JNF-The-Working-Class-Struggle-of-Half-a-Century

and suffering, and in such a condition through circumstances over
which he has little or no control, having to travel five, six or ten miles in
the quest of hospital attention, and doing so in an open wooden cart,
drawn by horse, mule or donkey, a rough vehicle without springs, and
in many instances the sick is without protection from the elements, save
that offered by a tattering umbrella.
Among the well-to-do classes the routine of conventional life
was carried on in a pleasant atmosphere, which they saw no need to upset
with consideration as to what was happening to the man at the lowest
level the Messenger continued: The picture is certainly not overdrawn
and in these days when industry and science have combined to
make comfort and travel almost synonymous, the omission of such a
necessity is certainly an unpleasant reflection upon our community
pride and, on the other hand, the effort to remove a public stigma becomes
an object worthy of our humanity.
In the course of events, a creditable community effort emerged .
A hospital ambulance fund was launched. Public spirited persons got
together and organised functions to raise money for the cause. The first
was a variety concert at the Apollo in January 1933. Several prominent
person gave active and generous support. In some circles, the ice of
indifference was breaking. There were tangible signs that the long and
strong agitation for arousing social consciousness in the community and
for bettering the lot of working masses had begun to bear fruit. Early in
November the “Ambulance Committee” published a statement showing
that the result of their efforts so far had netted $1346.15 of which
$956.04 were private subscriptions and collections. The estimated cost
of the ambulance was $1560.00, the target of the fund raising. The moving
spirit in the drive was the Medical Superintendent of the Cunningham
Hospital, Dr. J. S. Cramer.
On 27 th September, 1934, the first ambulance for the territory
was landed here from the steamship Haiti. It was a Chevrolet Master
model, made to order, with a portable and a folding stretcher as well as
a side seat for the nurse - attendant and a first aid cabinet. The Union
Messenger commented : The name of Dr. Cramer and those of his
band of co-workers will always be associated with a service designed to
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