“This association had its origin in the visit of the American fleet in 1908, when this country became wild with enthusiasm and large crowds visited the seaports to see the fleet. The Melbourne City Council, expecting large crowds and many accidents, called for volunteers holding first aid certificates, and a number responded, and rendered good service. Afterwards Mr. W. F. Pratt, our present secretary, suggested that those on duty should form a practice society, and this was done, the First Aid Volunteer Association being formed. “Our membership has increased from 40 to 110, and is now growing rapidly; the average attendance at weekly meetings ranges from 30 to 40 and at lectures from 60 to 80. We encourage people interested in first aid to visit our meetings and send members out to help class secretaries. We also supply members for first aid duty at large public meetings, exhibitions, missions and other gatherings. Last year our members attended the Scoville Mission for six weeks, treating 44 cases; the Alexander-Chapman Mission (4 weeks), and several other large gatherings. A hygiene exhibition opens in Melbourne next week and we have agreed to supply 12 members a night for four weeks. We make no charge, and our members take no payment. Of course, we are willing to accept donations to our funds, but do not ask for them. “We have a stretcher and a first class kit and plenty of bandages, besides medical instruments for use on duty by any medical man who happens along. At our monthly outings, which take place out of the city on Saturday afternoons, the secretary prepares a list of accidents, labels various ‘patients,’ and the other members have to work in pairs, being allowed one bandage apiece and having to improvise the others. Average attendance is thirty. We usually do a little propaganda work at these outings, inviting the local class secretaries to bring along their pupils, if any.” Of course, the readers of the RED CROSS MAGAZINE will understand the difference between this First Aid Society in Australia and the American Red Cross. The First Aid Volunteer Association was organized with only one purpose in view, that of practicing first aid, and one of the conditions of membership is that the applicant must have received a first aid certificate; whereas the activities of the American Red Cross have many ramifications and any reputable citizen of the United States may become a member thereof simply upon the payment of dues. Membership in the First Aid Association in Australia is rather analogous to membership in the classes throughout the United States organized by the First Aid Department of the American Red Cross. It is interesting to note that the arrival of the American fleet in Australian waters in 1908 was the prime cause for the organization of the First Aid Volunteer Association. [Illustration: “BROKEN THIGH.” FIRST AID PRACTICE.] Red Cross Nursing Service MISS JANE A. DELANO, _Chairman National Committee._