MATRON'S SERVICE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 17 November 1943, Page 3

MATRON'S SERVICE

MISS E. M. NUTSEY

FAREWELL PARTY AT CAIRO Senior officers of the New Zealand Medical Corps and other units, matrons, nursing sisters and members of the New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Army Corps attended a party tendered to the chief matron of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service, Miss E. M. Nutsey, at the No. 3 New Zealand Rest Home, Cairo. Presentations were made to Miss Nutsey on behalf of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service and the New Zealand Medical Corps.

In a brief address Brigadier H. S. Kenrick, Director of Medical Services, said that, as matron of the Auckland Hospital, Miss Nutsev had had major responsibilities, and when this war started, remembering her nursing service in the last war, she could have said: "There is no need to go." Instead she had volunteered immediately and was appointed matron-in-chief in 1940. It was no exaggeration to say that the high standard of the N.Z.A.N.S. Avas known everywhere and there was no doubt that Miss Nutsey contributed largely to - that standard.

Brigadier Kenrick read the following message from LieutenantGeneral Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C.: "On the eve of your departure from Egypt I send you this message of appreciation from me personally and on behalf of all ranks of the Second N.Z.E.F. for your work as matron-in-chief. We are very proud of the high standard of our N.Z.A.N.S and I realise how much I owe to your wise counsel at its head. Godspeed and good wishes for a quick return to health." Matron E. C. Mackay presented Miss Nutsey with a silver tray and a cheque, the gift of sisters and medical officers of the N.Z.M.C. Subaltern H. King made a presentation of a silver muffin dish, the gift of the N.Z.W.A.A.C. (hospital division). In expressing her thanks, Miss Nutsey briefly traced the history of the N.Z.A.N.S. and stressed the close liaison which always had existed between the unit and the Allied nursing services. "I am very sorry I will not be here for the armistice," added the matron-in-chief. Those present included Brigadiers H. K. Kippenberger and N. W. McD. Weir and other senior officers, Ladv Freyberg, Miss Jean Begg (Y.M.C.A.), Mrs. O. Blackford (official visitor to the New Zealand Forces Club), Mrs. A. P. F. Chapman, of the Lowry Hut, and the principal matrons of the N.Z.E.F. and R.A.F.