Franklin Plunket Society’s Affairs.

Franklin Times, Volume XXV, Issue 56, 17 May 1935, Page 5

Franklin Plunket Society’s Affairs.

ANNUAL MEETING.

YEAR’S OPERATIONS REVIEWED. FINANCES IN SOUND POSITION. The 14th annual meeting of the Franklin Plunket Society was held on Tuesday in the office, Massey avenue,, Pukekohe. There were present:: Mesdames H. Burrows (president), E. G. Foster, F. Perkins, W. Bright, W. H. S. Gee, N. D. Booth, B. Blennerhassett, J. H. Wyatt and Nurse Boyd, representing Pukekohe branch; Mesdames James and Madill ‘ (Waiuku) ; J. F. Johnstone and H. Burrell. (Papakura) ; W. G. Pyatt, F. Burnett and Lewis (Tuakau). Apologies for absence were received from Nurse Earp and Mrs N. M. Bradanovfch. In opening the meeting, the president expressed pleasure at seeing so many delegates from the subbranches, and on behalf of the Pukekohe committee extended them a hearty welcome. She said that the friendly feeling existing between the several committees made the work of the society very pleasant. The 1934-35 period had been an uneventful one. Under the able superintendence of Nurse Tinkham, work throughout the whole district was running smoothly, and increased attendances at all branches showed that Plunket methods were becoming more appreciated year by year. The thanks of the society were due to the nurse for the interest and tact always displayed in the many cases dealt with. The financial statement presented by the treasurer again showed a satisfactory balance, although the entertainments held to raise funds had not been so successful as usual. Mrs Johnstone moved that the balancesheet be adopted, and on this being seconded by Mrs Pyatt, was carried unanimously. The statements of accounts from the sub-branches showed their finances to be on a sound basis. The Nurse’s Report. Nurse Tinkham reported that the general health of the children had been good. During the year 716 visits had been paid to homes and 97 to nursing homes. Advice given to mothers by telephone totalled 421, and 83 by letter. The number of visits made to the office by mothers, babies and older childred totalled 9412. Cases had been attended in the following districts : Papakura, Waiuku, Tuakau, Pokeno, Buckland, Mauku, Puni, Pukekohe East, Glenbroolc, Fernleigh. Bombay and Clark’s beach. The election of officers resulted: — President, Mrs Burrows (re-elected); vice-presidents, Mesdames Gee, H. H. Pattle, G. T. Proude, B. Raynes and Nurse Boyd; committee, Mesdames Blennerhassett, Wyatt, G. J. Ratjen, Foster, H. S. Douglas, C. Wily, Bright, Booth, F. R. Price, Bradanovich and Nurse Earp; secretary and treasurer, Mrs F. Perkins; advisory board, Drs. A. T. Begg, H. S. Douglas, Messrs J. Routly, F. Perkins and 11. H. Pattle; honorary solicitor, Mr H. Jenner Wily; honorary auditor, Mr J. H. Wyatt. A vote of thanks was passed to the honorary officers, and to all friends who had assisted in the various functions held during the year. Mrs Burnett, president of Tuakau sub-branch, asked that the quotas paid by the sub-branches towards the nurse’s salary be reviewed. This was agreed to, and it was decided that the matter be considered at the next monthly meeting of the Franklin committee.

Mrs Johnstone (Papakura), stressed the advisability of issuing leaflets setting forth the aims of the society, and the manner in which funds were raised for its support. A great deal of ignorance existed concerning the methods of feeding and training taught by Plunket nurses, and it would be to the advantage of the society to dispel these erroneous ideas. Several members spoke in support of Mrs Johnstone's suggestion, and the secretary was asked to prepare a leaflet, to be submitted to the next meeting for approval. At the conclusion of the business portion of the meeting, the visitors were entertained at afternoon tea.