DISTRICT NURSING ASSOCIATION

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27277, 18 February 1954, Page 2

DISTRICT NURSING ASSOCIATION

MONTHLY REPORT TO COMMITTEE

Because of the increased demand for accommodation at the Nurse Maude Memorial Convalescent Home, a new ward to house three patients is being constructed and will soon be ready for use. This was reported to the monthly meeting of the committee of the Nurse Mauae District Nursing Association by the matron (Miss M. Corkill). Miss Corkill also reported that in December 2816 treatments were given to 321 patients, and in January 2671 treatments to 301 patients.

Miss Corkill said she wished to thank the many friends and organisations that had contributed gifts and money for the Christmas parcels, which were much appreciated by the patients. Special Christmas dinners had been supplied to 100 patients by the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment’s good neighbour system.

Miss Patricia Pownall had been appointed senior sister on the nursing staff and had commenced duties on February 15. The home aid service had continued to play an important part in the work’ of the association, and very necessary domestic help had been given to an increasing number of patients. The resignation of Mrs R. G. Compton from the committee of the home was received with regret. Miss L. M. Banks was appointed a member of this committee.

The secretary said that donations from patients receiving the benefit of the district nursing service had decreased considerably during the current financial year, and members hop£d that persons who could afford to do so would assist as much as possible in this way to carry on the work of the association.

OBITUARY

MRS PETER KELLER Many friends, particularly on the West Coast, will regret to learn that Mrs Keller, wife of Mr Peter. Keller, died at her home in New Plymouth on Tuesday. Mrs Keller, formerly Miss Mary Bayfield, was a member of a well-known family in Westport, where she was educated at a private school and later joined the teaching profession. After her marriage to Mr Keller, an engineer in the Public Works Department, she lived in many parts o'f New Zealand as her husband was moved on promotion. At the time of his retirement a few years ago, Mr Keller was stationed in Dunedin and was engineer in charge of the Homer tunnel project. When he relinquished his position the family made its home in New Plymouth. Mrs Keller was a woman of sterling character, witty, wise, kindly, and loyal, one who never lost a friend. She is survived by her husband, two daughters, and two sons. Two other sons, graduates of Canterbury University College, were lost in the Second World War. Two sisters, Miss Geraldine Bayfield and Mrs Sherman Strachan, of Westport, and a brother. Mr Lionel Bayfield, died some years ago. Another sister. Miss Daisy Bayfield. lives in New Plymouth, and two brothers live in the North Island.