OBITUARY

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27402, 15 July 1954, Page 2

OBITUARY

MISS H. E. NEWMAN One of the leading figures in nursing circles in Canterbury, Miss Harriet Elizabeth Newman, died in Christchurch on Tuesdav. For many years Miss Newman, because of her sterling character and her exceptional skill as a midwife, was greatly esteemed by hundreds of grateful patients and by members of the nursing profession in Canterbury and much further afield. Miss Newman trained as a nurse in ' the Christchurch Hospital, and qualified in 1908. She then took her midwifery training at St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch, where she was appointed sub-matron in 1910. She held this position for seven years before she was appointed matron of the hospital. In 1923, she was transferred to the matronship of St. Helens Hospital, Wellington. She retired from that position in 1928. After her retirement, Miss Newman was appointed a member of the New Zealand Nurses and Midwives’ Registration Board. She served for many years on the board. Miss Newman was always keenly interested in the welfare of nurses, and took an active part in the affairs of both the Canterbury and Wellington branches of the New Zealand Registered Nurses’ Association. She was for a time president of the Canterbury branch. She represented this branch on the committee of the Nurses’ Memorial Fund from its inception until her death. She was deeply interested in the activities of the Guild of St. Barnabas, and was its Lady Superior for many years. This guild was introduced to Christchurch by Nurse Maude, who became interested in its work during a visit to England, where it was well established. Miss Newman was one of its early members in Christchurch, and she was also a member of the Nurses’ Christian Union. • The depth of Miss Newman’s Christian faith and her living example made a lasting impression on her pupil nurses. Her symoathy and understanding endeared her to patients and nurses, apd made for her many lifelong friends. Miss Newman’s only sister died some time ago.'