NURSE'S AMBITION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 57, 8 March 1944, Page 2

NURSE'S AMBITION

MISSIONARY WORK

DESIRE TO ENTER COLLEGE

A nursing sister employed at the Auckland Hospital, Olive Yeoman Pearce, who was desirous of becoming a missionary nurse, to-day appealed against the refusal of the manpower officer to allow her to terminate her employment. The appeal was heard by the Auckland Industrial Manpower Committee. The appellant said she had enrolled as a student in the Church Missionary Society's College, as her ambition since she was.a young girl was to become a missionary. She : had handed in her resignation IS month ago, but she was not released. She was now nearing the age limit for entering on missionary work The Rhv R. J- Burns said that in the college the appellant would receive Bible training and instruction in other subjects. No correspondence courses were provided It was necessary for the student to have the spiritual atmosphere of the college by training in it. The appellant intended taking up work in the Islands, and it would be difficult for her to go into the missionary field if there was further delay. The Chairman: Experienced nurses are much needed in New Zealand. At the present time there is such a shortage that it is hard to let anybody go under any circumstances. Miss V. M. Cussen, lady superintendent at the Auckland Hospital, gave evidence that the position at the hospital in regard to staff was satisfactory at present. The board, however was concerned in connection with the Middlemore Hospital, which witness had been informed would be opened in six months time. The committee adjourned the appeal for six months.'