NURSES' CHAPEL.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18550, 27 November 1925, Page 2

NURSES' CHAPEL.

CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS A DIRECT APPEAL. For several years a Nurses' Chapel has been projected, to commemorate the services of nurses trained in the Christchureh Hospital who lost their lives in the war and the influenza epidemic. Last week a committee was set wn, and it was decided to call a public meeting this week as a further step in providing the chapel. The meeting was held in the City Council Chamibers last evening, when there was an attendance of 28, including 13 ladies. The Mayor (Mr J. K. Archer) occupied tho chair. Ho biief]y outlined the committee's objects, and said the attendance was sufficient to warrant them in making decisions with reference to the chapel. Origin of the Proposal. Dr. W. Fox, Medical Suparintecdcnt of tho Hospital, baid that tho idea was conceived after a service held in St. Michael's Church in memory of the nurses lost in the Marquette disaster. A sum of money was then collected, and it was now proposed to augment the funds and build the chapel. Plans had been drafted for a structure to cost about £3OOO. Tho services which had been conducted at tho Hospital for a number of years were much appreciated by the patients, and an extension of the facilities would be welcomed. They looked now to tho members of tho'public to assist in raising tho necessary capital. A good many years had been spent in collecting the amount which was now in hand. Up to the present thero had been very little encouragement from the Government in the way of subsidies, but it was still hoped to win favour in that direction. Tho proposed structure would seat about 150 people. Already £BOO was in hand, and as £3OOO was required, they should make as their objective the raising of the balance of £2200. The chapel would be used by all types of people for religious services, and there would be no denominational distinctions. It was only a matter of arranging suitable hours for tho folding of services. Tho chapel was to l>e handed over to tho Hospital Board on its completion. , In reply to a question, Dr. Fox saui that tho "sito suggested for the chapel was in tho vicinity of the operating theatre. It would come almost up to tho street frontage, and an ornamental fence would bo constructed. A discussion, ensued on the most convenient hours for holding services, the chairman advising that some should be held duriDg the week. Support from Presbytery.

The Rev. J. Lymburn said that the Christchureh Presbytery was in sympathy with tho movement, and would co-operate in every possible way. Mr W. E. Lcadley said that as a member of tho Hospital Board he had been pleased to accept the position of organiser for the fund. The Hospital was the best institution of its kind in the Dominion, but it had one urgent nee ,l_the provision of a place of worship for nurses and patients. The idea that tho Chapel should be erected, in memory of the nurses who had given their iives would commend itself to everybody. The religious organisations should take the lead in raising the money required. It would be an excellent thing if all of tho balance needed were raised by voluntary subscription. Ho had an idea that a huge Christmas fair in a large hall would bo most successful. Another proposal was that committees should be formed from the various denominations, and set out on a money-raising campaign. This would engender a spirit of rivalry which would have excellent results. By proper organisation and with the public support that should be given, the £2200 might be raised in three months, but if this result was not achieved, a street collection could be held when a permit could be obtained. He intended to ask some of the members of the Hospital Board to form a deputation to the Prime Minister, on his next visit to Christchureh, and make a further effort to obtain assistance by way of a subsidy* In reply to a question, Dr. Fox said that it was proposed that the maintenance of the Chapel should be a charge on the H6spital. Hospital Sunday Approved. Miss Tabart suggested a Hospital Sunday as a means of obtaining the funds required. Mr Leadley said that the Cathedral authorities had consented to give the collection at this, morning's memorial service to the fund, and also a portion of that at the pilgrims' memorial serThe Rev. J. J. North strongly favoured the idea of a Hospital Sundaj.. He said that he was confident the response from the people would surprise them. , . Miss Tabart and the chairman expressed the opinion that the appeal should be extended to the suburbs and the whole of the district under the North Canterbury Hospital Board. Mr Archer said that if all the members of the various Church congregations were given envelopes, to be handed in with subscriptions on an appointed Sunday, the response would be excellent- . , , ~ Mr North moved that the organiser approach the Anglican, Roman Catho- | lie, and Free Churches with a proposal that a Hospital Sunday be held in Februarv. He supported the suggestion made by the chairman that envelopes should be issued, and expressed a hope that the various denominations would give unanimous support to tho The resolution was seconded by the Rev W. A. Hay. He said that the method advocated met with his approval. Without despising other ways of raising money—he could not afford to do that in these days—it had long been his opinion that a direct appeal was the best way of raising money for such an object. . The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Archer appealed to those present report the decision arrived at to the Churches. Dr. Fox, in reply to a question, said that a committee "had been formed, with representatives of every denomination except one, with the object of taking the initial steps in organising the campaign. Mr Hay said that after the Chapel was erected something should be done to ensure that when services were held a congregation would be present. (Laughter.) Dr. Fox said that it was only a matter of organisation, and they eouid relyon the co-operation of Miss Muir and himself. They would pledge themselves to act in perfect fairness to all.

Bishop Brodie's Sympathy. Mr Leadley said that a letter hal been received from Bishop Brodie, expressing svmpathy with tho movement, and forwarding a donation. Mr Archer said that tho chapel at the OJd Men's Home at Ashburton was used by all denominations, and not the slightest friction occurred. Mr R~ B. Owen asked whether the Hospital Board would subsidise the money raised. Mr Archer said he did not think it had the jjoffier Jo do so*