HOSPITAL DOMESTICS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22654, 3 June 1948, Page 6

HOSPITAL DOMESTICS

RAROTONGAN GIRLS

PROMISE OF INQUIRY (P.A.) DARGAVILLE, June 2. “You just can’t bring people into the country like that. We must go into the matter ’’ the Minister of Health, Miss M. Howard, told members of the Kaipara Hospital Board yesterday after she had heard of the board’s proposal to advance fares to two Rarotongan girls seeking work as domestic aids and then deduct the cost from their wages. Miss Howard, who is making a tour of Northland hospitals, had just completed an inspection of the Northern Wairoa Hospital when she was informed of the difficulty in obtaining domestic staff. The board chairman, Mr. G. Stallworthy, said that rather than have further delay board members might dip their hands in their own pockets to put up the fares. It was then that the Minister made the remark. Stating that the board was unable to act. in such a manner and that authority was necessary. Miss Howard promised that the possibilities of bringing domestics from Rarotonga would be investigated. Two Rarotongan girls had previously been trained in the maternity annexe and had proved satisfactory, added Mr. Stallworthy.