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“Rare Award For P.N. Man”

Object type

Image

Description: This image was published in the April 9th, 1978, edition of the Tribune weekly newspaper with the caption “MR PERCY HARRIS”

An excerpt from the article read: “A milestone in the history of St John Ambulance in Manawatu is the announcement by the Priory in New Zealand of the Order of St John that Mr Percy Harris, of Palmerston North has been promoted to the Grade of Knight of Grace (K.St.J.) in The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem. Sanctioned by Her Majesty The Queen as Sovereign Head of The Order, this honour was signed in London on 15 February, 1978. Mr Harris will receive his award from the Governor-General, Sir Keith Holyoake, on June 25. Mr Harris, the first member to be so honoured in Manawatu, has served St John Ambulance in many capacities over the past 37 years having enrolled in the St John Ambulance Brigade in Lower Hutt in 1941 where his leadership qualities soon gained recognition. Transferring to Palmerston North in December, 1950, with several qualifications and the rank of Divisional Superintendent, he immediately became involved in both the St John Ambulance Association and St John Ambulance Brigade St John Ambulance Brigade activities at a time when the interest in St John in this area required stimulation.”

This image forms part of the Manawatū Evening Standard Negative Collection. Unfortunately, only negatives between April and December 1978 are held.