Nurse Maude services

Press, 30 May 1983, Page 16

Nurse Maude services

Sir,—With the recent renewed interest in the work of Nurse Maude, it may be news to many to learn that the erstwhile bustling, usually austere little lady could join in wholeheartedly when the fun was for a good cause. A benefit trotting meeting held at Addington on October 15, 1921 “to raise funds for blind soldiers and sailors, and to assist Nurse Maude’s District Nursing Association” (“Weekly Press,” October 21,1921) shows her in a series of relaxed and happy photographs of which number 3 states ... “The triumph of the day: The Mayor of Christchurch in the shafts (rickshaw) and Nurse Maude (in cape) in the seat.” She is smiling and at ease, no whip is being applied, and the two-legged steed — and the driver — appear to be enjoying the jaunt hugely. Photograph number 4 records a friendly pat for a four-legged trotter, which had just won the Nurse Maude Handicap.- We can assume that she found some time away from her demanding routine to combine fund-raising with fun.— Yours, etc.,

H. S. HOLMES. May 27, 1983.