History: Accidents prompt an ambulance for Murchison

BY ROBYN PARKES

In late 1939, the Murchison Ambulance Association was formed at the Owen for the purpose of finding the ways and means of providing a better service in cases of sickness and accident than what the Nelson Hospital Board had been able to provide.

Investigations began as to the cost of a suitable vehicle, the conversion, maintenance and other matters that would have to be considered.

The initial driving force behind the idea was Mr Petty, who, on first arriving in the district had been struck by the number of accidents that occurred, and the complete lack of transport in getting a patient to Nelson Hospital.

Hours could pass before an ambulance from Nelson reached Murchison and even more so if it was in another part of the district, meaning that the time between an accident and the place where necessary medical attention could be given was often a matter of life or death.

Enquiries and quotes were obtained from private firms. One quote was thought suitable for the chassis, and another came for the body, but these were subject to the approval of the people of the district. The next challenge was the financing of the scheme, and in this matter substantial assistance was promised by the Nelson Hospital Board offering £5O subsidy payments for a term of three years.

The committee considered that it would be necessary to raise £350 in the first year to inaugurate the scheme, and they had no doubt that this could be done with the help of the people.

The whole district was canvassed for all over the age of 21 years, asking them to contribute. To meet maintenance costs, etc., a charge of £2 10s would be made for transporting a patient to Nelson. If unable to pay, however, no case would be refused. A scheme of subscriptions was to be instituted, which would operate in the first year so that if the subscriber needed the ambulance, a reduction would be made in the fee equal to the amount of the subscription.

A supply of drivers was selected from competent men who had a good knowledge of first aid.

Almost a year later the committee inspected a vehicle under offer to be converted to an ambulance. Negotiations also began for the purchase of a suitable chassis.  The previous chassis that had been reserved for the Association was abandoned as the funds needed had not been achieved so efforts to secure a good second- hand one became the focus. One firm offered a vehicle which was thought to be suitable for conversion, and the manager took the car to Murchison to be inspected by the committee.

Following the appeal made to the public for funds the committee still had a deficit balance of what was needed, but money from art unions and additional donations lowered the shortfall to £30.

A decision was made to put off purchasing the vehicle until the end of March when they hoped to have the £30 needed.  The manager agreed to hold the car until that time, but after that it would be sold.

Finally, with the vehicle acquired and paid for and in possession of the association it was sent to the coach builders to be converted into an ambulance, and was inspected by the Transport Department, and by representatives of the Nelson Hospital Board, for approval. It was delivered ready for work in May 1941.

With the dream achieved, a new controlling committee was established with members elected from both Murchison and the various areas of the wider district.

In one year, 21 calls had been received and 2450 miles covered in responding to calls.