FRIENDS OF ST. HELENS

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25724, 9 February 1949, Page 2

FRIENDS OF ST. HELENS

FAREWELL PARTY MRS A. SANDSTON HONOURED Mrs Alfred Sandston, who for nearly eight years has been president of the Friends of St. Helens Society, was entertained yesterday at Bishopscourt by members of the society, before her departure for a visit to Scotland. Miss M. B. Howard (Minister of Health) attended the gathering, which was held on the lawn under the shade of a wide-spreading tree. Miss Howard said that good progress was being made with the erection of the new St. Helens Hospital, in Colombo street, and when completed, it would be most modernly equipped and would accommodate many mothers and their babies. She complimented the Friends of St. Helens on the good work they had been doing for many years and wished Mrs Sandston an enjoyable holiday. The Mayoress (Mrs F. Hardy Cookson) added her good wishes to those expressed by Miss Howard, and on behalf of members of the society, presented Mrs Sandston with a travelling cushion. Mrs W. S. Bean emphasised the importance of the work done at St. Helens Hospital where, in addition to the care given to mothers and babies, midwives and maternity nurses were trained. She congratulated the matron of St. Helens (Miss E. Sparkes) on the honour conferred upon her by the King and said that it was an honour conferred on the whole maternity nursing profession. Miss Sparkes, for the staff and patients at St. Helens, Mrs H. Wyatt. Mrs E. Friedlander, and Mrs W. Hobbs all praised the leadership of Mrs Sandston and assured her of a warm welcome when she' returned to Christchurch. Mrs J. Lorimer presided at the gathering and after tea had been served a short musical programme, arranged by Miss K. O’Connor, was enjoyed indoors. Songs were sung by Mrs Sandson and Mrs W. McKay Ross, for wkom Miss O’Connor was accompanist, and a piano solo was played by Miss Litster Burnet. Archbishop West-Watson and Miss West-Watson were thanked for lending Bishopscourt for the party.