TRIBUTES PAID

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31045, 28 April 1966, Page 9

TRIBUTES PAID

Mrs Chambers Retires Mrs E. M. F. Chambers, matron-in-chief of the North Canterbury Hospital Board, was one of the senior administrators of whom the board had been very proud, said Dr L. C. L. Averill, the board’s chairman, at a farewell to Mrs Chambers yesterday. Mrs Chambers is retiring after 14 years as matron-in-chief.

Dr Averil said she had always kept up with developments in the nursing world, which had changed considerably since She was first appointed. He thanked her for her services to the board, the hospital service and the whole community of Christchurch. Mr V. J. Corbett added the thanks of the country members for Mrs Chamber’s interest in country hospitals, which, he said, she had always endeavoured to see were well and efficiently staffed. Her frequent visits had encouraged the staff of country hospitals to carry on under difficulties. Mr A. J. Danks, chairman of the institutions committee, said it had been an honour to be associated with Mrs Chambers in the work of the board.

Mrs Chambers in reply said she was very conscious of the moments when she had not been able to measure up but the help and understanding of the board and its staff had helped her to carry on. “Country hospitals have been one of my biggest worries because of staffing difficulties, and also one of my greatest joys, because there they live in a family,” said Mrs Chambers.