HOSPITAL STAFFS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 July 1945, Page 3

HOSPITAL STAFFS

[to the editor.] Sir, —Your correspondent “Sympathiser” does not seem to realise the fitness of things. He thinks that domestics and probationer nurses should be offered wages equal to those in comparison with the miners, watersiders and other skilled workers. Though I believe in equal pay for equal work as far as the sexes are concerned, “Sympathiser” should be reasonable in his outlook. Young womenfolk have not the courage and vision of the old school. I might in? fen m you that my sister who has retired from the nursing profession after 45 years’ service, as No. 1 Matron with the K.M. for last war service, commenced as a probationer nurse at the wage of 5/- per week. Scrubbing the ward floors, etc., was part of her duties. It was considered a great honour to be accepted for training in the profession, and applicants had to produce superior educational reports. Generations seem to be degenerating and prosperity with high wages and short hours, is “killing” the races. I might mention that in my profession apprentices worked a 72-hour week for a wage of 5/- and parents had to put up the sum of £lOO as a premium . and. bona tides as a reward for training { during the four-year period of. mdentureship. As for the nursing profession the opportunity of giving aid to suffering humanity should be the first consideration. Young women should not object to be directed to hospital duties in the care Of the sick, and it does not speak well for some of them when they leave for other towns so as to avoid being directed and appeals.—l am etc., “BE REASONABLE.”