KARITANE PAY

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 7, 9 July 1945, Page 4

KARITANE PAY

Sir,—Now that the Karitane nurses are receiving attention from the powers that be, may I also suggest revision of their salaries, etc. All other classes of workers, professional or otherwise, have received an increase, and it is surely time for these girls to be similarly treated. They are on duty 24 hours a day for seven days a week, with a two-hourly daily off period and one whole day weekly—that is if they are fortunate, for so many people do not adhere to these regulations. Even though the case should last only a fortnight these rules should be rigidly adhered to, as the nurse goes on from case to case, without a break in very many instances, and her health is apt to give way after a period. Of course, there are breaks at times when nurses do not receive any salary, just as their holiday period is without pay. In view of the expense in equipping themselves with uniforms, etc., and the premium for training which is required, I think that 'these nurses who are doing a great national service in caring for ailing and new-born babes should receive an adequate salary instead of that payable today.—l am, etC<) AN OBSERVER.