance Case

A NRAT TIN l.ASE with Rounded Corn· ers Fitting easily into the Pocket, measuring 4in by 3±in. by in., and weighing under 50zs.

An extremely Port a bl e and Handy Outfit for First Aid, which should be kept at hand in every Household.

Specially Suitable/or

FIRST Am BY PHYSICIA -S, URSES, AMBULA:,\CE AS SOCIATIO:-<S, TOURISTS, ATHLETES, CYCLISTS, ,,·C PRICE COMPLt: fE, 1/9 each. By Post 1111. Special Tenlls for Quantities

Manufactured by FERRIS &. COMPANY, Surgical Instrument Makers, BRISTOL. CO.YlPLETE A l1BUL ANCF OUTFITS, STRETCHERS, SPLINTS, C:rc

Every Requisite for Public or Private AmbulRnce Work ON ACTIVE SERVICE with the S.J.A,B. n Y the late W. S. DER, attached to the Royal Army [) Medical Corps. "The book should prove not only an r.teresting keepsake for all those who watched the progress of their sons and relatives volunteering in the South African Campaign, but a valuab le contrib ution to the literature of one great phase of the war which hitherto has received but scant tl eatment."-Lancasltire Da£ly Post. With twenty-five illustrations. 4s. net. ATKINSON & POLLITT, Publishers, Kendal.

COUPON TICKET

SPECIALLY GUARANTEED BY The Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, LIMITED, & MOORGATE STREET, LONDON, E.C, (to whom N otice of Claims, under the following conditions, must be sent within seven days of accident to the above address.)

600093 £100

will be paid bv the above Corporation to the legal representat ive of anyone who is killed by an accident to the Passenger Train (within the United Kingdom o r Channel Islands), in which the deceased was a ticket bearing or paying passenger, or who shall have been fatally injur ed thereby (should death result within ninety days after such accident)

PROVIDED that the person so killed or injured had upon his or her person or had left at home this ticket, with his, o r her, usual signature, written prior to the accident, on the space provided below, which, together with the giving of notice within the time as hereinbefore mentioned, is the essence f)f this contract.

Th is insurance holds good for current issue only, and carries the bendits of and is subject to, the conditions of the "OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARANTEE COMPANY, Limited, Act, r 890," Risks Nos. 2 and 3· The Corporation admit that the purchase of this Paper is the payment of a premium under Section 34 o[ the Act.

No person can recover under more than one Coupon ticket ih respect o f the same risk.

Signature

GARROULD'S

you can promote and perfect the efficiency of these ?rigades as they are, for the purpose of safeguardmg the lIves of those employed in City and other large offices. * * *

Corps, the Volunteer A 111 hulance School of In struction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the memuers of their respective organisations, and will also send [or publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are im ited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest o[ the Journal.

\Ve particularly desire to ask our correspondents to he brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for pu hlication

We ar.e pleased to record the fact that we are already recei\ ing a great accessIOn of support from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limited, in dealing with reports of local meetings for presentation of &c., it would be better that a brief report were wrItten,. glYlng a short resume of the \'arious points touched upon by the prIncl pal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should he sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This report is cloublless interesting to local First-aiders, but it must be borne in mind that we are catering [or the Amuulance and Fire Brigade world at large.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.

For 12 months, 25. 6d., post [ree, to be sent to the Publishers, :\f cssrs. Dale, Reynolds and Co., 46, Cannon-street, London, E. C. 7'ele,:;raplzic Address-" Twellty-jollr, London."

Telephone NO'-'477 Balik.

Brevities.

THE question of the safety of fire chutes has once more been aroused by the recent accident at the offices of Telephone Company. We think, however, that some of the Press have adversely criticised the appliance without a thoroug.h. knowl edge of the subject. In the first place, in our opmlOn, firms employing a large number of hands should have a fully up-to-date fire brigade, capable of working a ll. fire appliances and explaining the working to those op.erat lv es who are not attached to the works or shop brIgade. The London Private Fire Brigades Association offers splendid facilities for the enrolment of all private fire brigades under one system, and both employers and emare to blame if they do not take advantage of its auspIces. It IS only by combined drills and the interchange of opinions betwetn different private brigades that

WE notice that a serious accident occurred to an English lady in Paris the other day, the English Press say that an ambulance carriage was promptly on the spot and removed the injured lady to hospital. Just reverse these particulars. Let it be a French lady injured in London, how long would she have had to wait for the arrival of an up-to-date ambulance wagon. No, providing she was' not placed in the police ambulance, she would have been carted off in an antiquated "growler "; and still some of our politicians say that an ambulance service is not a pressinrr need. are waiting, as it has often been pointed for some huge catastrojJhe and then public opinion will force their hands.

THE following suggestion, by "L. A. C. ", is intended to promote a public interest in ambulance affairs, especially publIc :-" Appoint the Fifth Sunday after !r.lmty as Ambulance Sunday, that day I suggest because It IS the first Sunday following the opening, by the Prince of Wales, of the new buildings at St. John's Gate. The r es ult of to. be disposed, as thought best, by a select commIttee appomted by the Knights of the Order of St. John. Could the Bishop of London and the Catterall, of St. Augustine'S, Highbury, be induced to take up the religious cause of the ambulance service, much good would be done."

An International Exhibition of Inventions will be held at Drighton in November next, under the control of the Mayor and the Corporation. The object of the Exhibition to in.ve.ntors and patentees an opportunity of bringmg theIr IDYentlons before the notice of capitalists, manufacturers and users. A \:ards :vill be made of gold, sil ver, and. bronze for lDventl.ons P?ssessing the greatest ment WIth co.mmerclal utIlIty. The president of th.e IS Geral<i W. E. Lode.r, Esq., M.P., and the Vlce-l reSIdents are The. Rt. Hon SIr Arthur Otway, Bart., Lord Armstror:g, G.er:. SIr John D P. French, Sir Chas. G B.oxal.l, Prof. SIr WlllIam Crookes, Sir Arthur H Fairbairn, SIr Rlch.ard Tangye, Lord G. H. Loftus, Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, SIr Joseph Crosland, Sir William Agnew, the Hon. C. S. F Fletcher Moulton, Esq., W R. Bousfield Esq., K<=:., Inventors wishing to exhibit should make to l'I'I essrs .. Hughes and Young (managers for the CorporatIon), 38, ShIp-street, Brighton.

St. John Ambulance Association.

H,\ILSHA;\[.-A largely attended meeting was held last week, under the presidency of 11r. F G. Breads, to conider a communication received from the East Sussex County Council to the effect that they were unable to grant a class, the sub-committee having decided that this subject did not come under the heading of Technical InstructIon. It was arranged by the members present to hold a concert in the Corn Exchange on Oct. 8th, to obtain the necessary funds

CARDIFF.-Dr. Hubers Thomas has been made the recipient of a beautiful dinner gong, as a slight recognition of the great assistance he has rendered as lecturer to the Landore class of the Association. 11r. E. O. Jones, the secretary, was also the recipient of a silver-mounted walking stick.

HANDswoRTH.-Mr. J. Bagley, who has been a reprcsentative of Messrs. Best and Lloyd's ambulance corps on the committee of the Handsworth centre of the S J.A.A., was on Sept. 8th presented by the Committce with a medal in recognition of his long and valuable servIces. Chief Supt. H. Beck made the presentation, and Supt. Harkness and 11essrs. Wheeler and C. Jorden also spoke of the good \York of Mr. Bagley. The latter duty acknowledged the gift.

St. John Ambulance Brigade.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

BATLEY.-The lIayor of Batley (Ald. J. W. Turne r ) opened a new horse ambulance station for the town on Saturday, Sept. 5th, well-equipped premises having been provided at G. Jessop and Sr)O's yard in Bradfordroad-a central part of the town. The wagon is one of the latest, and was used for the first time during the week to convey a patient to the Lceds Infirmary. A sum of £270 has been raised by pu blic subscription to defray the cost which has been incurred.

BIR;l1l (;HA\f.-'Ve deeply regret to learn that the Supt.-Secretary T. R. Stamp) has resigned his position

It will be remembered by our readers that he organised the S.J.A.B. corps in face of much impediment, but his personality amongst ambulance men in the city was so great that he succeeded in persuading them to disband the the Birmingl1'lm and District Ambulance Brigade and join the S.J.A.H.

It was an uphill fight and much hard work, sacrifice of time and the spending of money. However it was done and all ambulance men in the country know of the distribution of medals by 1\lrs. Chamberlain and the immense good done to the Sl. John men by the important speech and the genorous tribut,,: paid by the Rt. Hon. J. Chamberlain of the work of the S J.A.B. in South Africa. The whole of the arrangements for this function were carried out single handed by Mr. Stamp.

Unfortunately in connection with the distribution of the medals granted by the Order of St. John some little disagreement occurred between Mr. Stamp and the authorities at St. John's Gate, and from what we can learn from our Birmingham correspondent, Mr. Stamp was undoubtedly in the right, but he did not receive that

A I D.- September, I903.

support to which he felt he was entitled to while trying to uphold the regulations of thc Br igade, and as a result he has once mo r e felt that it is necessary to sever his connection with a movement which undoubtedly owes more to his hard work and personality than to anyone in the city. Our correspondent says that the greatest regret IS expressed in ambulance circles in the city, and it is hoped even now that some arrangement may be made to avert that which can only be regarded as a most deplorable step as the initiation of the recently formed City of Birmingham Corps. Our correspondent further says that an appeal will be lodged with the Deputy Commissioner (Colonel Elliston) and the Assistant Commissioner (Mr. Woolston) to induce them to use their powerful influence to avert what can only be regarded as a calamity.

BLACKPooL.-The first compctition by ambulance corps and divisions os. -1-, 5, and 6 Districts of the S.J.A.B. for the Argenta Cup, value 100 gui neas, took place on Saturday, August 29th, at the Blackpool Police Station, and lasted from 10 a.m. until after six o'clock. The ITlembers of each team were examined separately, and the judges being Surgeon-Major Massingham and Dr. Wheelton Hind, of Stoke-on- Trent. Teams from the following towns competed :-Preston, Accrington, Lancaster, 'Yarrington, Brierfield, Nelson, Kendal, Radcliffe, Rochdale, Crompton, Bacup, Rawtenstall, Buxton, Dukinfield and Birchwood. The maximum number of marks was 500, and Brierfield, who won the cup, obtained +4-1-, Nelson and Kendal tying for the second place.

Arter the contest, Surgeon-Major Massingham said that the competition bad been a very close one, and the display was very creditable. The fir:,t, second and third teams were very close together.

The Assistant-Commissioner, Mr. J. C. Derham, said the very best thanks were due to the donors for providin a such a valuahle incentive to ambulance workers, by offering this handsome cup for competition, and afterwards handed a gold medal to each member of the team. The Mayor (Alderman Heyes) then handed the cup to the officer of the winning team, and Colonel Trimble, C.M.G., the deputy commissioner, presented the King's medal, granted by the. Order of St. J o.hn, Dr. Supt. Gosling for their valuable services 111 the moblllsation of the members of the ambulance division for duty in South Africa during the late campaign. He said that both had rendered conspicuous service. During the war over 2,000 ambulance men were sent out, and they had returned without a stain upon their character.

Tbe Mayor presented Mrs Orme, the lady superintendent of the Blackpool Nursing Division, with a vellum certificate, "tor her valuable and distinguished services in the furtherance of the philantbropic work of the Order in co.nnection with the ambulance department." His worship saId that had Mrs Orme not done her work faithfully and well she would not have got the certificate.

Col. Trimble said that Mrs. Orme had been the lady superintendent since 1895, and since then she had devoted no little time and trouble in the work. It was most difficult to obtain any recognition from the association unless it had been well earned, and he therefore cOQgratulated her.

The Chief Constable said the value of the certificate was indicated by the fact that there were only six ladies in the whole of the British Empire that had received it. The Mayor next presented certificates to several members of the nursing division. The competing teams were subsequently entertained to tea by the donors of the cup.

September, I903. -F I RST

yard of the fire station on Sept. S. W. Malkin, of the TO. 5 District, 111spected the various divisions of the Ambulance Corps of 13radford. Three hundred and thirty-five members of the Bradford Police Force have earned ambulance certificates, .and. fifty-seven possess medallions, having passed three exam111atlOns. A squad of men however attended the inspection on behalf of the The' Bradford Corps llad thirl'y-six men on parade, the firemen's division was represented by eight men, and there were also present members of the nursing division. Mr. Malkin arrived shortly after nine o'clock, a.nd after a thorough inspection of the corps he expressed as pleased with everything he had seen, and noted wIth pleasure the establishment of the nursing divisjon, which would, he felt sure, prove of great to the c.lty. On the whole the corps had, he said, much ltnproved sl11ce he last inspected it foUl" years ago.

success of the ambulance squad from thiS d'.vlSlon. at Blackpool, on Saturday, September 5 th , was received With the greatest enthusiasm in that town where the am bulance movement has got a very firm hold. In fact, the Brierfield authorities regard the corps as one of the best educated agencies in its midst, for each winter the executive arr:l.l1ge a series of lectures by some of the bestknown people in the country. A corps like this deserves to succeed.

A I D.-

Irtblingborough. Headed by the Wollaston Excelsior Prize Band the men marched to the Parish Church the sacred edifice being crowded. In the absence of Vicar tbe , servIce was conducted by tbe Rev. Dudley Butt, of Lea, and in the course of his sermon, which was based on the story of the Good Samaritan, the rev. gentleman approprireferred to the \\'ork of the ambnlance brigade, which, 111. effect, to carry out one of the great pnnclples of Chnstlan Charity, namely, the care of the sick and wounded. After the service the men marched to the Vicarage lawn.' where refreshments were provided, and after a appropnate words from the preacher, they were dismIssed. Tbe collections at church and en route wer e en behalf of the Bozeat Ambulan ce Funds.

N UNEAToN - Assistant Commissioner Woolston ( orthampton) held the annual inspection of this division on afternoon, September 5th, but only a few men put 111 an appearance. 1\1r. Woolston said tbat wh e n he came to Nuneaton he expected more men to meet him. Although on his own part the services were quite voluntary, yet he considered it a duty to be present, and it was a matter of courtesy for the men to meet him

The handsome

silver challenge shield, presented by fr. Harry Tunstil1, J.P., in memory or his fath e r, who was the president of the Brierfield Am bulance l\ssociation, has arrived in the district. It will be conJpeted for SYDNEY, N.S. W.

be eligible to enter the com -

RIXG. TEAD. On Monday afternoon, Au g. 3 [st, Chief-Supt. T. II. Hilton paid his annual visit to Ringstead to inspect th e Division. A good number of nursin g sisters attended at th e T empera nce Hall at 4.30 and we nt through a course of b:lnJaging, &c., to the satisfaction of th e Inspectin g Offic e r wbocomplimentcd th e m on their work. Afterwards th e men fe ll in at the T e mp e rance Hall and march e d to a field, kindly lent by Mr. in October, and all bligades in the country will petition.

AN AMBULANCE MAN'S Fu 'ERAL .-The remains of Private was interred on Saturday, Septembcr ISt, 111 the bunal ground attached to the Providence was attended by about 30 ambulance men.' 1I1cludl11g from N e lson. They walked in proand carned the coffin containing the remains of thell' dead comrade. A funeral service was held at the Congregational Church on Sunday morning, when some 50 amblllance men were present. The service was conducted by Mr. Richard Wilson, of Nelson.

Sunday evening, Aug. 30th, the members of thiS dIVISIon held their annual church parade. Over 120 men were on parade, mem bers being present from \Vellinaborough, Rushden, Higham Ferrers Wollaston I I · b '" rtb mg Olney, and Bozeat. The offic e rs present were: Chief Supt. .1'. H . Hilton, Wellingborough; First Officer Groom, Higham FCITers; First Officer li:atley,

Ross Bull, wh e n th ey we r e put and bandaging work by Supt. Perry. Chlef-Supt. Hdton then addressed the m ee ting previous to dismissal.

SA:\,Do\\,N.-On Sunday, Sept e'T ber 6th, a sacred concert was gi\'en on the Esplanade by the Town Band in airl of thi s Ui\ ision of th e t. John Ambulanc e Briaade. The collection realised over £8. Hearty thanks l1ave b ee n accorded to the band for their gr,at kindness.

S:"A won the Glamorgan Shield, and tbls bel11g for the third tim e in succession it becom es their property. \\ e should think it i? a fact for all co ncerned; fancy a team with a name like this. W e picture the judge dodging that name each tim e a candidate appeared. It has a crepitus-like sound.

TE1>I PLECOMBE.-- Under the auspices of the omerset Technical Education Committee and the Somerset and Dorset and L. & S. W. Railway Companies, a very SUCCeSsful course of lectures was Iccently given by Drs. G.lrdner

-FIRST

and Edwards on first aid. A fair number entered, 16 of whom went through the course, and all passed successfully, the examiner being Dr. Crespi, of Wimborne.

A public meeting was held in the school room on Friday evening, September 4th, the object being the pr ese ntation of certi ficates and t11t'dallions. The presentation was made by the President of the class the Rev. J. c. Fox, whilst the Education Committee was represented by T. H. M. Bailward, Esq., who gave an encouraging address, congratulating the class on the interest they were taking and on the success achieved. He expressed his pleasure at the very favourable comments made by Dr. McReddie at the inquest on a recent fatal accident at Templecombe, when the doctor said that first aid had been so well and efficiently rendered by the men present, that had it only have been a case of hremorrhage their skill would have saved the man's life, a fact which he considered spoke for itself. He also made a brief explanation regarding the grant made by the Education Committee The old committee being dissolved and a new one having taken its place, it may happen that no grant in future may be forthcoming for the object in which they were interested, the committee having decided to give attention to the support of secondary education in connection with the higher class schools similar to those at Bruton, Blackpool (near Redmore) and other places. At the same time he considercd that that devoted to the teaching of efficient first aid to the injured was deserving of hearty support, and he wished the class every success. The hearty applause which followed showed Mr. B a ilward's address and presence were very much appreciated.

The Rev. J. c. Fox, in making the presentations, also gave a congratulatory address.

It is gratifying to know that the energetic hon. sec. (1\1r. Cook) was presented ,,,ith the silver medallion of the Association. This had been subscribed for by the members of the class as a slight mark of its appreciation of the valuable services rendered. The President was especially pleased to make this presentation, as he had personal knowledge that it was well deserved.

Mr. Cook feelingly replied, and heartily thanked the class and the President, and said that although not by any deserving such recognit.ion he was pleased to accept It, and he would always value It "ery highly.

On the proposition of Mr. Perkins, seconded by Mr. Hallett, a vote of thanks was heartily accorded the Rev. J. c. Fox for the valuable assistance he had r endered in tb e past for his presence that evening to make the pr esentatIons.

TIH SI:£ELF.-In the r:egotiations to secure an inspecting officer thIS year to reView the Tibshelf and Birchwood Corps a disappointment was experienced, and another setfell to the lot of the corps at the annual inspection on Fnday, TIth, on the Tibshelf cricket ground. In the first mstance an attempt had been made to obtain the presence of General Sir Forestier Walker, but a date could not be fixed.

. How ever, Sir John Furley, who is well known in Tibshelf, undertook the office, and Mr. S. C. Wardell and hi: staff max themselves fortunate in being able to bring that dIstInguIshed gentleman to Tibshelf once more. The second was caused by the miserable .o.f the weather, which could hardly have be e n more dlspmtmg, and only a small portion of the criginal programme could carri.ed o.ut. This was a very regrettable fact, becaus.e thIS always regarded with a great amount of ll1terest ll1 Tlbsl1elf, and with fine weather the event atlracts a large concourse of people.

AI D.- Sept em ber, 11)03·

Sir J olm 1< urley is one of the pioneers of the am bulance world, and probably know:> more about ambulance work than any man connected with the mov e ment. He is the Yice-Chairman of the Ambulance Association and has b ee n present a t many of the European wars He was in the South African war, and ror his services to the ambulance work in the war h e was created a c.B. He has placed the knowl e dge acquired in many campaigns at the disposal of ambulance corps, who h ave profited by his initiative. He has visited Tibsh e lf several times previously, but on this particular occasion his vi sit was one of the most notable he has paid by the r easo n of the duty which fell to his lot, in the distribution of the medals presented by the Order of St. John, by permission of H.1I. the King, to those men who had served in the South African war.

The Birchwood contingent under Supt. Powiss, and Second-Officer S. A. J. Hill marched to Alfreton Station and entrained for Doe Hill Station, from whence th ey marched to Tibshelf headed by their band. They joined the Tibshelf Corps on the cri c ket ground.

Deputy-Commissioner S. C. Wardell co mmand e d the two corps. The officers of the Tibshelf Corps we r e Second-Officer Lee, Third-Officer Davis, Fourth-Officer Rawson, and Surgeon Stamford Th e Yicar of Tibshelf (Rev . G. E. Atkins) \\'as also present. The Rev. E. E. :'IJorris, of Ashbourne, and form e rly of Blackwell, who still retains the post of Chaplain t o the Tibsh el f Corps could not be present.

As Sir John Furley walked on th e ground, th e Tibshelf Band (under the direction of Bandmaster R. Coupe) played "Fallen my comrades," out of resp ect for those who had died in the lat e war. A number of ursing Sisters connected with the Tibshelf Corps were a lso o n the ground, under th e direction of 1Irs. S. C. Wardell (the lady superintendent). Sir John a t once inspected the men, but only a few exercises were permitt ed by th e weather. The men performed the march past, the massed bands playing under Bandmaster Coupe.

Sir John, in addressing the corps, said he had the greatest pleasure in accepting Mr. Wardell's invitation to come to Tibshelf. Several times he had enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Wardell, but he n eve r felt a greater pride in coming to Tibshelf than he did this year, because be had the honour of pr ese nting the King 's special medal to those ambulance men who served in the late South African war. Sir John felt a difi c ulty almost in expressing his appreciation of his presence tbat night. He was the fir st to suggest in Tibshelf that every man and woman should render himself or h erse lf proficient in ambulance and nursing work in time of peace, so tl1at if war should ariseand at that time he stated that they did not know how far they were from a campaign-they would be useful, and a blessing to the country and its defenders His (Sir John Furley 's) remarks had been more than justified and his hopes realised. He was glad to hav e the privilege of judging and hearing opinions of those officers in the late war upon the ambulance men-who nobly went to th e front-and he could say the men gave the greatest satisfaction to those under whom they served.

Sir J ohn the excellence, the proficiency, and the smartness of the parade, and he thanked Mr. Ward e ll and the men for according him so pleasant a visit to Tibshelf.

Deputy-Commissioner Wardell, in proposing a vote of thanks to Sir John, said he could assure him that they all joined in making the appreciation hearty and wining, for he knew that Sir John would come at some personal inconvenience to Tibsh e lf. Nobody W<.lS more fitted, or accept-

.. •

September 1903. -F IRST

able, than Sir John to make th a t evening's presentations mOI:e than one. T.o .Sir John Furley th ey were ll1d e bted for ra1Sll1g th e to a prominent place, and no one was more qualIfied to Impart the best advice to corps. had secured the hight'st experience by bemg present ll1 the late South African war, and also all th e great wars in recent years, and he was thus th e best able to the m er its of a corps. On that account they valued hiS presence that night and h e was worthy to distribute the honours hestowed by th e Kin g They had been revi ewed by some of the but no one could affo rd the corps more pleasure than Sir John. All the officers and men accorded him the welcome. It was some time since Sir Tohn was in Tlbsh clf, byt .tl: cy hoped it would not be lon"g before he repeat e d hiS VISIt.

Sergt.. Jix the motion, and saiu the men It a high honour to be reviewed by Sir John furley.

'I\TELL1 :>lGBOROUGE:£.-There wis a large and interested of the pubbc at th e annual inspection of the Corps of the St. J ohn Ambulance Brigade, took place on Saturday, August 29th, on the Grammar Grounds, when the members earned th e the In specting Officer and full y mamtamed tbe h.1gh reputatlOn they have gaincd for smartness and effiCiency.

]3rigade-Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel G. S. Elliston V D the Deputy Commissioner of the District had announced t<? make the inspection, but that Officer, who .1S very popular with the corps, was unable to atte.nd. HIS however, was ably filled by the ASSIstant C01l111l1SSlOner Mr. T. H. " oolston, one of the plOneers o.f th e ambulance movement in Northamptonshire, to whom It been a source of great pleasure to see how profiCIent thIS corps which is one of his creation has become.

The various Divisions assembled at H eadqua rt ers, an.d, headed by the Volunteer Band, under th e conductorSh1p of Bandmaster Clayson, marched to the Grammar School ground, where they were drawn up ready to receive th e Officer. The ambulance wagon followed in r ea r an.d ll1 the grounds a fully-equipped field hospital had be e n pItched.

The state was as follows :-One. cbief-supt., SIX hOnOlar) surgeons , first officers, SIX sergeants seven. corporals, t\velve cycltsts, 178 privates j lad ; supeLllltendents, and 49 nursing sisters.

Th e present we r e :-Chief-Surgeon W. E. Audland, DIstnct Chief-Supt. T. H. H ilton up t Perry First-0!TIcer A. O. Groome 1 errers), First O!TIcer T. SWll1dali (Rushden), First Officer C. .Eatl ey (Irth11l1gborough). The visiting officers were Chlcf-Supt. Kin g (Leicester), and Supt. Re eves and Supt., -Sec re.tary ( orthampton).

fhe which was of a very thorou gh character, been mad e. Assistant-Commissioner IV oolston sa1d that was his first official inspection of the corps. l! e say that he was very pleased indeed with the way ll1 whlCh thf'y had carried out the drill and with the general smartness shown in all ranks A fe w years ago when they began work there, people smiled at them and propheSied. that their life would be two years and no more, but he did not supp.ose t.hat Welling borough now would fo r any conSIderatIOn b e without their aSSistance. He was very pleased indeed with what he had

AI D. - 53

seen that day, and he congratulated Chi e f-Supt. Hilton upon the fine corps he had under his command.

District Chief-Surgeon Audland, after referring with regret to the absence of Colonel Elliston said that that gent leman, in Writing, stated that as they one of th e oldest and strongest in the district, he expec t ed to find amongst them the hIghest standard of work, adding that what he had seen of them at camp and when on duty ll1 London on the occasion of th e royal procession last year, he was sure th ey would bave r eached that standard The District Chief-Surgeon said he could also say .that he had never seen th e corps smarter or more efficlCnt than that day. Colonel Elliston further expressed the hope that the next camp would be a record one and Dr. said he quite agreed with their when he saId he that W ellingbo rough \\ ould fo rm th e back bone or the Brigade. Speaking of the w?rk th a t day, Audland said h e had been very pleased and treatm ent of wounded, which was a dlStlllCt Ref err ing to the way in which th e corps was apprecIated by the public he instanc ed the actIOn of the inh abitants of Woll as ton, had erected a room for the use of the members of that Division and the hope that other parishes wher e Divisions we re situated take the l:i n t, for it was on I y righ t that as the d.ld so much work for the public the latter should ll1 sO.me way that. work, this they could do ?y provldll1g them WIth a room m each division to meet 111.

Commissioner \\ ools on then presented the pnzes had been awarded in a roller bandaging compet1tlOn amongst th e nursing sisters. the corps were ente rtained to t ea at the Gram'dle and Clarence Restaurants.

'IY.Hl'l.·,,·oRTH.-The

annual inspection of th e Rochd ale and Dlstnct Corps took place on Saturday afternoon at Rochdale. The Inspectin g Officer was District ChiefSupt. Whittak er, of Accrington. Th e 'IYhitworth Divisi o n \\'as repr esented by one one sergeant, Dr. Baillie (H?n and Lj. p:lvatp.s.. They were put through their vaned .dnll and the ll1spectl11g officers complimented them on tl:elr smart appearance and efficiency, with which he .was pleased. During the D.rternoon Colonel Ro) ds, i\I.l. for T the following members of the \\ hltworth DIVISIOn WIth South African war medals - pre.sented by the Order of St. John to those who had served 111 th e late war :-Ptes A. Hoyle F. Hoyle and T. \V. White, the latt er , however, was 'unabl e to be present, and the medal has been forwarded. Mrs. RoyJs afterwards presented several nursing certificates.

W ORK.Sor -" Yenox," th e anonymous slanderer of the \\ orksop 1)1\'I 51On has had his attention ca lled to th e fact that h e has. a pity, for its better to relegate 1l1dlvIduais of hiS t emperament to oblivion-in the of a. periodical called FIR T AID (caps pl ease 11r. Pnn.ter), h e goes 011 to state, "though I am loathe (SLC) to adn:lt my ignoran ce, I have not had the pleasure of heanng before " Well, that shows that the ambu.lance educatIOn of "Venox" has been sadly n eg lected) had h e been a constant subscI ber to FA" would have not made such a n - well, hUTIself. .one or two little rubbings in we must administer to our frI e nd of the doggie name-it reminds one of 'Melox." lI e says" it is no more n ecessa ry for an ambulan ce corps to have a band than it is for a poli ce forcc."

WHEN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASE MENTION .• FIRST .AID "

-F I RS T

Woul d our friend be surprised to learn that most up-to-date Police forces had their own band, and very proud they are • " '( 7 " He of them, too. Then, when agal11! v says, understands that the volunteers dU!lng their recent.encampment, scarcely heard a note of bugle or dunng daily exercises " Sure! whose been fooling ye, honey. lYe never knew a military encampment, regular or volunteer where the bugle was conspicuous by its silence. Then agai'n, after this display of infantile ignorance, "Venox" goes on to say: "If the members of the corps will go over to the volunteers, or even the boys bngade, he will not have a word to say."

One thing strikes one in connection with t111S latest d f "'l.T - " He effusion from the venomous pomte pen 0 enox. refers to the argument being weak, says tl:at as a re;ult the writer has had to fly to approblOus epIthets.. we refer "V enox " to his own letter. He m It. to Sergt. Mitchell with a quoted ?, and?e hiS efFUSIOn by stating that the ambulance. 111 Itself an excellent institution, but much 111 ltS management IS as ludicrious as it is unwise, and humbug ch,ea p advertisement won't induce the public to support It. " ell, if this is not abuse, and vulgar abuse, what is? We know much about Work sop, but we have had of meeting representatives from both the fire bngade and the am bulance corps, and splendid fellows they are, too; and although it has not been our pleasure to meet the esteemed chief of the ambu ance corps, we know by repute that he is of the working ambulance men in his own partIcular dlstnct, and he deserv es. every encouragement, rather than he sho.u ld be of the venomous attacks which are eVidently aImed at him by the individual who we dubbed in our former par, the " Cantankerous Crank," and who, we think, by his further letter, has fully justified the appellation.

London's Ambulance Service (?)

MANY of our readers are showing keen in thi.s inte r est in this subject, one sends us the .partIculars about the New York system. Doubtless It old news to many, but we quote it as the f:lcts that have been quoted in the public press. how far are behind Brother J onatban. It lS a pity tbat 1\1r. Carnegie does not devote some tl:ose t hat he throws away so lavishly on pubhc. libranes, to fixmg us up with an up -to-date ambulance serv ice He wo ul d earn the gratitude of thousands :-

New York, as one might expect, has a ve r y u p-t?-date system. It is primarily under tbe control of the polIce so far as accidents are concerned . Altogether t here are twenty-three ambulance carriages stationed at the several hospitals-at those under the control of t?e Department of Charities and Corrections (State Hospitals) and at "General" Hospitals (i. e., those not entirely maintai n ed by city government). T he services of ambula n ce are requis it ioned through tbe most expeditIOUS royte fr om .the nearest hospital, and it at once turns out. wIth. a med Ical 111an. The patient is disposed of at the d scretl?n of the ambulance doctor-e ither to hospital or to hiS

Advantage is also taken of the when expedltl?US medical opinion and IS reqUlr.ed at a pollcestation and an ambulance WIll also gratUItously transport the sick to hospital on a physician'S order that i s services are required tor a patient who .is too poor to pay The service, of course, is a day and mght one.

A I D. - September, 1903

Railway Ambulance.

On Sunday afternoon, Septem'uer 6 t h, in thc Guildhall, a very interesting was held.. The l\1ayor of tbe City (Charles Pratt, Esq.) 111 the chair, Mr. Crabtree (General Manager G. N. and G. E. JOll1t Railway) and Mrs. Crabtree, Mr J. J. Readin g (G.N . Station Master) and Mrs Readin g Dr. Godfrey Lowe and :l\Irs Lowe, Dr. Purvis, Dr. Lambert K R. D e ighton (Supl. of Lincoln Division S.J.A.B.), NIl'. Ne1sey, (Hon. Sec G. R Class), and.NI r. IIorn?uckle (Hon. Sec. Class).

Buxton (MIdland StatIOn Master) and Mr. Coleman (Chief Constable) were unable to be present.

The Mayor said it was needl ess for hll11 to pomt out the splendid work tha' could be r endered by those who had attended those classes, and he felt it his duty as mayor to conO'nttulate those who hall taken up the work. He felt that the citizens, through him, would wish to express appreciation of the work, and he believed it would b ear fruit in the future. For a doctor who had to attend a number of accidents, it must be easier if he had train e d ambulance men to help him, and he (the mayor) for esee c ircumstances in which they could rend e r help 111 case of serious accident on the railway, which God forbid. His Worship then pr esented the certificates..

Supt. Deighton afterwards ga"e. some ll1for:natlOn regarding the St. John Ambulance B.ngac.e, and "'.Ith the City Division, help to form a corps 111 Lmcoln With one drill and one r egime common to all. also poke of. tl:e facilities offered by the Admiralty to Bngade men who JOI.n the Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve to further thclr studies in ambulance and hospital work.

Mr. Reading, on behalf of the G N. R. Class, asked Dr. Lowe to accept a handsom e watch and case for use on his motor cycle in remembrance of the useful lectures given to the class.

Dr. Lowe thank e d l\1r. Reading and the Class for their kindness, and said if the Class formed a division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade he would be very pleas e d to be their honorary surgeon Mr. Ellingworth, on behalf of the Midland Class, asked Dr. Purvis to accept a gold-mounted umbrella in acknowledgement of his excellent lectures, quoting where one of the class had already been instrumental in saving the life of a fellow employe.

Dr. Purvis thanked Mr Ellingworth and the Class for their kindness, he should always value the gift as a memento of his first am bu1ance class in Lin c oln

Dr. Lamb e rt and Mr. Crabtree also addessed the classes

The meeting' closed with a vote of thanks to the Mayor, which was carried by acclamation.

lr. W S I nder writes us that he has received a letter fr om Miss F lorence Nightingale'S secreta r y, saying, "We both find 'On Active Service with the S lA.R in South Africa' deep l y interesting."

3 lIE

The surgical aid depar t ment which the Northumberland miners established as an adjunct to their Association some years ago, continues to be of great use and service to the miners who receive injur ies whi le at work. The chief value of the department is to ass ist in the purchase and supply of surgical appliances variety of articles supplied is very g r eat, but we are given to understand that those who control the department draw the l ine at spec t acles.

lit •

September, 19 0 3. - F I RST

Ind e pendent Ambula n ce Corp s.

BRISTOL AMBULANCE CORPs.-By invitation of Lady Smyth, this Corps from the S eame n's Institut e marched to Ashton Court on Saturday, Aug. 29th, being beaded by the band of the 13th Company 1st Gloucestershire Artillery Volunteers, and followed by the n e w ambulance wagon. Capt. Tresize was in command. Upon reaching Ashton Court the corps marched past and saluted her ladyship and guests, and gave an exhibition of first aid and life-saving work Lady Symth spoke of the pleasure it gave her to the corps and to , witness the various demonstrations, and formally declar ed the ambulance wagon open for the use of the public, and invited the men to partake of her hospitality . The corps subsequently returned to their headquarters. Much interest was evinced by th e public in the new ambulance wagon. It is stated that this is the first corps to place such an ambulance upon the streets of Bristol, and that the corps will shortly have two others (one the absolute gift of Lady Smytb).

Metropolitan Fire Brigade.

On Saturday, September 5th, a particularly sad accident occurred at the Clerkenwell station of th e M e tropolitan Fire Brigade, resulting in th e death of Sub-officer Sellers, a promising young officer. .i\.t th e inqu est held on Tuesd ay, Septem ber 8th, the widow was so overcome th at she could not give her evidence, and the Coroner only asked a few nece:;sary questions.

] )istrict Officer William Emanuel said deceased had been a mem ber of the brigade for 18 years. On Saturday it was found n ecessary to fill the tanks on th e roof by means of th e hose, as the pressure from the main was insufficient. It was absolutely n ecessa ry tn do tbis, as th ere might have been an explosion, there being a large boiler in the basem e nt which supplied the whole establishment with hot ,Yater. The work of filling the tank had been completed. and the hose was being lowered from the roof wh e n when th e re was a cry of "Stand from under. " \Vitn ess looked up and saw th e guttering breaking away. Lookin g round a moment later he saw deceas e d lying on his back in a larg e pool of blood. A piece of guttering was lying n ear him which had fall e n a distanc e of 55 ft. The piece causing death was of cast iron weighing 3 lbs. A leather band round the hose had caught in the gutter, and the we ig ht of the hose caused it to break away. Dr. H. Chambers, ot Wi l mington -square, was immediately sent for, but on arrival he found Sellers breatbing, but very faintly. Death occurred about two minutes afterwards, being due to compres5ion of the brain, caused by the skull being fractured

The Coroner said it was quite clear that deceased met his death from accidental causes, and the jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death "

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral , which, at the widow's request, was a pnva t e one, took p lace on Thursday, Sep t ember loth, frol11 th e Mount Pleasant station, Rosebery-avenue

The p late upon the lid of the polished and brass mo u nted coffin bore the inscription :

ALFRED JAi\lE S SRLLF:RS, Died 5th September, 1903

Aged 4- years.

The cortege consisted of a four -horsed open car, followed by two carriages, in which were the widow and ch ildr en and other re atives, and a lso by one of the brigade

A I D. - 55

conveyances, on which were Li e ut e nant Siaden (third officer Mr. Smith, E.c.c. (chairman Fire Bri ga d (s' Committee), and Mr. John nums, M.P (member of the Fire Brigades Committee). District Offic e r Emanuel followed in an0ther carriage, and some of the men of the station accompanied. The large assembly of officcrs and men from other London stations met th e cortege at th e gates of the Highgate Cemetery, from wh ence they follow e d their late comrade to his last r es ting place in "Firemen's Corner."

A correspondent says there were no s igns of bodily pain upon the features of th e unfortunate man, it was prior to closing the coffin that the head and face were bandaged in places. The force of th e blow can we ll be judged when it is stated that there is still a piece of the fallen g utter immovably embedded in th e paved way of the yard wh e re th e impact was.

Th ere was a great contribution of splendid wreaths a nd other tokens, including one from the wiJow and children, an anchor from Captain Hamilton, th e n e wlyappointed chief officer, a wr eat h from "Brother Edwin," a from :l\1r. Osborne, Mr. H. Ullmar and l\1r. Hunt (three neighbouring trad esmen in Farnngdon-road). Others were from the officers and men at the station, superintende nt and men of the Salvage Corps, District Officer Emanuel and Mrs. Emanuel, chief officer and firemen (membe rs of the .F.B.V.) engaged at Earl's Court, officers and men of the 1\I.F.B., officers and men of the Shadwell Fire Station, from th e Essex Ramblers (Walthamstow), officers and men of the E division l\Ietropolitan Police, " From all ranks, " and others. Th e fun era l arrangements were well carried through by l\Ir •\'lfr ed Smith, 122, Southwark Bridge-road.

In th e presence of a distinguished audience, wbicb in elud ed Capt. Hamilton and Third Officer Siaden, of the London Fire Brigade, also many we ll -known chief office rs of the provincial fire brigades, a thorough practical demonstration was held on Thursd ay, September 17th, to t est the capabilities of the steam fire engines exhibited at Earl's Court by th e Ludwigsb erg Company, Ltd , of Stockholm (Sweden). Th e claim of this Company, that their engines are equal, if not superior, to those of British make, has undoubt ed ly been verified by the splendid performance gone throu gh before a most critical audienr.e, who were loud in their admiration of the solid workmanship and simple, ) ct effective, construction of these Swedish steamers Th e demonstration commenced a t r o'clock with a small steamer of a capacity of 120 gallo n s a minut e, throwing a 1 in. jet to a distance of about 50 ft. The performance of this Ii ttl e beauty evoked loud praise from all present. Following on, th e larg e steamer was got r eady, and produced about 100 lbs pressure in eig ht minutes, from cold wat er. This steamer has a capacity of about 250 gallons and throws one jet about 120 ff, or two Or more jets, according to circumstances. The bye-pass arrangements, whereby the no zz le may be sbut off while the steam is fullblast, is a most practical feature of the engines. Owing t o the simplicity of construction all n ecessa ry repairs may be undertaken by any ordinary mechanic; this will undoubt ed ly tend to make these solidly built steamers popular in co untry. Capt. Webb, the Chief of the Jew South Wal es Fire Department, who is over hcre on a professional vi it, spoke "ery higbly of the businesslike \\' o rk and appearance of th e Ludwigsberg steamers, and w e hop e to see some of them in competition with our hom c product in th e near future.

FIRST AID

SEPTEMBER 2I, I903·

AID.- Septem ber, 19°3.

The Chute Fatality.

September, 1903. --FIRST Our Portrait Gallery.

The Lesson of the

THE recent Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the methods of the War Office a nd its various DepartR.ecent War. ments, has finished its labours and issued its Report. Truly, the latter is not pleasant reading for the subjects o f the British Empire, but if its publication, which, we think, is to be deplored, leads to adequate reform, perhaps, we may discover that out of evi l cometh good, and that it is a blessing in disguise. One department comes out fairly well, and that is the Army Medical Department; the A. M D. has faced the music to better advantage than many of t he other departments, and this has been mainly due to the splendid voluntary services rendered to it by such patriotic men as Lord IVEAGH, Mr. Mr. MO SELEY , Ir. V AN ALEN, and others, and by such organisations as the Volunteer :Medical Staff Corps, the St. John Ambulance Brigade, and the Ambulance Department of the National Fire Brigades Union.

"\V e trust, however, that the lessons that had to be learned during the bi tter experience of a defeat in war will not be lost sight of, and that the A.M D will still further develop its resources. No doubt it is impossible to keep up a large Hospital Corps in time of pea.ce, but we do think a most important reserve might be formed of fullytr ained ambulance men by th e payment of a small fee, as is done by railway men. And furthermore, the women attached to the Brigade would form a most valuable reserv e .

During the late war the services of many women were requisitioned who had no more claim to th e pretension that she was a nurse than has the pauper helper who assists in the Infirmary Workhouse. We put it to the authorities to form a reserve which these ladies can join, and we feel assured that should it happen at any time that their services were requisitioned, they would prove as us eful allies to the Royal Army Medical Corps as did th e men of the Brigade, to which they are attached. W e hav e always contended that in the personnel of the St. John Association the authorities have the fin est neuclus of a thorou g hly equipped Volunteer Ambulance Service, and we put it to them that, in these piping times of peace, some efforts should be made to consolidate the service as a whole, so that, in the event of sudden mobilisation, the whole Brigade could be called up for service. It looks a tall order, but some of our Continental friends, had they th e advantage of possessing so highly trained a voiunta r y service at hand, would at once take advantage of it, and would fo ster and e n courage its development in every way that might lay in their power.

Mr. F. D. Thomas held an inquest at the City on i\ugust 28th, on the body of Mary Beatrice Coo, aged 24 years, an operator at the Holborn Exchange of the National Telephon e Company, who fell through a fir e chute on the preyious Tuesday.

Herbert Geor ae Corner, manager of the Exchange, b said the Company had had the fire chute fitted for eIght or nin e months, a nd the practice on Tu.esday was the only one they had had for th e young ladles emp loyed

Of the eiahty ope r ators at the Holborn Exchange thlTtyfive attended Of this number twenty -s ix went down the chute the others not carina to do so. The chute was b d fastened outside a window about 42-ft. from the groun , and scrp.ws or twists were made in it to check the progress of the person inside. Someone stood in the road, holding the end of the apparatus When deceased was about eight or ten feet from the ground, she fell through a rent and dropped to the ground. The. rent was just. wher e the weight of her body would have tIghtened the tWist so much that she could not have fallen any further. The operators went through the chute feet foremost.

By Mr. H. H. Lawless,. who appeared th e National T elephone Company, witness saId that oW111g to the disasters at City fires the Company had taken eve ry precaution to protect employes in case of a n outbre.ak. A representative of Messrs. Merryweather, who supplIed the chute , helped to put deceased into

One of th e jurors, after exam1l1Ing a boot worn by dec ease d remarked that appa rently part of the h ee l had teen lodse when she had entered th e chute, and this coming off left bare a number of sharp, long sprigs, which evidently tore the canvas.

Alfred Frederick Pittaway, of 1Iessrs. Merryweather and Co., said the moment he saw the rent he knew i.t was caused by the spr igs in deceased 's boot. He girls about going down with metal belts or pms ll1 theIr hair.

The Coroner observed that in case of fire people would not have time to remove their boots and it seemed questionable whether canvas were safe:

A juror asked why the tWIsts were 111 chute?

It was explained that in the case: of novIc es It was not advisable to let them fall like a bullet the whole length of the chute, and th e twists would be omitted when the person descending had been down once or twice b efo re.

The secretary of Mess rs. Merryweather and Co., said the canvas was the best that could be obtained.

Medical evidence showed that death occurred from fracture of the skull. The jury r et urned a verdict of accidental dp.ath.

A new system of elec tric alarms, never, it is previously adopted :n London, has been fitted In the Hampst ea d Public Sw imm ing Bath.s, in order th at assistance may be given to anyone 111 danger of drowmng. Directly a case of this kind is seen the atte?dan t, by pressing a button, rings a beE in th e office m. each of th e other oaths. At the same time a dISC dIsp layed indicating at which of the four baths help is attendants all train e d in the vario us methods of lIfe-saVIng and thereupon hurry to the spot, and in a surprise test mad'e by the Baths Committee it was found that five m en were brought to give aid to an apparently drowned in exa ctly thirty-five seconds . •

H. W. ESQ., I-ION. SI£RVI l G BROTHER OF THE ORDER OF JOHN AND RECTOR'S "\VARDEN OF THE PRIORY CHURCH OF ST. JOHN, CLERKENWELL, E.c.

TI-IE gentlemen whose portrait we present in this month's Gallery, was born in Canonbury in 1859, and has held the position of Rector's Warden of St. John's, Clerkenwe ll , SInce 1889.

Mr. Finchaal who is one of the leading tr adesme n in Clerkenwell ha ::; always taken the g reatest interest in the

he possesses a splendid collection of book plates, and he is the author of "The Engravers of English and American Bookplates," a work which is justly r ega rded as the sta ndard work on this interesting subject.

Few men we should say have made so many friends in so many different walks of life, he has a happy knack of ingratiating himself with all those with whom he comes in and we are sure that once a friendship is started, It IS n e ver by any means revoked by those who can app reciate his worth-and they are legion.

Provincial Fire Brigades.

CHELlIISFORD On Wednesday afternoon, Septem ber 2nd, the Chelmsford Fire Brigade gave a demonstration in the Recreation Ground. A high wooden staging was e rected near the flag-staff, an d from these took place various exhibitions with life-lines, the jumping-sheets, and so on. There was a great cheer from the crowd when the Chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee (Mr. E. Lawn ) ventured to try and came sliding down one of the lines. Two competitions for the brigade also took place, medals for one being given by Mr. E. Lawn, and medals for th e other by Messrs. Shand, Mason and Co., one of whose representatives was present. Th e two-men hose truck drill was won by Supt. Farrow and Fireman "\V. Cousins; Firemen Pease and J. Cousins being second, and Firemen Willett and Byatt third. Th e members of th e winning team in the fire-escape drill were Firemen Hefford, Willett, W. Cousins and J. Cousins. As a finale the brigade gave a demon stration. An alam was give n, the horses were fetched and harness ed to th e steam-engine, and driven round a part of the ground, to a spot near the river, the suction and hose put on, and an imaginary fire played upon. The time occupied in these operations was about seven minutes. Mr. Lawn acted as starter in the competitions, and Mr. H. Crozier as tim ekeeper. Th e prizes were distributed by the Mayoress (1\1r. G. W. Taylor). During th e afternoon select ions wer e r endered by the Mid-Essex band.

borough, so ricb in antiquarian history Indeed, it must be a matter of considerable satisfaction to th e Order, that in the person of this gentleman, th ey have a mem ber whose valuable study of their past history and all connected with their unique and ancient headquarters is of so large and varied a nature Incidentally, it may be mention ed, that in collaboration with the Rector (Rev. T. W. Wood) he is responsible for the produ ction of a most valuable little guide to the St. John 's Priory, inde ed we may say, that he is n eve r so happy as wh e n personally explaining the beauties of th e crypt which he has done so much to preserve and improve for the benefit of the present and future gene rations.

Mr. Fincham is a member of thp Library Association of the United Kingdom, and Vice-President of the Ex-Libus Society of which he was one of the founders, and h e has contributed many valuable articles to the jo urn al which the latter Society publishes.

He is of kindly and genial nature, and th e work of th e Ord e r appeals strongly to his love of antiquarian study and in this sense his camera is always at the disposition of any member of the Order or its department if its a id will in any way advance the work in which it is engaged.

It will be of int e r est to firemen to learn that Mr. Fincham is a collector of old Fire Insurance Companies plates, and his valuable collection of these is now on view at th e Fire Exhibition, at Earl's Court. In addition to this

COVENTRy.--During t he pas t twelve ITJonths the Coventry Volunteer Fire Brigade received and r esponded to 35 alarms of fire Of these three were outside the municipal boundary, viz., Coombe Abbey, Pickford Grange, Allesley, and Canley. In connection with the latter fire a very gratifying letter was received from Lord Leigh.

As usu al, the time take n from th e first receipt of the info rm ation at the Central Fire Station to the time of arrival a t scene of t?e outbreak has been very small, a n d the bngade certamly deserve the numerous cong ratulations received on their quick turn -outs

There has been an average attendance of seventeen members at eac h fire. Twenty-s even drills were held during the year, and several public and private places vi si ted with a view to ascertaining the local conditions as to wat e r supply, &c.

The appliances at the service of the brigade consist of two steam fire engines and fittings, one 45 ft. horsed fire escape and hose tender, with fittings; one 65 ft. escape; one 40 ft. escape; one 40 ft. curricle escape; one horse hose tender; one hand hose cart; fourteen scaling ladders' one sheet; one smoke helmet; three hand pumps; one lIfe Ime; 5,300 ft. of canvas hose; nin e standpipes; two canvas tanks ; two surgical ambulance cases; two chemical fire extinguishe r s

Th e Foleshill district now possesses a branch fire station situate in Homsdale-road. This station is in con-

-FIRST

nection with the branch fire station and library, and forms part of the same buildings.

The good feeling which exists between the Coventry Fire Brigade and the Dunlop Fire Brigade was demonstrated and enhanced on Wednesday evening, August 26th. The Dunlop Brigade met the Coventry Brigade at the latter's engine-house, and the combined forces proceeded to Smith's Stamping Works, Stoney Stanton-road. Here a united drill took place with a total of -1-5 members present. The drill was greatly approved by the managing director of the Stamping \Vorks and others. It was carried through most satisfactorily. The Dunlop men were under Lieut. Egginton, and the Coventry memb e rs under Capt. Armishaw. The latter entertained the whole of the members of both brigades in the Recreation Room of the Hal e s-str ee t Station, and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Capt. Armishaw spoke in high terms of th e manner in which the Dunlop Brigade helped bis men. They did all they possibly could to assist, and he hoped tbat the present good feeling which existed would continue. H e complimented the fellow brigad e on tb e smart mann e r in which they turned out at fires. Li eu t. Egginton. on behalf of his brigade, responded. Capt. Armishaw also expressed the thanks of Coventry Brigade to Capt. Tuke. He mentioned that whilst the Coventry men had their outing, ten of th e Dunlop memb ers were k ep t on duty in their place 1\. musical programme was contributed to by 1< iremen Butler and Tuckey, and 1\1r. S. Bushby, the latt e r presiding at the piano.

DEw sBuRv -S up e rintendent \Varwick who bas served the town of Dewsbury faithfully in the capacity of superintendent of the Borough Fire Brigade, has tendered his r es ignation to th e Watcll Committee, and it has beell accepted with regret. Supt. Warwick succeeded DetectivE:: \Vhiuett as super intendent of the brigade seventeen years ago, being recommended for the post by the then Chief Constable, Captain ArrO\vsmith. It is acknowledged that he has discharged th e onerous duties with credit both to himself and the town. During his years of office Supt. Warwick has only missed two fires which the brigade have attended. H e demonstrat ed considerable skill in fire ext inction, and at times ran great risks, narrowly esca ping injury. When he took charge of the brigade it was locat e d in a building in the \\ 'e llington -roa d, but more commodious and suitable premis es haye now b ee n provided at the Town Hall. Th e equipment and appliances of the brigade have also been improyed, for whilst formerly a hand-cart was used, now the brigade possesse3 a capital fir e-eng ine. Sergt. Barraclough has be e n recommended by the Watch Committee to succeed 1\1r. \Varwick as superintendent.

ETO:N.- \.t th e monthly m ee ting of the Urban District Council, held on Sept. 4th, a report was submitted by the Fire Brigade Committee respecting the provision of fire appliances for the saCety oC Eton College. It was stated that a steam fire engine had been ordered, together with a system of fire communication. The latter will cost £615, besides £200 Cor installation. OC this amount £600 has been promised by the Eton College authorities and £ 100 by the Barnes Bridge Trust ees, leaving th e balance to be raised by public subscription. The total cost will be over £ 1,000, plus the expense of the resident engineer.

1\1o ss SrnK-The 11('''" horse tender and fire escape recently ordered by the District Council from 1\1essrs. Merryweather and Sons has just been delivered. It is of

AI D - September, 19 0 3

light weight, and constructed to be easily drawn by a pair of horses. The tender provides accommodation for firemen, 1,000 ft. of hose, and other fittings. The escape, which is carried horizontally on the tender, can be detached instantly on arrival at a fire, R.nd reaches a height of 45 ft. when the telescopic ladders are extended. It is fitted with improved sliding carriage, which enables the ladders to be used at any angle, from horizontal to vertical, while having the foot of the main ladder always on the ground. This is an important feature wben the ladders have to be extended at a low angle across forecourts and front gardens, into which the escape carriage will not pass. All the ladders are fitted with patent bow string girder trussing.

NEWCA TLE.-At the meeting of the Newcastle Watch Committee, on Sept. 2nd, a conversation, turning upon th e present inquiry as to the various Corporation Committees and their duties, took place with refe rence to the Fire Brigade Committee, which is a sub-committ ee of the Watch Committee. Attention was drawn to the fact that mem bers of the Fire Brigade Committee were also members of the \Yatch Committee, and under th ese circumstances it was thought to be unnecessary for one' committee to report to another, seeing that they were practically identical. It was suggested that the Fire Brigade sub-Committee be merged into the Watch Committee. It was decided to 1sk the members of the Fire Brigade Committee to consider the subject and report. We should consider the suggestion a sensible one.

ROTHERHA f,1.- Several important improvements have recently been made in the constitution and housing of the Rotherham Corporatiom Firt Brigade. By resolution of the Town Council a chief officer (Mr. Enright, the Chief Constable) and a superintendent ( fl'. White, late of the Sheffield City Fire Brigade) were appointed, together with several constables. In addition ther e are seven of the volunteer members of the old brigade. Supt. White and his police subordinates have just entered their n e w quarters, which are situate 0[[ Rawmarsh and Greasborough-roads. Tbere is housing accommodation for eleven men, and the fire station is planned on modern lines. Instead of the antiquated method of alarm by means of th e steam buzzer electric bells are fitted to each dwelling, and it is also possible to hold telephonic communication with the police ofnee, wher e information as to fir e outbreaks is invariably received. 0 delays in regard to the horsing of the engines will take place in future. Adjoining the enginehouse is a four-stall stable, and the horses, which have yet to b e acquired, will be trained so that when tbe bell rings and the automatic doors swing open they will be able to release themselves, and take up their position beside the engine. The experience of the new officers is proving most valuable, and the arrangements made should give an increased sense of security to owners of property and the inhabitants generally

W ALLASEY.-Mr. G, W. Byne, Deputy-Superintendent of the Birkenhead l'ire Brigade, has been selected for the position of Chief Superint e ndent of the Wallasey Fire Brigades. The position is one of no little responsibility, as it includes the supervision of the Brigades of Seacoom be, Liscard and N ew Brigbton. Mr. Byne bas b ee n with the Birkenbead Fire Brigade for about 18 months, and was in charge ot the Acton Brigade for two yea rs before that. He had also been second officer at Croydon for three years, and for 71 years was a firewan in the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, London.

OORRESPONDING W ITH ADVERT I SERS PLEASE M ENTI ON

September, 1903. -FIRST

Th e Int e rnatio na l F ir e Ex hibition , Ear l 's Cou rt .

GE ERAL EXlJIl3ITION AWARDS.

I. -Co'\I\lERC r \L EXHIJHTS.

LIST 0I<' SPJ':CL\L AW.\RDS.

For 111l? I/,/,lim./z·oll 0/ E \/,aJlsio/l Cmr to Steall/ EII.;riIlCS.

Shand, l\[ason and Co., go ld medal.

" For "[!ltoll/alit Fire A larlll Systellls. } Ire Alarm, Ltd., golclmcdal.

Siemens Electrical Appliances Co.) Ltd., gold medal.

rr ensel and Co., P., sih'er medal. Fire Appliances, Ltd., silver medal. Schoppe, Oscar) Berlin, silver mcdal.

For ChcIIII,'al JJaJIII E \liJlt/cllrs.

'\\Talker and Co., Frank, London, sil':er medal.

Laboratorium Fur Chern., Feuerschutz und Loschmittel, C::lL1t sch, ?llunich, bronze medal.

i or C Oppcn and Pnnzke, Spandau, gold medal.

For Iire Res/slill,' IJanrs.

Grimley, T. G. (for Curfe,,' Armoured Fire Door Co.), silver medal.

Fsr i·in Res/slim,' (-'Ian.

PIlklllgton Bros., Ltd., silver medal.

i-or Fire Ro·.,isliIlK r("ill dow.\'.

Haye s, Geo., New York, sih ' er medal.

I'or Fire Rnislill:'" 11' 10/1'.

Columbian Fireproofing Co., Ltd., gold mcdal.

•

For Hailli i'ire Esmpes

I\lagirus, C. D., Ulm, sih'er medal.

i'or ./J'ars,'d Esmpcs. Shand, :\la50n and Co., silver medal.

j'or .If'orJa/ COIII(,:'llo'd ClhlllillII EII/;illL's 7('ilit i'ir" Es(ap<.l'

.Merr) weathcr and Sons, Ltd. slh er medal.

For 11.10/01' Slt'alll i'ire Rill, illu·

Busch, \V Bautzen, gold medal. Mcrryweather and Sons, Ltd., gold medal.

.For J/, lal I,alhill"

l\elV Expallc1cd :\[etal Co ., Ltd., The, 'gOld mcdal.

IiJr Sa/ely Jlahhl' s. Bryant and May, Ltd., gold medal.

For SIIIOA-" .l.ldlllet.>.

Sauerstoff Fabrik, Berlin, go ld medal.

.For Tht:/,lIIoslaf/.?s Cenerally.

Hensel and Co., P., London, go ld medal.

AWARDS FOR GENER I\L ,\ND UTILITV.

GROUP I. -FIRE PREYE TlON. Class COlls/nrc/ioll

Bntlsh Urallte Co., Ltd., silver medal.

Bro\\'n, A. E., bronze medal.

Columbian Fi reproofing Co., Ltd., gold medal. Dashwood, F., bron ze medal.

Eggert, Ceh., Oberrbaurat, Berlin, bronze medal.

I-loman and Rod gers, silver medal.

Ki.ng and Co., J. A., silver medal.

Millar 's Karri and Jarrah Forests, Ltd., gold mcdal.

Mucller, Marx, and Co., Berlin, bronze medal.

Patent ImpcrvioLl s Stone Co.) Ltd., si h er medal.

Pruss'sche Patentw;inde, G. M. 13., Berlin, silver medal.

Roxby, R D., bronze medal.

Stoffert, Rud. A., Glasgow, hronze medal.

Stuart's Granolithic Stone Co., si lvcr mcdal.

Terra t B augese lls c haft, Berlin, bronze medal. Thompson, Jabez, bronze medal.

Var: del' Vygb Amsterdam, silver medal.

VISll1tll11 and Ziirich, bron ze med a l.

AI D.-

2 -:-flllilrllll/j EtjlliplllclIl Clayton Fire Extll1gUlSh1l1g Ventilating Co., Ltd., The, si lver medal.

Ratncr Safe Co., go ld medal.

Shannon, Ltd., The, gold medal.

Scherrber, Franz, 13ohn, sih'er medal.

St. I)ancras Iron \Vork s, goldmeclal.

Cla.H 3--E/((/riml SII} /lards.

Simplex Steel Conduit Co., gold mcdaL'

Class 4.-.lJ'ealz'nJ; Schroer, J. u., Durtmund, bronze medal.

GROUP 2- - Fnu·, FIGHTING.

Clan .r. -i-in E \tz'm;ut'sitill" .Ipplia//(f]s. nikkel'S, A. and Son, bron;'e medal. Busch, ,\V., Baut!.en, gold medal.

Czermack, R., Teplitz, gold medal.

Debaucheron, Th., silver medal.

D.ominion Belting Mill Furnishing Co ., The, gold mecbl. Eichler, L., Fehrbellll1, bronze medal.

Fischer, G A.) Goerlitz, silver medal

Kocnig, C. H., Altona, si lver medal

Lud\\'igsbergs \Verk stads, Stockholm silver medal. Hose Coup ling s, Ltd., medal. Sinclair and Co., gold medal.

Troetzer, A., \V arsaw, silver medal.

\Tereinigte Hansfschlauch U. Gummiwaren-Fabriken) Lu Gotha, A.C., silver medal

'\V agenbau Ges Charlottenburg, gold medal.

Zappert, Ernst, bronzc medal.

Classcs .r alld 2.-Fire E tlillplishill,,' a/ld Swill.!! 1ppliallas.

:\-Ierryweathel and Sons, Ltd., gold medal.

N iirneberger Lind Maschinen Fabrik, gold medal.

Shand, Mason and Co., gold medal.

Class .Ippliall(d Bayley's, Ltd., bold medal.

Dinger, A. bronze medal.

Fries and Sons, J. S ., Frankfort, silver medal.

Honig, Aug. C. 1\1. B. H., Cologne. sih'er medal.

l\Iagirus, C. D., Ulm, gold medal.

l)orta, Cav. Paola, Milan, silver medal.

Smith and Co., John, bronze medal.

\Vaddington and Co., bronze medal.

Class I-Firc Sialiolis alld Firmin and Sons, Ltd., gold medal.

Ciroults, A., Paris, gold medal.

Lieb, T. G., Bierbera c h, silver medal. Lotery and Co., H., sih'er medal. :'\[llller and Co., Oppenbach, bronze meclal. Stuart and .i\Ioorc, sih'er medal.

CROUP 3- FIRE C.\LLS.

Cia sst's T alld -:. Fi':c larJJls , Ti:lc/,liolhS, alld 7i;!.-graplts. Bergmann Electrical \'\ o,.ks, bronze medal. Brown, A. C., bronze medal.

Forns, J., Yila, Spain., bronze medal. General Electric Co ( 1900), Ltd., gold medal. Ta t ional Telephone Co., Ltd., gold medal. Stuart and .i\Ioore, sil vel medal.

S!emens Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd.) go ld medal. Siemens and Halske, Berlin, go ld medal. Vester, 1\lax, Leipsig, bronze medal.

GROUP 5.-A,\LRUL\XCJo.. SERVICE.

Class 2. -A JJlblllallce EqlliplI/ clI ls Carters, go ld medal.

Hartmann, Paul, Berlin, bronze medal. \Vil son and Stockall, go ld medal.

Class I-Tullporary H ospitals. 13erthon Boat Co., Ltd., silver mcdal. Bull, Alfred, silver medal.

CROUP 6.-'\\TA TER SUPPLY. Class 2 .-i,i'tl z'II.,''S. SLicldcutsche \Vas ser werke, Frankfort, sih er mcdal.

FIRST A l D ."

-FIRST

A I D. - September, 1903.

September, 1903. -F I RST

A I D.- 61

GROUP 7.-INSURANCE

Class I -Companies.

Central Insurance Co., Ltd., silver medal.

GROUP 9.-HISTORY, LITERATURE .-'..r DART

Class 2.-Literatllre.

Jung, Ph, ;\Iunich, bronze medal.

P ubl ic Health Engineer, The, silvcr medal.

GROUP 10.-SCIENTIFIC AND SOCIAL.

Class 2.-Laboraton·es.

Pitkin, James and Co., gold medal.

GROUP 11. -CO;\IHUSTIBLES AND EXPLOSIVES.

Class 2.-Storage.

Fabrik Explosionssicherer Gefasse, Salzkotten, silver medal.

Class J.-Lalllps and SIO'i'l'S.

Flach, J., London, silver medal.

GROUP I2.-GENERAL EXHIBITS.

Biel, '1\'. I t zehoe, bronze medal.

Chiswick Soap Company, silver medal.

Drew-Bear, Perks and Co , Ltd., gold medal.

Heathman and Co., J. H., silver medal.

l\[armorite, bronze medal.

Synchromome Co., The, silver Medal.

I I.-LOAN EXHIBITS.

LIST OF SPECIAL .A W.1RDS.

Special for rVor!.:lJIallslu'p on TTurli,,/[ ilIodds

Berlin Royal Police Fire Brigade, on-Commissioned Officers and Men of the, gold medal.

Coales, C. F brol17.e medal.

Restler, J. \V., go ld lJ1edai.

Special for .-Irran/[eIllCllt and D es ign of Fire Call Poillts.

Berlin Royal Police Fire Brigade (C hief Officer Giersberg ) silver medal.

SPecial for Street Flr sl Aid .Appllall a Boxes.

To zer, A R., e.O , City Fire Brigade of Birmingham, gold medal.

Special for Equipment of Salvage Corps StatiollS , London Salvage Corps (C hief Officer Lieut.-Col. Fox ) gold medal.

SPa/a I fo r Stat/otl Gear for Fire En.l;incs.

Pordage, A., Firemaster, Edinburgh, silver medal.

A fV.ARDS FOR G ENERA L EXCELLENCE CTlLlTV

GROUP I.-FIRE PREVENTIO;'.

Class 4·-l.IeaHn,f!, Safe.IJllaJ ds. Berliner Schornsteinfeger Innung (Chimney Sweepers' Guild, Berlin), bronze medal.

GROUP 2 -F IR E FIGHTING.

Clas s T.-rir e Extillglfislll'//g Applian ces cw Zealand Fire Brigade Association, bronze medal.

Class J -.Fire Stalions alld EquiPlJle1ll s Lacey F. B., Borough Engineer, Bournemouth, bronze medal. Mawson and Hudson, silver medal. Voodhouse, \Villoughby and Langham, Manchester, silver medal.

GROUP 2.-SALVAGI£ \VORK.

Class and 2.-Sai'l'a,IJc Corps, Applial/ces alld SlatiollS Glasgow Rate and Salvage Association, si lver medal. London Salvage Corps (C hief Officer Lieut.-Col. Fox ), gold medal.

GROUP 5. ,-AlliBULANCE SERVICE.

Class I.-. -llllbulaIl Ce Ol:rallisatiofl National Fire Brigades' Union, Ambulance Department of the, gold medal.

GROUP 8.-I\1uN ICI PAL

Cla ss I.-f-i·r t; JJn>,rades

Berlin Royal Police Fire Brigade (Chief Officer Giersberg), gold medal.

City Fire Brigade of Birmingham ( Chief Officer Tozer), silver medal.

City Fire Brigade of Edinburgh ( Chief Ofiicer Porclage), go ld medal.

City of Glasgow Fire Brigade ( \V. Paterson, Firemaster ), silver medal.

City of Liverpool Fire Brigade (C hief Officer J. J. Thomas ), go ld medal.

Fire Brigade of Creil, France (Chief Orficer Cazier), bronze medal.

Regiment des Sapeurs POl11piers de Paris, gold medal.

Class 2.-[."·irt SIIr'i't')I.

A Chausse, Montreal, Canada, silver medal.

Fire Brigade of the Hansa City of Hamburg (C hief Officer \Vestphal en), silver medal.

GROU p g.-Hislor)/, Literailin alld ./1'1.

GROUl'S I A;\1l 3.-1Iislor)' alld ./1'1

Bikkers, A. and Son, Rotterdam, gold medal

Fox, Lieut.-Col. ( Chief of the Lo ndon Salvage Corps ), gold medal.

Shaw, Sir K e.B., gold medal.

Rie c ken, Conrad, gold medal.

Class I.-Hist ory.

Born, H. G., silver medal.

City Fire Brigade of Amsterdam (C hief Officer l\Teier), si lver medal.

Collins, Frank T. H and Sons, gold medal. Davis, Cecil e., si lv er medal.

Finsham, H. \\'., silver medal.

Fire Brigade of Exeter (, Chief Officer Pett )' gold medal.

Giersberg ( Chief Officer Police Fire Brigade, Berlin), silver medal.

'vVeinitz, Dr., Berlin, silver medal.

Class 2.-Lit cralllrt:.

Austrian Fire Brigades Union, gold mcdal. Ettles, Dr., gold medal.

Eyre and Spottiswoode. silver medal.

Goad, Charles E gold III edal.

Gray and Son, J. \V ., silver medal.

Mollo, Cav. Achille, bronze meclal.

Ritgen, Dr. 0., Berlin, silver medal.

Class J.-_ -/rl.

Blyth, J. '1\T., London Sah'age Corps, bronze medal. Hoffman, L., City Architect of Berlin, gold medal. Jacob, Julius, Berlin, silver medal.

Jaffe, Crown Surveyor, silver medal. Kallmorgen, Professor, silver medal.

I\[aijx Max, Berlin, silver medal.

M aage, H. \V ., silver medal. Riesch, D silver medal. Spiers, R. Phene, F.S.A., silver medal. Wolff Maage, Hugo, silver medal.

GROUP IO. - SCIENTIFIC A)!J) SOCUL.

Class T -Socil'lil's.

British Fire Pre\'ention Committee, gold medal.

Central Fire Brigades Union of Bohemia, A!.lstria, bronze meJal. Federation of Ital ian Fire Brigades, silver medal. Li ghtning Research Committee, silver medal. London Private Fire Brigades Association, s ilver medal. National Fire Brigades Union, gold medal.

Provincial Organisation of the Government of Schleswig Holstein, silver medal. -

S')Ciete Imperiale des Sapeurs Pompiers de Ru ss ie, gold medal.

Class 2. - ) .abora!on·es

Dritish Fire Prevention Committee's Testing Sta tion, gold medal.

Class I-Pellsioll Fultd,. Berliner ScLornsteinfeger Innun g (C himney Sweepers' Guild, Berlin ), bronze medal.

GROUP 12. ·-GENER \L EX IIIHl TS. Metropolitan Asylums Board, gold medal.

Letters to the Editors.

l Ye al e lit ItO way 1'espomz'b/e for Ihe opiniolls expressed. 01' tlte slatel/lents made, b)1 Correspollde1lts. -EDITORS

SHEPHERD FU D.

DEAR SIRS, -Seei ng your obituary notice in FIRST A l I), which has reached me to-day, please allow me to respond with my mite to our old friend Shcpherd, late of the « Gate ." I am hoping that others "ho have met him as I have will respond tOO. - Yours faithfuliy, C. E. CLINCII.

Faversham Division, Aug 26th, 1903.

[The Editors of this Journal have also subscribed ten shillings, and will g l adly pay over any further sums cntrusted to them.]

MOTORS AND THEIR DRAWBACKS.

DEAR SIRS,- I have often read with interest in your correspondence columns letters concerning the unreliability and advisability of the use of motor vehicles. A few days since I saw a fire engine, I believe from Euston, going apparently about twelve miles an hour, when down went the off-side horse on to its knees, cutting them open. On getting it to its feet it was hardly able to stand; a passing \'an, belonging to a wellknown ink manufacturer, was stopped, a horse changed over, and the engine proceeded at the gallop, leaving one fireman behind to lead home the injured horse. I timed the delay by a public clock close by-exactly four minutes Now had that engine had to depend entirely on pctrol or steam for its motive power, the delay would possibly have been forty minutes.

It may interest you to know that I no\\' wear the St. John Badgc, in the first instance throu g' h being shown a copy of FIRST Am and studying the information it contained. Hoping your Journal ",ill be read by e\'cry ambulance worker both at home and abroad.-Faithfully yours,

TELEGRAPH G.P.O

1'.1U ICIPAL FOR LONDO

DEAR SIRS,-It was ,,·ith much satisfaction I read in FIRST AID for August that N ortl1 Londoners are making some efforts to provide ambulance assistance denied them by any other ambulance organisation or public authorities. You favour ed me by printing my remarks in FIR ST AID for l\larch, [903, page 147, on the entire abscnce of any ambulance provision in the streets of Islington, and I really do not see why each London Borough cannot have its own ambulance corps, if the mO\'ement is wisely and conscicntiously carried out. Your Journal is certainly very interesting, a marked improvement on earlier years; that it may become as popular as it is possible for a publication of its kind is the sincerest wish of an l SLINGTONIAN

AMBULA CE AND LONDO r TUBE DANGERS FROM FIRE.

DEAR SIRS, - Your valuable Journal I find becomes of more absorbing intere st, every page of it, month by month, and I am sorry not to be ab e to acquiesce with the statement on page 40 of FlRST Am for August, re The Paris Disaster, that it is "gratifying to learn from the various managements of the various ( tube ) systems in London that every precaution, as far as human foresight can arrange it, has been taken to guard against so terrible a ca lamit y occurring in our midst. " If that is so, why have we wooden platforms, wooden staircases and lifts, woodcn sleepers, soaked in tar, on our tub e railw ays? And why are the tubes so small that passengers cannot get out and walk alo n g the line, and if they co uld, what about the livc rail that means instant death to any livin g thing that comes in contact with it? London ambulance would simp ly be nowhere in dealin g with such a disaster, but your article on American and English Fire Alarms bears out fully what Hiram K. Wallace writes on page 132 of FIRST AID for February, 1903 Hoping your J olll;nal will meet with unbounded prosperity, I c ontinue to remain as before,--Yours sinccre ly, L.A.C

NOTE.-Our esteemed correspondent is a little out in his

reflections The other day a train broke down in the tube, and tile paSSflZ{{erS 7.fJe7'e able t o E{et out and walk to the next station.

EAST HAM DIVISION S.J.A .B. ( ILF ORD SECTION. )

SIR s , - Will you be good enough to inform the public, through the valuable medium of your paper, tl-at an Ilford section of the East Ham Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade has now becn formed, under the command of Superintendent Atkins, whose first officer, l\Ir. W. R. l\Iagnus, has been placed in charge of the new section. It may interest your readers to know that the Ilford men 's meeting is directly responsible for thi s new formation, inasmuch as its recruits were nearly all members of the first aid classes organised by that body towards the l atter end of last year. Any person who holds a "First Aid" certificate issued by the St. John Ambulance Association, and is physically suitable is eligible to join the St. John Ambulance Brigade. I n order to become thoroughly efficient, however, th e section requircs fund s for the pro\'ision of an adequate first aid equipment. Yours, &c H. C. BULL. Hon. Sec. to Section. Au g. 24th, 1903.

INJURED HORSES IN OUR STREETS

Sms, - That our Dumb Friends ' League Horse Ambulance is not sufficiently well known to the police or public was proved by an incident witnessed by a fr iend of mine some days ago in one of the busies: parts of the city. One of the two miserable-looking horses attached to an omnibus fell, and, between its own struggles and those of its companion, one of the shaft's broke and pierced the poor creature's side. A crowd collected, but no one seemed to know what to do. My friend had heard of the above-mentioned ambulance, but was not sure of the address where it might be found. The cons table did not know, or the bystanders, and how long the poor anima l lay in agony, or in what way it was eventually removed, my informant did not kn ow, as he was obliged to hurry away.

The league hupe soon to have ambulances all over London, but the one already in use is stationed at Messrs . Tillings' yard, Norman-street, King's-road, Chelsea, Telephone TO. 1,05 1 Kensington, and may I ask your readers if they will make a note of this address, as it may be the means of saving horses much needless pain and suffering ?- Yours, &c.,

F. L. HOWELL. 38 , Circus-road, South Hampstead

CONCERNI G THE PROSPECTS OF ESTABLISHING A MU ICIPAL Al\IBULA TCE FOR LONDO EVER BEING REALISED

DEAR SlRS, - -Sad as the reading is of such information contained on page 30 of FIRST AID for July, concerning the outlook of an Ambulance Service f or London ever being realised, it is not to be wondered at, or the action of the various co un cils to be entirely condemned, as there does not seem a un iversal keen interest in public ambu lance services. One of the first dcpressing items I read in "F. A." for July, on page 7, \\'as, that the questIOn as to whether the ambulance brigade cf the to\\'11 of Retford would ha\"e to be disbanded, through lack of funds, a meeting was called on the question at the Town Hall, and there was a disappointing at.tendance Though there are exceptions, like Margate and I pswich, for instance, the genera l tendency of public thought is not favourable to the promotion of ambulance wor k. On railways and lar ge works, where men are brought face to face with death, and realise the uncertainty of life, there you find ambulance work has a hold: but the general tendency, I repeat, of the publi c mind is to put these unpleasant subjects in the background-frivolity, dress, theatres, and no depth o f thought , is the prevailing and oncoming state of the peeple's mind in once solid and sensible Britain.

I note also on page 6 of July issue, there is trouble in the Birm1l1gham Ambulance affai rs; and again, on page 5, it being necessary to suggest that the L ord Mayor of London should publicly recognise the S J.A.B. by a reception at the Mansion House (bearing out what I have written regarding the la ck o f continued public interest in ambulance work ) And then, again, is the time opportune to urge a measure that is bound to mean

A I D.- September, 1903.

an increase on local rates. I am as anxious as anyone to see an ambulance service for London established, but there is the fact that trade is bad, the prospccts \\'orse, t\\'cnty persons to do the work of one, local debts and Imperial debts, accompanied by an already high and increasing local rate generally, while unthrift and frivolity is hastening the seemingly inevitable decay of Great Britain.

One more point. In June issuc, page 195, a correspondent, signing S.J.A.B. (formerly Manchester), touches on what seems to me a very important point, namely, thc advisability of the l\1.A . n. having anything to do with the street accident am bulance arrangements in London. He says, " If the l\I.A.13. do establish a sen'icc it will be in the face of much prejudice, as the public mind here connects the l\1.A,n. with extravagance on the one hand, and fever on the other." A "aluable observation apparently fr0111 one not a Londoner.

To an outsider like myself, the Fire Brigade seems the most suitable and likely organisation in London where efficiency and economy might be obtained, after the first expense of providing- men, wagons, and co\'cr to keep them under. Very little need be spent on signal communication, as we already ha\'e 1'111'. A e. Brown s Call Posts, and the information in your J oumal that "whcre desircd, a permanent telephone receiver is fitted to the posts in order to be available for police and ambulance or any first aid calls. Could these facts be brought to the knowledgc of the Le.e. Fire Brigade Committee, with evidence of the delay lhere is at present before an ambulance arri\ es, such as it is, " hile injured persons lay sometimes thirty and forty minutes in the rain, even nOlI' something might be done; for I look upon all the letters that I hm'e seen in your J oumal month by month as seeds that may bring forth some fruit, for let us remember the order of growth of things that endure is "first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear."

FIR. T AID is remarkably good of late; may its circulation largely increase, and do to the full the good you intend to do. -

Sincerely yours,

LA. C.

THE NATIO AL FIRE BRIGADES' DEAR SIR. ,-\Vill you kinly allow me through your columns to thank most sincerely iron behafl of the GO\'ernors of the \Vidows' and Orphans ' Fund ) the South Midland District Demonstration Committee and all those officers and men \\'h(1 worked so hard to make the meeting at Luton such a great success. A cheque of .£-1-7 ] 3S. 9d. has been paid into the account at Lloyds Dank as a result of their ard'..lOUS labuurs, which the Governors of this descrying Fund gratefully appreciate.- Yours faithfully,

HORACE S. FOLKER. Guildford, Septembcr roth. T903.

DEAR SIRs,-l\lay I request that you will be kind enough to post to me to Statc Room ]99, H.M.S. Oratava (Orient line ) Tilbury Docks, Tilbury, the parcel of photographs I fonvarded to you, as I am returning to Sydney by that vessel leaving on Friday next.

I shall endeavour to interest our brigade in your FIRST AID Joumal, and shall from time to time send to you a copy of our report.

I sincerely hope that your efforts to organise a public effective ambulance service for London may meet with early success.- Yours fai thfully, August 25th, 1903.

JOSEPH D. HOLT, City Ambulance and Transport Brigade of .S.\\1., Sydney [One of these photos is reproduced in this issue - EIJ.]

DEAR SIRS,- Your Joumal is wonderfully impro\'ed, and the recent issues have been particularly interesting. The design of the Ludwigsberg's Fire Engine for small brigades, &c., has quite taken my fancy. If it could carry a fireman each side of the driver, had a brake, carried a length or two of hose under the footboard, had a cover on the coal-box to prevent coal .out, carried a of ladder lengths, and had no bcarlng rCIl1 on the horse, It would be a smart little lot. 1 like the way you give the London fire alarms their clue; it's

refreshing after the sOllg t herc is made about Americans and their" Bird of Frecdom :-)oa1'in)) business. Faithfully yours, ONE Q[< THE M.F.13.

MOTORS AND THEIR DRAWBACKS.

DEAR Sm.S,-Your correspondent, "Great Eastern» in this month's issue, is right in his observations on the dan O'er of vehicles running loose on the roads, and those vChicleso confined to travel on rails. Numerous as accidents arc from both kinds of vehicles, people seem to feel they can always avoid a tram car, becausc they know that it is obliged to keep on one part of the road, while motors and bicycles are all over the place. I know from experience the truth of what I am writing, and agrce with your correspondent in the increased number of accidents, to many of whom r have rendered first aid. Your Journal is certainly going ahead - a great improvcment since you aCCjuired it. Iloping I am not intruding on your valuable spacc, r am, with best wishes,- Yours faithfully, A. B. GEOFFREY. Rotherhithe, September, r903.

J P. HAWKE. IIarrison, Kendal. \ Ve think the address you require is Supt. He is the inventor of a cycle stretcher.

DEAR SlRs, - Please allow me througb your valuable paper, to testify to the usefulness of Messrs. Fcrris and Co.'s "l\Iidget" Pocket Ambulance Case. I have used one e\ er came on market and find it most valuable, both In bUSIness and cycll11g, and should recommend it to all first aic1ers. Thanking YOLI in anticipation, I am, - Yours, &c., P. A. O. BRITTON, S.].A,n. Dristol.

On Saturday (29th August) about two o'clock in the afternoon, an alarm of fire was given at the police fire station that a fire had broken out in the upper part of the town in Norfolk-street. Supt. MacWilliam telephoned tv his men off duty and turned out with the new motor fire tender, designed and constructed by Mr. Chas. T. Crowden, of the Iotor Works, Leamington, which proceeded to the fire in a most successful manner. In fact the turnout was so quick that the firemen themselves had to follow on bicycles. After the fire was extinguished the tender returned to the fire station with the full complement of firemen without the slightest hitch. It was formerly no uncommon thing for the fire engine in Leamington to have to wait with steam up before the horses could be procured. In one before the motor fire tenner was supplied, the fire engme was towed by Mr. Crowden's motOr car.

What might have been a serious fire broke out early on Saturday morning, 12th inst., in the stores belonging to Messrs Burgis and Colbourne's premises, Warwickstreet, Leamington A call was received at the fire station at 3 o'clock, and at 3. T O the motor tender, designed and by Chas. T. Crowden, of the Motor Works, Leamington, with full staff, under Superintendent MacWilliam, had arrived, and two jets from the main were playing on the flames. After about an hour's hard work, the blaze was sufficiently extinguished to be left to the charge of two men with a jet. This was not, however, before several hundred pounds' worth of stock was destroyed, and the structure considerably damaged. But for the admirable way in which the men worked the damage would have been considerably more. The Motor Fire Tender worked admirably, and it is due to not having to wait for horses, and the smart way in which the brigade got to work, that a serious conflagration was prevented

1\ /II DWIFERY AND MONTHLY URSING.-Pupils

ill can be received at Stockwell Private Maternity lJospitaL Trained and coached by medical Illan. - Apply, Matron, 31 and 32, Stockwell Creen, S.vV.

LUDWIGSBERGS WORKS, Ltd.,

Stockholm, Sweden

Highest Awards at all Exhibitions, including :- PARIS, 1900, Cold Medal; BERLIN, 1901, Empress Portrait Silver Medal; CEFLE, 1901, Cold Medal; VERNAMO, 1903, Cold Medal.

MANUFACTUR E RS OF Portabl e Fire E n g in es (Gr a n e ll 's Patent) , Two and Four Wheels, for Hanel or Horse Traction, from tSo to 000 gals. PCf minutl', in r J diff(;[cnt sizes. Floating Steam Fi re En g in es, from soo g·als. to 2,000 g-al:-;, in () differl'nt siz(;s, mack for all Continl'ntal Fir(; Brigac1es. Stationar y an d Semi= P orta bl e Steam Fire Engines, also fur Motor Traction, acconl i to specifications. Manu a l F ire E n g in es, Hose Carts, and all Appliances for up-todate: ·Fin; most u]l-to-dat(; c()nstruction, light allll easily by ant' man.

Thl' hest \\'orkmanship

Enquiries during the Stand

Fire Exhibi t ion , 112, Queen's Palace,

f IJI)Earl 's Court.

WH E N OORRES PO N D I NG W ITH A D VERTISERS PLhlASEl MENTION .. FIRST AID."

acc ident to the above address.)

£100

wIll be paId t;>v above Corporation to the legal represe ntative of an>: o n e who I S killed by an aCCident to the Passenger Train (within th e UnIted kIngdom or Channel I sland s), in which the deceased was a bearing o r paying passenger, or who s hall have been fatally Injured th e reby (should d eat h res ult within ninety days after such accident)

PROV ID ED that the person so kill ed or injured had upon his or her person or had le ft at home this ticket with hi s or her usual '" Signature, wrItten. pnor t<? he accident, on the s pace provided below, which, together With the gIVIng of notice within the time as hereinbe fore mentioned, is the essence of thi5 contract.

This in surance hold s good for current ss ue only, and carries the benefits of and IS subject to, the conditions of the "OCEAN ACCIDENT AND GUARA TEE COMPANY Limited Act 1890," Ri s k s Nos. 2 and 3. "

Th e Corporati o n admit that the purchase of thi s Paper is the payment of a premium under Section 34 of the Act.

No person ean eeoyer under more !han one Coupon ticket in re spect of the same risk.

Sig nature

GARROULD'S

FOR ALL KINDS OF

NURSES' UNIFORMS, CAPS, COWNS,

BONNETS, &c.

AS SUPPLIED TO

The Principal Hospitals and Nursing- Institutions and H.M. War Office.

PATTERNS sent free of the Washing Cotton Materials as used i n the

To

As it is the earne. wish and desire of the new Proprietors 10 make Ihis Journal as atlracti"e and entertaining as correspondenh in a ll paris of the country a re asked to gi"e it all the help the)' can.

Superintendcnts nf Corps and Onicers of Di\'isions of the Sl. John Amhulance Brig::\cle, OAicers of the \ 'o unteer Medical Staff Corps, the Volunteer AIllIJli1ancc Schon I of Instl'l1ction, and Chief Oflicers c)f Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their hest to make it kno\\"n amongst the members of their respecti, e organisations, and \\"ill also send fm puhlication their ofTicial nc\\'s and notices. Suggestions are in\ ited for Prize Competitions and other malters II hieh "ill achance the inlerest of the Journa l.

\Ve p::trticlllarly des ir e to ask our correspondents to be hrief and to the po in in any communications they may send us for publication

\V e are pleased to record the fact that we a re already receiving a great accession of snpport from all parts of the country, and as our space is some" hat Jimited, in dealing with reports of local meetings for presentation of certilicates, &c., it would be beller that a brief report were written, g:iying a hort resume of the \'arious points touched upon hy the pi incipal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should he sent gi\'ing in detail the II hole record of the meeting. This n:pmt is clouhtless interesting to local First-aiders, hut it musl I)e horne in mind th;H lie are catering for the .t\mhuhnce and Fire Drigacle IImld al large.

TERt.1S OF SUBSCR IPTI ON

For 1 2 months, 2S. 6<1 , post free, 10 he sent 10 the Puhlishers, :\lessrs. Vale, and Co ., 46, Cannon-street, London, E. C. Address-" Twellt),jour, London."' TelephollC NO.-'if77 Ban!..'

Brevities .

.£rlJl(et says "Those who m ay h ave occasion to pass along th e main st ree t s o f th e City o r West -end of London before nin e in th e morning may observe rows o f uncovered dustbins sta ndin g on th e curbs tones lik e sentinels awaiting a procession. 'Vh en th e re in a high wind not a small portion o f their contents is whirled dow n th e streets and e ddi es caressingly round th e ga rm en ts and feat ur es of the long-suffering pedestrian, while on wa rm e r mornings distasteful effl uvi a are wafted to th e nostrils of the hurryin g business man who is tryin g to procure a few br eaths of life-s upportim g oxyge n. Those who a re n ot obliged to reach th e ir office, shop, o r war ehouse until an hour later perhaps h ar dly realise wh a t advantages they hav e ove r th e ir l ess fortunat e brethren. \ Ve do n o t kn o w why thes e dust -bins do not hav e covers unl ess it is th at th e

covers w o uld hav e to be chained and padlocked to the receptacle because some people have a fondness for annexin g such trifles or else, perhaps, because the dustmen who co ll ect the conte n ts of the b in s find it too much trouble to remove and to replace a cover. The City corporation has recently prosecuted some dustbin grubbers and pro\'ed th at the C it y dustbins and their contents are the property of the corporation and that anyone grubbing in its dustbins is n ot on l y offending against th e cannons of saniLary science but is also guilty of thefL from the corporation. It is hardly out of place to mention that those members of the public who ha\'e a fancy for writing to irresponsible and seductive strangers detailing their complaints should be careful of wlut they a r e doing, as we recently obseryed untorn letters which had blown out of an uncovered dustbin lyin g outside the offi ce of a not unknown quack

MR. J OSEPH D. HOLT, who was recently on a visit to this for the purpose of study in g our ambulance system, has in the course of an interview on his return expressed himself in almost sarcastic terms as to our system in London, or ratlt er, 'Want oj 5.1'ste711. " 0, I am sorry to say that I did not meet with anything that m)' Society does not know and practise. As a matter of fact, I think the London people might with advantage send to Sydney to learn someth in g from us, for I think we are a long way ahead of anything to be found in London. I cannot understand a city that boasts that it is the hub of the univ e rs e going on in i ts old haphazard way. Why, oLlr sys t em wou l d be a godse nd to London, and some day I expect to see experts coming out to us to try and learn our sec r ets Frankly, I wi ll say this, I do not think th ere is any c ity in the world so well looked after in this r espect as Sydney, t h e capita l of Jew South Wales. Paris. Berlin St. Petersburg, New York, can al l learn something from us, a nd yet we know we are far from perfect. Ve are open to learn where we can, and to imp r ove where we can, but h ones t y compels me to say th:lt I cannot see much in London methods worth learning " W e f ea r that Ir. Holt did n ot visit the l a r ge provincial t OWI1S such as Sheffie ld , Liverpool, Birmingham, ),Ianchester and othe r s, othe rwis e we think he would have a dmitt ed tbat some of the cit ies in the" old cou ntry " are fully alive to the importance of this subject as our own kinsmen in Sydney are. It i only London lags behind, but when she does start-

ALL classes of the community seem more alert n ow r ega r ding th e proper provision t o be made in case of fire

-FIRST

The Commercial Travellers' Association, the oth e r day, passed a strong r esolutio n on the subject "to call a tt ention to the inadequacy of fire appliances at hotels, and to urg e the necessil:y of immediate action in the matter." The speaker who proposed the resolution, said he did not wish to appear an alarmist or exaggerate the peril in which they were to some extent placed by reas o n of th e want of adequate fire appliances in hotels, but i t would be folly to ignore the fact, and in the li gh t of recent events, such as the fire at Sheffield, he thought it would be criminal on their part if they were to neglect to take th e precautions which would make the loss of life by fire almost impossible. He mov ed that th e branches be requested to make overtures to licensing justices with the object of its being mad e a condition to ::t license holder that proper fire appliances ,,,er e provided. That would be a good step towards r emedying a most deplorable state of affairs

11A]OR DURNELL, In spector of Prisons, must be a bit of a wag in his way. He has reported to the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of :Man (Lord Raglan) on the condition of the Isle of Man Jail generally. He is highly satisfied with the building and conditions of imprisonment, but suggests the following points for attention :-Bad reception boxes in the male prison and th e absence of any in the female prison; no night patrol; no padded observation or special cell; bad position and inconveni e nc e, and danger of stores ; want of fire appliances and additional femal e warders ; improvements or changes in diet scale; po medical inspection of prisoners on reception; no classification of prisoners first offenders associate with old criminals increase of cell accommodation required ; issue of written orders for various duties. Major Durnell points out that the prisoner cook, while preparing meals, is lock e d in the kitchen, and is not supervised by a warder, but, as there are no means of escape, this is not a matter of first importance. In regard to the prisoner cook, he adds :"Naturally he has unlimit ed opportunity of helping himself to food, and the billet must be much sought after."

First Major Durnell says he is highly satisfied with things in general and then he proceeds to summari ly condemn the whole system.

Ambulance Conference at Morecambe.

THE NEE]) FOR EFFICIE '(Y

THE seventh annual district conference of the S.J.A.B was held in the St. Laurence Schoolroom, Morecambe, on Saturday afternoon, September 25th. Delegates attended from Oldham , Liverpool, Salford, Rochdale, Lancast e r, Stockport and other towns, and were welcom ed by the l\-Iayor of Morecambe (Councillor E. Barnsbee, J.P. ), who, in the course of a short speech, spoke of the va lue of am bulance work. . He thought if was an ambulance corps formed In every town and Village throughout the country it would be of great advantage to the nation.

Lieut.-Colonel Trimble, C.M .G. V.D. (Deputy Commissioner), a ft er heartily acknowledging the Mayoral

AI D. - October, I903.

welcome, said th at the strength of the district had been well m a intained and n ew divisions had been formed at several places, including Littleborough, Hindley, Trawdon, Todmorden, &c. As a matter of fact, they had an increase of sixty over the strtngth of last year, even under the new regu lations In the old days of ambulance work a man could join a division and attend the drills as he liked, but all th at was changed And he believed the change was better for the Brigad e and better for the country If the new regulations were not conformed to th e men. were struck off, and in many in stances this hacl been done. Personally he did not think it was right or just for Divisions Lo palm off on the public men who were inefficient, because tI.ere was nothing more dangerous than an ignorant first aider. Better would it be if he was a hundr ed mil es away from any accident. Th e ir organisation aimed at efficiency, and it was only by strictly adhering to th e new rul es and regulations that this was attained. A matter of some importance to th e NO.4-District was that they had been as k ed to fo r m a certain number of bearer co mpani es, to be arii.liated to the Royal Army M.edical Corps in the case of national emergency . Two or three such companies bad been formed already, and one at Accrington was now in course of formation. During the lat e South African war am bulance iI'en had proved to the country th at they were prepared to risk their lives to succour th e sick and wounded By forming these bearer companies th ey would be doing a national and patriotic service Something had been said to the effect that if any m embe r joined these bearer companies be was incurring great responsibility, that of being called away at a moment's notice on active service. That was wrong, because all that was desired was to be r eaay in case of national emergency.

!'he balance-sheet, submitted by the District Supt.Treasurer F. B. de Pim, showed a balance in hand of £ 122. This was unanimously adopted Discussions arose about certain. details of ambulance work, and it was unanimously decided to r ecomme nd to headquarters that an official drill manual should be published.

Chief-Supt. Jon es (Oldham) mentioned th e fact that several membns who had served at the front had been unable to secure their medal-bars from the War Office.

Han. Surg Oldham (l\lorecambe) said that one of th e members of his corps who had served at the front had, in spite of orders rec ei ved from headquarters, written direct to the War Office and r ece ived his m edal-bars.

The Deputy Commissioner said he had written scores of letters and had received many applications from all parts of the district on this very subject. The men certai nl y entitled to their bars, and if he personally co uld procur e th em for those men e ntitl ed to them he should be only too g lad to do so.

It was pointed out that the men who went out to certain hospitals and those who had accompanied the Rhodesian Field Force received their bars at the same tim e as they received the medals. The W a r Office, it was stated had some difficulty in finding out th e particular parts of Sonth Africa in which the men had served. Whilst feeling the injustice of this dilatoriness on somebody's part, it was felt that th e conference cou ld do nothing in the matter, and the discussion ended.

Other minor subjects were discussed, and the conference closed with an expression of thanks from th e Deputy Commissioner for the handsome hospitality of th e Morecambe Division.

Barrow was selected as the m ee tin g place for th e n ex t confer e nce.

October, 1903. -FIRST

Our Portrait Gallery.

CAPTAIN HEDL EY PETERS, CHIEF O FF IC ER, SITTINGBOURNI<: FIRE BRIGADE.

Tno E of our readers who are in close connection with fire brigad e work and are in th e h abit of attending the various meetings, social and otherwise, in connection with the Fire Brigades Union, will recognis e a t once in our gallery the genial features of th e gentleman whose name appears at the h ea d of this column.

Captain Peters, t o us e his own phraseology, first saw

AI D.-

at th e last Paris Exhibition. He was also one of the d elegates who attented the Berlin congress. His brigade which, as our readers will hav e gathered, emulating th e examp le of its chief, is a thoroughly up -todat e one, won the steamer drill in the district competition, and has also several other successes to its credit.

Speaking as one who knows him, I can assert that he is a comrade in every sense of the word. He never lost a friend, and I believe he never made an enemy. He is in eve ry essent ial a thorough fir e m a n h e loves his work and h e conveys to thos e who se rv e und e r him, and with him, that en thu sias m which is so n ecessary for the well-b eing of our fir e brigades. ------ .--. ------

Reviews.

The cry is still they come, another first aid manual, tbis lime by Dr. Collie and Dr. Wigbtman, for classes in connection with the London Sellool Board. The book has been compiled with care, and is profusely illustrated, but we question whether it is advisable to keep on issuing further text books, which in many instances are merely a record of the writer s own particular views or tbat of the school to which he belongs, and the first aider is likely to get fo g-ged in his further search for knowledge. The book is published by :'IIessrs Gill and Sons, 18, vV arwic:k-Iane.

"The Private 1 urses Own Note Book," by Sister Eva. This book will doubtless be welcomed by many private nurses who make a detailed report of any case they may be called in to nurse, and who find the details thus retained of great va lue for future reference. But we think, judging by the number of ad\' erlisements appearing within its covers, the publishers might ha\'e issued il at least at half the price if not for less. The publishers are Messrs. J. Bemrose and Sons, 4, Snow-hill, London.

daylight in r862. He is by birth and inclination" a man of Kent, " and proud of it.

In r897, the subject of our sketch was appointed Chief Officer of the Sittingbourne Fire Brigade, a position which his fellow town smen will universally admit he has occup ied with credit to hims e lf and to the benefit of his native town.

At the time of his joinin g the brigade it consisted of two offi ce rs and six men, equipped on ly with a hose re e l, which was kept at the Polic e Station; it now num bers twelve men and three officers, and possesses up-to-date equipmen t , including a Shand and Mason steame r (wbich was purchased by public subscription and presented to the town), a 50 ft. escape, two hose carts, chemical extinguisher, and a three stretcher horse ambulance.

In 1899, Mr. Peters was appointed one of tIle delegates on the Central Council of the N F.B. u., and secr etary of the South Eastern District. In th e same year he organised a Voluntary D eat h L evy Fund for the survivo rs of deceas ed firemen belonging to the district. In connection with this fund, each member is called upon t o pay the sum of o n e shilling on the death of a fellow member. The first call amounted to the sum of eleven guineas; but it speaks much for the pertinacity of Captain Peters that the las t ca ll r es ult ed in a total of £30.

Captain Peters is a Member of Honour of the French Fire Brigade, a distinction which was conferr e d upon him

vVe have received a copy of this month's issue of .C The Health Resort, published by the London Publishing Company, 379, Strand, Lonclon, \V.C. It is beautifully printed and illustrated ancl contains some capital articles on Spas and Sanitoriums Tbe one by Dr. Reinhardt, on the proposed King's Sanitorium for the treatment of consumption is worthy of more than a passing notice, as he points out the delay in pushing on a matter of such great national importance is not to the credit of tho se who have the matter in hand. The cloctor writes with a knowledge of his subject and gi\ es some \'aillable suggestions as to the open air treatment of our national scourge, "The White Fiend. "

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wal es, Grand Prior of the Order of St. J ohn of Jerusalem, has been graciously pleased to sanction, on the recoll:mendation of the Chapter, that Surgeon-Major F. W. Gibbon, V.D.,L.R.C.P., of Hedworth Lodge, Newcastle, be appointed Assistant Commissioner for tbe No.6 District, vice Major Milburn, resign ed This district comprises the whole of Torthumberland, Durham, and North East Yorkshire, and of divisions in Newcastle, Gateshead, Felling (.I: ursing), South Shields (Police, Volunteer Life Brigade, and Nursing), Malton, Barton, Beverley, Hetton-Ie-Hole, Withernsea, and five divisions in Hull and two nursing divisions. Others are forming, and Dr. Gibbon hopes with the assistance of his staff that this district, teeming with amb ul ance men, may become one of th e strongest in the Bri gade. -

The Management of the Acute Infective Fevers.

By

THE following fevers are communicable from person to person, and are termed the acute infective fevers, viz.: small-pox, chicken-pox, measles, German meas l es, m u mps, whooping cough, diphtheria, scarlet fever, typhoid (or enteric) fever, typhus fever. These fevers are characterised by having a latellt or incubative period intervening between the infection and the appearance of first symptoms of of the disease, and by the presence (in most of them) of a dist/Jlctive ?'as!I. The date of the appear,1l1ce of the rash being within narrow limits fairly constant for each fever.

In the management of the acute infective fevers it is important to first consider the manner in which the infection is spread and rOtl'lH'),ed from person to person.

Spread 0/ In/ectio ll.

Infection from these discases may be spread in the following manner :-

I. By the breath - in small-pox, measles, whooping cough, mumps, typhus fever and scarlet fever.

2.-By the exhalations from the skin-in typhus fever.

3·-By desquamated particles of epidermics-in scarlet fever; and of pustules in small -pox

4. - By secretions and excretions-as mucus from the mouth and throat in diphtheria and scarlet fever; bowel excreta and urine in enteric fever.

ConvqaJlre 0/ Ill/ection.

Infection may be conveyed by-

I. - The air-in small-pox and typhus; the pOison being inhaled.

2. - By water - in enteric fever.

3·-By infected food - milk in diphtheria, typhoid fe ver and scarlet fever ; oysters in typhoid fever.

4. - By fomites, i.e., infected clothing-in small-pox, chicken-pox, measles, whooping cough, mumps, scarlet fever, typhoid fever, typhus fever.

S.-By direct contact.

We have next to consider the precautions which must be observed to prevent the sjnad oj iJl/ectioll, these ::tre: -

.£.-Isolation of t!le patient.

Here the most efficient course is the removal of the patient to an isolation hospital, but as this is not always practicable, we must have resource to isolation at home

To do this, therefore, the patient must be kept in one room by himself-if possible, the room should at the top of the house or in a detached wing. For purposes of ventilation, and in order to destroy waste material, there should be a fire in the room; abundance of fresh air should also be admitted into the room by means of windows or ventilators (care, of course, being taken not to expose the patient to any draughts). The door of the room should be kept shut at the same time a sheet saturated in carbolic solution (I in 20) may be hung outside the door.

Before the room is occupied by the patient it should be stripped of all unnecessary furniture, and of all curtains, carpc.ts and woollen materials .

The nurse in actual attendance should be the only one permitted into the room, and she should not leave the room without first washing her hands in (r in 40) carbolic

solution and changing her outer garments. TO food should be taken out of the sick-room, nor any clothing or utensils without first disinfecting them. A separate sleeping-rol)m should be provided for the nurse, and she should avoid all unnecessary intercourse with the household.

II - D/sinfectioll.

The object of this is to destroy all particles of contagion

( I ) DisiJl/ectioJl illness. To do this-

a A l ways have an abundant supply of .disinfecting fluid at h::tnd, either perchloride of mercury, r 111 1,000, or carbolic acid, 10 per cent. b Clean the floor of the sick room every day and sprinkle it with disinfecting fluid. c. See that all the secretions and excretions from the patient are passed into vess e ls containing an equal bulk of disinfecting fluid. d Use old linen for pocket- handkerchiefs, and burn it as soon as it is soiled. e. Before removing from the sick room the bed and body lin e n which has heen used soak it first in carbolic solution ([ in 20) f Place all the utensils that have been used by the patient first in carbolic solution (r in 20), and th e n wash them in warm water. g. Keep the patient's body scrupulously clean; if scales or crusts form upon the body anoint the body with carbolic oil (I in 60) It. Disinfect the water-closet frequ e ntly; keep the door of the water-closet shut and the window open; also disinfect the covers of the i The nurse attending the patient should wear a cotton dress, or one made out of material which can be easily washed She should avoid (as much as possible) inhaling the patient's breath :md tile emanations from his skin. After contact with the patient she should carefully wash her hands in carbolic solution (I in 40). k. If, und e r exceptional circumstances, visitors are allowed into the room, they should be made to conform strictly to the rules observed by those in attendance.

(2) Disin/ectioll after i!lmss.

a. After the patient has become com alesrent he should not be allowed to leave the sick room without the doctor's permission. Before leaving he should have a warm bath, his body should be well sponged with cmbolic snlution (1 in 40), and he should then be dressed in clean clothes.

b. All the bed and body linen which has been in use should be boiled for at least ten minutes . c. The blankets, woollen materials, pillows, and mattresses (not, of course, spring), &c., should be removed and disinfected by means of steam or hot air. d. All the furniture in the room shou ld be fumigated in it, before removal. e As soon as the patient has left the room it should be thoroughly fumigated, and when fumigation is complete, the windows, ceiling, floor, and all surfaces (particular attention being paid to corners) should be well swept and washed, the paper should be stripped off, the ceiling and walls limewashed, and the latter should then be papered. f After the nurse has ceased to attend a fever patient she should have a warm bath and put on clean clothing

To fumigate the room. This can be done with (A) s2llplwrous add, thus: Take lb. of sulphur for every 1,000 cubic feet of air space. Break the sulphur into small pieces, put it into an iron dish, support the dish over a pail of wat!':r placed in the centre of the room, and set the sulphur alight by means of a few hot coals (B) With cltlorine gas, thus: For every 1,000 feet of air space take ISlbs. of chloride of lime and 22 Ibs of hydrochloric acid; divide the reagents into several port ions, place the chloride

October, 1903.

-FIRST AI D.-

of lime in earthenware vessels in several parts of the room, and add the hydrochloric acid to each portion.

The r00111 before fumigation should be rendered as air tight as possible. This is best done by pasting pap er over the fireplace and ventilators and around the sashes and di)ors, leaving, of course, one door from whlcb the operator quits the ro::)tTI. This door is pasted from the outside after the fumigation is started. During fumigation he room should be kept closed for at least 24 hours, and

after this it should be well aired by throwing open lhe doors and windows.

I.lI. -Quaralltille

Persons who have been exposed to infection should be kept under quarantine for at least the specified time indicated in the table below, and during the quarantine period no c hildren from th e house should be allowed to attend school.

TIJE ACUTE INFECTIVE FEVERS.

1) S '; \Sg. How Infeclious. I I In CllOaliq: Period.

1--___________

S\J.\ I.I.-POX ( rTar/ola) Through th e exhalations from the lung s and s kin; the secrctions and cxcretions from the body, and by fomitcs. The vesicles, pllstules and sca lc s are highly infectiolls.

C H (.KE '- POX... Through the e'\hala( J °ar/i'dla) tions and by fomite s

•

I r_AS (JrO! bill/) ( Rubeola)

I i\1 ( Not/u.'lll)

Through the ex halations, cspecial ly the b rea t h, and by fomites.

I Through the exhalation s

... Through the exhalations.

\\ HOOPII; COu(;H ( P ertussis)

Through the exhalations; the sec retion s from the nose and lungs, and by fomites.

DTPIITHER[A Through depo s it III t h r 0 at; throu g h breath, and through the excrelions.

SCMI.LET (SCARL \TlNA )

T\'1'1I011) FE\,ER ( E 1 f.i!-RIC F" : \,ER)

TYPHU S FEVER

I Through sca le s from skin; through breath, and by fom i tes.

Through the excreta and urine )

Through the exhalations of the skin ancl lungs, and by fomites.

Date of a ppearanCl: or rash or of definite illness.

LJy infection 1..1 Early on the 3rd clay. days; by 111-

no cu lation 9 days.

(JuaJanline required after lasl ex pOSll rc to Infection.

18 clays.

10 or 12 to 15 or 17 clays.

S to 10 clays.

1 0 or q to 17 or:21 clays.

I -+ to :2 r cl a ys

I q to :21 days.

I 3 or 4 to 6 or S clays.

Successi\ e crops appear fr om day to day from the 1s t up to the 10th clay.

.jth, but somctimes the 3rd clay; 3 or -+ clays before the rash appcars the patient is highly infectious.

st or :2ncl clay; :2 or 3 clays before the rash appears the disease is infectious.

No rash

No rash; infectious from the \' ery first and long before the " whoop " begins.

18 clays.

16 days.

Shortest Pcriuc1 of Isolation after an Atlack.

C ntil all the scales ha \'e fallen off.

3 to 5 or 6 clays.

I to q or :21 days

9 to 1:2 days.

Ko rash. I st clay.

7th day to beginning of decli ne of the fever.

3rd to th day.

16 clays.

24 day s.

2J days.

1:2 days. 14 days.

:21 clays.

:2 cia )'S

Until all the scales hay.:: fallen off

3 weeks if the desquamation, cough and discharge from ears and eyes ha\ e ceased / 4 \\eeks, ifno s\\clling of the g lands remain.

I 6 \I eeb, if all spasmodic cough. or "\I'hoop " has ceased

1 3 \\'ee k s, if com alesccnce is comple te and ther e is no clischarge from any membrane, and no sore thr oat.

4 \I 'ceks if desquamation ( peeling ) is COIllplete a'nd ther e is no sore throat.

4 \\'cek s 4 wceks, if cal1\'alescence is complete.

St. John Ambulance Brigade. METROPOLIT A CORPS.

The Efficiency Cup this year has been won by a team from the Toynbee Hall, under Officer Colman, after a keen struggle. The winning team earned warm praise from all who witnessed their excellent smart work.

CAUSTON -By invitation of this Division the South London AmbUlance men had a most successful combined drill and practice on Saturday, September 19 th The beautiful criCket ground of .sir Joseph Causton and Sons at North Dulwich, had been kindly lent for the occasion. '

Besides Causton's Division, there were present detachments from. Doulton 's, South Metropolitan Gas Company, London, Bnghton and South Coast Railway (New Cross) Wimbledon and Merton, Norwood, Streatham and , mondsey, together With a number of Nurses from th e Norwood, Wimbledon and Merton Division.

The afternoon opened with some competltlOns confined to the Causton's Division for prizes given by Mr. J. A. Causton. Mrs. Albert Causton distributed these prizes later In the day.

The competitions were judged by Dr. Davies (New Cross) and Dr. T. S. Hudson (Causton's).

After th e various divisions had spent some time in drill under their own officers, the whole were massed and took part ir, dealing with an imaginary railway acciden't.

Subsequently the divisions were reformed and the salu.ting base. Supt. of Causton s DIVISion, wa.s In command, and the band of S.outh London Boys '. Brigade (by kind perm isSlon of Colonel ChaIney) supplIed excellent march mw:ic.

The day's proceedings closed with a camp concert which was held in front of the pavilion.

The Fire Brigade ,formed by the employes of the above firm also heJd their first tournament, and judging by the success achieved, it is likely to be followed by many others.

By this joint combination visitors \\'ere able to view the operations of both corps under very pleasant conditions. Ch.ief-Officer Huntin, of the Borough Polytechnic Fire Bngade, acted as judge, and the prizes given by the firm were presented by Mrs. J. A. Causton.

The afternoon a. very smart display by the Polytechmc Fire who kindly went fully equipped the occaSlOn. The display was thoroughly appreciated by the large gathering present.

PROVIN CIAL CORPS.

BABBLNGT ON.-This corps, the preEent strength of which IS 1.9 officers and 10 7 men commanding officer being Chlef-Supt. G. Fowler), was ll1spected in Basford Park, on Saturday, October 3rd .

The afternoon being beautifully fine a large number of spectators were present, amongst the company being Sir Charles and Miss Seeley, Mr. C. H. Seely, M.P. (the president of the corps), the Revs. E. M Vaughan, R. P. Farrow, J. W. Farrell, and R. Holden, Dr. Foulds and many others, amongst whom were several ladies.

Accompanied by the band, the corps paraded at practically. full strength. Colonel L. Rolleston, D.S.O., c,o mmandll1g officer the Hussars Imperial yeomanry, made the InSpectlOn, aSSIsted by Surgeon-Major Hutton, of the King's Royal Rifles, who for many years

AID. - October, 19 0 3. has been prominent l y identified with ambulance work

The exercises through which the men were put included bandage drill for supposed injuries. At the close there was a march past in sections and fours, and an advance in review order, the whole of th e movem e nts being executed with military precision and smoothness.

Addressing the corps, the Insp ect ing Officer (Colonel Rolleston) said it was a great privilege to insp ec t such a fine body of men. Th ere could be no more useful course of instruction for Englishmen than this, and especially for those who followed a calling of risk. While so many people were co ntent t o find fault with the m et hods of the army and everything else, it was an excellent thing to see a body of men und ergoing discipline so as to enab le them to succour the sick and wounded, and also to know that there were something like 2,000 men at thes e collieries who had gone through similar instruction. If this country were ever attacked by a foreign foe, such a body of men would be of untold value.

Chief-Supt. Fowler replied on behalf of the corps, and remark e d that their work had saved many lives, and much suffering.

Sir Charl es Seely, in proposing a vote of thanks to Colonel Rolleston, recalled the circumstance that th e gallant officer laid wounded on the battlefield for twelve hours before rece ivin g aid. They were glad, however, to know that he had recov ered from his wounds.

Colonel Rolleston's name was received with loud cheering, and the proceedings ended.

BIRl\IINGHA::.r.-The first annual inspection o f this corps took place at Bingley Hall on Saturday afternoon, October 3rd. Mr. T. H. Woolston, assistant commissioner for NO 3 (Central and Eastern) District, was the inspecting officer, and was accompanied by Dr. Thomas I elson (chief surgeon) and Major \Vhit combe (commanding Brigade Bearer Company). There were also present Li eut .-Colonel Kim berley, Captain Roscoe Badger, Lieut. B. W. Gilbert, Dr. J. N ea l, Mr. Alderman Jan'is, Supt. Tozer, Mr. E. Murphy, and a number of medical gentlemen.

Out of about IS0 men in the corps, 83 were on parade und er the command of Chief-Supt. Fred. Gilbert. Most of the men were in uniform, and they went through their drill with measured precision, whilst the demonstration of first aid, with bandages, splints and stretchers was \'ery smart.

Addres sing the men at the conclusion of th e inspection the Insp ecting Officer said that alLho ugh he had been the staff seven years, he had not had an opportunity of officially the Birmingham corps. He co uld only say that If they went on as they were go in g, they would become, as th ey ought to be, one of the smartest corps in No. 3 District, which included twelve counties. Dr. Nelson told him that with the exception of a few trivial mis.takes, he was ,Perfectly satisfied with the medical part of theIr demonstratIon, and he hoped that Dr. Whitcombe endorsed that opinion. The Volunteer and Bearer Companies had done splendid service in the late South African war, but if thIS country was invaded the Volunteers would want their own Bearer Companies, and then the duties which the Bearer Companies had performed in South Africa would fall on the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Therefore every man who wor e the uniform of the S.J.A.B. should be thoroughly efficient, and that was why the annual inspection was held. The Birmingham Corps had a first class set of men, and he had no doubt they would carry out their voluntary duties on the field of battle as well as they had on the parade ground that day. The

19°3.

-FIRST

wearing of a uniform tended to discipline and esprit 'de corps, and he hoped that when he next inspected them whole of the members of the Brigade would then be 111 uniform.

BATH.-The annual insp ection of the Bath Midland Railway Divi sion was held at the Midland Railway Station, on Sunday afternoon, September 27th, the Insp ecting Officer being District W. J. Pbillips, in the absence of Asslstant-CommIssIOner J. Griffiths who was fulfllling another engagemen t. Th e officers of th e Division present were the Hon. Surgeon Mr. J. "Wigmore, Supt. F. G. Warwick, and First:.. Officer R. J. Woodward.

There was a good muster of the men, only two oeing absent. The men were first put through the stretcher drill by th e Superintendent, followed by a course of bandaging, treating various injuries and fractures, lifting and carrying the injured on stretchers also a viva voce examination the as to distinguishing characteristics of the various kinds of fits, poisoning, &c., after which th e books, r eturns, a nd accounts were duly inspected.

At the conclusion the Inspecting Officer expressed himself as very pleased and thoroughly satisfied with all he had seen, especially the drill which was very smartly done. He added that he should be able to send a satisfactory report to headquarters. He expressed the hope that the members of the Division would be equipped in the regulation uniform prior to another inspection, and ur ged the men to make every effort to procure it.

BRIGHOllSE.-A somewhat novel experiment in practical ambulance field work was witnessed recently at Hrighouse, where, mainly through the efforts of ChiefSurgeon Bond and other members of the medical profession, the movement has taken a yery firm hold. What is term ed an "emergency drill" was called.

The men responded with alacrity, and were marched to th :; old quarries at Harry Castle, overlooking the Calder Valley. Here they were divided into squads, were give n stretchers and other material, and were told off to search the old quarries for boys who were supposed to have fallen down and hurt themselves. These were found, placed on stretchers, and carried to a hasti1y-im pro vised camp, where a fire had been lit, water boiled, and other steps taken in readiness for the tre atment of patients.

A fairly goud stretch of the rough hillside was covered by the operations of the squads, who showed com:iderable skill and dexterity in the treatment of th e supposed cases

Dr. Bond, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Amison and Dr. Johnstone assisted, and also Lieut. Davis and Sergeant Thornton. A number of Nur sing Sisters also assisted, t1le experiment being a most gra tifying success.

HA VERHILL.-The annua l inspectio n of this Division was held on Saturday afternoon, September 26th, by Lieut.·Colonel Elliston, V.D., Deputy Commissioner, in the Hamlet Croft, kindly lent for the occasion by 1\1:r. Simpson. Th e m embers, under th e command of Hon. Surgeon and Supt. Goodman, went throu gh stretcher drill litt e r drill, and rendered first aid to various cases.

At th e close of the inspection, Lieut.-Colonel Elliston said he was pleased to see the work so well done, and more so to see so many faces amongst the men that he recognised, although he had not been to Haverhill for two years. A small division, which meant work , was to him far more than one which turned up in a large number for

AI D.-

show. Their first aid in some cases might be improved upon, as, of course, they had many things yet to learn

HULL.-A typical syllabus of meetings for October and November:-

Central Division.- TOV. 2nd, Roller bandaging and nursing practice, Ladies of the Central Nursing Division; 16th, Infectious diseases, Surg.-Lieut. A. IV. Scott, l\1.R.C.S.; "oth Bandage and stretcher drill, Superintendent. J Central Nursing. - Oct 26th, Annual ov 9th, Care and preservation of the H. WallIS, L. D. S., Eng.; 23fd, Life saving and r eSUSC ItatIon of the apparently drowned, Supt. A. H. Hawk e , TVestern Division. - Oct. 27th, Bandage and hand-seat drill, Superintendent; Nov. roth, Poisons, Mr. D. R. Moir, 1I.A., M.B.; 24th, South Africa and the Royal Progress of October, 1902, experiences (open night), 1St Officer A. C. Carter.

Eastern DivisioJl.- J ov. 3rd, Odds and ends of ambulance "work, Dr. P. R. Ash; qth, Lecture, Hon. Surgeon. Eastern .LYursing.- TOV 2nd, Diseases of women (r) (ladies only), Miss M. C. Murdocb, L.R.C.P., 16th A talk about the teeth, 1\1r. J. c. Storey, L.D.S.; 30th; Artificial respiration, Lady Supterintendent.

KETTERIXG.-The annual inspection of this Corps took place on Saturday, September 26th, but owing to some cause or another no in specting officer was present, and the duty was discharged by local officers. The usual drills, &c., were gone through on the cricket field of th e Church Institute the Headlands, and the corps was entertained to t'ea. In the course of the proceedings the China War Medal was presented to Pte. Beeby, of Rothwell.

NEWTON ABB:)T.-Tbis Division, on September 26th, celebrated its team's success in winning the Challenge Cup open to competition by ambulance teams of Devon and C·rnwall at Redruth.

Dr. Grimbly (the Hon. Surgeon in command) filled the cup with champagne, and rrorosed success to. th.e Division and th e health of the w1l1nll1g team. H e saId lt was not for the sake of rivalry of an objectionable kind that the cup was offered, but to stimulate interest in ambulance work in Devon and Cornwall.

Dr. Griffiths (the Assistant Commissioner of the District) was the judge, and in the evening, when. teams were entertained to dinner by the Redruth DlvlSlon, he stated that the Newton team would not be presumptuous in enter in g for the" Dewar " Shield, which was competed for in London. There was only one lmpedllnent to that and that was that the team consisted of working men , who could scarcely afford the expense. That, ho,,,ever, might be got over by a few townspeople subscribing the necessary funds.

Supt. Jewell, responding to the toast, stated that six teams ente r ed for the competition at Redruth. Sergt. "Wood's (Newton team) performe'd the work allotted to it in 45 minutes, and with 18 8 points secured the cup.. second prize winners also belonged to ewton, theIr tIme being 42 minutes and 17 points; Plymouth second team was third, in 59 minutes and with 106 Redruth wa s fourth, in 30 minutes and with roo pomts; the Plymouth first team gained 98 points in 46 minutes, and St. I ves 9 in 35 minutes. On behalf of Supt. Jew ell presented Hon. Surgeon Gnmbly WIth a sJiwr mounted "swagger" cane as a memento of the success of those he had trained.

FIRST AID

OCTURER 20, I90J.

A I D.- October, 1903.

timc, may lead up to that period w hen wars shall cease. This is the earnest desire of the conduclors of FlRST AlD.

St. John Ambulance Association.

October, 1903· -FIRST

A I D.- 73

To Make for Peace.

THIS Journal, as our readers know, has always been a strong advocate for peace, and it is with feelings of pride that we refer to the Anglo-French Treaty j u st concluded between the Foreign :Ministers of the t\\·o countries . FIRST ':".LD has been regarded by some people as a species of fire brand, but its one great motto has always been PEACE. The conductors have declined to be bound down by any arbitrary rules or red tapeism, believing that the ambulance cause is best advanced by a free exposition of the views of those who have for years been its most consistent workers and most hard-working advocates, but this is by way of passing. The treaty just concluded between France and England does not, perhaps, travel as far as we could wish, but it is the first step, and as a child must first learn to walk before it can run, we welcome it-aye, heartily welcome it- as the initial step towards a bond of friendship between two nations which have much in common, and whose peoples only require to see more of each other, to entertain that feeling of regard for each other, that all who endorse our views so much desire. First and foremost in this truly humanitarian work comes o\yn beloved Sovereign. The world at large owes much to EDWARD YIr. Directly he assumed the reins of government he at once essayed to see how he could best advance the cause of peace, a cause which has been to so many statesmen for years an ideal, which, seemed almost impossible of attainment, but with our King to think is at once to act, and he immediately set to work to endeavour to attain this ideal. How near he has approached to it his loving and grateful subjects know. England, by virtue of the large heartedness and generous influen(,es of its Sovereign stands to-day in a higher position tllan it has e\'er stood before May our Sovereign live long to see the result of his benefieient work, is a wish that will be echoed all over the world wherever Englishmen may dwell. In connection "\\'ith this happy ideal there are others also who, in a minor key, have voiced the wishes of their Sovereign . 1r. L. Sr CLAIR deserves especially to be comme11ded for the part he has taken in the promulgation of the doctrine of entente cord/ale, whilst we must not forget Mr. C. KUSEL, :,Ir. CHURCll-BI{ASJER, Mr PO).'CEROT and Capt. DYSON and others who for years past have quietly bUL studiously worked, in connection with fire and am bulance work, to bring both nations closer together. May the treaty just signed be the opening of a new era, and may it lead to that closer attachment between all nations founded on a mutual regard for each other and which in

BELFAsT.-On September 28th, a meeting of those who acted as am1Julance volunteers on the occasion of the late Royal visit, was held in St. Patrick's School, Newtownards-road, for the purpose o f taking steps to secure su itable recognition for their services . There was a ve ry large attendance of the volunteers, owing to the several letters on the subject which have appeared in the local press advocating some recognition for the ambulance workers.

On the motion of 1\h. C. H. Todd, seconded by 1\1r. S. Lemon, the cha.ir was taken by Rev. G. G J\lervyn, M.A., who explained the business of the mecting, and expressed his hearty and cordial sympathy with those present in their endeavour to obtain some tangible recognition for their services on the occasion of the r(;:cent Royal visit. They had placeu themselves at the uisposal of the authori ties on that occasion, at a very great personal sacrifice, to render first aid in case of necessity. In proof of this, he stated that the ambulance volunteers had treated 65 cases during the day, including a very serious one, occasioned by the Royal carriage, but he was glad to hear that the injured person was doing as well as could be expected, having regard to the advanced age of the patient. An animated discussion followed.

Subsequently the following were appointed to act as a deputation and executive committee :- Rev. G. G. l\Iervyn, M A.; C. H. Todd, R. Smyth, S. Lemon, W. H. Coombe, and James Henderson.

It was afterwards proposed, "That the deputation have power to use legitimately all means to obtain commemorative medals similar to those issued to the Royal Irish Cbnstabulary, and that when they have obtained the medals (if successful) they have power to call the next meeting at their· earliest convenience."

It was proposed, seconded, and carried unanimously, " That the best than ks of the meeting be given to F. C. Ford (Principal Belfast Technical Institute), 111'. Smith (Superintendent, Belfast Fire Brigade), and Mr. Gullen for their kindness in assisting the volunteers of the S.J.A.A. in carrying out their duties on the occasion of the Royal visit."

A hearty vote of thanks to the Rev. Chairman having been passed, the proceedings terminated.

HANDSWORTH . - An interesting presentation took place at the meeting of the HandslVorth Centre on October 6th, held at the Council House, Soho-road. Mr. W II. Welshman, chairman of the Centre, presided, and he said Chief Superintendent H Beck rendered special service in regard to the mobilisation of the S.J.A B. during the late South African war. He was pleased to say that the Chapte r General of the Order of St. John had recognised these services, and had awarded Chief Supe r intendent Beck the South African medal issued by the Orde r under sanction of H 1\1, the King He then presented this medal to Chief Superintendent Beck, who suitably acknowledged the presentation.

SHEFFJELD.-·-About 75 men engaged on tne Corporation tramways have handed in their names with a view to the formation of an ambulance company, to be named the Tramway detach,rJent of the St. John Ambu lance Association. Each man is to wear the badge of t he Association

on the right upper arm, so that the public may distinguish them from the others. Two meetings have already been held in the Recreation Room, 11igh-street" presided over by Mr. Yerbury and Marsh, respect.ively. The a large number of whof!1 have soldle:s are to be. 111structed both in bandaglOg, first aid, and nlllitary exercises. The practices are to be held once a month

\Ve think this move a most excellent one, and we recommend its adoption by the various tramway services in London. All our railways now train their employes in first aid, and we think it is every whit as necessary that tramway men should be instructed in this all important subject 3S it is for railway men. It must be remembered that accidents are not cOl1fll1ed to our railways.

Railwa y A mbulan ce.

N. E. R. CJ·;WfRE. On J 9th ,epLeI1l bel' the Hull DisLrict lIf the Centre held their annual competition fur prizes kindly given by the local merchants, wben four teams were judged by Dr. E. P. Pickersgill, of Sherburn, and Dr. Burman, of Woth. The result being :- lst, Hull Goods :md, })rypoQl; 3rd, Beverley, and -l-th II ull Loco.

Mrs. Walton (wife of the llull District Pass e nger Superintendent) kindly distributed the prizes afterwards, and votes of thanks were accorded the lady and the judges on tbe proposition of illessrs. S2dier and Jackson.

On the yd insL, a meeting was held at Marsh -lane, Leeds, to promote a class amongst the Goods and Loco. men at that place, 1\Ir. Tobie (District SupL) presided and was supporteu by the General and District Secretaries (lcssrs. Jackson, York, and Parker, Harrogate,) and sufficient names were entered to warrant the commencing of a class.

On the 4th insL, at :'Iiddlesbro Station the certiflcaks, 'c ., of the class recently llclcJ, were presented to the recipients by Irs. Gilroy, a presentation was made to Dr. Gilroy by Wedgwood (District SliPt.) who was the recipient of a certificate, and his assistant (Mr. W. C. Johnson) received his medallion

On the ::)Lll instant a most slIccessful "smoker " was held at the Princes' Restaurant, Te wcastle, when 11r. E. H. Hiley (l\ssistant District Supt.) presided and was supported by l\1r. S. Holliday (District Supt.), 11r. G. H. Saxby (Station Master), Mr. T. C. I-Iumpllrey (yardmaster), Police Supl. Geo. Darrell, Dr. Owston, Ir. Geo. Jackson (General Secretary), Mr. W. Hollings (District Secretary) and a n u t11 bel' of oth ers. On behal f of the class, 1£ r. II umphrey handed Dr. OwstOl1, a S( t of medical books, and then presented the certificates, and a most enjoyable evening was spent.

On the 9th inst. the urst ball of the season, promoted by the Goods and Loco. Classes at \" ork, was held in the De Grey Rooms, in aid of the I )ispensary. Amongst those present were Mr. J. G. Butcher, K.C., M.P., Mrs. Butcher, Mr. James Melrose, J.P., Lady Terry, 'fr. Geo. Jackson (General Secretary) Mrs. Jackson and a large company availed themselves of the popular event, despite the wretched weather prevailing olltc;ide, until the small hours of the morning.

On tbe 12th inst. a good gathering of employes was held in the ambulance room, Starbeck, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. H. Dix (yardmaster) for the purpose of starting a new class, and after an address from the General Secretary of the Centre a number of names were given in, and arrangements made for an early start, with tbe prospects of a good class.

members of the C :: ntral Station Ambulance Classes, Newcastle N -E.R. Central Slation, held a very successful smoking concert at tbe Princess Restaurant, Great :11arket, Newcastle, on Thursday evening. The chair was taken by E. 11. Hiley (.\ssistant Districc Superintendent), and he was supported by Holliday (District Superintendent), 1£r. Saxby ('tatlOn Master), Mr. Darrell (Police Superintendent, Mr. Tait (Chid Clerk), and !\1r. J acb,on Secretary, 1\ capital programme was prOVided, and was highly appreciated by a large audience. Dunng the evening 1\1r. Holliday presented certificates and medallions. In the course of his remarks Mr. Holliday called attention to the advantage to all railway men of possessing a knowledg e of ambulance work, and pointed out that the number of cases reported in which first aid had been rendered at accidents at the Central Station alone amounted to 295 in 19 02 and this year 191 had been re corde d so far. Gn behalf of the class Ir. T. C Humphr ey, yard master, Newcastle, presented the Surgeon Instructor Dr. T. G. Ouston with a set of medical works and l\Ir. Saxby presented the Lay·Instructor (Mr. Joseph Watson) with a travelling bag in recognition of tbe services of these gentlemen. Tbe recipients suitably responded.

PERTH. - The P e rth 1< ail\\'ay Ambulance Corps held their annual meeting in the Ambulance Hall , Perth General Station, on Sunday, October 11th. The Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were submitted, showing the Corps to be in a satisfactory condition. A team was selected to compete for the Caledonian Challenge Cup at Stirling. The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year :-Ca ptain, Thomas i\I'Laren Lieutenant, Andrew Webster; Secretary, Alexander Millar; \ssistantSecretary, Mr. James Donaldson; Treasurer, i\Ir. 1\I'Crow ; Inspectors of 1aterials, Messrs. Kinloch, Thomson, Fletcher, and Birrell; members of committee, :'I1essrs. Fisher, Ogg, Shaw, Munro, Scrimgeour, Duncan, and Laing. Drs. R. Stirling, C. Barker. Stewart, and Taylor are tbe lecturers during the season.

l\1ERTON AND \Vli\!l)LEDON. -.i\ successful general meeting of the above Diyision was held on the 19th October at the heFl.dquarters, Masonic Hall, Merton, •\ssist. Com W. Morgan presiding, supported by the hon. surgeon, Dr. l\1. K. Hargraves and Supt. C. Orchard. There was also present a full muster of the Division. The report showed the individual efficiency of the Division is well maintained, and the continued enthusiasm for first aid work is manifested by the record of the past year, 163 cases having been promptly dealt with by members, both on public duty and in their primte capacity. The r epo rt also showed a substantial balance in hand. The Chairman announced with regret the resignation of Sergt. C. H. Darker, who had filled the position of Hon. Sec. for the past 6 years, and paid a high compliment on the manner in which he I)ad carried out his secretarial duties, but was glad to know Sergt. Darker was not leaving the Division, but was continuing his duties as sergeant with his usual untiring energy. Pte J. lIarris, \yho was announced by the chairman to be one of the first to volunteer for South Africa, and who did duty on the "Princess Christian Hospital Train," was unanimously elected Hon. Sec. in the place of Sergt. Darker. Tbe Committee were then elected, and after an interesting discussion on the work of the Division generally, a vote of thanks to the AssistantComm:ssioner for the \'e ry able way he had conducted th e meeting terminated the proceeuings.

A Few Important Treatment of

-}' iRS t Points in the Hremorrhage. *

By FRED. W. HALL, l\I.D. AXD 1\1.S., LONDOX.

Ix order that a case of hcemorrhage may be promptly and efficiently attended to, it is well that,a few principles should be c1ear! y understood.

Hcemorrhage may be shortly defined as a flow of blood from the body, due to the injury of the blood vessels. The blood may escape from the surface of the body, when it is called external 11cemorrhage, or it may came from a deeplyseated part, and is known as internal hcemorrhage. If from the lungs, the blood reaches the exterior, usually by coughing, and. if/rom the stomach it may be vomited. It may occur \\'lthll1 an organ and be altogether concealed' as in bleeding into the substance of the brain, known apoplexy. Or, the escape of the blood m3.Y occur in the deep layer of the skin, producing discolouration; as in a bruise, or a black eye.

It is very important, for the ;JUrposes of treatment, that you should know \"hether the bleeding is due to a wound of an artery, a vein" or capilliary vessels.

The blood from an artery is bright scarlet, and is emitted in jerks. But it must be remembered that the jerky flow may not be seen if a wounded artery lies in the deep part of the injured tissues, for then the force of the blood's impulse is broken, and the blood may merely well up freely to the surface.

From a vein the escapi ng fluid is dark red in colour, and does not escape in jerks, but in a continuous stream. Tevertheless, the amount of blood lost from a vein may be very great, and some of the most rapid cases of hcemorrhage have been .due to the perforation of an enlarged vein of the leg. ThIS profused venous hcemorrhage is largely dye to the fact that the surface veins of the' body are consIderably larger than the in thE' same situation. Another important reason is, that the arteries when divided by contraction of their muscular wall, tend t'o c10se or, at least, greatly to narrow the opening In the veins, on the other hand, the wound remains wide open, and allows the blood to flow freely away The contraction which takes at the. cut-end of the artery is very important. If it dId not eXIst, the loss of blood by arterial h82morrhage would be far greater than it is. This conclusion is obvious from the considera.tion that the pressure of the blood, as well as the rate of ItS flow, are enormously greater in the arteries than in the veins.

The appearance of h<:emorrhage from the capillary ve,ssels ne,ed. long engage our attention. They are mIcroscopIC In Size, and permeate almost every living tissne of the body as a close network of exceeding fine vessels. Hence, any wounded surface weeps or oozes forth blopd in a slow stream, like fluid squeezed slowly and gently from the surface of a sponge. Here, also, the blood-pressure is extremely low, and .the current very sluggish. Consequently, uncompli cated capillary hcemorrhage is seldom serious. In order that you may intelligently use means to bleeding, )OU should remember Nature's remedy. The blood shed around the opening of the wounded vessel forms a clot, and this penetrates like a plug the mouth of the open vessel. After this, ir the wound is lEft undisturbed the clot hardens, and is gradually converted into livin; fibrous tissue, which, as in the remainder of the '"younl completely beals the injured tissues.

* Reprinted [rom the Sydney Sl. John Aml!Ulance Gazelle

Ai D.- October,

190,3.

Therefore, you must use such means as will aid this clot to form and finally C3.use complete sealing of the wound. To effect this end, one or two genEra l precautions are taken.

First, care is taken to raise the wounded part. This help3 to prevent increased flow by gravitation, 3.nd assists to the amount of blood in the injured tissues by facilltatmg Its return through the veins to the heart. We c.ause the patient to lie on his back, and raise the wounded 11mb.

Secondly, pressure is used to close the bleeding vessel and to bring bleeding to a stop. The of all ments is the finger, and by its agency direction of the pressure is most easily discovered. \Ior eover, the 3.mount of force required can be readily ascertained by the finger and efficiently applied.

In all cases of severe bleeding, the finger should at once be placed directly on the bleeding point. If this fails, the main a rt ery of the part should be pressed upon. In order to do this, advantage is taken, if possible, of the of t.he over a bony surface, and when pressure IS applied 111 thiS place the flow of blood immediately stops.

It is easy to stop from the scalp by press111g on the wound which lies directly upon the smooth bone.

WOUl:ds of a fleshy part, such as the thigh, cannot he satlsfactonly compressed by the finger. In this case you must prE'SS OJ! the artery supplying the limb by taking advantage of ItS passage over the hip-bone, in the groin As by the finger cannot be maintained for long, a substItute may be found in a pad kept in place and its pressure maintained by a bandage, or a tourniquet may be applied to the artery.

There is one class of cases which are important to menti,on. They are coarse injuries often caused by machmery: the case of a limb torn from the body, or severed by a wagon-wheel or railway-engine. Here, there may be no. hcemorrhage. This is, in some cases, partly due to the teanng through of arteries, l eaving the elastic coat of the vessel curled inwards, and thus effectually preventing the outflow of blood. But the p3.tient, you must remember is in a condition of" shock." The heart is feeble in sequence, aud the circulation is too sluggish for active hcemorrhage. Soon the condition known as "reaction" develops, with increased action of the heart. Then it is that profuse and fatal may occur from the large wound.

Therefore, whenever you meet with a wound so deep and extensive that you are sure large vessels must be wounded, be careful to apply the tourniquet on the main artery above the wound. Be careful, also, not to disturb or attempt to rouse the patient before you have adjusted the tourniquet, a. may be excited and hcemorrhage occur before It IS 111 your power to prevent a fatal termination. Applying the same principles, you will readily see how a practice it is to give stimulants to a patient suffenng from shock, with wounded a rt e ri es uncontrolled.

In cases where you meet with severe bleeding from veIns, you should put a pad on the wound and r emember that this IJlllst /Ie broad enollgh to reaclz 7e:e11 outwards on each side of tile wOlllld This precaution is due to the ract th at veins communicate by various channels with their neighbours, forming a kind of network. Hence, it is not enough to place a pad only on the severed end of the vein furthest from th e heart. If this is all that is done th e blood fl?w backwards from adjoining veins through the communIcatmg vessels.

•

-FiRst

If bleeding is taking place from a large vein of the leg, always be careful to first make the patient lie down and elevate th e limb. Th en dress the wound, being careful at the same time to remove all constricting bands, such as garters. A tourni quet has not infrequently been applied to the femoral artery for a ruptured varicose vein, with the result of greatly aggravating the Here the slightest thought, or the application of a very elementary knowl edge of thp. nature of the blood circulation would have prevented this disastrous result.

Lastly, it will not be amiss to add a few words as regards cleanliness in the case of wounds. In most first aid work the use of antiseptic methods are neither necessary nor advisable. But cleanliness must always be considered.

I trust the days are now past when cobwebs or dirt were considered suitable dressings. Dirt of all kinds breeds germs, many of which cause blood-poisoning and death. Tetanus, popularly known as "lock-jaw," is caused by an organism found in wayside earth. Hence, if possible, look to the cleanliness of wounds. Wash the skin around with warm water and soap, remove dirty clothing in contact with the wound, and flush and sponge out all filth and foreign matter, if there is time and opportunity.

The Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve.

CARRICKFERGUS.-An address was de1i\'ered in the afternoon of Friday, September 25th, in the Town Hall, Carrick fergus, by the doctor. The following gentlemen were present .-Commander Risk, R. J ; Dr. Clarke, and others. Dr. Woods said that he had come there that afternoon with a view to seeing if he could get them to interest themselves in the formation of a local ambulance corps. During the late war in South Africa a large number of men who had been instructed in c1asses of the S.J.A.A. had rendered to ;:he sick and wounded "aluable assistance. He described the nature of the training, and emphasised the necessity of keeping up the practice. He could see the S.J.A.B. would be most useful in time of war on land as well as on hospital ships, &c. In Carrickfergus it was necessary to have such a corps, as one of our ships might call there with wounded in war time.

Ir. I'Ferren said that the best thing they could do would be to call a public meeting on an early date and appoint a committee of such men as were present to take the matter up. This was unanimously agreed to, and a vote of thanks having been passed to Dr. Woods, the meeting adjourned.

It is evident that Dr. Woods means to make this movement go, and we would advise our readers who may be interested in it, or desirolls of taking an interest in it, to writ e and ask the doctur down to address a meeting. Dr. Woods is a telling lecturer; he has a pleasing style of delivery and his address never palls on one as it does in the ease of so many exponents of ambulance work.

L1SBURN.-Deputy Insp ector General \Voods , c.B., R.N., &c., &c., has entered heartily into the movement for providing an efficient ambulance reserl'e for the navy. The doctor, who was for many years surgeon to the Queen's yacht, has always t aken a keen interest in ambulance work, and thoroughly knows his subject; and what is more to the puint, he knows men and how to treat them \V e believe that his recruiting crusade will be a great success, and we heartily wish him that success which his efforts so well deserve. On September 25th he addressed a meeting of those interested in the movement, in the Assembly Rooms,

AID. - 75

Lisburn. Th e Chairman of the Urban Council (Mr J. S. Hanna) presided, and in opening the procpedings pointed out the necessity there was for ambulance classes in Lisburn was evident.

Dr. \Voods, who was received with loud applause, said that three or four years ago he made a tour through Ireland to see what was being done in ambulance work, and was rather surprised to see that it was taken up in so few places as compared with England, where he had lectured to hundreds under the auspices of the S.J.A.A. Having given a brief history of the Order of St. John, he said that some twenty years ago it had struck several of the Army medical officers that much good could be done if lectures on first aid were given throughout the land, so that those possessing this knowledge could, where accidents happened, at least fill up the gap until the arrival of a medical man. He then went on to say that he was more particularly concerned about the Navy, upon which the safety of our empire so much depended. He could see the S.J.A.B. would be most useful in time of war. It was necessary to have these corps in readiness, as there would be no time for preparation once war broke out. Therefore they wanted a reserve of men trained in ambulance work who would be ready at the call to go aboard the ships or to assist in the hospitals on land. It would be a purely voluntary reserve furce, but they mast be members ot the St. John .\m bulance. At the conclusion of his address Dr. Woods was accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

Over 150 men have since been enrolled, and great enthusiasm is being evinced in the establishing of a volunteer naval ambulance corps

The many cycling, police, salvage and ambulance friends of Ir. Albert, surgeon-dentist, \yill be pleased to learn that he has returned to his old home on Ludgate-hill, where he intends once more to practice his profession. Mr. Albert, who was at one time Hon. Surgeon Dentist in the S.J.A.B., went to South .'lfrica for the henefit of his health. While in that country the war broke out, and 1\1r. Albert was one of the first St. John men to take the field, having at the request of the authorities raised an ambulance corps for service. He has naturally a pardonable pride in recounting this proof of his loyalty to the S.) .A.B. 3' c:

HEBBuR:--r.-An echo of the Hebburn dock disaster is furnished through a graceful act on the part of the contr actors, Messrs. IvIc/dpine & Co. They have recognised the admirable ambulance services rendered on that sad occasion by the corps from the yards of Messrs. R. Stephenson & Co., and 1Iessrs. Hawthorn, Leslie c Co., and presented to each man a gold medal, on one side of which is engraved the recipient's initials, and on the other side the words "For services rendered in ambulance work at the time of the disaster in the new graving dock, Hebburn." Anyone familiar with the incidents of that memorable subsidence, in which seven poor fellows perished, will recall with feelings of the highest appreciation the labours of all those who took pan in the rescuing operatIOns, and amongst these none acted with greater courage than the men of the am bulance brig3.de

DECORATORS should read their Trade and Art Journal " Tile Decorators' anri Paillters' Jl.fczt[a ::Jlle" wri tten by practical men for practical men. Price 6d., by post Sd.; 55. per annum post free. Published on the r 5th of the month Publishers, Dale, Revnolds & Co. 46, Cannon-street, E.C

The Visit of the London Private Fire Brigades As s ociation to Boulogne = sur =Mer, Fran c e.

By OUR OWX Sl'ECL\.L FRENCH CORRESPODENT.

ON the 19th September last, a splendid demonstration took place at Boulogne-sur-Mer.

l?etachments of the London Private Fire Brigades' .\s_soclatlOn, under the command of the chairman Chief Church-Brasier, consisting or the Fire Br.lgade, some members of the S.].A. and other fire brigades. ..:\mongst those present were Capt. 1Iiller, of Ley ton and Le) tonstone, and Capt. Bradley, of Tonbridge, all of were warmly received by the municipal and _Capt. \rarlet 1hndre, assisted by the officers and sub-officers of the French brinade .

The Clan?ico Fil:e Brigade and ambul::mc: corps, which was accompanied by Its band, was under the command of

A I D.- Octuber, 1903.

ties and officers of the Boulogne Fi rc Brigade, they weI e conducted through the town to the H otel Etoi le de No r d, and the officers to the Hotel Dervaux.

At 8 , 30 p.m. a ll the firemE:n of the delega t ion, with ?fficers, at the fire station, Rue des Pipots, by the mUI1lclpahty, when a Vin d'Honneur was offered by the. 1\1ayor Boulogne, M. and his adjoille, 11. Patm, M. Farjon, general counCIllor the members of the Council and tIle Comn;ission of the Fetes There were also present Captain Varlet ])andre Commandant .Fire BI.-igade, Bou10gne, his officers, M, P;tyt and ])cgumc, aSSIsted by all their sub-officers, the Aajutant Bonchez at the head, and our friend 1\1. E Thiroux of the London Private Fire ThIS ceremony was of quite a cordial simplICIty, was also vcry impressive

T A handsome. presented. by Captain

\ to Mrs ChUl Brasier, With the follow1l1g words :Madam, permit me to offer you some flowers in remembr:l.nce. of your visit to the Sapeurs l'ompiers of Boulogne, whIch I have the honour tu command. Permit me al?o to . thank you. very sincerely for thc interest yeu take 111 thIS corporatlOl1 of .gallant pcople, your devoted

In fact\ so as, ltl another circumstance, the }< ederatlon .of the Sapeurs Pompiers, have appreciated ,Your hIgh qualItIes of humanity and awarded you with the of member. As an active member of the commIttee durrng three years, and as member of the Comof the great International Congress at "\ at Exh IbItIOn of 1900, I have received myself title and diploma of honorary member of the Federation. It IS not only as the com mandant of the firemen of Doulogne but also as a colleague, pleased to-day to offer you we.lcome and to beg to our respectful homage.

1 lt1clude also the ChIef Officer Church-Bras.ier, Captain Horn, the o ffi.cers , sub-officers and firemen that accompany you, and 1 to the.union of all }rance and Englrl.nd."

;\1rs. who was visibly touched by thiS of sympathy, then pinned the insignia of the on the breast of 1\1. Peron, the Mayor of Boulogne, Captall1. Varlet, a.nd LieU[enant Petyt.

A scene, was Impressive, then ensued, when I\I.IS. Church-Brasle.r detached her own insignia and gave thIS honour to Lleut. Deguine, who received it with emotion.

Then M Peron and Mr. Cilurch Drasier delivered on the benefit of en/ente co rdia Ie, and asking many leturns of some mall1festatlOns of this kind.

October, -F I RST

Brigade, under t1le command of Supt. Wood, was. bronght (mm the fIre station and saluted by tIle departlllg contingent, the band meanwhile playing the Marseillaise.

The rlremen with t.heir officers, accompanied by the Boulogne Fire Brigade and a ,-ery large crowd, embarked for the return journey.

As the boat cast o(f the band played the "Marseillaise" and" God Save the King" to the applause of the crowd, and the wish was generally expressed that nex[ year the Hritish firemen would again visit Boulogne.

The thanks of the Association are also due to M. Cotard the Chief Superintendent of Police of Boulognc, who so kind to our firemen and put all his men at their disposal.

Finally, Mr. Church Brasier received from the of the :l\[arquis de Leuville, President of the FederatIon, the insignia o( the LCLlvilie Li(e Saving Society.

We have much pleasure in presenting our readers with a portrait of the Chairman of the l\ssociation, :Mr. ChurchBrasier, who arranged the visit and was in commaml of the detachment. This gentleman has long been an advocate for closer relations with France, and he is very popular amongst his French confreres, many o( whom he /1 as had the pleasure of meeting on both sides of the water. Indeed, we lllay say he is a man who would be popular in any country, especially amungst those engaged in He-saying work. Thc numerous recognitions he has received in the way ()f diplomas and decorations also go to show that his zeal in this work is fully recognised in other countries besides his own. May he long be spared to assist in this noble work and to receive other and more distin{1I1ished recognition of his de\'otion and self-sacrifice in /:)the cause of humanity. Our portrait is by II'. Arthur Weston, The Poultry, Cheapside, London.

We are glad to Jearn also that the band of the Clarnico Fire Brigade was so much appreciated tllat the Commissioner o[ the Fetes unanimonsly voted the sum o[ 12 5 francs in recognition of their kindness in voluntarily arranuinn the two concerts on the )igue. This is, we are /:) b sure, very gratifying to "Messrs. Clarke, Nicholls and Coomhs, who are justly proud of their hand.

Pro v incial Fi re B ri ga des.

A I D.- 77

A minute inspection was made by the Committee, who expressed themselves thoroughly satisfled with the efficiency of all the appliances; they agreed that the work of the Brigade reflected the greatest credit upon all concerned. Subsequently some interesting drills were performed, concluding with a Simultaneous drill with the steamer, manual, and escape. Chief-Officer 1\' ells is to be congratulated upon the continued efficiency manifested. The other officers on parade were econd-Officer Bryant, District Officer Strand, and Hon. Member S. Stiff. wa5 also present.

National F ir e B ri ga d es Union.

A meeting of the Central Council will be held at the Holbom Restaurant, on Wednesday the 28th October, at 2 o'clock

A conference of District Chairmen and Secretaries will be held at the {[oloorn Restaurant, Wednesday, October 28th, at J2 o'clock noon.

An earnest appeal on behalf of the Widows' and Orphans' Fund has been issued by Graham and Folker, they say: " This year our grants have exceeded our income, and other cases are waiting to be considered directly funds permit. May we ask you to make a special effort to assist this most deserving cllarity by giving a donation, or organising a Church Parade, Concert, Football Match, Bazaar, &c., or by any other way you consider most desirable. Collecting boxes will be provided to any brigade gratis.

Correction.

OUR report in the last month's issue of FIRST Am concerning a trial of the Llldwigsbergs Steam Fire Engines at the Earls Court Exhibition, reached us (rom an unofficial source, and we gladly avail ourselves of an opportunity to insert a correction which reached us from one of the professional Fire Chief's who witnessed the whole display :-

Capt. Geurge Horn, assisted by Supt. Simpson, and a of,the St. J obn, Private Fire Brigade undel Supt. '\ ood, WIth Sergt. Elam and some other firemen of the bngade.

Clarnico Fire Brigade brought its own material WIth whIch they gaye some cleyer demonstrations, which were warmly applauded; and the honourable adj()im to the of M. Norbert .Dilbocg, in his speech to fil saId :-. IVe are certall1, and must say that ll1terestll1 g you have made to-day, will us some new experIence, for whlcil we t hank you and whIch from to-day we..; shall make profitable " ,

"'_hen the sll:umc..;r Victoria, with all English firemen and officers on board, came to the landing stage at the. crowd Weat, and applauded enthuslastlcall); the MarseIllaIse" was pla)7ed ,'th " ..' "b \\ 1 maest1l1a y the Clarnico band.

The sunshine was bright and the sI)ectacle splendid, was r\fter the inspc..:ction of the contingent by the authori-

All the "peecbes. applauded and by the enthUSIastic "hlP, hip, hurrahs)) of the brigade and members.

?n the Illorning,. tbe Clarnico Fire Brigade, the dIrectIon ?f Caplam. Horn, assisted by Supt. SImpson, some dIsplays whIch were appreciated and at the tllne t1:e Clarnico band discoursed sweet After which the bl'lgade again visited the fIre station and of another Yin d'Honneur offered by the Sapeurs Pomplers

We must not forgeL our friend Capt. Webb, late Chief of Leeds, n.ow retired at Boulogne who sym pathetIcally our firemen during their stay at Boulogne, and who, WIth a superb British warmth delivered to our firemen many encouraging speeches. '

On Sunday afternoon the Clarnico band went to the and a selection of. high-class music; and at 6 o clock the }1 rench flag of the CIe des Sapeurs Pompiers, with an comflosed of Capt. Varlet and his officers accolllpal1led by the de l egates of the St John Am Fire

ETOK.-The Etem Urban District Council was engaged for a considerable tillle, on October 2nd, in interviewing candidates for the post of fireman and careLaker at Eton, a new post decided upon as the result of the rL'cent fatal college fire. lost of the candidates were ex-sailors, and R.Harnisch, formerly a sub-officer of the Metropolitan Br igade, was appointed.

It was stated that the new manual would be hO\lsed at the College and that the boys and servants would receIve fire drill. Electric alarms between the Eton Fire tation and the masters' houses are being laid.

MARGATE. -The r e was a large attendance at the Dane ParI" on Tuesday afternoon, September 22nd, at the flrst annual inspection, by the Watch Committte of the Borough of the Jocal Fire Brigade. The Brigade, the mem bers of which turned out smart and business-like, were under Chie:-Officer Wells, and paraded at three o'clock with thc whole of the appliances-steamer, manual, horse escape, two curricle escapes and hose trucks co 111 bined and the one-hand hose t ruck The whole of the fillings w re laid out on the jumping s h eets for inspection.

" At the trial of the small one -horse engine a pressure of 100 llJs. was raised in four minutLs. i\ in. jet was thrown to a height of loa fL against a very strong wind and a horizontal jet of 150 ft. 1\ jet through a 1 in. nozzle W:l.S thrown against the wind 80 ft.

" ,\ Tith the larger steam engine for two horse traction, with a capacity of 2-+-+ gallons a minutt:, steam was raised fr0111 cold water to JOO llls. pressure in 7 minutes.

"A [in. jet was thrown to a distance o( 180 (l. The return valve was demon trated, by closing the nozzle, when the water pressure in the hose opened t!le valve circtlbting the water, t11e steamer being in full blast all the time.

"Two jets were thrown simultaneously to a height of 120 ft.

"A in. nozzle attached to this engine, throw a jet to a height of ISO ft. and a distance of 180 ft."

The above report shows a vcry creditable performance and wc hope to see the Ludwigsbergs' Compan) in COI11petition with our home makers, all of which is good for trade.

Letters to the Editors.

{'Ve au 77l 110 way 1-espOllsible for the opiniolls expressea. or the stattlllcnts //lade, b)1 CornspolldClltS.-ED[TORS.

THE" TUNSTILL" SHIELD

DE \R SIRS,-It is with a feeling akin to sadness that I am forced to mark the continued absence of the spirit of cameraderie between the various districts of the S.J.A. B.

At Brierfield an ambulance competition is announced to take place this month ( October ) for a valuable silver shield In the August number of FIRST Am it was mentioned that this event was open to all Ellgland, and the September isslle of your intere?ting paper states that ': brigades in the country wIll be eligible to enter the competitIOn " I take it that your information was doubtless obtained from some ambulance official .of the town in question. From enquiries made I gather that neither headquarters at St. John's Gate, nor any responsible officer in the No. ( London district ) has received any notification of this important affair. do not know whether the other districts have been il1\ ited to co mpete. Ifso, and to the exclusion of the Metropolitan district, I have no alternative IJut to assume that it has been designedly so arranged out of respect for the prowess of the team that represented and won for o. J district tbe " Dewar" shield. enclose my card.Fraternally yours, CYCLIST.

SUKDAY

DEAR SIR S,-Ambulance Sunday ought to be taken up and will be when the idea gets properly understood I am delighted to see such a suggestion appear firs t in the pages of " F.A."

You are" leaving em all behind ," and ha\'e doubtless induced many people to take an interest in ambulance work who might never haye done so. Best wis hes for your continued prosperity. --Yo urs faithfully, ( Private ) S.J.A B.

DE.\R SlR s - Ambulance Sunday is a suggestion I am delighted " ith; more so, because it is a genuine pleasure to ?ee the ?teady m';lnner in which" F.A." continues. to progress In all things tending towards the good of the ambulance ser\'ice

I have always firmly believed that, to be successful, ambulance work should be i? a reli gio us spirit, and do not to say that, In my oplmon, a g reat defect in the is the doing their duties in the spirit of so much a day. I believe that if the S.J.A.B. could get the means to establish a London Ambulance Sen'ice composed of men \\'ho have all for the service, mature men, de\ eloped from volunteers ll1to permanent ambulance men the service would thrive and be maintained by voluntary with the aid of an Ambulance Sunday.

Like other good Christian works and organisations "One volunteer's worth th'ee pressed men," said Lord Yours, &c., S .J.A.B. (S outh African Service).

DEAR SIR S,-The suggestion of an Ambulance Sunday

I noticed on front page?f your J OLlrnal for September

I thmk an excellent Idea. HospItal Sunday has been a OTeat so has Lifeboat Sunday; and my' hope is that the dlgmtanes of the church \\'Ill eventually see tll e ir way to support such a really practical Christian ide::l. is alone shows how valuable your J oumal is; I would not mISS my }< IRST AID ea c h month for a a reat deal. The best of wishes for your future. -Fai thfully SUlU;rC\L MAKER.

DEAR Sms,-" Familiarity breeds indifference" and the special Sunday movement has of though it has been by no means an entire failure. \Yhen I saw the suggestion of an Ambulance Sunday in "F.A " I felt at once there was ro.om for such .an idea being realised. That it may be by your ll1strumentallty, I should be much pleased to see

FIRST Am is now improving steadily. - Your s , &c., S .J.A.B. ( Canonbury )

GENTLEi\IE - From the remarks of your correspondent, "L.A.C:," who generally seems to know what he is writing about, It does not appear qUite c lear whether the Hospitals Association Ambulance Service intend to ambulance London within the L.C.C boundaries only, or to establish an universal ambulance service In either case, whichever be their aim especially if it be the latter, it so far falls w oefully short. It would be interesting to learn what thei r ai m really is.

From what I have seen in your Journal, their principles are excellent, but their methods fall short of the peculiar needs of London I am aware the Association is financed by voluntary contributions, with no ::lid from the rates whatever; nevertheless, their existence seems to have an inAuence towards retarding an ambulance service, with trained ambu lan ce men , belllg formed for London.

The arrangements of your Journal since it has been under your control is a \ 'ery great imprO\·ement. That you will be able and kind enough to find space in your pages for my remarks, likewise you" grow and prosper," is the sincere wish of AN OLD FIRST AIDER.

THE OF THE RECE T WAR.

DK\R SIRS, - In your lead ing article on "The Lesson of the Recent \Var," I regret to see that among the organisations mentioned for their voluntary se rvi ces the Brigade Bearer Co.'s were ignored, seeing that the various co mpanies were accepted at the early period of the war, and many joined the in fact, in London, I believe more men joined the RA. M.e. from the Bearer Co.'s than from the Volunteer R.A.1\I.e. I am referring to the early period of the war when their pay was the same as the regular soldier-as it should be. This redounds more to their patriotism than waiting and joining some voluntary hospital at higher pay It s greatly to be that the country had to depend upon the generosity of several patrioti c men

My contentions are that in the various companies of the Vol. R.A.1\1.C. Bearer Co 's, and the S.].A.B. there should be service companies ready to join the RA.i\I.C. at the service rate of pay, these men should hold an advanced or nursing certificate and should wear a distinctiye badge and pass an examination yearly. Any other man from any other organisation engaged WIth the R.A.M.C. should be em. ployed on fatigue duties. A deal of discontent was caused and rightly so, by the employment of various auxiliar; forces at high rates of pay, many of whom had no knowedge of first aid or nur s ing work, and the regular soldier having to do the most responsible duties at less than half the pay. As to the nurses of the S.J.A.B., r maintain they could have replaced ll1any of the 1st class men orderl es providing they worked as the nurses do in ci\·il hospitals, and as some of the nurses th at came from Austral ia fI. lar ue reserve could be kept up of nurses ready for active service b fro lT. the various fever hospitals, the Metropolitan Asylums Board nurses, and the S.J A.B - Yours, &c , 5TH LON. BE,\RER CO.

[vVe quite coi ncide with the views of our correspondent.EDITORS "F. A."]

METROPOLITAN POLICE A D THEIR APPARENT IGNORA CE OF AMBULANCE WORK.

DEAR SlRS,·-The .collapse of a hOllse in Haverin <T-street Commercial -r0.ad, on the 29th of August, whereby four were ll1Jured, IS one of those numerous cases that o cc ur year after year in London, and ye no trained municipal ambulance corps are provided by the authorities to rencler first aid on the occasion of such calamtiies. \Vben an accident such as this t akes place, it is the custom for the papers to report that the e\'ent did occur, and that "the police were Soon on the scene .and carried out th e work ?f rescue, " and also" conveyed the ll1Jured to the hospItaL" 1 here IS never any allusion to ambulance work, unless it be in a railway accident or there may be a slight comment on the absen c e of it. '

One .thing apparent, whatever their training may be, the metropol itan police se ldom seem to profi t by it. I t is the rarest event possible to see them lift a stret c her off the wheel frame prior to lay an injured person on it, and when they have got an undoubted case of accident on the litter, away they rush to the hospital, jolting over tram lines, granite setts, anyhow to con-

October, 1903.

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vey, I suppose, an that they the.ir Th e ikelihood of the Injured person 's s uffenn gs beIng Il1tenslfied does not appear to trouble them. - Yours sincerely, L.A.C.

SOUTH AFRICA WAR MEDAL.

DEAR SIR S - vVith reference to one of your correspondent's asking that a bar should be issued for the S.J .A.B. South African \Var I hardly think it is needed for the reason that he puts forward, viz., the fal se position it put s those .in who did not leave the country. The \ ery fact of a man wearin g the Queen's South African Medal should show he did service abroad. I quite agree that many of the offi ce rs of the brigade are deserving of recognition for their sen'ices in rendering assistance to their country A case recently ca me to m)' knowledge, however, which I consider is that of a man taking up a fal se po s ition, viz., a T e.O of the S.J.A.B. buying clasps for his South African and China medal s, and for plac es he did not do duty in. That such a proceeding is not \ 'e r y creditable is the opinion of-Yo urs, &c.,

ROWI S

DF:AR SlRs, - It is very good of you to eulogise my poor endeavours in the cause of ambulance work in B irmingham, as you have in your September issue, and it is due to tho se who take an interest in the matter to understand the cause of my resignation as supt.-sec. of the Birmin g ham Corps S.J .A. B., and this I shall br iefly do, and hope that you may find room in one of your next issues for the follow ing statement ;-

Let me say that my co nne ctio n with ambulance work dates from 1884, that I hold the I s and 2nd certificates, the medallion and the nursing certificate, that I am alc;o an Hon. Serving Brother Orderof St. John of J e ru sa lem i n England and posses s the diploma and order. I do not intend in tbi s explanatory letter to say one word derogatory to the dign ty of the Order of St. John ; it would be altogether out of place to do so, and contrary to my oath of alle gia n ce to the Order. Let me therefore briefly say that during the late war I was asked by Col. DowdIer to undertake the formation of the City Division ( Birmingham ) S .J .A.B., and as I was at that t ime hon. sec. of the Birmingham and District Ambulance Brfgade, I had to obtain the consent of my Committee. They most ungrudgingly gave me the same, and most loyall y assisted me in makin g the necessary arrangements. Some 40 men were sent to Africa, and on their return they \I ere disbanded. The B ir min g ham and District fI..B. still existed durin g the time the City Di\ 'isio n of St. John was in Africa. Subsequently, however, I ndu ce d t he members to abandon the I3irmingham and District, and a number of the late members joined the present St. John Corps, and my friend Mr. Fred Gilbert acceded to my request to allow himself to be nominated as c hief superintendent. The present corps therefore owe s its existence to my single e-ndeavours, and the staff were personally reque sted by me to undertake office. The South African medals were presented by Mrs. Chamberlain at H ig hbury, and an important speech, eulogising the work of St. J oh11 men, was made by the Rt. Hon. J. Chamberlain. The whole of the arrangements were superintended and initiated by myself ( I am afraid your readers will accuse me of being egotistical, but I ',.vant to show that I have had only one object in view all along, and that is to uphold the dignity of the S .J .A.B.) At th is t ime the Birmingham Corps of St. ] ohn had been formed, as previously stated, and was in active working order. On the :2l1d April, 1903, I received a note from Lieut.-Col. Elliston announcing the issue of 40 King 's medals whi c h were to be given to the members of the disbanded City Divi s ion of the S .J .A.D., and I was told that" there will be no necessity for a formal distribution, as was the case with the war medals, and on the J 6th April the medals were sent, r was told that " all medals for men who cannot be traced are to be returned to Mr. Elliston." As it was inconvenient for me to distribute the medals at my place of business, I asked my friend, 1\lr. Gilbert, in his unofficial capacity (as he was not chief superintendent of the South African Division ) to distr bute them to callers. I sent a lett er to the press asking all men to whom the medal was due to ca ll for it at Mr. Gilbert s residence. A number of men called and the bulk were distributed. One day Mr. Gilbert called on me and told me he had received a letter

AI D.- 79

from a Birmingham city official asking that any medals for "his men " shou ld be sent to him for distribution. This was contrary to rules, and a reply to this effect was sent.

A second letter demanding an explanation was next received, and a longer and more explanatory reply was returned By thi s time Col. Bowdler had resigned and 1\Ir. Belgr ave Ninnis had been appointed in his stead. On the yd "'lay Gilbert received a letter from 1\1r. :\,innis, asking him to return all uncalled for medals to him. He replied that he was acting only as my agent. :\'innis then wrote me on the 8th June requesting me to return all uncalled for medals. Mr. Gilbert and r had an inten iew and came to the conclusion that as the Birminbham Official had" dropped us," he had gone over our heads and addre ssed ;\fr. Ninnis. I therefore wrote asking \\ h y the medals were to b e sent to him and whether he had been ap proa c hed by any Dirmingham city official. The reply I had was a repetition of the first letter. I r eplied asking" wi t h e\ ery possible respect for :\1r. l'\innis' position , for an answer to my query. The anS\\'er to that l e tter ,,'as " Once again r have to direct you to return me without further delay, &c , &c." \Vith that r se nt the medals as had been at first instructed to Lieut.-Col. Elliston and explained the matter full y to him. I also wrote an expostulatory letter to :\[1'. innis, complaining that he had overridden the St. J oh n ( Birmingham ) officials, and that the lea s t he could have done was to have asked for an explanation before writing in so c urt and domineerin g a manner. I had s imply an acknowledgement of tha t letter. Subsequently Ninnis came to Birmingham and interviewed '\1r. Gilbert and showed him my letter. I then wrote Sir H. Perrott asking for an independent enquiry, but the next I h ea r o f the matter is a letter from Sir H. Perrott, dated 24th July, Stating that the Chapte r had had under consideration my letter to :t\innis, dated the 18th ult., and that it seems fully demonstrated th::lt I possessed a very inadequate conception of my duty to my superior officer, &c., and that I w as to take the admQnition in the spir it in whi ch it was meant, and to show my appreciation of the considera,ion shown to me I \\ as to forward to Commissioner Ninnis a suitable apology within 14 days. The S.].A.D. not haying quite absorbed all the dignity r possessed. I did what I venture to believe 999 out of every thous and honourable men wo uld have done, and that w as to send in my resignation. This then, Sir, is a plain, un\'arnished account of the whole matter. I ba\ e be e n condemned unheard, neither 1\11'. Ninnis or the Chapter asking for an explana tion. I shall al\lays take an interest in my "bairn," th e Birmingham Corps. I most highl y value the f rie nd shi p of the Deputy and Assistant-Commissioner NO·3 District, the permanent officials at St. John's Gate, and also my latC' colleagues on the staff, ;lnd I shall do anything I can to further the interest of ambulance work. I shall continue to subscribe to your valuable paper and teep myself in tOllch with all that goes on in the ambulance work.-Yours, faithfully,

T. R ST UIP.

T. V (C hester ) - We are obliged for your kindly letter, and regret that you are dissatisfied with" F A." but we think you somewhat strain a point when you say it is all "Fire. " The portion devoted to ambulance work is much larger. \\ e are hOplllg to start a series of lecture s by medical men s hortly, and we propose to present an \mbul ance Stretcher to the corps or diyision \\ h ic h sends llS the largest number of new subscribers before the 31St of December; a second prize of a Surgi ca l IIaversac will also be gi\'en, and a prize of a Pocket Ambulan ce Case to any lady or ge ntleman reader \\ ho shall also send us the lar gest nunlber in a Similar comp etitio n. As OLlr readers are aware the prizes are costly ones, we trust, therefore, that the competing li sts will be worthy of the prizes.

A L.\DY SUPERINTE:\DI< KT, Writing from Lanc ash ire, takes us seriously to task, and states that she cannot recommend FIR ST AID to her members as the answers to correspondents, &c., sho\\' a la c k of knowledge of brigade regulation s, and would tend to mystify the members of her division. \Vell, we confess this lady has mystified ourselves, for we do not know to what she alludes If oLir correspondents cIo not under s tand brigade regulation s, that is surely not our fault, and we do not think we ever posed as exponents of these regulations any

more than we have done of the army re gulations. 'vVe l eave these questions to others with more ample leisure than \l'e possess. The 15 puzzle many years ago nearly drove us demented. Our object has always been to gi\'e all sides a fair hearing and concise rep(lfts of the good \l'ork being done in the ambulance and tire \l'orld, and we do not think the majority of our readers can say that we have ever shown bias on any question appearing in OUf columns.

A correspondent writes us: "I am in want of a recitation or dialogue representative of the work of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, or of a member of the brigade . Vhen I mention "The Absent-l\linded Beggar" as symbolical of the work of a soldier, I think you will understand my wants. Your assistance will greatly oblige I have been unable until recently to subscribe to your valuable Journal, so am unaware as to whether any recitations ha\'Po appeared in its columns." Can any of our reaclers help us?

GREE:\TSTREET.-The result of thc r ece nt hous e- tohouse collection in aid of the funds of this Division was satisfactory , the amount collected amounting to no l ess than £3-1-, which shows that much inter est is being taken in the work Out of this amount a litter has been purchased and also another stretcher, the latt e r has been placed at Conyer, much to the satisfaction of th e inhabitants there. Arrangements have been made for keeping it at Richardson's mutor house, where it will always bc procurable, and as several members of the DiV Ision reside at Conyer, there will be no difficulty in rendering first aid promptly in case of n ecess ity. A good balance has been handed over to the fund. Great credit is due to th e mcm bers for their successfu l efforts as collectors, and to the Hon. Secretary (lVIr. G Peatfield).

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As it is the earnest wi h and desire of the new Proprietors to make this Journal as attractive and entertaining as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it all the help they can. Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Diyisions of the St. John Ambulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers), the Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction, and Chief Officers of Fire Brigades will, it is hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisation, and will also send for publication their official news and notices. Suggestions are imited for Prize Competitions ancl other matters which will advance the interest of the Journal.

\V e particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication

We are pleased to record the fact that we are already receiving a great accession of support from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limited, in dealing with reports of local meetings for presentation of certificates, &c., it would be better that a brief report were written, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon by the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should ue sent gi\ing in detail the \I hole record of the meeting. This report is doubtless interesting to local First·aider but it must be uorne in mind that we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at large.

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Te/ePhoue NO' - '477 Balik.

Brevities.

WE are so constantly hearing Liverpool quoted as one of the most up-to-date ambulance cities in this country that it comes almost as a shock to learn that it is not quite perfection, that is, if we are to believe the story quoted by our spiky little contemporary, the L/verpool Forcup/tte. The other afternoon a 'orny 'anded son of toil came into the outer office and hoarsely whispered into the auricular appendage of the" Sphinx": "Wot I say is this, guvnor i It's a somethinged shame that the ambulances from the hospitals will not turn out lat er than 7 p.m., and if there's an accident after that, well, it's gaudelp the sufferer." Asked if he had any particular case in his mind's eye he told me following: "r\ye! At 9.30 on Monday night, I was passmg the s.s. 'Highland Chief,' then lying in the Herculaneum Dock, and saw a man named Charles Craggs

fall off the gangway ladder into the water between the quay and the steamcr. He was got out by the aid of a man named Corlett and P.e. 120 C, and the latter worked like a nigger to restore animation. The various hospitals were telephoned to from the dockmaster's office to send on the ambulance; but they all replied' they did not turn out after seven. At 10.30, forty minutes after the accident, a polLce ambulance arrived from Hatton-garden, and the poor fellow was conveyed in it to the Southern Hospital, where he died shortly after. I think it's a bloomin' shame that a man should lie on the dock stones for nearly threequarters of an hour, and it's a blot on our community that we can't have a conveyance ready to turn out at any hour of the day or night - especially as the workers' contributions form such a large proportion f)f the Hospital Saturday Fund."

THE Queen says: "The man in the street is not long before he witnesses an accident in London, or a disturbance in which the police figure, but must be struck with the rough-and-ready methods adopted for removing the chief personages concerned, either to the hospital or station-house. It is true that ambulances are by no means unknown in the metropolis, and the St. John men and the police do good work in this direction, especially on occasions when great crowds assemble: but what is wanted is a properly-organised service, which can be depended upon to arrive promptly at the scene of action. Horsed ambulance ,"vagons at the hosT,itals and police-stations (from the last named they might be despatched to aid a sorelypressed policeman), ready equipped for instant service, like a fire-engine, would doubtless be of great use; but though the idea has been promulgated before, London has not apparently 'woke up' in this direction, though at an inquest held the other day on a woman who was burned to death attention was once more called to the matter. If any steps should, happily, be taken, however, the same stretcher should never on any account be used for conveying a bOlla fide accident to hospital and then an intoxicated person to the police-station, as is the case to -day."

\V e are pleased to note another cOlwert to our in the powerful advocacy of a paper like the QlIeell. This journal, circu latin g as it does amongst members of the softer sex, may induce them to add their ever earnest advocacy to a cause which has for its object the further relief of the sick and injured.

AT the recent annual meeting of the British l\1cdical Association held at Swansea attention \-yas drawn to the

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dogs employed for ambulance work by tile companies of Glascrow Yolunteer l\Iedical Staff Corps, and the oplmon o e:--;prcsscd that they were decidedly useful, and recommendincr their addition to other corps. dogs were trained 0 by Richardson, F.Z.S., LS.A., Panbride House, Carnollstie. During the past year thc German police borrowed the military am bulance dogs t? find the body of a gamekeeper murdered by poachers 111 a large preserve; in the case of a suicide, where the suicide had wandered from his abode a long distance into the country and drowned himself; and another when a young child had lost itself in a wood and strayed nine miles from home. In each of these cases large search parties of men had utterly failed, but the dogs exhibited the utmost sagacity, and succeeded where the men failed. Major Richardson has been asked to lecture on the subject in London

* * *

THE Central British Red Cross Committee has been charged with the duty of making known to the British public the existence of a fund instituted by H.LM. the Dowager Empress 1farie Feodoroma of Russia for couraging inventors and others to devise improvements 111 the means of dealing with \vounded and sick in the field

The announcement of the foundation of this fund which was made at the Seventh International Conference of Red Cross Societies held at St. Petersburg in May, 1902, was communicated to the British Press by Lord Knutsrord, chairman of the Central Committee. The money set apart for the above object, and which is called the Empress Feodorovna International Red Cross Fund, consists of a sum of 100,000 roubles (about £ [1,000) graciously presented by Her l\Iajesty, the interest of which is to be expended every fifth year in prizes to be at each successive International Red Cross Conference. The prizes at the first competition, which will take place in 1907 (country to be hereafter named), will be three in number. They will be awarded to competitors who submit, in "whole or in part, the best solution of problems connected with rendering aid to the wounded, whether on land or se3., and in the following directions :-Tbe surest and quickest means of searching for and removing the wounded from the field of battle; the best type of stretchers or vehicles for removing the wounded to the stations with the greatest rapidity and with the 'least degree of suffering; the means of saving lives at sea; the best installations in movable hospitals, wagons, ships, &c for the final evacuation of wounded and sick The competition is an open one, and intending competitors are informed that they will have to send their inventions to the Exhibition of Ambulance Material, which it is proposed shall be held quinquennially in connection with the International Conference of Red Cross Societies. Further details can be obtained on application to the Hon Secretary, Central British Red Cross 68, Victoria-street, L:mdon, S.\\'

Many of our readers will no doubt be pleased to hear of the success of Messrs. Lotery & Co., 4 - 8, St. Mary's-street, London, N.E., in obtaining the contract for the uniforms for all attendants at the London County Asylums.

Rail w a y Am bul ance .

CDIllRIAN RAILwAys.-The 3rd annual competition for the distinction of holdinO' for one year the handsome Cambrian Shield, the joint gift. of l\Ir5. C S. Denniss and Mrs. Parry-Jones, took place at Glansevern on Oct. 23rd, by tl:c kind invitation of Mr. Humphreys-Owen, M.P . , the ChaJrman of the Company. 'The beautiful grounds were thrown open, the visitors wel:e allow.ed to ramble about the and, altogether, despite the mclement weather of the morning, a thoroughly enjoyable ?ay was spent.

The teams and their fnends on arnval were at once entertained to refreshments in rooms which had been prettily decorated and arranged for the occasion. Tea was also taken at four o'clock.

Six teams, including the Oswestry Traffic team, last year's winners, and .the \Vorks team, the wmners of 1901, competed m the follow1l1g order :Os\yestry Traffic-D. Jones, leader; T. Evans, F. Vaughan, E. S. I:!:vans and E. Cor field.

Oswestry "Works-H . leader H. Aston, D. Wood, A Palin and J. Hampson

Llanidloes-C Brown, leader; R. Mills, J. H. Walters, J. Hampson and C. Pryce.

Machynlleth-G. R Stevenson, leader; EdwlI1 Jones, John Blayney, Edward J and S. O. Evans. , 1' Aberystwyth - G. Wtlhams, leader; J. Edwards, Owen, G. Smith and C "\Villiams.

Portmadoc-D. C Owen, leader; E. Pugh, J. E. Roberts, D. J. Roberts and ,V J. Hughes.

Dr. Rile)' of Pontes bury was the examll1er, and he , 'b' I) C 1" judged the teams throughout on the aSlS 0 r. anUe s handbook, "First j\id to the Injured."

The competition, which lasted from 11.30 o'clock ttll after four was watched with keen interest, and there were quite a of speculations as to the result, which was declared from the front of the hall by Dr. Riley, who placed the teams in the following order :-Portmadoc, who secured 2 .j.I marks; Llanidloes, 193; Aberystwth, 182; Oswestry Works, 155; Oswestry Traffic, 131 Machynlleth, 119 The result, which came as a surprise, was received with loud cheering, all the more hearty for the reason that the victorious team figured at the other end of the list last year.

Dr. Riley said the general character of the work d':me was excellent. Referring to the work of the successful team he observed that all through the competition they show'ed themselves generally smart. They answered the questions put to them clearly and concisely. In fact, taken all round they were a set of men any Cor:1pany should be proud of, and it was with .the greatest posslble pleasure that he awarded them the pnze.

Mrs. Humphreys-Owen in presenting the shield to the leader of the Portmadoc team, said she watched their performance last year with the greatest interest, and she so much struck by their non-success on that occaSlOn that it was a great joy to her to hear of their success on this occaSlOn. The success of the Portmadoc team, they all knew, was due in a great measure to the perseverance of the team' still she could not overlook the fact that the skill of the trained thern was also responsible for it in a large degree.

11r. D C. Owen responded on behalf of the team.

il1r. Denniss moved a vote of thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Humphreys-Owen for their kindness in inviting them for their hospitality and arrangements to make the VlSlt both enjoyable and memorable.

Jovember, J9 0 3· -FIRST AI D.-

Mr. Ilerbert Jones seconded the motion, which was carried with enthusiasm, cheers being given for Mr. and ).[rs. IIumphreys-Owen, the 11isscs IIumphreys-Owen, and " t he son abroad."

Mr. Humpbreys-Owen, M.P., replied. He most sincerely hoped that the preparations which they made were adequate and satisfactory. It 11ad been a real pleasure to them to do what they had done. Deforp. thcy separated, he wished them to extend their most cordial thanks to Dr. Riley for 11is work there that day. It was most essential that they should have a judge in whom they had confldence, and in whose knowledge of his work and in whose decisions they felt they could place absolute reliance.

I\1r. Collin seconded the motion, which was carried with acclamation.

Dr. Riley, in reply, repeated that ambulance work was to him a labour of love, and when hc came among people who were as enthusiastic over it as he was, it became additionally pleasant.

At the close of the proceedings Mr. Humphreys-Owen made the gratifying announcement that Mr. Herbert Jones, 1\1r. Collin and Gough intended to present suitablyinscribed sih er medals to each member of the successful team in com memoration of their success.

The announcement was received with cheers. Afterwards, a return was made to the station, where the Vlsltors took train for home. Altogether a very ple:lsant and profitable day was spent. The arrangements in connection with tllc competition were in the hands of 1fr. J. 1). Andrew, the centre secretary.

HULL ,\:\'JJ RUG\ LEY R ,\[L,y \ \' DIV]SIQ:--<.-On I th, the above di\ ision held its first social

The chief e\'ent was the representation of certif'tc:ltl's to the m e mbers of the recent first aid class. The Slo James School - room, \Ifred-street, was filled with about q.o-Iadies and gentlemen inter sted in ambulance mo\emenlo .\.t 7.30 :;\1r. John Larder (chairman), who was supported by all the officers of corps, called upon Miss G. Crayen to COlllmence the programme with a pianoforte solo. At 9 o'clock refreshments were served, and the chairman announced with much regret that he had received a telegram fr0m Mr. W. II. Wood, general manager of the railway, saying he was detained on special business and would not be able to attend. In his absence 1\1r. Vi kers was asked to present the certiflcates. Speeches were afterwards made by Chief Surgeon Johnstone, Chief 'upt. IIopper, Inspector Craven, and 1\Ir. Vickers. A vote of thanks was accorded all the ladies and gentlemen who had helped to swell the programme. Mr. N unns, secretary, then read the details of the Division's work from its commencement in June Many thanks were due to Supt. Wilson for bringing the Division to its present standard. At II p.m the evening was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem.

N.E. R. CENTRE.-On October 19th a meeting was held at Cross Gates, under the supervision of the general secretary (Mr. Geo. Jackson), who, having addressed the employes present, then took names of m-::n wishing to join a class, and thirty names were at once given in.

On the 22nd ult. a similar meeting was held in the district superintendent's office, Leeds, under the chairmanship of Mr. Syrat, in the unavoidable absence of Mr. oble, district sLlperintenrient, and after addresses had been given by Dr. L. A. Rowden, ]VIr. Geo. Jackson, general secretary;

and Mr. Parker, district secretary; nearly thirty names were received of men ready to join a class.

On October 23rd the members of the Waskerley Railway Institute and Ambulance Class had the pleasure of hearing" in their concert hall, Wilson Worsdell, Esq., chief mechanical engineer, give his lecture on his American tour, accompanied hy other officers of the company; after which 1\1rs. Worsdell handed certificates, &c., gained by the ambulance members in thc class recently held, a.nd Mr. Geo. Jackson handed to Dr. a gold mounted um brella on behalf of the mem bers of the class. Dancing was afterwards indulged in until the "small wee hours" of the morning.

..:\t the Hull District Council meeting on the 28th ult. Mr. W. Yates, and Mr. W. H. Bartle were re-elected chairman and secretary respectively.

On the 29th ult., at the Leeds District Council meeting, the President, W. oble, Esq., presiding, 1essrs. Oddy and Parker were again elected to the offices of chairman and secretary.

On the 31St ult. a. most successful tea, concert and ball was held in the Tyne Dock Ambulance Hall, under the auspices of the Tyne Dock Loco Class. During the concert H. Carrick, Esq. (district-superintendent, Sunderland), presented the certificates, &c., gained in the class recently held, after which some remarks were made by the general secretary on the advantages to be gained by joining the classes and keeping up the knowledge in connection therewith.

The general manager of the .E.R. Co. early last month issued a circular on the advantages to be derived from joining the classes formed amongst the employes, and stating that in future all men who passed the neccssary examinations would ha,'e that fact recorded in the staff registers at headquarters, and the results of this is that nearly 700 books and bandages ha"e been issued to employes, and the present session bids fair to be a record one in the annals of the history of the ccntre.

St. John Ambulance Association.

The conditions for the 190+ competition for the challenge shield and prizes presented by the S.J.A A. for Indian railway employes, state that any railway company or State railway in India may send in on e , but not more than one, team to the final competition, which will be held at J abalpur on the J 5th at)d 16th of March, 1904. Each railway company or State railway will select its Own team. Each competing team must consist of fi I"e men, all being boni fide servants of the railway company or State railway in whose name they compete, and holders of the first aid certificate of the Association. In the event of a tie, the judges will submit the tying teams to a further uniform test. E.lch railway company or State railway wishing to enter a team must notify the to the Hon. Organising Commissioner (Lieut.-Colonel A. C. Yate) at Karachi, or the Hon. Secretary, Bombay Centre (1\Ir. George Lund), not later than the Jst February, 190+. Each co,npeting team in the competition shall be distinguished by a number known only to the Secretary of the Competition, viz., 1r. George Lund. No uniform or distingushin s badge to be worn by any mem bel' of the team. The teams will be judged throughout on the basis of the second or lat e r edition of the official handbook of the Association, "First .Aid to the Injured," by James Ca.ntlie, M.B., F.R.C.S. All appliances and material ror the final competition will be provided by the Association. hvery team is entitled to tile

-FIRST

8-1-

use of thirty new triangular bandages. The challenge shield will be held for one year by the railway company or State railway \vinning it. Prizes will be given to the members of the team selected for the final competition and badges of merit will be awarded to the members of any other competing teams specially commended by the judges. Each railway company or tate railw ay entering a team for the competition of 190-1- is requested to send a representative to J abalpur to serve on the committee for arranging the conditions of the competition of 1905. This committee will meet immediately after the conclusion of the competition for 1904.

We trust that other Colonial railways will follow suit, for nothing stimulates our railway ambulance men at home to a greater efficiency than the prospect of winning the cllallenge shield presented by the \sso ciation in the year of the late Queen's Diamond Juhilce.

An ambulance competition, open only to members of the Korthamptonshire "Working-men's Clubs who had passed the examinations of the S.J.A.A., and were also members of one or other of the Ambulance Centres in the county, and was held on Saturday, October 3rd, at the hall of the Trades' Union Club and. Institute, Oyerston-road, Torthampton. Dr. W. 1Iackenzie, of Rannds, Hon. Divisional Surgeon of the Ringstead Diyision of the Wellingborough Corps, acted as judge.

Four teams of five men competed, viz., Irthlinghorough IV. 1\1. C, Kingsley Park W.M.C, Far Cotton W. 1.C, and Burton Latimer Britannia IV.M.e. Each team ,\'as fully equipped with regulation stretchers, triangular bandages, splints, cc., and were examined team by team, practically and orally, for half an hour each team.

After the examinations the men were called into the committee-room, where Dr. l\Iakenzie, in giving judgment, said he was very much pleased to be there in the capacity of judge in this competition. He was under the impression that this was the first competition ever held in Northamptonshire, or perhaps in England, of the members of the working-men's clubs holding the certificates of the S.J.A.A.; and he had every reason to believe that a competition on a much larger scale would be held under similar conditions next year for a challenge trophy, open to all the working-men's clubs in the county.

In making the awards in this competition, be had no hesitation in giving the first prize of £2 to No. 4 team, who had gone through the work from beginning to end splendidly. He, however, had great difficulty in deciding upon the second prize of £ I, the remaining three teams being so evenly matched, and especially Nos. 3 and I, but, after careful consideration, he had decided in favour of NO.3. He considerEd that there WJ.S no doubt that the St. John Ambulance men of 'orthamptonshire could well hold their own with any in the Kingdom, and that they might look forw:..rJ to a great competition in connection with the working-men's clubs next) e:.tr in the same llall of the Trades' Union.

It was announced that o. 4 team (first prize) came from Irthlingborou gh, and o. 3 team (second prize) from Kingsley Park. o. team (third) and No.2 (fourth) being Far Cotton \V.M.e. and Burton Britannia IV M.e. respectively. It was also announced that four men out of the winning team had served in South Africa.

The officer in charge of the winning team proposed a vote of thanks to the judge for th e way in. which he had conducted the examinations.

The motion was seconded by a member of Team No. 3,

November, 1903.

the winnels of the second prize. The resolution was carried unanimously and with acclamation.

TYWARDREATH.-Thinking that, perhaps, a short account of the way in which the St. John Ambulance Classes were of financial service to the local hospital, would be of interest to your readers and would give them an idea which might help them to secure aid for any deserving object, I am sending you the following: - In the autumn of 190 a class for men was formed the members now met each week in a room in the Board School, one week to hear the doctor lecture and the other is devoted to practical work. At tile examination 20 passed out of the 24 who presented themseh-es, and in 1902-3 two classes were opened-one for women and the other for men. A large number of those who passed in 190 L-2 were re-examined and all the mem bers, some 30 in all, were successful. One thing that proved very helpful to us was the fact that we met onCe a month for practice, during the summer months, it maintained interest in the classes <lS well as in the practical 'work.

The finances of the Fowey Cottage Hospital requiring assistance, some of us thought we could help so deserving an object if we gave a demonstration, we, therefore, formed ourselves into a cl)mmittee and went to work with a will, of course we met with obstacles, as all good undertakings do, but we also found many friends outside the classes who were willing to help. We organised a fete in a field ncar Palmear Beach, wi[hin half-mile of Par Station (C.W.R.), engaging a local baker to cater for the tea, which was supplied at 6d. per head, we paying for all ad\·ertisements. We secured two brass bands, which greatly added to the attraction of the day. We found the gentlemen of the district very willing to allow their names to appear on the bills as patrons, and their wives and daughters were equally willing to preside at the tea tables. The members of the Fowey Gymnastic Club gave t,,·o demonstrations and we, as members of the S.J.A.A., gave one.

By the kind permission of the Guardians, we were enabled to have the children of the St. Austell Scattered Homes present, and it was a very enjoyable time for them.

The fete was well advertised and, being fa.\'oured with fine weather, some 2,000 persons met in the field and watched the demonstrations with great interest. We had amongst others the Lord Bishop of Truro (Dr. Gott) and several county gentlemen as patrons. Every grade of society was present and each political party was represented, but all differences were laid aside, each one tried to make the other feel happy. Some 75 took part in the day's programme and all did their part gratuitously, thus the whole of the collection, which amounted to £, LO, went to the funds of the hospital.

At the meeting of the .vIetropolitan Asylums Board, held on Saturday, N ovem ber 14th, the General Purposes Committee recommended that it was desirable and practicable to extend the operations of the ambulance service as to include the transport of medical cases, surgical cases (other than cases of street accidents), and persons of unsound mind; and that, upon the necessary legal authority being obtained, the work be immediately undertaken, the cost of the proposed service being covered by a charge of 7S. 6d. for each single journey by a one-horse ambulance within the metropolitan area. After a lengthy debate an amendment to refer the matter back for consideration was carried.

November , 1903. -FIRST

Our Portrait Gallery.

CAPT. J. G. ROPER, CHIEF OFF1CER Low FOLTl FIRE BH 1(;AD'E ; HON. SEC. I. F. B. G", YORfzsnfRK DTSTRICT.

THE Brigade which Capt. Roper has the honour to command is a private one and was established about 23 years ago, its present strength being 16 m e m bers. It possesses two stationary engines, one hos e cart, one ladd er Lruck, &c., and is under an agreement to assist the Leeds City Brigad e when ralled upon.

It is incorporated in the National Fire Brigades'

AI

D.-

Concerning an Ambulance Service in London.

By L. A. e.

FEW of your readers, especially ambulance workers in the country, hwe any idea, I expect, that London once nearly had an h,?rse ambulance system of a sort; going so far as to . establish a wagon and electric call posts, erected at Ishngton and Peckham for four years-I888-92.

At Islington police -station a wagon was kept in a specially built corrugated iron shed, with horse ready harnessed. The shed now protects the police am bulance of the omnibus type for their own men.

Ten alarms, iron boxes on wooden posts, painted blue, were placed, one with each" point" policeman attached to the Upper-street police-station.

The wagon was of the bakers' van pattern, painted dark green, always had coach lamps on and a policeman's lantern hanging up inside on the door, and nothing to attract special attention but a pair of wooden steps behind.

I:1 station a and elaborate desk, with recelvlOg ll1struments, qUIte a. telephone exchange, was batteries for the alarms being in large jars on a shelf 10 the same room.

The police had to report themselves on duty as they passed the boxes in the streets. This was done by opening the door and manipulatin g a band, like that on a clock diai, and pressing an electric button, while the time, date, &c., recorded in print on a running tape on the beforementIOned elaborate desk.

The iron boxes had a keyhole at the bottom of the hox ",ith the word "Citizen" over it. This was intended shopke=pers and the like, who were to have been supplIed With a key to enable them to call police if a policeman had all he could do to hold a yiolent prisoner, or a number of polIce were required at fires and such like calamities. Once the key, a copper one, was put in, it could not be removed until the police arrived and unlocked the door of the box.

1.7nion, and, it is needless to say, It::. chief IS the haru\\'olking honorary secretary of the YQrkshire District of the Union.

Capt. Roper is also a Yice-President of the Yorkshire }<'ire 13rigades ' Friendly Society, and an Honorary 1\1em ber of tbe French }'ede ration.

In his own district he is distinctly popular, his zeal and capacity for bard work has rendered him so, and outside those circles he is also popular; his genuinely Yorkshire nature appealing to all of those \\'ith whom he comes in contact, and at the recent Fire Congress there were few more popular officers tban the su bject of our sketch. Many of his Fire Brigade friends could and would write mucb more in his praise, but he is a modest man and would not desire it, but it is, we feel assured, a matter of pride to him to know that altbough he has many friends, be would have to bunt around to [ll1d an enemy

Messrs. Wilson & Stocka,ll, the well-known ambulance of Bury, Lancashire, who have been awarded a gold medal for their exhibit at the International Fire Exhibition at the Earl's Court, have just received important orders for ambulances from his Highness Prince Alexander Oldenburg for Russia, and the municipalities of Pretoria and Shanghai,

At Islington Green one of the boxes was put on a lamp-post, with a lamp of four red bulls'-eyes on top; the that at night-time the officer on duty at the pohce-statlOn call the attention of the police in the by turnll1g on th e electric light in the lamp as a Signal for them to come to the alarm to receive a message by telephone.

By. the time. you ba\'e all the above you will be wondenng what It has to do With ambulance work. Durina the time this system was in use, all accident cases in two police districts were remo\'ed in the \'an. A stretcher (6 ft. canvas, 7 ft. poles) was kept rolled up tv the roof of the van, and when occurred requiring its use it al.ways used.. Great IOterest was shown by the public seelOg tIle policeman hurry up to the alam box, give the and presently to see the yan gallop up WIth one o.r two policemen inside, the stretcher got out, the case put lO, and the van go off at the trot. The last journey of the van was made on Saturday August 6th, I902. ,

The system \\"as not, howe,-er, adopted because of the great cost. puring the fOUl: years it was on it cost five shillings for every prisoner brought 10 by the van, and to establish such a system throughout the metropolitan di trict would have meant a great expenditure in altering stations, acquiring land for stables, wa gon ..\:c. And, fur th ermore, e)"-

perience showed that the machinery that did so much was so complicated and so frequently getting out of order that it rendered it unreliable

St. John Ambulance Brigade. CORPS.

The members undertook the usual street duty on Lord 7\1a)'or's Day There was a good muster of all ranks on parade, but their services were not required to any great extent.

ST GATE TURSI:\G DIYISloN.-The Lady Supt., :Mrs. W. J. Church-Brasier, has just received fr om France the Ordre du Devoir as a further recognition of her services in connection with ambulance work.

PROVINCIAL CORPS.

300 attended the eighth annual Ambulance Ball in the Conservative Club on Wednesday night, Oct. 28th. The arrangements, under the superintendence of Sergt. Wyllie, hon secretary, were all that could be desired, and the ball was most enjoyable Iem bers of the Am bulance Corps and visitors from the Artillery and Rifle Volunteer Corps were in uniform. Among those present were District Chief Supt. L. Whittaker, Chief Supt. Ogden, and Hon. Surgeons Clegg and Greenwood. Mr. George Thornton's band played the latest music, and the refreshments were in the capable hands of the nursing sisters.

BARRow.-This Division held their third annual meeting on Thursday, Tov. 5th, at the headquarters, Harleystreet. There was a good muster of the Division. Supt. J IcLarty presided Sergt. J. Craig presented the statement of receipts and expenditure for the year, which was deemed very satisfactory, and, on being IJut to the meeting, was unanimously adopted annual meeting of the Division was held at the headquarters, Derby-street. Mr. Walker Price presided o\·er a. moderate attendance of mem bers The 16th annual report, \vhich was adopted, stated there had been a further increase in the number of students who had passed the examiners' test, and this made a grand total of 567 first aid certificates and 161 nursing certificates since the formation of the brigade in Colone. Accidents for the year had again been numerous, the number reported were: Fractures 21, disrocations 3,·severe sprains 9, fits I2, burns and scalds 6, concussion of brain 3, wounds and other injuries 38, varicose -veins 3, poisons 1, removals 77, making a grand total of cases attended by mem bers of 173

The Division was still in need of more appliances and larger premises owing to the increase of mem bers and growth of the town During the pctst year there was received from the people of Colne £57

The balance sheet, which was also adopted, showed that the year was commenced with cash in the bank of £62 lOS. 3d., and ended with a bank balance of £57 17S. 4d. The medical staff were re -a ppoint cd, with the addition of Drs. Grant and Jones. The officers elected were :- President, Alderman Hewitt, J.P.; superintendent, Mr. Edwin Scott; second officer, Mr T. Burrell; inspec t or of stores, Corp. J. Stephenson; lady superintendent, 1\1rs

E. Taylor· lady sec retary, 1\1rs ::VI. Robinson; first-class Sergt, R 'fitherington; second-class Sergt., W. Heap; and Corporal, C. Duerden.

GATESHK\D.-Tbe members of this Division have erected a memorial tablet 111 memory of their founder and late superintendent, Ir. John Adolphus Harrison, who died on 30th April, 1902. This was unveiled at the evening service on Thursday, Oct. .z..J- tb, by tbe Rev. Jonathan 1\1itchell, rector of High Fell, when there was a large attendance of the members of the Division.

HULL.-On Oct. 25th this Corps held their annual church parade. .l\.lthough the rain fell heavily the members knew the importance of lIospital Suncby, and the following divisions fell in at the Technical School at 2.30: Central, 25 members under First-officer Yaughan; \\'es tern, 10 under First-officer Carter; Eastern, 6 under Supt. Humphreys; Hull and Barnsley, 10 under Mr. Nunns; Gt. Central Railway, 20 under 'Yinter; and 4- Police Constables under Sergt. Hotham Apologies wer e received from Chief Surgeon A. H. Johnston, Supt. of Stores H. Wingate, and Supt. F. W;lson. Headed by l\I ess rs. T. \rilson, Sons and Co.'s band, the corps, under Chief Supt. Hopper and Supt. Sec Hawke, proceeded to St. James's Church. Outside the church they were met by Tursing Officers l\Irs. Krause, :;\Irs. Johnson, and I\liss lIardy with 20 sisters, also Hon. Surgeon D. R l\Ioir. The service was conducted by th e vicar, Rev. D. K Moore, l\L\. After the service the corps marched back to the Tecbnical School where Chief Supt. Hopper thanked all who had taken part in the parade.

On Sunday, Nov 1st, about 60 members and friends of the Hull and Barnsley Divison attended to bear First Officer Carter's "Experiences on South Africa and Royal Progress." Chief Supt. Hopper occupied the chair and was supported by Hon. Surgeon Moir, Supt. F. Wi lso n, Inspector Craven and Pte. Nunns (Hon. Sec.). At 10.30 a.m. the chairman called UpOIl First Officer Carter, the lecture lasting Ii hours. Hon. Surgeon Moir moved, on oehalf of the division, a hearty vot e of thanks to the lecturer. In response, W. Carter said it was a very pleasurable duty for him to perform and was pleased to see so many there. Several questions were asked, and at 12 o'clock a most enjoyable morning was brought to a close.

ILKEsToN. - The annual insp ec tion of Ilkeston a nd District Ambulance Corps took plac e on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31st, in a field lent by the Mayor or Ilkeston (Ald. F. Sudbury, J. P.). The inspecting officer was Mr. Stuart C. Wardell, D e puty-Commissioner of NO.5 District, who was accompanied by District Chief Supt.-Sec. Percy Ratcliff. The strength of the corps is now 80, and there was a very fair muster. The men were drawn up under the command of Supt. Hubble. At the close of the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner said he was very pleased with the smart appearance of the men. Their work was very good, and great credit was due to Supt. Hubble, lIon. Surgeon Dobson, and the sergt.-instructor II e suggested that a nursing division attached to the corps would be an excellent addition.

Ip s \\·rcH - A very successrul concert was given on Saturday evening, October 31St, in aid or the building funds of the ambulanC'.; station It was most kindly arranged by Miss Leeder, who has for many years belonged to the Ipswich Nursing Division. lIer own c ever playing of the rnandoline was one of great

ovember, I9 0 3. -F I RS T

treats of the evening, but where all was so enjoyable, it is impossible to specialise. Miss Broome, of course, got an encore, and also Miss E. Leeder, who in response, gave a most excellent topical song about the \.mbulance Brigade, composed by her for the occasion. Master Cuthbert Hinnels' delightful Kipling recitations were both encored. The banjo and cornet solos and mandoline trios were greatly enjoyed, encored and applauded. The hall had been beautifully decorated, and the entrance gates and the caretaker's garden were illuminated with Chinese lanterns and fairy lamps.

KETTERlNG. - The annual m ee ting of the subscribers of this Centre was held at th e Church Institute IIall, when the chair was occupied by ?III. J. T. Stockburn, the president. The report of the secretary showed that since the rormation of the centre 731 men and 374- women had received certificates for passing e:--:aminations in first aid; 67 men and 227 womell in nursing; and IS [ men and 120 wom e n had obtained medallions Eighty-seven cases of a scrious nature had been a ttended to by member s of the local corps. The r epor t of Lady Supt. Lane as to the nursing division showed splendid work. A vote of thanks was passed to the medical staff of th e town and district for their able and devoted sen-ices.

The annual competitIOns by members of the Nursing Division, ror prizes given by 1\1r. J. Cooper, J.P., Yice President and Chairman of the Committee of the Tortba rnpton Centre, took place on 'V ednesday evening, Nov_ ..J-th, at the General Hospital, when seven teams were e!-.:lmined b) the judges (Dr. R. A. chid surgeon or the Corps, and Assistant Commission T. II. Woolston). In addition to th e competition for teams of three nur ses, there was an individual comp::.tition, for which 24 entered. At the close of the competitions, Dr. -:-.rilligan announced the result as follows: -

J, Team TO. 3-l\lrs. Smith, Miss and Miss Corton, 18 I marks ; 2, T eam TO 5-l\Iiss King, Miss Strickland and l\Iiss Coker, 162 marks; 3, Team No. Knibb, liss England and Miss Jones , 157 marks. Individual Competition: r, l\Irs. Smith, 55 marks; equal 2, Miss Jones and Miss Bradford, 53 marks; 3, Miss E. A. Osborn, 51 marks. Upon the proposition of Capt. W. Hughes, Chief Supt., a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the judges for their ill\·.t1uable services; and in reply both Dr. l\lilligan and Ir. Woolston complimented the nursing sisters upon the creditable way the work as a whole was performed.

NEW CiT\ FIRE new central Fire Station for the City is to be built in Cannon-street, to cost ;£62,000. The Council's lease of the olel Watling -s tre e t Station expires in four years time, and it will be nec essary to go to P ar liament for powers to purchase the property needed for the building.

.A £5,000 i\.CClDENT CL,\[i\l.-The case of the u nfortunate lr. Percy George Shadbolt, wbo met his death whilst holiday n1ctking in Cornwall, will be fresh in the public mind. Watching a h ea vy sea from a rock at I\1ullion, whence he could, as he thought, view the scene in safety, he was suddenly washed off by a huge wctve and drowned before belp could arrive. I\lr. Shaclbolt had dfected a policy against accidents with the Ocean Corporation for the SUlll of £5,000, ·a nd the Direclors have paid over the amount to his legal representatives.

Service Patents.

The follo\\

q 2 52 ESCAPES Patentee, J. Myers, 19, Highburycrescen t, \Vest Hi g h bu ry.

A framework fixed outside an upper windo\\' sill carries a cage, by means of whi c h the o cc upants of the house can descend without external help. The escape (rame conslst.s of two arms connected by a cross-bea m, and platform pro\"lded with seCL/ring legs and lugs fitted O\'er the window sill. T\\'o ropes are fastened at one end of the outer ends of the arms and pass round pulleys within a C<l.ge and are wound on mounted in brackets on the arms. Tbe rollers are fitted \\,Ith ratchets or other brake gear, contro lled by a rope to allo\\" of the descent of the cage. The descendmg cage may be guided from the street by means of a hanging rope; the cage is raised to the \\·i ndo\\, again by pulling the rope from the street, or on a rope wound round a pulley fixed centrally on the roller A folding screw is hinged to th e front of the cage and a canopy extending downwards from above the arms employed. The apparatus may be packed tog:ether with a loose top and used as a table. I n one modification a loose beam, notched to fix on the inner ends of the arms, is fitted bet\\"een the window frame and projecting portions of the legs aboye the crossbeam is mounted an a yertical oivot fixed to the wall within the house. The arms, beam and platform are divided trans\ ersly and pivoted together so that they can folded; the I, 'bo le apparatus can then be swu ng t a verl1cal pI vol. In. some cases the beam is mounted on hOrizontal Pivots on the mSlde of the wall beneath the window, so that the whole apparatus can be turned about these pivots into a position beneath the wi ndoll'.

I..J-26..J-. FIRE ESCAPES. Patentee, J Rowley, Aspley-place, Hudderfield, Yorkshire.

A hand fire escape which may be carried on a pulley secured to a building, the member of the support havin g vends, which hold rhe rope while a person lowers himself by gripping a block with a cylindrica.l co \·er. The. block may be in one or more parts, through which the rope IS threaded to retard the descent. The gripping of the CO\'er presses it against the coil rOLind the block to produce further friction. A cord \\'ith wrist loops is provided and also a hand-loop on the cO\·er Two such blocks may be prOl'ided to allow two persons to descend in quick succession. The escape may be made as a long length of rope, one end of which is secured to any sui table article of furni ture, &c.

15329. D IS NFECTTX(;. Patentee, H. A. Cummins, 29,1 igbtingale-place, 'Voolwi ch, Kent.

This il1\ 'ention relates to a closed-in apparatus for disinfecting excreta and bed-pans, urinals, spittoons and other medical appliances. A boiler or copper cO\'ered wi th a lid is supported by flanges, &c., \\'ithin a chamber provided with means for heat ing by coal, petroleum or gas. The cbam ber IS closed in front by an inclined hood haying a lid, and is provided with a chimney at its upper portion. Two boilers may be mounted in the same chamber, and the whole may be made in movable parts so as to be portabre. A down tube is supplied with waler through a valve and is connected by blanch arlllS with pipes, which dip into the pans, so that when the water is turned on the contents of the pans are syphonecl off.

DECORATORS should reacl their Trade and Art Journal " Tlte Decorators' alld Paillters' J/rr,!!rl:::ille," \\"ri tten by pra c ti c al III en for practical. men. Price 6d., by post 3d.; 5s. per annum post free. Published on the [5th of the month.

Publishers, Dale, Revnolds & Co. 46, Cannon-street, E. C

National Fire Brigades Union.

The Central Council Meeting was held at the Holborn Resturant on the 28tb October, 1903. Among those present were :-L ieut. Colonel Seabroke, Rugby (Chairman; Capt. J. Y. Williams, Capt. R. "\V. Henderson, Rickmanswonh (\TJce-Ch::mman); Capt. A Hetherington, Alton; Capt J. Hounsom, Eastbourne; Capt. IV. Tozer, W es t Bromwlch; Capt. e. D. LevyRochester; Capt. J. Banbury, Woodstock; Lieut. Colonel G. W. Dixon, Sutton (\Tice-President); Capt. H Amos, Brackley' Lieut. Colonel Fox, London Salvage Corps (Vice-P r esident).; Capt. ]. Wooll a rd, Ilford; Capt. J H. Dyer (Vice-President); Capt. E. \\ estbrook, 1 unbndge "\V ells,; Capt. H. Pet ers, Sittingbourne,; Capt. T. W. Gardner, Stroud,; Capt. Y. II. Howell, Byfleet,; Capt. A Hill Bedford' COI)t. J. G. Stone, Clwsham; CapL H. " C } ' Ley ton ; Capt. 'J, Boucher, Northfleet,; apt. '\ D. Vernon, High Wycomue: Capt. E. L. Lane, Bourncmouth ; Supt. A. Poncerot, I F B.U. i\ mbubnce Department· 2nd Officer 1\Iarshallsay, Aldersbot; Capt. J. Dore, I.W. ,; Capt. T. Sin.nock, Hill Capt. C. Sell ens, Crow borough; e. kusel (hench, BelgIan and Italian Federations); Capt. J. G. Roper, Lowfold, Capt. J. Scott, Bradford; Capt. W. J. Sbearburn, Dorkmg; C. H. Green, Esq., Midland District,; Dr. Wm. Ettles, Ambulance Dep a rtment: Capt. E. Melville Richards, W arwick; Lieut. \. J. Funnell, Newhaven Harbour; Capt. Cruttenden, Hastings; Capt. C. Goslin, Sutton; Capt. W. Pett, Exeter; Capt. G W. Johnson, .J.p., Stamford (Vice-Chairman); Capt. Clulee, J.P., Bllerley Hill' W. R. IIarris ([\ssistant Secretary); E. O. Sachs, Esq.) (Vice-President); E. Marsland, Esq ., British Fire PreYention Committee; Horace S. Folker (Hon Gen. Sec.)

The of the last Meeting were read and signed.

The elec tion of several brigaues was confirmed.

The Long Service Medal Committee Report and medals were duly granted to seve ral dlstncts entitled to them.

It was resolved on the recommendation of the Long Service Committee that a miniature of the long service medal be struck and issued for mess and undress uniform.

The list of brigades in arrears with their subscriptions was r epo rted.

Lieul. Colonel Seabroke presented the T ournament Committee Report 011 the Earl's Court Camp, which was duly received and adopted :-

The Annual Camp and Competition,; we.re held .Earl's Court E"hibition from luly 8th to 20th, by kll1c1 permission of the directors of the L0I1don Exhibitions, Ltd. Space did not permit of a large camp, the applications were far in excess of the number of tent s a\'allable, and your committee as far as possible pro, idecl all Competitors ''.ith tel:t s and kit fr ee of charge, 1,090 beds bel11g gratis the ten. days. Competitors had als.o pro\ ·l d.ecl for them eng1l1es, and hor ses Tbe cllrectors Issued tb members of the U 111011 2,335 season tickets [or th e ten clays, whi c h represented 23,35 0

AI D.- November, 1903

daily ti ckets, also 250 specia l season ti cke t s [or tho se in cam p; t his representing 2,500 daily ticket" at t he turn sti les They also issued 300 special invitation and season tickets to all the hon. members of the Union, representing 3,000 claily tickets; 500 fr ee 2S. tickets were gi\·en away to officers and men attendmg the competitions and camp for the Empress Theatre; the total face value of the tickets thus issued by the directors to the Union being '£ T,-tS)2 15s. They also provided, free of charge, one whole bay in the loan section, which enabled the Union to make a very interesting exhibit of what they had done in the past.

The total recei pts ha\ e been .£ r, I06 14s. 7d , and th e expenses .£78 r 3s. 3d., 1ca'"ing a profit of .£325 I IS. 4d. Your committee recommend that a sum of .£250 be given to t he "\Vidow s', Orphans' and Benevolent Fund, and th e balance, .£75 IlS. -tcl., ca nied forward for next camp

Your committee would also lik e to point out tbat they have purchased 15 new bell tents with floor; two 12 ft. x 12 ft. square tents \\ itb floors and screen; 220 new blankets; and also a quantity of flags, shields, &c ; these will come in handy for future camps and sa \"e expense It is estimated that the yalL:e of this plant now added to the Union is quite [,200.

Your committee a lso ca ll attention to the fetct that tbe adyertisement re ce i\ ·ed by tbe Union through the Earl's Court Exhibition will be a lasting one, and therefore a most "aluable asset.

Your committee re commend a fire brigade camp should be held next year If suitable terms can be arranged. Competitions to take place daily, but no expense incurred by giving- show drills for the public, who may pay a sma ll fee to see the drills if so disposed; but that a review and distribution of prizes should be given 011 one day, ancl admission charged for the general public, the winners of the shields going through their drills.

Your comnlittee wish to return their si n ce re thank s to the directors of the London Exhibitions, Ltd.; 7',1r. E O. Sachs, Chairman of the British Fire Prevention Committee; 1\1r. Ellis D. :Jfarsland, and all members of the British Fire Prevention Committee; also to the makers of fire appliances, the ambulance department, and to the officers and men of the National Fire Brigades Union, for the very "aluable services renderecl.

Dated this 25th day of September, 1903

(Signed) (;1':0, AT. SI':,\llRO"J·,.

Several votes of thanks were duly put a nd r ece iv ed , and after some routin e business connected with the election of hon. members, the Tournam ent Committee were instructed to report on the matter at the next council.

It was resolved that a camp and competitions be held the orst week in July, 1904, and preference be given to the Io rth, Harrogate especially.

The following committee were elected to carry out the arrangements :-Lieul. Colonel Dixon, Sutton,; Capt. J ohnson, J.P., Stamford; Capt. Clulee, J.P., Drierley Hill: Surgeon -Major Harrison, Ches er; The Hon. Gen. Sec., Guildfo rd.

Capt. Miller proposed, and it was seconded by Capt. Hill :-That all future steamer and manual competit ions with horses, time should be taken at the line fixed by the committee or judg es near the dam, 10 yards at least.

That in future the Union p r ovide horses for the steamer and manual competitions with drivers, but that brigades may bring their own driver, but on no account shall any brigade use their own horses.

Capt. Hill propos e d a nd was seco nd ed by Capt. Lane :- Th at t h e following committee he appointed to consider the dri ll s and also anv new ones for future competitions - Lieut. Colonel eabro ke, Rugby; Capt. Danbury, Woodstock; Capt. Gra"lam, Hampton Capt. Westbrook, Tunbridge Wells; Capt. Miller, L ey ton.

The cha irm an r epor ted that a conference had taken place that morning with the district chairmen and sec r et aries, and various valuable suggest ions had been received a nd accepted

-FIRST

Th e Hon. Gen. Sec r etary reported t hat through the very wet weather the Yorkshire District had made a loss of £ 30 at their Bradford me et ing.

Capt. Sinnock proposed and was seconded by Capt. Clulee that the matter be r eferred to the Finance Committee to report.

The Secretary reported that the Int e rnational Jury b ad awarded the Nation::tl Fire Brigades' Union a Gold Medal for Group 10, Class and the Ambulance Department a Cold Medal for Group S, Class I.

Cop ie s of the following telegrams wer e ordered to be entered in the minutes :-

To the Duke of 1'1 arlborough, Blenheim, \\'ood stoc k.

The National l'ire Brigades' Union send bearty congratulations on YOUl appointment as Colonial Under-Secretary, and \\·ish you e\'ery success FOLK.ER, Guildforcl.

[REPLY.]

To Captain Folker, Tationa l ["i re Brigades' Union, Guilclforcl.

I beg YOLI \\'ill convey to the 'ational Fire Brigades' Union my sincere appreciation of their kindness in sending me their cong,·atulations.

:'II .\RLBOROUGII.

Congratulations were ordered to be sent to Capt. Cordier, Paris Fire Brigade, ()n r ece iving the "Legion of Honour. "

1 EW IIox. LJ FE

Inspe ctor Bohm, Bomisch-Kamnitz, Bohemia.

\rthur Philips, secretary, Royal 13elgi'lI1 Fire Brigade Feueration; E. lZatinckx, Fire Brigade, Schaerbeek : Capt. Stroyb::tnt, CO. Fire Brigade, Tumhou!; Capt. 1\. van der Kindere, CO. Fire Brigade, Uccle; A Poel111an s, Brussels; Capl. Francholl1me, Roulers; J\1. E. Gavaert, Chief Engineer, Ministry of Public Works, Brussel s; 1. Y. Raut er, e.O. Fire Brigade, Anderlecht.

DCIIl/lar/.:-Col. Sextus J\l eyer, Hovedbrandstationen, Copenhagen.

_France Commandant Gouze, Fire Brigade, antes Capt. Clille. Fire Brigade, i'l.rgenteuil; Capt. YarletDandre, Fire Brigade, Boulogne-stJr-M ur; Li eut. Chartier, Fire Bri gade , Yalencienncs: M. Paul Chausson, 18, Rue de Bezous. Courbevoie, Paris: Capt. II. Mahieu, e.O. Fire Brigad e, T,a Bassee; 1\[OI1S. C. Peron, :2\Iayor of Boulogne; ]\1ons. L. L ep ine, Prefet de Police, Paris; ]\1011S. Rubany, Chef de Bureau des i\ffaires, :'IIinister e de 1'1nt e rior, Paris Mons. Cherrier, D epar tmental I nspector of Fire Brigades, Paris.

Germall),-Branddirektor chulze, Fire Brigade, Delitsch ; Branddirektor :\lodersohn, Fire Brigade, Unna; Brandinsp ec tor Becker, Fire Bri g::tde, Berlin

.JJIlIlKa ry -Count G Yictor Szechenyi, Magyar Orsz:lgos Tuzolto, Szovetseg, Budapesth; Dd::t de Vermes, e.O. Fire }1rigade, Szabadb, Hungary.

.Italy -C hevali e r Off Alberto Goldoni, Corps di Civici Pompiel i, :'I1ilan; ln g Cav A Popini, Corps d i Pompi eri, Flor e nce; lng. Puolo Villu, 21lU officer Fire Brigauc, Milan Capt. G. Baldini, Fire Brigade, Ravenna; M. Rouchetti, 1\Iinis.:ere of In terior; Commcndatore J. Si lv estri, Theatr e COl11mittee, l\[ilan.

C. de Mari e, Lllclbrllch Bernt Cap tain or Fire Brigade, Bergen.

Ullded Slales-. \u gusle Saltzman, Esq.

At a meeting of the Committee of Management of th e

AI D.-

Fire Brigad es' Union, Widows, Orpbans and Benevolent Fund, held at the Holborn Restaurant, London, on Friday, September 25th, 1903. Present :-Capt. Graham (in the chair), Lieut. Colonel Seabroke, Rugby; Lieut. Colonel Dixon, Sutton; Capt. John son, J.P., !::ltamford; Capt. Gardner, Stroud; Capt. Green, Stafford: Capt. Miller, Ley ton ; Capt. Dyer, ..: \lton ; Capt. Westbrook, Tunbridge W ells; Mr. D. R. Isaac, Liverpool; and the Hon ·ec., 1\1r. Hora ce, S Folker, Guildford. Th e following grants were made :-Widow King, Grays Fire Drigade, .£-ro: Widow Drown, Barking Fire Brigade, £ s; Fireman 'alsbury, Harrow Fire Brigade, £3

Provincial Fire Brigades.

DJH:'IJI:\CHA;\[.-The members of the "\\'atch Committee of the City Council met in the quadrongle of the Council IIouse, one day last month, and \",'itnessed a del1lollstra.tion of the "?\Iagirus" escape Th e escape, which, as our readers are awa.re, is the latest outcome of th e practical experience of the most important continental Fire Brigades, works on a turn-table, and it is extended to the roof of any building by either motor or hand power. The turn-table enables the escape to be used in narrow streets withou t in terferi ng wi th the ord i nary tranlc; anu, without altering the position of the carriage, uirferent windows may be reached hy merely turning the escape in th e required direction. The uemonstrotion was watched with keen int erest by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham and the members of the Coml1littee, and it was eyident from the manner in which Supt. Tozer's men went about their work that they had quickly made themselves master of the new apparatus

BRADFoRD.-.\t the Fire Station Oil Tuesday night, November 3rd. thl.:! and Mayoress uistributed the S.J."\ certificates which h::td been gained by the members of the Brigade, uncler the tuition of Dr. Po cy Lodge.

In a short but humorous speech his Worship referred to the pleasure the event afforded him, and said he appreciated the efforts made by the various parties in their endeavours to ameliorate the generally monotonous life of th e n.ren;en.

After a vote of thanks, proposed by Chief Officer Scott, and secC'nded by 1)r. Percy Lodge, had been heartily accorded, an entertainment was gi"en, and music was performed by Miss Scholefield, Master , \. Snowden, Mr. H. Horner, J\1r. J. ,"Valbc e, J. ormi, and :\Ir. Will oble :2\11'. J. Sykes acted as accomp,tnist. Dancing was also indulged in.

CORK.-.\ great attraction to VISitors to the Greater Cork E,hibition during the week consi ted in some unique "Fire Brigade displays. E,hibitiol1s sllch as those witne sed in the E"hibition grounds are a u cided novelty in this country. They consisted of eXlinguish in g a fire near the top of the water chute, extinguishing a fire in an impromptu office, and one in which was r epresented to be a tar factory.

In one of th e performances the Drigade, under the direction of Supt. ,\ J. IIutSOll, o f Cork, hau dressed, got out the machine and rescued two men within one minute of receiving the alarm. Chemical engines were used , -ery uccessfully in c:-..tinguishing the or-nee and factory fires In connection wilh the uisplay, Supt. IIut son showed th e us e of a non -in[1.ll1ll11aule dress for night wear made of an easily oulained

In the fIre escape compelitions the exercises consistecl of

-FIRST

a run and raising the escape; rescue two persons from an elevation of 40 ft. from window. Competitors to be situated as in Fire St:l.tion, their tunics, belts, axes and helmets hanging on rack, and boots standing under. Time was taken from signal to start dressing and terminating when firemen brought do\yn second person and touched the ground. Each fireman and officer had to be completely dressed. In connection with this competition and the hose reel competition, the City of Cork fire appliances had to be used in drills, and the Cork Brigade did not thererore compete

Among the visiting Brigades were Pembroke (co. Dublin), Belfast, Passage West, Waterford, Lond on, Derry, Tralee, Limerick, &c. The contests organised by Count Plunkett, secretary, and Mr. A. J. Hutson, enior, Supt. Fire Department. The latter is a pupil of Captain Sir Eyre Massey Shaw, Bart., and has saved many lives from both fire and water.

FELIxsTowE.-On Saturday aflernoon, October 2,+th, ;l, Fire Brigade display and competition took place at Felixstowe, Suffolk, in front of the Town Hall. Captain H. W. Tracy, of Bury St. Edmund's, who had arranged a series of drills - wet and dry for the Brigade to execute, judged the events, Thp.re was a full musteLof the Brigade, wi th officers.

A S.J.A. party, with stretcher and appliances, was in attendance, and gave an exhi bition in teams, judged by Dr. C. G. Havell.

The Fire Brigade events timed included hose drill (dry), &c. For this four squads (three men each) competed. In the fire escape drill, which was most interesting, four squards of three men each competed, The drill consisted of running the escape about 20 yards, elevating and raising the extension ladders to the top of the To\\'n Hall bay window, and carrying down a s1)pposed insensible person. Tbis part was performed by a lad in the emplOy of II'. E. And rews, house decorator. The ambulance squads, under Sergt. Reynolds, in response to a call when the rescued person was laid on the pavement, came up at the double with stretchers and appliances.

Sergt. Reynolds, whose military training was apparent to all, gave the necessary orders, which were promptly executed, and gained the approval of Dr. C. G. Havell, who carefully watched the work, and awarded prizes as follows: - 1st team, J. Bullock, W. Emeny, R. Smith, and T. Meadows; 2nd team, A. J. Browes, E. Burrows, A. Westlake, and S. Harlock.

In the knotting competition the first prize was awarded to Chief Fireman Andrews, and the second to F. Minns.

The display was concluded with steamer drill (wet) by two squads of five men each. Afterwards Capt. H. W. Tracy criticised certain details of the work, recommended more ladder practice, and expressed his entire satisfaction with the drills as a whole, and was th anked by Mr. D. ]. Cowles for his valuable assistance.

LO\\'ESToFT .-Tbe members of the local Fire Brigade Ambulance Class, who have passed the ambulance examination, were on Saturday, October 31St, presented with badges, supplied by the National Fire Brigade Union.

The ceremony of presentation, \vhicll was carried out by the Mayoress (Mrs. Orde), took place at Messrs. J. W. Brooke and Co,'s Garage, Low esto(t, Suffolk. Among

AI D.- November, I903.

others present were the Mayor (Mr. Launcelot F. Orde), Messrs. Stebbings, T. E. Thirtle, and Dr. and Mrs. Bell. The Brigade was in charge of Supt. Goffin.

Before tile presentation of the badges, a very interesting demonstration was gi\'cn by the members of the class, who went through their work with praiseworthy smartness, Se\'en out of the ten mem bers of the ambulance class pas ed the examination, a result which must be considered yery cred it able.

After the Mayoress had pinned tbe badges on the left arms of tile seven successful men, thp. congratulated them, and said be had anotller very pleasant duty to perform. On bellalf of the men of the Lowestoft Fire Brigade, be (tbe Mayor) then presented a gold pencil case to Dr. W. Bell. Also a silver-mounted walking stick to Fireman Bagge, as a slight recognition of th e valuable services they had render ed to the brigade. An exhibition was afterwards g iv en of the different methods employed ll1 ext in gu ishin g a fire.

\VOKIN GH.\.TII -ThC' members of the Fire Brigade dined together at the Bush Hotel, on Monday evening, October 26th. Among those present was Fireman the Mal q uis of Downshire.

The Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve.

As a result of the visit of Inspector-General H. C Woods to this town in connection with the scheme for a Naval Sick Berth Reserve a public meeting was held in the Town Hall, Carrickfergus, the object of wbich was to consider the formation of an ambulance class. There was a fair attendance, several of the large manufacturers in the neighbourhood being represented, as well as the local Lifeboat Institution.

On the motion of Mr. ]. B. Pirrie, seconded by Commander Risk, R.N., the Rev. James Lyon called on to preside.

The Chairman thankc:d those present for the honour conferred upon him, and called on Mr. J. L. M 'Ferran to read the notice convening this meeting, This gentleman having done so, also read a telegram received th8.t day from Insp ector-General Woods, R.N" requesting stress to be laid on the movement.

In addressing the meeting tbe Rev. \1r. Lyon reminded them of the visit of Dr. Woods, whose object was to get some of the gentlemen of the town to interest themselves in the formation of a local ambulance corps, from which a volunteer corps could be selected to assist th e Royal Navy in the event of imminent national danger. The Chairman then quoted a number of cases of his own knowledge where life had been saved through instruction r eceived in classes connected with the S.J.A.A. He also spoke of the necessity of training men of the local Fi re Brigade and Lifeboat Institution in am bulance work.

The following r eso lution was moved by Commander Risk, R.N., secondcd by Mr. J. B. Pirrie, and passed unanimously :-

"That a class be formed in C.lrrickfergus, and the names of those taken who would be willing to join."

Mr. Thos A Walker and Regimental Sergt-Major Forsythe (W.O.) were unanimously elected secretary and treasurer respectively.

A large num bel' of mem bers were afte rwards enrolled, and the secretary was instructed to apply to the Urban Council for the use of the hall.

November, 1903· -FIRST

London Private Fire Brigades' Association.

At the last meeting of the Council the Chairman, Chief-Officer Church-Brasier presiding, it was decided to again hold the annual Tournament at the Shoreditch Baths, IJitfield -s treet, in the month of February.

The Chairman submitted a report of the visit of the London Private Fire Brigades Association to Boulogne to the King, and has received the following reply :-

"Buckingham O cto ber 21St, 19°5, S.II',-I am commanded by the King to acknowledge the receIpt of your letter, and to express his Majesty's thanks to you for the information which it contained, and also for the loyal sentiments which are expressed towards his Majesty.-I am, Sir, you obedient servant, rNOLLVS."

The Chairman also reported to the late Lord Mayor, as Honorary President, the particulars of the to the Sapeurs Pompiers of Boulognc. They were recelved on landina the report says, by the officers and men of the Brigade, and in the evening entertained by the Mayor and Municipality. The welco me extended to them by the large crowds assembled was of a most enthusiastic character. The Association had thus, in its way, endeavoured still further to foster that feeling of cordiality with the French nation which King Edward VII. and th e City had done so much to promote.

Sir Marcus amuel acknowledged the report by a congratulatory letter on the success of the visit

Private Fire Brigades' Association.

LEICESTlW - At the Cossington-street Baths, on Saturday, October 24.th, a large number of people assembled to witness the annual competition in connection with the Leicester Private Fire Brigades' Association, which has now fourteen brigades affiliated with it. Among those in attendance were Mr. S. Faire, J.P. (president), 1r. C. Bennion, J.p., Mr. S. A. Gimson (vice-presidents), Mrs. Gimson, and Miss Faire.

The chief item in the programme was the competition for the honour of holding the Association's Challenge Shield for the ensuing twelve months. In this the brigade connected with Messrs. Faire Bros. & Co. Ltd. (the holders in 1901 - 1902), were again victorious. Each event was looked forward to with the utmost interest and the men were heartily applauded for their efforts

II

Mr. S. Faire (president) congratulated the competitors upon the skill and zeal displayed, and commented upon the fact that the 150 trained men forming the brigades were looked upon by Supt. Ely as his second line of defence in the event of an unusually large outbreak of fire in the district. He also referred to several outbreaks of fire that had occurred in Leicester during the past thr ee years, where members of private brigades had appeared first upon the scene, and had r endered efficient first aid pending the arrival of the borough brigade.

Mrs. Faire presented the challenge shield and prizes to the winning competitors.

PLUMBERS up-to-date want the trade news of to-clay, and should su bseri be to thei r only Journal, "llLe Plumber and Decorator." Published si nee J 879, on the st of the month. Priee 6d., by post Sd.; 6s. 6cl. per annum post free, Publishers, Dale, Reynolds & Co., 46, Cannon-street, E.C.

England versus America in the Transvaal.

Mr. 1\lark Eliot (director of buildings, Transvaal Repatriation Department), has sent an interesting le,tter to Mr. Charles T. Crowden, of the Motor \Vorks, Leammgton. In the course of his lett e r he says :-

" .:\.s you probably have heard from my mother, the work I am now engaged on is rather different to the m echanical work I \-ras learning in England, but all th e same I am ve ry much interest ed in it. I have the entire control of the supply of building materials, &c" to the repatriated Boers and English settlers to look after. As usual, the Americans are quite the first in the field. Canada and Australia have been complaining, through the Board of Trade, of my buying in America, but they cannot approach the American prices, and I don t suppose they ever will. By the way, I have been trying some American machine tools in the repatriation workshops, but they are an absolute failure. Three machines for shortening wagon tyres cold have gone to pieces this last three months, while an English one bought at the same time, is standing the work of all three.

"I should ve ry strongly recommend you to be r e presented in J ohannesbnrg. If you we re here you would be amazed to see the number of motors in use. The thing that will go here is a motor bicycle, and powerful cars for mail service. There are over 150 motors on the road in Pretoria alone, and the trade is unfortunately all going to Germany. Motor mail services are already running in the Potchefstroom district.

"This country is a perfC'ct mechanics' paradise. Fitters get 35s. a day, and carpenters 33S. 6d. Do you remember telling me once that good Government billets were kept for Army men? Well I see now that you are quite right about that. I know very well that I should never have had this post offered to me if I had not held a commission in the regulars for a while. The R.E. is a special nursery for the R.W.D. out here."

Some Society Firewomen.

WE cull the following from the Fre e Lance :-Warwick Castle as presented at Earl's Court is one of the most picturesque sights of the exhibition, and thinking visitors, much as they admire the skilful manner in which this stately pile is made to appear so realistic by the careful blending of real grass and trees with canvas depictments of thE; same, frequently wonder what possible connection can exist between Warwick Castle and the Fire Exhi bition. The management, however, had a good reason for giving Warwick Castle the place of honour in the g rounds at the In ternational Fire Exhibition this year, for, thanks to its energetic mistress, Lady Warwick, the historic home is equipped with a ladies fire brigade as up -to -date in every particular as the one controlled by the L C. C. Lady Warwick is nothing if not energetic and resourceful. Some years ago she resolved upon eliminating the risks of fire at her historic Ess ex home and determin e d to become proficient in the art of fire fighting. She accordingly went through a course of instruction at Messrs. Merryweather'S, and as soon as she was pronounced to be proficient at fire drill she organised a fire brigade at \Varwick Castle amongst the domestics, all of whom-both male and female-she personally instructed in the fireman's duties.

-F IRST

The Countess of \ \'arwick understands the hand li n g o f manuals and the direction of a brigade as well as any expert in offic al fire brigades in London or elsewhere

"Fire alarms" arc becoming fashionable at country houses that are provided with pri \'ate brigades. I t causes great fun at a house party to suddenly sound the alarm, say when the guests are all at dinner or playing "br idge," and w atch the spectacle of ladies and gentlemen in evening dress, footmen in livery, maid se n 'ants and cooks suddenly r u shi n g to the ir appointed posts in readiness to save ife and proper t y

T he uninitiated amongst the VISItors create grea t am u sement by their awkwardness, and they genera ll y receive their first training as (Jremen and flrewomen by being compelled to slide down the chute fire escapes!

Chute fire escapes, it may be mentioned, consist of long tubes of cam'as, which ha\'e been rendered firepruof

They have a metal mouth which is made to fit to a window frame, beneath which they are kept rolled up As soon as the alarm is given the chute is placed in the open window (rame and the calwas tube allowed to unroll t o the gro u nd. Any lady or gentleman can then enter and slide down, and it is the duty of the pioneer on reaching terra firma to hold o u t the chute as far as possible from the building and generally assist the others in their descent. I t is quite a staple amusement now at certain country houses to spring an "alarm" and insist on the guests making their" escape" through a fire chute.

To slide down in this manner from a building four or five stories high requires considerable nen-e, bu t the me rr iment it occasions-especially amongst the lad lesamply compensates for its terrors.

The Duchess of Marlborough, who, like Lady Warwick, is an expert nrewoman, was the first to introduce "fire alarms" as a pastime at house parties, and her castle at Blenheim IS admirably equipped with fire brigade appliances

Lord Rosebery's daughters have all been tra i ned in fire brigade work, and are regarded as authorities on the subject.

Even royalty has succumbed to the fasc i nat io n s of nre fighting, and H.R.H. the Prince of ,Vales, if an improbable revolution eyer deprived him of his sLlccession to the throne, would find little difficult)' in obtaining a position as chief of a fire brigade.

Of course 11. R.B was instructed in nre extinguishing during his naval career, hut the pursu i t has become a hobby to him, and should ever a conflagration occur at Marlborough House our readers ma) be assured that t h e Vrince of Wa les will super i ntend its extinguishment and not Capt. Hamilton.

'\'ith all due deference to our esteemed contempo r a r y, we trust that its story is not exactly correct. Fire extinction is too serious a su bject to be played with. Accidents do happen at regular practices, but, if in addition, (Jre appliances are to be used for the purpose of providing am u sement for ho u se pa r t ies we can r ealise that the earnest, or should we say anxious owner, will hesitate to instal appliances which may be made use of by his guests with disastrous results Skylarking and foolery can never go hand in hand with fire extinction.-EDs F. A

WHEN OORRESPONDING WITH ADVERTISERS PLEASE MENTION ., Ii IRST AID. "

Letters to the Editors.

IVe ale III 110 way resj>ollsible jor Ihe ojillious c_lj>rcsscd, or the slah'lI/cllls //lade, by COJ'rcsj>olldClltS -El>lTORS

.FRACTURE THROUGH ELBOW JO I TT.

DE.\ R Sms, - I have recently been suffering fro m a disloca t ed elbow wi th severe inftamation in and around the joint, bot h before and after reduction. I naturally t ried to get he li III b su pported as comfortab ly as possible; the ordi nary sling:; made wit h triangular bandage wc r c n ot satisfactory, but I found that a whole arm sling put on as follo\\'s answered splendid ly: -

Put one end over shoulder on injured side ( point behind injured elbo\\'\ raise the arm, bring up remaining end o\'e r the arm and pass under the armpit on the sound side, tie ends across the back, finish off point at elbow in the usual way. Later I used a narrow arm sling put on in a similar way.

The increased comfort is so great that I feel called upon to make the met h od public to those interested. It not only gi\'es inc reased steadiness, but prevents the disagreeable drag behind t h e neck that results from t he ordina r y me thod of slingingYours truly,

F. F Do:\' I), :'ILD.

Chief Surgeon Brighouse Corps. S.J.A B. ,. Thorncliffe," Brighouse.

Nov. 13th, 1903.

METROPOLITAN POLICE A T1) THEIR APPAREl T IGNORA)JCE OF AMBULANCE WORK

DEAR SIRS, Your correspondents wholesale conden1l1ation of the police force is not fair. As a matter of fact no attempt to ba\'e the wlwle force instructed in first aid has hitherto been made-not even by that ancient and august organisation which by its motto proclaims to the public that it exists pro utzltiate 110 III il7ltIll.

However, the instruction of the force in ambulance work has now been taken up on systematic lines by the London School Board in connection with their Evening Continuation Schools, and If your correspondent will "hide a ,, -e e," he will find that the police will profit by the instruction which is now being given them, and will soon be able to render first aiel in a thorough ly practica l and efiicient manner.-Yours, &c.,

W. F. J.

Al\IBULA CE SERV I CE FOR LONDO

DEAR SIRS,-I have read with interest the remarks on the advisability of an ambulance sen'ice for London, and admit that the S .J.A.B. ha\'c done good service w it h their appliances at their stations, as also have the Metropolitan Asylums Board About fifteen months ago I had the honour of offering to the L o n don County Counci a complete system for ambu ancing London, and received a reply t hat my letter would receive atte nt io n.

I h ave made severa l journeys to London, and have gone thoroughly into the matter and have worked out a complete system, bringing into u se several of my own inventions, and I am now waiting to demonstrrLte tbe same before the London County Co u ncil. I t is quite t i me something was done in SLlch an important city as our:; (London).

T hank ng you for he insertion of this letter, a n d apo logisi ng for t aking LIp so m u ch of yo ur va lu able spacc,-Yours, &c , J SYKES.

Lymi n gton

THE "TUNS TI L L " SH I E L D DEAR STRS, I think your correspondent "Cyclist," is correct regarding the above . I t was announced as ope n o t he wh o le brigade. If No. District did not receive any intimation of it, I should say the fau l t lay with the Brierfield Committee a n d no t with the NO.4 district staff, and I am a150 surc th at t h e co rps and divisions of NO 4 are n ot a f raid to meet t hose o f TO. I th o ugh the did secure t h e" Dewar"

N ove mb e r, 1 9 03. -F I RS T

Shield Referring again to the Brierfield Competition on October l o h, I should b e much obliged if any of your readers, or t he Com peti tion Co 111 III i tlee, would anslVer the following: -

\Vhy was one team allowecl to report at 3.30 p 111. when all others \\ere informecl they would not be allowed to compete If th cy were not there at 3 p.m prompt?

\ \ Th)' one team \Ias allollecl to leave the enclosure after t hey reported, while all others were detained therein?

Why a patient called the attention of a competitor (in o_ne team) to the exact position of an injury denoted by a \'ery Indistinct mark on the body?

\ Vhy the Kendal team clid not compete for the" Crosfield" Cha ll enge Shield? I am aware they arrivcd late, but. I was in formed t h ey were on Preston Station at the same tlfY,e as the Preston team, who arrived in time to take their part? \ \'11) could Kendal not do the same? Their sergeant lIas there in ti me.

These little irregularities cause other competitors who witness them to think that all is not quite (air, and therefore It discourages men in the future.

Thanking you in anticipation for the insertion of this letter in your valuable paper, - Yours fraternally, .F.\TRPLW

STRS,- Please allow me to make an explanation to "Cyclist," re the TUl1still Shield Competition at Briedield.

I am very sorry indeed that his squad was disappointed at not receiving an imite to compete.

The diagnosis of" Cyclist " seems to be entirely wrong as to the cause. I thought it was unne cessa ry labour and expense sending 600 il1\·ites one to cach unit of the brigade; I therefore sent about 60 to the unIts in );0. -+ and 5 districts, forwarding also a par to Fl R'-,l All). "Cyclist " acknmdedges having seen this information, and yet he makes no enquiry. \Ve should ha\ e been exceedingly honourecl to have had the last winners of the De\\ ar Shield at Brierfield. I can assure them it would ha \'e been a great attraction. ot receiving any enquiry from units in the south, I ca me to the conclusion that our competition was not lip to their standard, or that pel haps it was too much trouble or expense to tra\ -e nearly 200 m!les to com pete.

Should the competition be open to the brigade next year I will be certain to send an il1\'i te to the London cycllsts.\' OLlrs, &c.,

J. DATES, Secretary.

Ih:AR SIRs,-Placed in the forecourt of a well-known builcling-, formerly R idley \Vhitely 's oilcloth fa c tory, DO:V l'robyn and Co.'s premise in Essex-road, Islington, IS a faeled coffin-like box, on trestles, originally painted lead colour, with faded lettering, showing it belongs to the S.] .A.A I t Ins been there for years; I have been by it hundreds of times, but have ne\ er seen it in use or heard of it being used.

I t s like the box that is fastened to the railings of the General Post Office, near Cresham-street, but It has no white enamel p late. I clo not know \\'hat these boxes contain, or whether their contents are ever used. As you invariably have so much that is nell"S to non-ambulance readers in your excellent Jo urnal, I ha\'e ventured to enquire of you in this matter.yours very faithfully,

AK ISLIKGTO I \N.

[Perhaps some of our readers can help our correspondent. \ Ve do not know the locality in question. EDITORS "F.A."]

ORDER OF ST. JOIIN MEDAL.

DEAR SIRs,-As a constant reader of FIRST AID I shall e steem ita favour if you will insert the following ;-

As you are doubtless aware a medal was to be given by the Order of St. J olm to all brigade men who served during the la te war. 1\1y reason for writll1g is to draw the attention of your r eaders to the fact that Dewsbury sent out 29 and no t a sing le one as yet has recei\'e d the special medaL After waiting pa ien t ly for some time some of the men took the tr o ubl e t o in quire reason fo), the delay, and frol11 infor-

AI D. - 95

mation received itappears that the medals were sent from headCjuarters to deputy-commissioner of this district, and he says "he postec1them to Dewsbury in r\pril of.this year," and the only consolation the men got was to walt, as tbey had been lost through the post -" they might turn up some time." this mar be possible, but it seems curious that not R. trace of them can be found. The men ha\ 'e since been illformed that the deputy-commissioner has. placed the matter before headquarters at St. John's Cate, ask1l1g that more may be struck in the pla ce of those lost. \\'hetber this application will be successful is a matter of dwbt. If not I think it will be hard lines to be thus deprived of what they fully earned

I wish to draw attention to just one oUler little matter reo the bars for the South African ;\Iec1al. Only four out of the 29 men have as yet receil'eel them, and cannot any inforl11ation as to \1 hether the others are lIkely to recel\-e them at all. Such treatment I think is hardly commenclable.

Apologising for taking up so much space, - I remaIn, Yours, &c., F. F.

[\Ve sympathise \\'ith our correspondent, but cannot suggest a remedy for his trouble. The authorities will, we are sure do what is right in the matter. Might we \'enture to reqL;est our friend in the future, when writing to the press, to write on one side of the paper only.-ED!TORS ".F.A."]

COi\GRATULATIO:\S.

DEAR SIRS, - At the annual meeting of the officers of the above corps, held on Friday, October 30th, it \I-as resolved that the best thanks be g i\'en to you for your kind insertion in FIRST All) during the past year of the various accounts of our work sent to you. \Ve all look forward to the \'ery interesting journal which has so much imprm ed during the past year. Allow me to wish, on behalf of all our officers and members, every success to you and your journal.

Again thanking you for your kindness,-I am, yours fai lhfully,

A. C. CARTER, rst Officer and H on. Secretary \\ Tes tern Di\-ision.

P.S. - Owing to the many duties which our Supt.-Secretary, ;\[1'. A. H. Hawke, has to perform, he has desired me to write on his behalf.

E. F. ( Rugby )- We are obliged for your kind letter. The subject which you mention is already engaging our attention, and we hope to publish an article on ambulance 1I' 0 rk monthly. In this connection we would appcal to the many honorary surgeons of the St. ] ohn Ambulan ce Brigade and the \-olunteer surgeons to kindly favour us from time to tillie with copies of their various lectures. I n this way we shou ld be enabled to do a \'ast amount of good to the cause \I'hich we represent.

S. T. A ( onl ich ) - \Ye are glad you like the journal and promise us your aid. As regards the circulation, to use a metaphor, it noll' goes l ike "hot rolls," but we desire more advertisements in order that we can again increase the size, which we hope to do at an early date. FIR .' T AID is now a live journal, and it has come to SLay.

SUPT.-SECRETARV (Yorkshire).-:'IIany thanks for your kind letter. \Ve can assure you that we value very highly the opinions of such able and enthusiastic" first-aiders" as yourself, and we appreciate the efforts you make to increase our circulation.

When correspondin g w ith Advertisers pIe ase mention "First Aid. "

Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction.

President: lII ajor Andrew \'.D., late L.S.R.Y. Office: 23, Cambridge Street, Hyde Park, \V. ORDER.

Adyanced C lass .-M onday, 1 O\". 23rd, at 7.-+0 p.m., Lecture by Surgeon-Captain E. \Y St. Yincent Ryan, on t he modes of application of the Roller Bandage.

i\ew Cla ss -7-40 p.m. Stretcher Drill: 8.40 p.m Lecture by Surgeon-Major R Sleman on the Tran sport of ( By Order ) P B. GILES, F.R.C.S., Brigade Surgeon Lt.-Col., Senior Medical Officer.

MOTOR the adoption of motor am bulances larg ely dep e nds a sch eme fo r th e purchase of th e South Mimms Smallpox Hospital by th e combined District Councils of Middlesex. By this united method considerable econo my would be effected, a nd the cost of carrying it out would only amount to a halfpenny rate. The chief difficulty in the way, however, is that the districts on th e west side of the county are r ather too dist a nt from the hospital, but the proposal is to purchase one or two motor-ambulances. The Middlesex Distnct Councils Association is now waiting to learn from th e various councils if they a r e willing to com bine.

320 pages. 25 Illustrations. 4s. net.

ON ACTIVE SERVICE with the S.J.A.B.

By ,v. S INDER, formerly attached to os. 2 and 13 General Hospitals, Yynberg and Nourse Deep, Johannesburg, 1899- I90r. The stirring scenes on land and sea, so pleasantly described, and the many quickly following one another, form a continuous and entertaining narrati\'e which appeals to eyer)' reader. C. O. writes :" I am delighted with the book; the diar) brings back viyid ly to me many of the scenes we passed through together."

ATKI;\SO); AND POLLITT, Pub li shers, KENDAL.

COUPON TICKET

SPECIALLY GUARANTEED BY

The Ocean

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and

Guarantee Corporation,

LIMITED, 40, 42, & 44, MOORGATE STREET, LONDON, KC.

(to whom N otice of Claims, under the following conditions, must be sent within seven days of accident to the above add ress .)

£100

will be paid bv the above Co r poration to the l egal representative of anyone \\'ho is killed by an accident to the Passenger Train (w ithin the United Kingdom o r Channel I sland), in which the deceased was a ticket bearing o r paying passenger, or who sha ll have been fatally injured thereby (should death result within ninety days after such acc id e nt).

PROVIDED that the person so killed o r injured had upon his or her person o r had eft at home this ticket, with his, or her, usual signat ure, written prior to the accident, on the space provided below, whi ch , together with the g ivin g of notice within the time as hereinbefore mentioned, is the essence f) f this contract.

Thi s insurance holds good for current issue on ly, and carries the bendits o f and is subject to, the conditions of the "OCEAN ACCIDE IT AND GUARA TEE COMPANY, Limited, Act, 890," Risks Nos. 2 and 3.

Th e Corporation admit that the purchase of this Paper is the paym ent of a premium under Section 34 of the Act.

No person can le cove r under more one Coupon ticket in respect of the same risk

IMPORTANT NOTICE. - The date of publication of "First Aid" is the 20th of the month.

To Our Readers.

As it s the earnest wi sh and desire of the new Proprietors to make this J ourna l as attractive and entertain ing as possible, correspondents in all parts of the country are asked to give it a ll the help they can Superintendents of Corps and Officers of Divisions o f the St. John Amb ulance Brigade, Officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Volunteers), the Volunteer Ambulance School of In struction, and Chier Officers o f Fire Brigades will, it s hoped, do their best to make it known amongst the members of their respective organisations, and will also send for publication their official news and notices Suggestions are im'ited for Prize Competitions and other matters which will advance the interest of the J ouma!.

vVe particularly desire to ask our correspondents to be brief and to the point in any communications they may send us for publication

Weare pleased to record the fact that we are already receiving a great accession of support from all parts of the country, and as our space is somewhat limited, in dealing with reports of l ocal meetings for presentation of certificates, &c ., it wou ld be better that a brief report were written, giving a short resume of the various points touched upon uy the principal speakers, rather than that a lengthy newspaper report should be sent giving in detail the whole record of the meeting. This r eport is douutless interesting to local First-aiders, but it must be borne in mind that we are catering for the Ambulance and Fire Brigade world at large

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.

For 12 months, 2S. 6d., post free, to be sent to the Publishers, Messrs. Dale, Re ynolds and Co., 46, Cannon-street, London, E.C. Tele,srapltic Address-" TwentyJ01w, London " Telephone NO'-'477 Bank.

Brevities.

IT is with unfe ign e d pl eas ure that we can this year offer our r ea d e rs A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEIl' YEAR. Th e world is at peace, and , but for th e somewhat disquieting rumours from the far East, bids fa ir to r emai n so, for this th e world at large is thankful, and all of thos e, and they are a growing quantity, who have the cause of peace so much at heart, can fee l that their effor ts to promote it l ead s one to realis e that in the near future "Peac e on earth, Goodwill toward men " may become th e uni versal motto b es t b e loved of all countries .

A CORRESPONDENT writes us that he has look e d for a further subscription list for poor Shepherd's widow. We are sorry to say that with the except ion of Mr. Clinch's subscription of five shillings, and our own sum of ten

shillings, we hav e no other sums to r epo rt. W e und ersta nd that assis tance is r eally ne .:!ded as Shepherd's pension died with him. If any of our re aders this Christn Jas would like to forward a small sum to brighten the widow's lot, we are given to und ersta nd her address is 75, Compton Buildings, Goswell -ro ad, London, E. C.

THE Annual Tournament of the London Private Fir e Brigates will tak e place on Feb ruary 6th at th e Shoreditch Public Baths A capital programme has b ee n arranged, and we trust a complete success may be recorded as a result of the ard uous labour involved in arranging it.

FIRST AID IN THE MINE.-This subject which is arousing cons id e r able int e r est in the Durham District has led to th e formation of a County Ambulance League, the outcome of a meeting r ecently held in Durham, Mr. R. Donald Bain being appointed the first president Mr. W. R. Wilson (Durham) to act as honorary secreta ry. A strong committee has been formed, and a great ma ny collieries have intimated their willingness to join the L eague. Th e president informed the meeting that he was prepared to present a shield for competition, to be held one year by the successful team, a nd he thou g ht it would be better if th e winning team, or a member of the winning team, did not compete a second year, as that would g iv e the others a b e tt e r chance. His object in giving the shield for competition was to prevent, if possible, the scheme being dropped in a few years. On the contrary, he hoped interest would incr ease yearly.

VALUABLE as th e the services of the hors e-am hulance are in providing for th e transport of the sick, they are by no means always as medically perfect as they sh ou ld be. Th eir ventilation is often imperfect, and this is especially n o tic eable when the patient and an attendant have to be carri ed some miles to a hospital. I t is hardly necessary to point out the supreme importance of good springs and rubber tyres in p r eventing the evil effects of vibration from the r oad, and yet we have known both these essentials to b e lacking, to the detriment of the unfortunate patient, who may, perchance, be suffering from a painful r ece nt fra ct ur e or concussion of th e brain. Under such circ umstances every jolt ca us es exquisite agony, and it is conceivable that grave surgical co nditi ons might be dangerously affected th e reby. The recent death of a widow, aged 70, in one of th ese conveyances on her way to an infirmary, illustrat es a most lamentabl e want of supervision of the

-FIRST

ambulance arrangements, and reflects anything but fav o urably upon the authorities concerned. At the it was stated that the vehicle contained neither rugs nor stim ul ants With regard to the absence of the latter, unless such .were specially ordered they would not form part of the ordmary equipment of an ambulance, but it seems incredible that some kind of covering, which, or its equivalent, would be found upon any coster's cart, was not provided. The ideal arrangement would be to ensure that every patient should be seen by a medical officer before removal to an infirmary, and. that each ambulance should be provided with a lock-up cupboard containing stimulants and simple appliances for first aid, which should, preferably, be administered by the medical officer, or under his directions, by a nurse or male attendant, who should accompany e very patient i'nsidc the the conveyance By such means the chance of a fatal occurrence would be greatly diminished.

* * *

IN the Vo lunt ee r Ambulance School of Instruction, held at the headquarters of the London Rifle Brigade, in competition with many Metropolitan Corps, the 1st Cadet Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, has for th e seventh time, and sixth in succession, won the Hamilton Challenge Bowl, a nd, for the first time it has been competed for, the Iaclure Challenge Shield, as well as for the eleventh time the prize for the best man in the school. Hearty congratulations to these lads and to their popular commander.

St. John Ambulance Association.

BELFAST.-The annual competition in connection with the Belfast Centre of the Association-open to the men who had attended lectures and gained the first-aid certificate of the Association from the local centre-took place on December 5th at the Municipal Technical Institute, College-square North.

Four tems entered-two from the Belfast Fire Bngar.e, of which Mr. George Smith is the superintendent, and two representing the Iew ington class-and each team consisted of five men. The judges were Drs. M'Farland, Rusk, Leslie and Cal well, and the prizes competed for were the Belfast Challenge Cup and the Lord Mayor'S Cup Last year the Fire Brigade carried off the former trophy, and the ewington team, being second , was awarded the othe r. On this occasion, after a capital competition, both cups fell to the Fire Brigade teams.

Dr. Cal well, in presenting the pri ze s, heartily complimented the winners on the splendid work they had done, and said he had been surprised at the style and smartness displayed by the men.

MARGATE. - On November 26th the a nnu a l co mp etition in connection with the Eas t Kent District of th e St. John Ambula n ce Association was h e ld at the Hall-byth e-Sea The judge was Hon. Surgeon Heaton-Howard, of the Metropolitan Corps.

The competition for the challenge bowl, presented by the Ramsgate centre, was of a somewhat keen nature, and in the end the Ramsgate Town team, who won it last year, were beaten hy their comrades, the railway (No I team).

Mr. Weigall, lP., president of the Centre of the S·lA.A., wa::: present, with Capt. an d Mrs. C. T.

AI D.- Dec em b er, I903.

Hatfield and at the close of the compe titions Mrs. Hatfield , kindly distributed the pn ze s.

Mr. Weigall anno unc ed that before he asked Mrs. Hatfield to out th e prizes he would lik e to say that in the first place h e was glad to hear that their ju?ge had pronounced his opinion as favourable to the effiCIency o f the competitors. The team prizes were a warded as under :DRILL.

I-Ramsgate R a ilway, No. I, I JO po int s.

2-Ramsgate Town, 83 "

3-Ramsgate Railway, No.2, 77 " Westgate secured 75 ; Doddington 65 Birchington 64 and 59 points

Hon. Surgeon Heaton Howard spoke e ncouragmgly of the work which had been done, and Impressed upon the men not to be nervous, a failing which h e thought was shown by the Margate men, although th ey we re no,:ices in competition work h e advised them to persevere untIl they attained a higher positioll

The for nurses were distributed as follows :NURSES.

I-Nursing Sister Caswell.

2-Nursing Sister Drummond

3-N ursing Sister Ingram.

It was annl)unced that Mrs. had promIsed to give a prize to the best squad next year.

District Chief Supt. Courtney proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Hatfi eld for distri buting the prizes, to the judge, and to Col. Gilbert the Mrs Hatfi eld, in acknowledgmg the vote of thanks, said she was really very pleased to be there to g iv e out th e awa rd s as she was always delight ed to do anything us e ful, and e;pecially for such a splendid organisation as the St. Tohn Ambulance. She was r ather sorry that Margate had come to the front, but she hoped it would do so another year.

Col. Gilbert also replied, and the proceedings terminated.

The arrangements for the competitions were admirabl'y made and carried out, and reflected th e greatest credIt upon Col. Gilbert, a memb e r of the Ramsgate Centre of the Association, upon whom th e whole of the work fell.

Reviews.

We have received from the British Fire Preventions Committee a copy of the Report of the recent Congress. The work has been carefully con,piJed and edited, and will form a valuaddition to the fire bri ga de library. To:vIr. Francis May, who we understand was responsible for the editorial portion of the work we offer our congratulations on the successful result of his ldbours. That the work in vo lved must have been enormous will be apparent to all who 3:ttended the Congress s-atherings, bearing in mind that three different languages were m use. The Report is published by th.e Pttbl£c Healtlt Engmeer, 50, Ludgate-hill, E.c., and the cost IS 20S

The Scientific Press forward a useful little booklet on "The Examination of th e Urine," by J. K. Watson, M.D. Price IS. This should prove a useful addition to the nurse's book-shelf. The subject is dealt wit h in parts, and has. been compiled with a view to as.slstmg nurse 111 acqumng a thorough knowledge of thiS most Important part of her profession

The same firm also forward a copy of their " Case Book for Private Nursing," arranged for day and night nurse's reports. t is specially ruled to enable a comp lete record of the case to be accurately kept, and is the best we have yet seen. The price is 3d., and books can be obtained of all booksellers, or from the SCIentific Press, Ltd., 28 and 29, Southampton-street, Strand, W.C

Dceember, 1903. -F IR S T Our Portrait Gallery.

CAPTAIN F. l WARWICK, B.A., M B., M.R.C.S., TRAN PORT SECTlO , ROYAL MEDIC\L CORPS (\TOLU TERR.), LONDON DIVISION.

CAPT. WARWI CK whose portrait appears in our gallery this month was educated at Mussoorie Scllool, in the Himal ayas, and it is a matter of personal interest to mention that Colo n el Sir James Willcock s was educated at the same school and contemporarily with the subject of our sketch.

AI D.-- 99

1St Tow e r Hamlets Rifle Volunteers and from that date until 1899 he commanded the East London Brigade Bearer Company, transferring to th e R.A.M.C. (Vols.) 111 the latter year, and assuming the command of the Transport Section in that Corps.

Captain Warwick is part author of a capital ambulance text book (" First Aid to th e Injured and Sick "-J ohn Wright and Co., Bristol) which has been favourably reviewed by a1l the medical and service papers, and is r egarded as a standard work for th e instruction of stretcher b ea rers and Army m a l e nurses. H e is also an amateur photographer of more than average ability and possesses a large and varied collection of photographs, the result of his own handiwork.

Altll0Ugh of a somewhat retiring disposition he has yet found time to go in for municipal life, an d he was for some years a member of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians. Captain Warwick is a good horseman, and is und oubtedly popular with the men of the section which he has the honour to command. The captain is in possession of the late Queen's Jubilee Silver Medal.

St. John Ambulance Brigade.

CORPS.

ST. GATE, E.C.-The Nursing Sisters of the St. John's Gate Nursing J)i vision held their annual distribution of clothing for the sick and aged poor and for the children of Clerkenwell, on Friday, 18th inst. We hope to insert a full report next month.

PROVI CIAL CORPS.

Whil e in school Dr. Warwick gradualeJ for the University of Calcutta. H e e\ entually came to England to finish his stud ies at CUl1lhriJge Unin;rsity where he louk the degree of B.A., First Class in \ltural Science in I88r, M.B. in 188 5.

While at King's College J [ ospilal, L ondon, where he held th e im portant position o[ Demonstrator in Dacteriology was awarded the "'fanner" Prize and the Prize for Clinical medicin e Leaving King's College Hospital he h eld for a time the position of HOLlse Physician to the Yictoria Park Hospital. On resigning this appoin lm ent and starting in private practi ce he at once took an active interest in a mbulan ce work and was, we believe, the first medical man to place his services al the disposal of the Club and Institut e Union [or th e purpose of conducting a series of ambulance lec tures in connection with working men's clubs.

On the formation of the St. John Ambulance Brigade Capta in Warwick was appointed one of the honorary surgeons, and in this capacity he did for the Association much valuable work.

From his youth Dr. Warwick has always taken a keen interest in Volunteering, having been bugler in both the Mussoorie Volunteers and the Cambridge University Volunteers. In th e year 1893 he was gazetted to the

BAcuP.-The annual ball in connection with this Corps and the Nursing Division, was held in th e Co-operative Hall on Tuesday, December 1St. This event has always proved a popular o n e, and that on Tuesday was no exception to the rule, the number present r each in g vel y satisfactory figures. Mr. Fred Hamer's orchestra was in attendance, and a capital programme of dance music was gone through_ The l\LC's were lessrs. Bert Brearley, G 1. Haworth, and l W. Cooper. Dancing was kept up from 7 o'clock p.m to 2.30 a.m.

DELPER.-1\. smoking concert in connection with this corps was held at th e Public Hall, Belper, on Friday, December 5th. Lieut. G. A. Strutt, LV., presided, supported by th e OntC rs of the Division \.fter a number of songs Lieut. Strutt proposed "Success to the Belper Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade," and stated that he deeply sympathised with Irs. R. 1\.. J ohnston in the bereavement she had sustained during the year. Ever since the formation of the division Johnston had given annually an en te rtainment of some description for the funds. He was pleased with th e great p<l;ins taken by Dr. R. A. Johnston, the hon surgeon, to make the division efficient. H e was a lso pleased to hear that the men were so e nthusi ast ic in their work, Thne had been -+2 drills during the year, and at each, he was told, there had been at l east two sergeants on parade, in fact in many at them all three sergeants wer e present. This spoke much for the efficiency of the Division, and was a splendid example to th e men. Whilst the sergeants we r e so persevering it must a lso be remembered that the officers also attended well, for th e superintendent had mad e 39 drills out of 4 4

100 -FIRST

Thereforehe felt that if ever the Division was called upon, the members would beabletodo their duty in an efficient manner. The public should know that the men receive no pay, in fact they had to pay to be members. They certainly showed their interest in the work. He hoped the public would subscribe to the funds, so that eventually members contributions could be dispensed with to some extent, if not altogether. Seeing that they received no Government grant, they should be recognised by their fellow townsmen as a public body. He therefore hoped that subscriptions would come in more freely than they had done in the past. He coupled the name of Hon. Surgeon Johnston with the toast.

Dr. Johnston, in reply, thanked them on behalf of his wife and himself. It was quite true that his wife had worked hard for the divisional funds, and in another year she would again do her share. He proposed the health of the Chairman, and pointed out that the Chairman's father, Mr. G. H. Strutt, was the founder of the Division, and when it was called upon for Volunteers for Sou th Africa he gave £70 specially to fully equip the Division, so that they would be in readiness. The Chairman had assisted the Division several times, and proved his great interest in its Lieut. Strutt briefly replied.

BJR CHwooD .-On Sunday morning, 6th inst, this Corps, under the command of Supt. Powiss and SecondOfficer Hill, paraded in full uniform for Divine service at 30mercotes Church, when the Rev. 1. Haire preached an appropriate sermon. The c hoir also rendered an anthem.

After service the men were addressed by Supt. Powiss, who congratulated th em on their smart appearance.

GHAM.-On ovem ber 23rd last the annual competition for th e fifty guinea silver challenge shield, took place at the Athletic Institute, John Bright-stred, Mr. J. Courtenay Lord, J.P. (chairman of the local centre) presiding.

Five teams competed from the following divisions, viz. ;-No. 3 (Midland Railway, Lawley-s treet; No. 4 (L. & N.-W.R., Monument-lane); No. 5 (N e lson-street); No.6 (Snow-hill, G.W.R.), and IO 7 (Midland Railway, Suffolk-street).

The examiners were District Chief-Surgeon W. E. Audland, and Chief-Supt. Hilton, of Wellingborough (the latter filling the place of Assistant-Commissioner T. H. Woolston, who it is regretted was indisposed).

Considerable interest was evinced in the work of the teams, and the evening should, we think, do something to aid the appeal which Mr. Courtenay Lord made for assistanc e in providing permanent h eadq uarters.

When-aft e r a keen competition-the Chairman announced that No.6 Division (Snow-hill, G W. R.) were again the winn e rs of th e shield, the popularity of the result was evinced by the cheers with which th e declaration was greeted. The successful team's marks were 292. Second position was gained by NO,3 Division with 260 marks; 3rd position, NO.7 Division, 256 marks; 4th position, No. 4 Division, 218 marks, and 5th position, No. 5 Division, 185 marks.

The winning team will now represent the Birmingham Corps in the District Competition for th e Dewar Shield and Symons'-Eccles Challenge Cup, next year.

During the evening a gymnastic display was given by the mem bers of the Athletic Institute (under the direction of Professor G. E. Wells, assisted by Professors Coxhead and Bradley) and selections of glees and part songs were

AID.- December, 1903.

given by the Midland Welsh Choir, under the able direction of Mr. M. H. Jones.

The Birmingham City Police band was also in attendance (by kind permission of the Chief Constable) and gave a choice selection of instrumental music. There was a large audience, and amongst those present we re Chief-Surgeon Thomas Nelson, Chief-Supt. Fred. Gilbert, Supt.-Treasurer J. H. Rog e rs, Supt.-of-Stores A R. Tozer, Acting Supt.-Secr e tary J. H. Hawkins, &c.

The whole of the arrangements for the competition were carried out in an admirable manner, and the Corps is to be congratulated upon having achieved such a success.

The Chairman in appealing for support, mentioned that at the recent Bingley Hall meeting (at which the Rt. Hon. Joseph Cham berlain, M.P., delivered his great speech) the men of the Birmingham Corps treated no fewer than 295 cases from the crowded audience.

BRISTOL.-The ambulance wagon which has just been acquired by this corps was dedicated on Saturday afternoon, December 5th, by Mr. W. S. Paul, in the absence of the High Sheriff, who was to have performed the ceremony

The vehicle is light, strong and well up to date 111 every particular, and contains two bed stretchers, which can be taken out and replaced with the patients on them. Everything necessary for first aid is furnished. The vehicle, which cost about £70 or £80, can be drawn by one or two horses. It will be k ep t at a station near Lawrenc e-h ill, which will be in telephonic communication with the police.

DERBY.-On "- ed nesday evening, December 2nd, this Division paraded at Trinity Church Schools, th e occasion being the presentation of the South African and Natal clasp;; to the am bulance men who had served in the South African war. The cL.lsps were pres e nted by Mrs. Cassidi, who was supported by the hon. surgeon (Dr. Cassidi) and others. Dr. Cassidi said he was very pleased to see so many of the South African heroes present, aud had much pleasure in calling upon Mrs. Cassidi to present the clasps. After the presentation Mrs. Cassidi said it gave her very great pleasure to be amongst men who had served their King and countr y so well, but she noticed that some of the men "dicl not now wear the ambulance uniform, and thought the best thing for them to do was to r ejoin the Derby Division.

FOULRIDGE.-In issuing their eighth annual report and balance-sheet, the committee state that they have to record the same state of things as last year, namely, "that no new members join the ranks, and old are gradually leaving, so that in the near future, if no improvement takt.s place, the ambulance movenJent is bound to die out, and the building will then f(til into the hands of the Parish Council as trustees; whilst at the same time it will be barred to the primary object for which it was built." The total income for the year was £41 9s lod., and the expenditure was £32, leaving a balance in hand 9f over £9.

GLOUCESTER.-The tenth annual competition amongst the local ambulance classes for the handsome shield took place at the Public Baths, Gloucester, on Thursday, loth inst., in the presence of a large audience.

The Examining Officer was Dr. John Griffiths (AssistantCommissioner of NO.2 District of the S.J.AB.), who at the close announced the result as follows ;-

1st, Police, with 75 marks out of a possible 120; 2nd, Great Western Railway, 69 marks; 3rd, Midland

-FIRST

Railway, 65 marks; 4th, St. Catherine's, 6I marks; 5th, Alington, 53 marks; 6th, Sherborne-street, 5 I marks.

Dr. Griffiths, after announcing the result, said he did not know whether he had eve r judged teams so equa l in merit. After congratulating the winners on the care displayed by them , h e said he was very pleased to know that Gloucester had so many ambulance men, and he thought they ought to have in the city a good strong body belonging to the S.J.AB. If they banded together they could get one of the best corps in the West of England. They had an excellent body of supporters in th e gentlemen on the platform.

The President, in proposing a vote of thanks to the examiner, ex pr essed his pleasure that the inter es t in ambulanc e work was certainly increasing.

Mr. Dancey seconded, and the vote was carried by acclamation.

Dr. Griffiths expressed !:is pleasure at conducting an examination for the first tim e in Gloucester-within fifteen miles of where his boyhood was spent.

The shield, medals and ce rtificates were pres e nted by Miss Lloyd Baker, who also was accorded a vote of thanks.

GREAT LEvER. - Th e members of th e Great Lever Division of the Boltun Corps held their annual social gathering on Saturday, December 5th, in Bradford '"'l ard Conservative Club, and the proceedings were of a most interesting and enjoyab le cha racter. The company first partook of supper, the after-proceedings taking the form of a smoker. Chief Supt. F. Lomax occupied the chair. Dr. Pattinson urged th e men to continue their efforts for the Bolton Corps, which had don e such grand work for th e Army and Navy, and said th ey were pleased to hav e Chief Supt. Lomax with th em in the chair that night.

H ULL CORPs.-The third annual ball in aid of the funds of the Hull Corps was held in the Assembly-rooms, on Friday, Novemb e r 20th. The g uests were r eceived by Mrs. Dumoulin (wife of the ex-sheriff). The Secretary of Ball Committee presented Dumoulin with a c hoic e bouqu et on behalf of th e Committee.

Th e g u ests numb er ed about 250 including the sheriff, town councillors, and office rs of the corps. A drap e d mirror adorned the en d of the room, with an abundance of evergreens; the platform being tastefully decorated with palms and evergreens. Thes e decorations, togeth e r with the charmin g costumes of the lad ies, presented a very pretty scene

The supper was of an informal family character, but the scene in the brilliantly li ghte d and decorat ed room was artistic and animated. Congratulations are due to the energetic committee and it must be gratifying t o all concerned to know that the event was m os t successfnL

The annual social evening of the Central First Aid and Nursing Divisions was held at the Central H all on Monday, 30th November. About 200 m e mb e rs and friends along with the corps officers wer e present. Owin g to a family bereavem e nt the Sheriff and Mrs. Fisher coul d not attend, but an exce ll e nt substitute was found in the ex-sheriff and his wife (Mr. and Mrs Dumoulin )

Th e first part of the programme having been ab ly rend ered, Mrs. Dumoulin was called upon to distribute the prizes, service stars, &c., after which refreshments were served. The second part of the programme, whi c h was most interesting, was then continued. l<i naIl y, the National Anthem brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.

AID.- 101

IRON BRIDGE.-On the roth inst. a most successful lecture was given on behalf of this corps by Mr. Richard Clarke, late principal tenor of D Oyly Carte's Opera Compuny on (( Naples," being reminisc e nces of his three years life there. Chief Supt. R aspass illu s trated it by splendid views with lim e li gh t lant ern Col. Anstice, YD., D.L., <;'c., supported by the Mayor of Wenlock, F. G. Beddoes, Esq., J.P. ; and Capt. Bruff Garrett took the chair, and at the close of th e lecture made a very popular presentation to th e late Chief Supt. of th e Corps, District-Supt. Treasurer J. W. White, on behalf of the officers and men, consisting of the miniatures of three medals - Hon. Serving Brother, Order of St. John special South African war medal, and the long service medal N.F.B.U., in addition to a strong handsome silver walking stick; and on behalf of th e I ursing Offic ers and Sist e rs, a gold medallion of th e St. John Association and a sovereign purse. The gallant Colonel referr ed in most eulogistic terms to the many useful works organised and successfully carried through by t he recipient, and congratulated him on his promotion on tlJe District staff.

Capt. Wh ite appeared id Our Portrait Gallery of July 1st, I901.

I RTHLINGBOROUGH.-On Wednesday evening, December 2nd, in the Board School, Dr. Robb pres e nted medallions. In making the presentations, he congratulated the Division on the good work done. The nursing sisters had won prizes at the competi tion at Welling borough, and the men's team won the prizes at Northampton lately, which showed the deep inter est taken at Irthlingborough in the work. The Lady Superintendent (Mrs. Williams) proposed a vote of thanks to Dr. Robb, and on behalf of the Nursing Division presented him with a silver cigarette case. Mr. C. E. Eatly (First Officer) seconded the vote, and on behalf of the Men's Division presented Dr. Robb with a handsome fr etwo rk cigarette cabinet, and also on behalf of the winning t eam, with their photo-four men and the Fi rst Officer. Dr. Robb suitably replied.

PRE STON.- Th e third annual inspection of B Bearer Company, S.J.AB., who se headquarters are in th is town, took place at the Rifle Depot, St. Wilfrid -street, on December 5th. Th e full strength of the company was on parade, numb e rin g 58. The inspecting officer was Colonel Duke, R.A.M.C., P.M.O., North-W estern Iilit ary District, wh o was accompanied by Li eut.-Col. Watson, R.A i\I.c. Col. C. J. Trimble, C.M.G., Deputy-Commissioner of N o. 4 District, S.J.A.D.; and Chief Supt. Irvin e Sellers, Preston. Th e inspecting officer expressed himself pleased with the inspection, and observed that he lo o ked upon the company as one of th e smartest in England. There were things, however, which they could not learn without going to camp, and he hoped that next summ.;r arrangements would be made for all bearer companies to attend camp for a wee k at least with tteir own medical officer.

After the inspection the men wer e put through a number of drill and amb ulan ce movements by Sergt.-Major Howard, Staff-Sergts. Durham and Hol,mes , and S e rgts. Rowland and Godder.

RI SHTON - On behalf of the funds of this Division a dance was held in the Rishton Conservative Club Assemblyro om, on Wednesday evening, 9th in t. Ther e was only a moderate attendance. The lILC.'S we re Dr. Chaffer, Councillor T. Clayton, and :Mr. A. E. Roberts, whilst the music was supplied by Messrs. Scheefer and Hanson's

band. Refresements were served at intervals and the party disp ersed shortly after midnight.

SOUTHPORT.-A most successful jumble sale took place on Saturday, December 5th, in Holy Trinity Drill Hall, in aid of the funds of [his Division. A large assortment of goods had been collected and arranged on tables round th e hall by an energetic staff of ladies and members of tbe brigade, who took charge. Promptly at two o'clock ticket-holders were admitted, and at three o'clock the general public. For an hour a good trade was done, almost everyt hin g being disposed of, and the substantial su m of a lm ost £ 20 being realised. The officers and members of the Division are greatly indebted to their friends, who so kindly gave goods, and also to the ladies who so willingly gave their services and made the sale such a decided success_

\V ELLI JGBOROUGH.-On Friday, 5th inst, at the Clarence Restaurant, the annua l dinner of the Headquarters Division of this Corps was held. About sixty persons sat down to a capital repast. Chief-Supt. T. H. Hilton presided over the gathering, and after the speech-making the evening was deyoted to vocal and instrumental music.

\Y HIT\\'ORTH.-On Tuesday evening, December 1St, a social was held in the Lloyd-street Schoolroom, Whitworth, in connection with the Whitworth Division. There was a large attendance, which' was presided over by Mr. J Ohl1 Hollows. Dancing was the chief item of the even in g iusic was supplied by ML W. Dttley (pianist), Mr. F Mills (violinist), and ML Moses Lord (cornet). Mr. W. Smith was th e M.e. During the evening m e dallions were presented to six of the members who have past their final exam ination.

The Royal Naval Sick Berth Reserve.

VICTORIA, N.S W. - The Premier (Mr. Irvin e) in reply to a comm uni cation from the Admiralty on the s ubj ec t of forming small reserves of ambu lance men for service in British warships and Hospitals abroad in times of National emergency and maritime war, states there is no objection to members of the Ambulance Corps in Victoria volunteering for such duty.

Insp ector-General Woods, c.V.O., c.B., r ece ntly paid a visit of inspection to Kendal, and examined the four men of the Kendal Division of the St. J ohn Ambulance Brigade who have volunteered for the Roy al Navy Sick Berth R eserve.

AN EXAlItP LE.-A writer in the R eifo rd Times, says: - I note with pleasure that Miss Evelyn Steel has done good service by collecting in her native village a nice little money "dot» for the Worksop Ambulance Fund . I am sure that others m ight do ",vorse than follow in the steps she has taken to aid a local institution, which, though popular, does not get the popular support which it ought to have. I am inclined to think that if the Ambulance Brigade were to set up a gymnasium, and appeal for funds to furnish with apparatus, and that to the tune of £ 100 they would get they want easy enough, though it is a hard matter to raIse the same amount of money with which to provide a real necessity -a yvell-furnished ambulance wagon.

AI D.- becember 1903.

Railway Ambulance.

N.E.R. CENTRE.-On November 20th th e members of the Hull Classes in conjunction with the N.E.R. T e mperance Un ion Branch gave a most successful en t e rt a inment in the Emigrant's Hall. Jno. Wolton, Esq., District upt., pr eside d, and was supported by Messrs. l)arkinson, Ma cbean, Lamb (Temperance Union), Messrs. Jackson (General Secretary), Battle(1)istrict Secretary). of the N.E.R. Centre. During_an interval in the programme Mrs. Wolton presented the certifIcates and medallions gained in the class rec ent ly held, an d hearty vot es of thanks wer e acco rd ed to Ir. and l\Irs. Wolton on the motion of M r. Jack so n.

On the 28th a district council meeting was held at Harroga.te, for the purpose of electing a secretary for the Leeds district, in place of l\Ir. W. J. Parker, wbo has resigned in consequence of being appointed a Relief Station last e r ; after seYfral nominations bad been made, Mr. A. W. Elliott, booking clerk, Harrogate, was elec ted.

On the 4th inst. the York Outdoor Goods and L oco Classes held another of the successful balls, an d t he attendance was a record one. Mr. Hamar' Greenwood, Liberal Candidate for York, looked in during the proceed ings, and in the course of a few remarks wished the cause continued success, and promised his assistance in any way.

On the 9th inst. the Carville Class held their third annual dinner at the Coach and Horses, Wallsend-onTyne. 1\11'. T. C. Humphrey (yard master) occupied the chair, and Geo. J ackso n (general secretary) the vicechair. After full justice had been done to the dinner a most enjoyable evening was spent, the certificates gained by the men being presented to them by the Chai rm an. ir. Jackson, in th e course of a speech, impressed lIpon th e member s the necessity of appreciat ing the honorary se rvices of the medic al gentlemen who so freely gave their services for the benefit of the men.

PETERBOROUGH. - A successful concert was held at the Crown Hotel on Tuesday, December 1St, when the annual presentation of medallions and certificates was made by the Mayor of Peterborough (Alderman W. D. Nichols) to the successful members of the G . E.R. Ambulance Brigade.

The Mayor having presented the certificates and the medallions, said be was pleased to be present to do bonour to the G.E.R. Ambulance Brigade which had, in competition WIth other brigades, won the challenge c up presented by Mr. George Keeble. He felt sure that this meeting was a forerunner of many such gatherings, a.nd he would do hs utmost towards tbe furtherance of such a good ca u se The Brigade had done well in winning the challenge cup, and in hoping they would win it in future years, he trusted that other teams would not tak e this as an inflection, but as it was meant, rather as an incen tiv e to the G.E.R. Loco. to maintain the efficiency they had already acq uir ed.

A vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor for presiding, by 1r. Fitzjohn, and Mr. Bowles passed a like comp lim en t to · the visitors and singers Councillor Weldon and Councillor Pettit suitably acknowledging th e vote.

Decemb

er , 1903.

L ADY SUPT. HULL CORPS, CENTRAL NURSING DrVI S10N.

THE members of the Hull Corps have to mourn th e death, aft er a short illness, of their Lady Supt., Mrs. Laverack. Th e deceaSed lady had been connected with the ambulance movement since the year r883. On the formation of the Hull Corps in r886 she was elected a member of the committee. In 1895 the Hull Nursin g Division was formed, and up to her death she held the position of Lady Supt. In

Fevers.

By STREPTOCOCCUs.

DEFINlTION.-Fever may be defined as a more or less continued elevation of temperature

It may be:-

(I) Sl/gltt. When the temperat ure is below JOI degs. Fahr

(2) Alode?'ate. Wh en tbe temperature is between lor degs. Fahr. and 103 degs Fahr.

(3) 1"liglz. When the temperature is between 10 3 degs. Fahr. and 105 degs Fahr.

(4) Very lu;!{lz or h)'PerpJ're \ial. When the temp erature continues above 105 degs. Fahr.

Y \ RIETIES 01.' FEVER :-

(I) COlltiulled. When the temperatur e runs a prolonged elevated course with little intermission.

(2) Rellltitent. \Vh e n th e temperature fluctuates every day but does not regain the normal till the disease is at an e nd.

(3) Illte?'1J1itteJlt. Wben between the periods of fever there is an interval of some duration, during which the temperature remains normal.

(4) 1Ie(//(- When the fev er is remittent and is associated with profuse suppuration, as in abscess formation.

(5) RelapsiJlg When, after a continued elevation of temp erature, there is a fall and apparent recovery, which is again succeeded by another rise.

1899, in recognition of her unLIrltlg work, Mrs. Laverack was appointed an Honorary Serving Sister of the Order St. John, and in 190r she received, at the hands of foIlS Majesty the King, at Marlborough House, the Long ServIce Medal of the order. This great loss has so overshadowed e\-erything at Hull that at present it is difficult to devole one's mind to ambulance work. The funeral took place at the Crematorium on Tuesday, ovember 24th. At 11.30 about 50 officers and men, and 50 nursing sisters, gathered at the house of the dec eased lady. Sergeants of the corps acted as bearers. On leaving the house the funeral cortege, headed by the men and sisters of the corps, proceeded to St. James's Church. At the entrance they were met by the clergy, the Rev. D. K. Moore, the Rev. T. Woffendin, and the Rev. H. Leicester (son-in-law of deceased)_ The sCivice was choral, three hymns being sung. The vicar g<tve an address, paying a high tribute to tbe life of the deceased lady, and at the conclusion of tbe service tbe Dead March in Saul was played Several hundred peop le who could not obtain an entrance to the churcb, waited to pay their last tribute o f resp ec ts, and one could see that the loss was felt by all classes. On leaving tbe churcb the members of th e corps opened out, and turnin g inwards allowed the mourners to pass through. The cortege then went to tbe Crematorium, where the remaind er of the service took place.

Outside were about 20 men and 50 nursing sisters wbo we re unable to take part in the procession.

" May site res t ill peace."

------. --. ---.

OVERHEA RD - Tournament Committee Meeting

Sec retary, reading conditions: "No rubber or other nonslipping soles allowed. " Intending Competitor: "One moment, Mr. Chairman, will those revolting he els be allowed?" Revolution and collapse of th e chairman and secretary in their efforts to deal with the ques ti on.

THE COURSE AND TERMINATION OF A FEvER. - In every attack of fever the following stages are present :-

(I) Tile Stage of Invasioll-th e Cold Stage During which the patient feels co ld and chilly, and there is more or less shivering, or there may be rigors. Th e skin may feel cold, but the internal temperature is raised There is headache and depression, and the pulse is hard and small.

(2) The Stage of Acme-tile 1"-£ot Stage Here the pulse is full and bounding and the surface of th e bedy feels hot.

(3) Tile Stage of Dep erV eSCe JICe or Dedine. Here the temperature falls, the pulse becomes softer and less full and there is more or less free perspiration.

The stage of depervescence may be ushered in by one or other of the following modes, vii. :-

(a) By (ris/s.-When there is a rapid fall of temperature, generally in the course of a few hours, and a great increase in the various excretions, 7)1::., profuse perspiration, free flow of urine and watery diarrhcca.

(0) By (rsis. When tb e fall in the temperature is slow and regular, taking a few days to regain its normal height ; there is, however, no appreciable increase in tjle excretions.

(c) By a COJJlllillat/OIl of cris/s alld (J'sis. When tbere is first a rapid fall of temp erature up to a certain point, and then a mor e gradual lowering.

(d) Irregular. When th e fall in the course of the temperature is quite irregular.

Sir Yincenl Hunter Barrington Kennell-Barrington, of 57, Albert Hall I a nsions, chairman of the S.J.A.A., left estate valued at £26,280 gross, and £24,541 net.

Paris is setting an example which other cities might well follow. The street lamps will be coloured, various tints, indicating respectiv e ly the proximity of either a stopping-place for trams, an Ambulance Station, a Police Office, or a Fire Station.

December, r903 -FIRST

F IRST AID

DECEJ.fBER 2£, £903.

Street Ambulances.

Pri v ate Fire Brigades.

ONCE more the value of first aid as represented by a private fire brigade, has been conclusively proved, and on this occasion at the home of our King. It was with fcelings of apprehension that one read the announcement on the contents bills of the morning p:::.pers, " Fire at Sandringham, the Queen in danger," and it was with a feeling of relief that on opening the paper, one learned that owing to the coolness of the Hon Miss KNOLLYS and the promptness with which the Household Fire Brigade got to work, a splendid stop was effected and the handsome country residence of our King and its priceless treasures saved. The actual cause of the conflagration even now seems somewhat obscure, but one fact is universally admitted, and that is, the swart and effective work of the Household Fire Brigade and with his customary forethought our King was one of the first to appreciate and recognise this While writing this in praise of Private Fire Brigades, we are reminded that the City Corporation some years ago, with a view to recognise their work in London, presented a shield for competition but what bas become of that shield? Surely by this time the conditions under which it is to be contested should be framed ready for issue to the various Brigades which are anxiously waiting the opportunity to compete for it. While on the subject of private fire brigades, we should like to call attention to the necessity that exists for a drill manual, in order that some recognised standard may be laid down for the conduct of drills, lately we have attended the practices of three different Brigades, and in no single instance was the method of getting to work the same. To some this may appear of small moment, but the practical fireman will realise that a drill smartly and efficiently carried out means a great deal whether at a fire or a competltlOn. We offer this idea to the Private Fire Brigades Association, and suggest that its members should take the matter in hand with a view to still further improving the efficiency of a branch of the Fire Service, whose interests they have practically undertaken to look after, and whose efficiency it is not only their ob j ective to maintain but to still further increase.

DECORATORS should read their Trade and Art JournaL " Tile Decorators' and Painters' 1l1aga zi71e, " written by practical men [or practical men Price 6d., by post 8d.; 5S per annum post free. Published on the 15th of the month.

Publishers , Dale, Rey nolds & Co. 46, Cannon-street, E C

As a general r ul e, our American visitors are fi ll ed with admiration at t he manner in which the police discharge the various duties assigned to them, but this would hard ly seem to be the case as far as the ambulance service is concerned Two days ago we published a letter from a Transatlantic correspondent who frankly told London it was far behindhand in the matter.

Writ in g from "Wyndham's Theatre, Miss Nina Boucicau lt, who spent much time in the United States, a lso draws comparisons that a r e unfavourab le to the Metropolis, and urges the necessity for a more fully equipped and rapid ambulance service

To the loyal Londoner there is in both these criticisms a degree of vigour that wo u ld probably not have been manifested had the writer in either instance known the true facts of the case In New York, whose highlyorganised ambulance brigade , with its elaborate system of centres and calls, is held up to us as a model, the system is worked in conjunction with the Rospitals, by which it is supported in Chicago it is under municipal control while other large cities have their own methods of dealing with it at the public or subscribed cost. But here the ambulance service enjoys practically none of the help of rates or benevolent contributions London, as a matter of fact, owes its present system of dealing with street accidents to the S.J.A.A., and it may be r egarded as the pacific development of the "Red C ross" movement of the later 'sixties.

The Order of St. John had, of course, never lapsed in this country, though at that time it was working very modestly in the relief of suffering, and in 1872 one of its members gave a sum of £roo to establish an ambulance service, under control of the order, in the mining and pottery districts, where accidents were of frequent occurrence. Not until five years later, however, was the present association founded-its first centre being, it is interesting to note, at Woolwich.

Some twelve months later the firs t connection of the Metropolitan Police with the effort began, and first aid instruction was given to the constables. Classes were held at Scotland Yard, and subsequently further courses were arranged at Albany -street, King-street, King's Cross, and Southwark. Their original purpose was then, as now, to teach the men how to deal with ordinary accidents, injuries, or sudden illness, as well as the restoration of the apparently drowned The work of training thus began just twenty-five years ago has never been dropped, and all recruits to the Metropolitan Police Force go through a practical course of t rain ing It is the same with the City of London Police, which requires all its constables to pass three examinations in the subject. The Receiyer-General now pays the cost of instruction for the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office authorising that a sum of £50 a year be set apart from the Police Fund for this purpose.

Meantime, the Association has been constantly endeavouring to improve its stretchers and ca rr iages, and at the headquarters in St. J ohn's Gate, Clerkenwel l, E.c., those concerned upon the subject may see all the latest in this direction.

In answer to the American strictures, the gentleman who is responsible for this department smilingly rema r ked that at the Chicago Exhibition the Br it ish-made carriage shown by themselves was r egarded as super io r to th ose of American b u ild, and was, in deed, u sed i n pre fe re n ce t o these latter.

The newest pattern has every convenience of sliding frames for t he stretcher, upon which the victims of an accident can be conveyed to Hospital or home with the least possible jar or shaking. This, with appliances for the removal of such sufferers at once, fitted with shafts for one or a p.ole for a pair of horses, can be supplied for 120 gUlOeas.

The two -wheeled that is generally employed by the police to convey the injured to home or Hospital, it is claimed, is by far the quickest and most ready means of removing the helpless through streets as crowded as our own. It would nowadays be extremely difficult to establish the privilege of right of way through the ordinary traffic for a large horse or motor ambulance, whereas the litter wheeled by the police can thread a way in and out of the throng of vehicles anywhere.

These litters can never be far from the spot where an accident occurs, for they are kept all Police Stations, Hospitals and· many other places. The S.rA. also has centres of its own at a certain number of places in London, and tew have failed to notice some time or other the Orderly and Nurse who are always on duty on south side of St. Paul's Cathedral. Moreover, these are supplemented by the appliances provided under the auspices of the Hospitals Association. This hody has placed what are scarcely more than large lockers in a number of convenient situations, in which are stored stretchers and other necessaries for ready relief. It is an open secret that the cost of th ese is borne by one large-hearted citizen, who feels that they are required. There can, therefore, under no circumstances be much delay in dealing with even the most serious cases

Thus far, reference has only been made to the way in which London ' s daily misfortunes are dealt with, but it would be unfair not to allude to the work of the Ambulance Brigade of the Metropolis on occasions when great crowds are in the streets.

The first occasion on which an ambulance organisation, consisting of orderlies trained in first aid, nurses, and doctors, was officially recognised in connection with the police was that of Queen Victoria's Jubilee, in 1887, and again on the following day, when the Daily Telegraplt had organised the Children's Jubilee Celebration in Hyde Park, at which her late Iajesty Queen Victoria was present, it lent valuable help. Since then at every great pageant it has worked in the most harmonious relations with Scotland Yard, and on Bank H o lidays at Hampstead Heath, in the Parks, or wherever masses of people are likely to congregate, there have been the \villing volunteers -men and women-of this valuable Brigade.

Those who would cavil at it may well bear in mind that London enjoys this generally efficietlt service at no charge upon its rates, and the heavily-burdened payer of these is inclined rather to feel gratitude to it for all it has done, than to advocate some new system of unknown and unestimated cost.

SYDNEY, N S. W.-The ladies of the headquarters class of the Civil Ambulance and Transport Brigad e were examined in th e Board-room on Tuesday, October 27 th , and the following were successful :- Mrs. Hamilton Marsllall, Misses Rose Thwaites, Watkins, Gibbs, Jenner, Deveril, Grace fhwaites, Calow, Free, Thompson, Taylor, Day, Scott-Campbell, Hooke, MCLean, Priestley, and A and E. E. Hardy The ladies were instructed at the Br igade headquarters by members of the British Medical AS:5 ocia tion.

The Street Ambulances of London.

By AN OCCASIONAL CONTRIBUTOR.

THE Daily Teleg raplt of the 3rd inst. contains an article on this subject, and I must say that I have seldom seen such an amazing collection of statements put down as "facts." As a regul a r reader, I have always admired the lJati)' Teleg raplz as a journal well edited, and careful to have only up-to date articles, but surely the Editor or Sub-editor must have been asleep or suffering from some malady, such as "fiscalitis," when he admitted to his columns an article teemmg with such misrepresentations. You have not, I know, space to deal with all the mistakes, so I will only touch on the grosser ones

Here is an instance where the writer contradicts himself-in one place is the statement, "Here the ambulance service enjoys practically none of the help of rates or benevolent contributions." Further on he states that the Home Office gives £50 a year to its support, and again, speaking of the Hospitals Associations' lockers, he says, "It is an open secret tbat the cost of these is borne by one large-:-Iearted citizen, who feels that they are required." If one is not a rate help, and the other a benevolent contribution, well, I am ignorant of the meaning of the terms. Here is another astounding assertion: "London, as a matter of fact owes its present system of dealing with street accidents to the St. John Am bulance Association ." If this is so, I am afraid I cannot congratulate the Association on the result of its work. It is amusing to note the arguments upon which this statement is based. Five and twenty years ago first aid instruction was gIven to the police, this " training" has never been dropped , and the Receiver - General still pays the cost of instruction for the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office authorizing a sum of £50 a year to be set apart from the Police Fund for this purpose. It does not say whether the Association has done this so-called training, and whether it has been paid for it, or whether the police surgeons have done it. I believe the former method is carried out by the Ci ty Police and the latter by the Metropolitan Police. And what is the result of all this training? Irrlproper treatment of accidents, and nothing worthy of the name of an ambulance service, so much so that London, from an am bulance point of view, is the laughing-stock of continental and provincial cities.

'''ith regard to the transport arrangements of the socalled ambulance system the writer of the article treats its readers to a thinly veiled advertisement for the wares issued and sold by the St. John Ambulance Association. Especially note the 120 guinea carriage. Then follow these two sentences :-

" The two-wheeled litter that is generally employed by the police to convey the injured to home or to hospital, it is claimed, is by far the quickest and most ready means of removing the helpless through streets as crowded as our own. It would nowadays be extremely difficult to establish the privilege of right of way through'the ordinary traffic for a large horse or motor ambulance, whereas the litter wheeled by th e constable can thread a way in and out of the throng of veh icl es anywhere."

Firstly, the litter employed by the police is not the quickest and most ready means of removing the helpless, because (I) it takes on an average abou t half an hour to obtain, a constable having to go from the scene of the accident to the police station and bring it back with him, and (2) it is self-evident that a horse-drawn or motor vehicle

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would be quicker or readier than a hand-drawn one. Secondly, as regards getting through the traffic with an ambulance carriage, there are only a few streets in London where there would be any difficulty, and these would be in the neighbourhood of the Bank-in the West End and suburbs the carriage would be able to go at the ordinary pace. Suppose a street to be blocked with vehicular traffic where omnibuses, carts and carriages are close up to one another, it is ridiculous to imagine that a constable with a litter could thread his way in and out-even a cyclist cannot do it walking his machine. The constable might take the litter on the foot-way, if allowed, and then, I will admit, he would have some trifling advantage over the carriage, but the jolting on and off the kerb would counterbalance it. I am quite willing to admit that a proper litter, such as the "Furley" one, is a suitable conveyance for a short distance but it is not to be preferred to an ambulance carriage.

I must quote another phrase, "There can, therefore, under no circumstances be much delay in dealing with even the most serious cases." This is a deliberate mis-statement of an everyday occurrence.

To summarise the description of the present system of dealing with street accidents, :what do we find, (a) the police receive a certain amount of first aid instruction, which when tested by experience is found exceedingly inefficient j (b) litters (police) old and out of date, which take a long time to obtain, and are not suitable for serious injuries j (c) an order! y and nurse (?) at St. Paul's; (d) the lockers of the Hospitals Association. To call this ;.)n am bulance service is a misnomer. This is a New Yorker's description of it in the Daily Telegraph: "Ont or two policemen waddle off for, an,d return with, what you call here an ambulance, the strappmg on of the victim, and, the waddling off again to the hospital, is too sickening a process to witness," And the following is the nonsense that is written at the end of the article. "Those who may cavil at it may well bear in mind that London enjoys this generally efficient service at no charge upon the rates, and the heavilyburdened payer of them is inclin ed rather to feel gratitude to it for all it has done, than to advocate some new system of unknown and unestimated cost."

N ow let me try and read through the lines of this article, and tell your readers something to be borne in mind when dealing with this subject. The St. John Ambulance Association, in addition to being a philanthropic body has also, as is well known, a trading department, obtaining profits from ,the making and selling of ambulance appliances. One thing for which it is entitled to every credit, and to the. thanks also of every Londoner, is the support It gIves to the St. John Ambulance Brigade. If, however, th e Association wishes to be lmown as the .parent, ot the present system, or want of system, ?ealm,g, WIth street accidents, one can only legret It, as It IS to every stranger within our gates that there IS no regular ambulance service worthy of the name. Under all the circumstances, and in the face of. this effusion in the Daily Teleg raplz, I thll1k the ASSOCiatIOn would be well advised to leave th e matter alone, and be content with the good it has done in other ways and let some other body carry out that which is for London an urgent necessity.

In cOl:clusion, may I be permitted to again point out that the artIcle appears to have been written more with the object of extending the sale of the stores of the Association than with a refute the charge of London's urgent ambulance necessIties, and one can only presume that it inadvertently gained admission to the news columns under the

ed itorial impression that it was not only an original but a strictly accurate article dealing with absolute facts in connection with a subject of public interest. I think I have written enough to show its fallacy. I have for the Order of St. John and its several departments a profound veneration and regard, but I feel that whoever supplied th e information contained in the article h erein dealt with had not the best , ll1terests of the Order at heart, otherwise he would not have allo\ied the writer to announce to the world so great a mass of such grossly misleading statements.

st. Andrew's Ambulance Association.

the week ending December 12th the services of the ambulance wagons were requisitioned 60 times, 4 I being for accidents and 28 for cases of illness requiring removal to hospitals, &c. What an object lesson for London, and yet thE: Dally Telegraplz asserts that no necessity exists to improve the present state of things in the capital of the Empire.

PERTH.-On December 7th a meeting of the Perth Committee of this Association - Captain Garrow presld111g-had under consideration an application by Mr. J Coates for a class in connection with the Boys' Bngade und er the lectmeship of Dr. Carruthers The Secretary (Mrs. Logan) was instructed to communicate w!th the head office as to the arrangements in connection WIth such classes. Dr. Taylor, who was the representative of the G.eneral. Coyncil, resigned office, and "apt. Garrow was appomted 111 hIS place. It was decided that the forthcoming Perthshire Cup competition should be held on the second Saturday in February.

, STIRLlNG. - The fourth of the Saturday evening enterta111ments conducted by the local Ambulance Corps was held in the Ambulance Hall on December 5th when several ladi es gentlemen gave an excellent programme of vocal and ll1strumental music. Mr. Brewster, chief parcel clerk, presided, and in a few well -c hosen remarks opened the meeting. The programme gave much pleasure to the large and appreciative audience. Votes of thanks to the .ladies and taking part, proposed by the and a SImIlar compliment to the latter, proposed by Mr. I">..Itchen, brought a very enjoyable evening to a close.

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R.AM.C. (VOLUNTEERS) CHALLENGE SHIELD Cm,IPETITION.-The annual competition for this Shield took place on the I2th inst. at the headquarters of the Corps, 5 I, Cal thorpe-street, Gray's Inn -road Two teams, one from NO·4 Co. and the other from NO.5 Co., took part. The men paraded in drill order with tunics, and went through Company, Stretcher and Wagon drill and bandaging, the judge being Major Greig, R.AM.C. The general turn out of the men was smart and the work on the whole good. The Shield being won by NO.4 Co. with a of 575 points, against NO.5 Co .'s score of 552 pomts. 'y e c0!lgratulate NO.4 Co., but why the officer commandll1g thiS Company did not stand to attention when drilling his men, and why he gave his words of command from all corners .of the Drill Hall in sepulchral notes passes Our comprehensIOn. Last year the Shield was won by No. 5 Co. (Capt. Waggett).

December, I903. -FIRST Provincial Fire Brigades.

BODlIUN,-Here's a chance for the collectors of curios. We learn by the local press the little (or No. I) fire engine, which has been away at the Fire Brigades' Exhibition, at Earls' Court (having been lent by the Town Council), returned to it old quarters in the Market House on the 5th inst. It had been hoped that someone would have fallen in love with and have purchased it, as the Council wish to dispose of it.

EnrNBURGH.-At a meeting of the Place and Works CommIttee of Edinburgh Town Council, on November 26th, a report was submitted by Mr. Pordage, the firemaster, on the experiences of other towns in respect to motor fire-

AI D.- I07

Corporation on December 3rd, and as a result Mr. G. W. Parker, the chief officer of the Fire Brigade, is to be asked to resign. For some time differences have existed between the Committee and Mr. Parker, and he was given two months' leave of absence. He returned to duty quite recently. The position is worth .£400 per annum

SALTA SH .-The members of the Saltash Fire Brigade having bew entertained by the Stonehouse firemen at one of the latter's monthly drills, the local men on Wednesday evening, 9th inst., returned the compliment by inviting the Stonehouse Brigade to a drill and social evening, the latter b e ing held in the Mayor'S parlour at the Guildhall. The S eco nd -Offic e r of th e Saltash Brigade (Mr. W. Harvey) presided, and th ere we re also pres en t the ::'.1ayor (1\1r. J. Pryor), Dr. R. T. :Meadows, captain of the Saltash Brigade,

LONDON PRIVATE FIRE BRIGADES A SSOC IATIO T-ST. JOH T'S G:\TE PRlVATE FIRE BRIGADE.

engines. It appears that he had made inquiries in Liverpool, Brighton, Plymouth, and Portsmouth, and that all reports were satisfactory.

The estimate for the motor was £1, I40, and for a horse engine £:5°0. The Committee adhered to its recommendation that a motor be obtained.

The motion by Councillor Cullen as to the provision of a chemical fire -engine was remitted to th e Fire Brigade Committee for report.

A representation by the Firemaster contained an .by the "May Otway" Fire Alarm Company, askll1g permLSSlon to be allowed to connect their installation to the Central Fire Station. This was agreed to during the pleasure of the Council.

. MANCH ESTER.-The control of the Fire Brigade was discussed by the Watch Committee of the Manchester

and the First and Second Officers of the Stonehouse Brigade, l\Iessrs. F. W. and G. Thuell.

After an excellent supper an enjoyable evening was spent, songs being contributed by Crocker, Messrs. W. Old, A Coombes, L. Vosper, and others.

The toasts were :-" Captain Thuell and the Stonehouse Firemen," proposed by the Chairman, supported by the Mayor, and rf'sponded to by Capt<l,in Thuell.

"The Mayor," proposed by Dr. R. T. Meadows.

"The Saltash Brigade, " proposed by Councillor W. Moorman, and supported by Sergt. Crocker, whose grandfather joined the old West of England Fire Brigade in I838, and was present at the great fire at Plymouth Dock in 1840. Dr. Meadows and Mr. Harvey responded.

ST. COLUMB.-The Fire Brigade Station has been completed by the contractor ( Ir. Jos e ph Bond), and

handed over to the Chief Officer (Mr. George Salmon). The Brigade Officers have tendered their thanks to the ininhabitants for the hearty response to the appeal for funds, which has enabled the firemen to be provided with helmets, boots, belts, axes, lamps, &c., and the ratepayers fully appreciate the efforts of the Officers' in obtaining donations by which it is unnecessary to impose an additional burden on the ratepayers by levying a special rate for this purpose.

Service Patents.

The foll owing abridged des criptions relating to the Fire and Ambulance Service ar e specially compiled for FIRST A10 by Messrs. Hughes and Young, Registered Patent Agents and Engine<:rs, of 23, Coleman·street, London, E.C., of whom our readers may obtain all information and adyic<: relating to British and Foreign designs and trade marks free of charge.

17199. AUTO IATIC SPRINKLERS. Patentee, 1- Taylor, Park Works, Manchester.

The valves are retained in the closed position by hollow glass supports, hermetically sealed, and containing a volatile spirit or a liquid which, when the temperature rises, expands, shatters the glass supports, and thereby releases the valves. In one form the glass support is inserted between a cup supporting the valve and the screwed stem. The yoke is fitted with a water deflector. I n a modification the glass is arranged so as to prevent a support inserted except when the support is shattered. In another modification, the valve seating is made of soft metal in a flexible diaphragm, and the glass support may act as the valve, paraffin, wax or the like being placed bp.tween the glass support and the water. The valve may be supported by a metal tube mounted on the glass support. In a third modification a washer and a spiral spring are inserted between the screw stem and the stem of the glass support. The yoke is provided with a spraying deflector. According to the provisional specification the hollow glass support may be closed by glass or by a disc or valve.

17475. FIFE ESCAPES AND THE LIKE. Patentee, E. Thomas, 5, Ashmore-road, Paddington, London.

This invention relates to a flexible ladder which, when not in use, is wound on a spring roller. The ladder is pulled down and fastened to a ring on the floor. The person escaping ascends the ladder and passes through a trap-door on to the roof. The hinged cover of the trap-door is opened automatically by a spring, when the ladder is pulled down owing- to the withdrawal of the peg from the hole, the peg being connected by a cord to the end of the ladder.

16696 LITTERS Ai\IBULANCE. Patentee, Vv. W. M. Crawford, Chelsea Naval Hospital, Chelsea, Mass.

A folding stretcher is constructed in two parts, which are hinged together centrally so as to fold one on the other. The side bars are formed with reduced ends, which are connected by lengths with parallel plates sliding in the tubular bars. 'When the litter is extended the ends are pushed into the ends of the bar, thus forming a rigid connection. The stretcher is prm'ided with canvas fillings and cross straps for holding the injured person in position. Eyes serve to receive hooks on the ends of a sling, by which the stretcher can be carried in an inclined position. Lugs act as runners, when required. Straps are provided to allow the stretcher to be carried on the shoulder!5.

THE BISHOPSGATE PRESS FIRE BRIGADE.-The annual competition took place on Tuesday, December 15 th , in the spacious warehouse of the firm, under the direction of Captain Mann. The drill was performed in excellent time. One man drill: F. Payne, 20 1-5 seconds, 1st prize; J. Ewen, 22 seconds, 2nd prize; W. Marsh, 22 1-5 seconds, 3 rd prize. Three men drill: J- Ewen and team, 2 I 1-5 seconds, 1st prize; G. Terry and team, 26 seconds, 2nd prize; "\V. Boone, 26 1-5 seconds, 3rd prize.

National Fire Brigades Union.

FORMATION OF A MASONIC LODGE.-H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, the Most Worshipul Grand Master of Freemasons has been pleased to grant a warrant for the formation of a Masonic Lodge for officers of fire brigades to connected with the National Fire Brigades' Union. It is be called the" Semper Paratus" Lodge No. 3015. He has approved of the following as first officers of the lodge :Lieut.-Col. G. W. Dixon, V.D. (Vice-President of the .F.B.U.), Worshipful Master; Capt. T. Clulee (Chairman of th e Midland District), Senior Warden; SurgeonMajor G. Harrison (Chairman of the North-Western District), Junior Warden; and Mr. Horace S. Folker (Hon. Gen. Sec. N.F.B.U.), Secretary.

The consecration will take place at the Masonic Temple, Holborn Restaurant, London, W.c., on Wednesday, January 6th, 1904, at 5 p. m., and the ceremony will be performed by Sir Edward Letchworth, F.S.A., Grand Secretary of England, assisted by several well-known grand officers.

YOLUNTARY DEATH LEV\, FUND -The result of the call for the benefit of the survivors of late Fireman H. Walter, of the Tunbridge Wells Borough Fire Brigade, who died on the 8th August, 1903, leaving a widow and three children-18, 14 and 10 years of age - amounted to £3 16s.

A Fiery Burial.

WE cull the enclosed pathetic little tale from our esteemed contemporary the NZ Fire and Ambulance Record: Far back in the second·half of the Nineteenth Century (yet it seems but as yesterday, so vividly was impressed upon memory) I was a member of a Volunteer Fire Company in a small English city, which I will call Coal bury. As its name shows, it was the centre of a colliery district, and within a radius of a few miles were many villages clustering round the pits-the homes of the pitmen and their families. Fires in these cottages were of infrequent occurrence, and when they did break out were as a rule, easily extinguished by a bucket brigade. The one to which we were called on the night in question was an exception It had been burning for a long time and its reflection lit up the country round about. Some time before the mounted messenger came in to ask for help the great bell of the Abbey Church had sounded the alarm, and the engine, a powerful modern machine, had the horses harnessed {lnd the crew standing on it ready for action.

" For God's sake," shouted the rider messenger, "get to Dean's B!idge at top speed! Three houses are burning like h --, and the powder magazine may go up, and scores be killed! "

The words were hardly out of his mouth before we were off. The horses tore along the great North road,

December 1903. -FIRST

which like all English highways, was as smooth as a ballroom floor and, thanks to the dry fall, as clean. We had over ten miles to travel, and we covered the distance in about twenty-five minutes.

Our arrival was hailed with cheers, but we had no time to waste in complimentary speeches. Our hose was stretched in a few seconds; suction was taken from an adjoining stream; willing hands manned the brakes; and soon a powerful stream was heing thrown upon the seat of the blaze, which had spread rapidly.

It was a Jour-story building, one of three standing close to the pIt mouth. Our axe man attacked it on the flank, and tore down the connection between the blazing house and its neighbour. In front the hosemen driven back again and again by the intense heat and the dense smoke of the smouldering thatch. Several times they returned to their fight, and at last seemed to be making some impression when suddenly the roof fell in and a shower of sparks and burning brands towered to heaven and fell upor: the thatch of the adjoining buildings. It was as dryas t111der, and a fierce blaze was the immediate result.

!he last. of . the three houses was used a cottage hospltal! and 111 It were three patients--pitmen-who lay abed With broken legs, unable to stir without assistance. One was to have been married that day, and the weeping bride that was to be sat watching by his bed.

We learned all this after the house had caught and it seemed too late to help them. Our captain called for volunteers. A dozen pitmen presented themselves and all the firemen cried out that they were ready. Our ladders were barely long enough to reach a few feet above the second story window sill, but our captain was the first to lead the party up the front of the house which was burning furiously on top. Swinging up to the 'broad sill of the window above him, he practised one of his athletic feats, and, pulling himself up, sat on it, and smashed in the frame his axe. Then, leaning forward, he got the doctor inSide to hold him by the legs, while he reached down an? pulled another and another fireman up. The three, gUided by the doctor, made their way to the r ear where the patients were lying.

They cried to the girl to run to the window where by this ti me another ladder had been lashed to the topmost fire ladder, but she would not leave her Jim. Force was tried. but in vain. She rushed back. Jim must first be saved; her turn could come afterwards ! * * * * *

A crash, as of a park of artillery! A lurid glare! A shower of live embers "hurtled through the maddened air," hissing like hundreds of burning fiery serpents! 1.'hen a darkness that might be felt; followed by an awful silence for some moments, broken at last by the shrieks of the women and the groans of the men.

An unseen wandering brand had reached the magazine where the blasting powder was stored, and the explosion had shaken all three buildings to their foundations.

In the smoking ruins lay one captain, two firemen the heroic doctor, who had chosen to die rather than his charge.s, the unfortunate crippled pitmen, and the devoted glrl, all ot whom lay "in one red burial blent," crushed and charred, yet not beyond recognition.

Our Captain's arms sti II grasped one man; the doctor, another; .close by lay firemen, and alongside of them 111 death not diVided, was stretched the faithful Nell still holding in her arms her beloved Jim.

AI D.Letters to the Editors.

lYe a1 e m no way 1espomible f01' tile opinions expressed, 01' the statem ents made, by Corre spondeut s.-EoITORS.

RE « TU STILL " AD" CROSFIELD " SHIELDS.

SJRs, - I have read "Fairplay s " queries on the above with no little amusement, and as it is impossible for the Comof the Brierfield to reply to questions relat1l1g to the one held at Warnngton, I venture to try to make things clear (if this is really needed ?), truthfully not so h "F' I '" c muc on alrp ay s account as lor those who may have been to some extent, biased by his remarks.

As your correspondent is aware, thp. (( one team" that reported at Brierfield at 3.30 was Kendal. The Kendal team left home by the 12.6 train, L.- & N. W. Ry. The booking clerk at Kendal station could only book them to Preston con· it necessitated re-booking at the latter place: and thiS could not be done before the L. and Y. train had left. However, a wire was immediately sent to Brierfield, explaining the delay.

f'>.gain, the « team" to leave the enclosure after report· Ing, IS, presumably 1l1tended for the winners ( Kendal ) but they were told most emphatically that they could not do unless in charge of a member of the Brierfield Division. One ,vas forthcoming, and they went for a (( feed " ( though not before they had seen members of other teams pass out in the same way ) the p icket" making one of the party at the table, and had Fairplay " seen the way he stuck to his men he (" Fairplay" ) must have felt that he was leaving himself open to ridicule in raising the query.

.r ow for Query NO.3, and the IT'ember of "one team. " On Brierfield station, as we were leaving for home, I was calmly told. by a member C?f an team (why didn ' t he tell the Judges ?), that In my indiVidual case ( which was burst varicose vein in the leg ) "if the patient had not informed me where the mark was on the leg, I could not have found it. " If this is what" Fairplay" refers to, I will only say that there IS no truth whatever in the assertion. All the Kendal team ask for is "a fair field and no favour," and to my mind every· one got it at Brierfi e ld.

The Kendal team did not compete for the "Crosfield " Shield because they did not arrive in time, not because as " Fairplay" they did not want to, they did, and keenly disappointed to find they could not do so. With the exception of the sergeant (who went to return the shield in time for the commencement of the competition ) the Kendal tean: left hO me by the 2.30 train, as business prevented them leav1l1g earlIer (travelling from Preston in the same train as the Deputy Commissioner ) and if" Fairplay" will look up his " Bradshaw" he will see that his information (he says that he was" informed ") must be, as it is, without foundation.

I do not wish, or intend, to enter into any controversy but hope I have made clear, what, to my mind, should never 'have been mysteries to ., Fairplay," and the effect of this letter will not be that of" A man convinced, &c. " I f this is so then it will have done the work it is intended to, althou O' h with reference to the Brierfield c ou:petition, I feel that the splendid arrangements the CommIttee made, the accusations implied (unintentionally, I trust ) of unfairness, should never have been made. I t is ha r dly" fairplay!"

I had the honour to be a member of "one team " on both and rear the of "Fairplay' s " remarks depreCiates conSiderably by hiS Withholding the name. - Yours, &c., J. WILFRED DENT. Park-avenue, Kendal. December loth, 1903.

AMBULA CE IN BIRMI rGHAI\1.

DEAR

The meeting of the St. John Ambulance ASSOCiation and Bngade was held in the Council House Birmingham, day, the Lord presiding. To how the services. of a hard-work1l1g former superintendent secretary of the bngade are honoured by the local staff and the committee of the local centre, it is interesting to have to read in your columns that the courtesy of an invitation to the meeting was not extended to myself, and the first intimation I had of

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the meeting was conveyed to me in reai:ling an account of the pre ceedi ngs in the columns of this evening's local paper. One ca n scarcely now wonder why the St. John Ambulance Assoc iation and the Brigade are not so popular as they might be made to be.-Yours faithfully, J. R. STAlIlP. Organiser and late Superintendent Secretary Birmingham Corps St. John 's Ambulance Brigade. Tan-y-B,ylch, Chester-road, Edinburgh. December 10th, 1903.

A ITEM TO BE FACED I J Al\IBULANCI G LONDON.

DEAR SIRS,-These detail s, which will bear investigation as to their accuracy if accepted as I place them before you, are intended to give your readers a glimpse, as it were, of the magnitude of London's varied requirements, for whoever may haveto prepare the way for the organisation of a public ambul<1.nce service.

Supposingsomeauthorityhad the means and the intention of supplying one ambulance wagon o each borough, they would come to this diffi c ulty : All the boroughs are not the same size. Therefore, assuming this di screpancy to be met by s upplyin g an additional wagon to eyery 1,000 ac res (a n area the size of Bushey Park), there would then be severa l hundred acres left out of the re ckoning in most b oroughs unlber of wa gons to each borough on the above basis :Ci ty of L c ndon, I; Battersea, 2; Bermondsey, 2; Dethnal Green,\I; Cambenvell, 4; Chelsea I; Deptford, I; Finsbury, I: Fulham, I; Greenwich, 3; Hackney 3; Hammersmith, 2: Hampstead, 2; Holborn, I; Islington, 3' Kensington, 2; Lambeth, 4; Lewisham, 7; Paddington, I; Poplar 2; St. 11arylebone, J: St. Pancras, 2; Shoreditch, I; Southwark, I: Stepney, ; Stoke Ndwington, 1 ; \V andsworth, 9; \Vestminster, 2; Woolwich, 8; Penge, 1. Total, 7 r.

This is why I sugges t one wagon to be kept at, or adjoining each L.C .C. Fire S tation- special arrangements for Pengeof ,yhich there are 53, I believe; latest official returns as to the num ber of stations not being available, and the knowledge that stations are con tinually increasing. - Yours, &c., L. A. C.

DEAR SIRS,-Only because someone may do it for me, I feel obliged to draw attention to a printer's error on page 85 of FIRST Am for ovember, "Concerning an Ambulance Service for London," tt reads, " The la st journey of the van was made on Saturday, August 6th, 1902 " It ought to have been Saturday, August 6 th, 1892.

Hoping you will not think me ungrateful for the many times you have give n me space and attention, and am further delig hted to read that" F.A." is going like "hot rolls" ( page 95, "F.A.", November ).-I remain sincerely yours,

L. A. C.

RE AMBULA CE COMPETITION.

DEAR SIRs,--Being a co nstant reader nfFTRST AID, I should be very pleased if you could get the dates o f the above competitions, as the Leeds Police, 13 Division t ea m are wishful to enter if it is convenient to do so. If secretaries would advertise in FIRST AID, or write to the und ersigne d, I should be very pleased, and thank you for inserting the same.-I r e main yo urs respectfully, R. BRETHERJCK. Leeds City Police.

[We will gladly oblige our correspondent if he will kindl y let us know the competitions to which he refers. We quite endorse our correspondent'S views that s e cretaries might utili se our advertisement columns for the purpose of announcing competitions, concerts, &c., but we r eg ret to say that very few do so, although they always find out our news co lumns readily enough. Just a little one sided, is it not ?- EDs.]

CAMBRIA RAILWAY AMBUL.l\l CE COMPETITIO

DEAR SIRS, - In your report of the above in Tovember issue you s tate" cheers were given th e \'ictoriolls team; all the more hearty as tltey figured at tlte bottolll of tile list last year." This is incorrect. The Cambrian Corps h ad only h ad t,,·o previous competitirns, six team s competed, and Portmadoc

A I D.- December, 19 0 3.

were second; in the other seven teams competed and Portmadoc came third. Right is right, so kindly give publicity through next issue and oblige.-Yours, &c., " PORT MADOC. " Our information was forwarded by a local correspondent. - ED.]

METROPOLITA POLICE AMBULANCE TRAINING.

DEAR SIRS,-" YV. F. J." on page 94 of "F.A." for ovember, advocates" biding a wee," evidently with the idea that we shall some day have the whole of the Metropolitan Police practica l ambulance men, because, I presume, of the School Board ambulance training he mentions. I have no experience of that particular instruction, but hope its results are better than that evinced in School Board manners. However, as regards our Police edu catio n in ambulance, what can you expect, for contrary to your correspondent's statement, the authorities Ita'lIe been attempting to give the wllole force ambulance training for some time past, and this is how they do it :About 30 young men ( recruits ) from the country, most of whom have not yet got O\'er the idea of having no clay on their boot5, or the taste of swedes in their mouths, s it on benches in a room at Scotland Yard while the c hief surgeon stands alongside a ske leton and le ctures on it. Then, under his direction, they practice how to carry an injured person by lifting and carrying each other about, which process they look upon as rather a lark, and- " here endeth the' first aid' le sso n. " From that time the rest of the twenty-five years a cons table remains in the force, he has to keep up his ., first aid" interest as best he can, for he gets no official encouragen1E'nt in ambulance matters. I n London, as a rule. police duties occ upy all hi s time a nd brain power.Sincerely yours, L. A. C.

Th e letter is sent to for in sertio n, a copy ha\,1l1 g been preVIously sent to the EdItor of the Daily Tele/;raplt, but for some une xp lained reason it has not yet made its appearance in the co lumn s of that journal.

SIRS, - The article in your issue of December 3rd replyingto the criticism of Miss ina Boucicault on the Ambulance Sp.n'ice of London contains several inaccuracies, and would l ead one to suppose th a London really has an Ambulance Service which is a credit to this great metropolis, and one that will compare with the Service in the United States or our great provincial cities. As the reve r se is really the case, will you kindly give m e t h e opportu nit y of pointing out in your columns the followin g fa cts :-

First, with regard to the instruction give n to the Metropolitan Poli ce, you say, "All recrui ts go through a practical course of training." This may be so at Scotland Yar d, but as an organiseI' of am bul a n ce classes, I was just lately approached by a Superintendent of Police to arrange that some of hi s men s hould attend our civilian classes, and he pointed out the difficu lt y he had in ge ttin g hi s men g iven instruction owing to the way being blocked by the red tape o f the Receiver-General's office. The allowance of £ 50 per annum for instructing such a large body of men being simply farcical, medical men are consequently asked to render their services without fee. The result is that the average metropolitan co nstable ha s, through no fault of his own, only the most vague knowledge of the subject. Presumin g , however, he has a good knowledge. and renders correctly first aid in, say, a case in wh ic h a patient has been knocked down by a van and sustained a fra c tured leg, where is he to get a litter? He sends to the nearest police station, and along comes an out-of-date c onveyance and painca u s ing contrivance that is only fit for "Drunks, " and has not even rubb er tyres; in this the patient must be trundled perhaps two miles to the nearest hospital. A few districts are supplied, I believe, with the" Ashford " litter, an excellent vehicle, but not suited to long-distance work over granite sets or bad macadam, and, of course, it could only be llsed at a walk, so that cases requiring immediate treatment by a surgeon are badly aggravated by the delay.

You state that these litters" are kept at all police stations and hospitals, " but while every police station has its litter of a sort, few hospitals will loan theirs, where a litter is available at all times.

The St. John Ambulance Association has only one station with an attendant in London, and that is at St. Paul's

December, 1903. -FIRST

Cathedral; there is no nurse on duty, and the s t a t ion is only open from 9 6 on week days, and 2 till 9 on Sundays, the latt er day IS s upplIed by volunteers from the St. John Ambulance Brigade. to the" appliances provided under the auspices of the Ho spIta l Association," th ese are of very little use for first aid work, except when a litte r is kept.

N ow as to wheeled tran sport. The wagons of the St. John Ambulance Association are excellent vehicles in their way, and would be of imm ense use to this grea t city if they could be ca lled upon at any time of the day Or night for inJmedi a t e use, and turned out as rapidly as are fire engines But the y are not. Their daily occupation is that of t.ransportll1 g Il1vabds, mostly of the wea lth y classes, and adding a profitable department to the S.J.A.A. The writer of your. article would have one believe th at they are ready for servIce at any t1.me, as. a matter of fact they are only sent out after WrItten appllcatlon has been macle for use fe e in proportion to the financial position of the ll1dlvldualordenng, or on such clays as the S.J .A.n. are on duty, when they are really of excellent sen'ice - but this may be only six times a year.

Now co mpar e this state of affairs with the efficient municip.a] services organised by SL:ch cities as Liverpool, Glasgow, LeI ces ter, an cl many others that I cou ld name, where a horse ambulance is kept at police station or fire station, ready to turn Ollt at a moment's notice with trained attendants who assisted b y the police, who are th orolfgldy efficient first remov.e .the in a skilful manner to the hospital' w i th th e m1l11l11Um of pam caused by Ilft1l1).f and jolting, and without fear of increasing the injmy, as is so often the case with the methods employed in the ;'If etropolis I remember be1l1g called to. a case of a fractured tll ig h inC lasgo\\' i 111 mediatel y after the acclclent happened, and although some di s tance f!'Om the s tation, in eight minutes a horse ambulance ane! attendant were on the scene An impossibility in London. The Metropolis has been wonderfully free from gra\ e disasters such as the fall of the stancl as at the Celtic U' rouncl b Glasgow, where a hundred or more cases were rel1lo\ ed to the majority in .the ambulance wagons, and it is pa1l1ful to tbl11k of the suffering that would be occasioned by want of p!'Oper vehicles if a similar disaster occurred in London, while at the present time hundreds of accidents occur annually in the streets, and are cOI1\ eyed to hospitals in any and every kind of \ ehicle other than the one that shou'lcl be at hand.

I speak from some twelve years experience as a S.J.A.B. and in my 0P.in.ion there is no greater need at the present tIme than a munICIpal ambulance sen ice, for the e\.istino· b sen'lce IS, 111 no at all; and while the St. John Ambulance Bngade Itself IS an excellently trained body as a whole, it is to all intents and purposes useless for the work referred to in the main portion of )'our article as the bri O" ac1e cIS only on duty large and not in everyday occurrences, and It IS the everyday aCCIdent that neeels to be dealt with.

The cost of an efficient service need cause no alarm if it .be a municipal one, for it merely means addItIon of a SU Itable wagon and two attendants at the district station, which, if the service were under the control of a pn,,:ate boely? there be .difficulty in obtaining capItal suffiCIent to build and mall1tall1 stations on suitable sites.-Yours fa ithfu ll y, ST. JOR r s M \ N

DE.\R SIRs,-Although it seems evident from the Editorial remarks on page 88 of " F.A." for November that London will have to wait for an efficient Service until public is ripe How is public interest to be expected If nothmg IS done to rouse and maintain that interest, such as been d<;me .for the Fire Service by exhibitions, reviews, &c., Without whi ch It seems hopel ess to expect any action beincr toward s the establishing of such a service It would very mterestll1 g to know if anything in this direction has been attempted the former Editor F.A.", Dr. H: C. lIoward, dId so by glVll1g a l ecture on Ambulance 111 London" at Binfield Hall, on the. 17th .of March, 18 9.8 Rev. Sotheby 111 the c haIr. [h e co ntmued Improvements III the management of" F.A." is marked pleasing; the idea

AI D.- III

of unitin g the Fire and 'Ambulance Services is excellent. That "F.A." may succeecl beyond all expectation is the genuine wish fro m- OLD S:'IIFl'LEDITE.

I SLE OF WICHT CORPS

I have pleasure in announcing that the ChIef Superintendent, Dr. VIctor J Blake, has notified his intenti on of presenting a Challenge ShIeld to the Corps

The competition for this trophy will be open to teams belonging to any Di\ision of the Isle of Wight Corps.

The governing the competition, which will be somewhat SImilar to those for the" Dewar" Challenge Shield and the "Synlons Eccles» Challenge Cup, will be published later. - Yours, &c., CEO. H. COR_ EY, Ventnor, Dec. roth, I903. Acting Sup t. Secretary.

Volunteer Ambulance School of Instruction.

President: Major Andrew l\Iaclure, V.D ., late L.S.R.\'. Senior Medi c al Officer, Brigade Surgeon Lieut-Col. P. B Giles, V.D., F.RC.S., 30th Field Army Brigade. Office: 23, Cambridge Street, J fyde Park, \V. ORDERS:

The class for the training of regimental stretcher bearers will be held at the headquarters ot the 3rd London V.R.C., 2-1-, Sun-street, Finsbury -s quare, E.C., by permission of Colonel E. C. Stevenson, \ ' .D ., ommanding, and will commence on Thursday, February 4th, at 7.30 p.m. Application forms can be obtained of Sergl. H. J. Bussell, 13, Gower-street \V.C., or of Sergt. C. Skilbeck, 6, Carlton-hill, T.\\'. ' ( By Order ) R. R. Surgeon-Major Acting Adjutant.

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"FIRST AID" TO THE INJURED AND SICK:

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Being enlargements of the illustrations in the abo\'e book, suitable for Lecture and Classes

Bristol: JOHN WRIGHT & Co. London: SIMPKIN .1\ Co., Ltd.

TED. - A Private's Uniform Top' Coat ( S.J.A.B.), height of member 5 ft.-Adclress W. S., Rosaline-road, Fulham, S. 'vV.

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