DRESS ALLOWANCE

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1940, Page 4

DRESS ALLOWANCE

NURSES FOR OVERSEAS HAMILTON, December 16. The difference between the ccot of uniforms and other equipment required by nursing sisters selected for overseas service and the dress allowance made by the Government was referred to at a meeting of the Waikato Hospital Board to-day. Mr 'l' G. Reynolds said he had been informed that the allowance was totally inadequate. The chairman, Mr F. Findlay, said the allowance wa s £4O. and the minimum requirements cost over £6O. and did not include such articles as a. travelling rug and; underclothing. One nurse was in great distress liecause she had to borrow money. Oq the advice of a friend she communicated with the matron-in-chief in Wellington setting out her position. She received the following telegraphed reply: “You cannot proceed overseas unless you can temporarily outfit yourself. State position. Mr Findlay said he had telephoned the Prime Minister, and had put tho facts before him. Mr Fraser .sa\d he was not aware of th e position, but he promised to look into it, and if there was a grievance he would see that it was put right. No further advice had been received.No resolution was passed, the chairman expressing the wish that. th e press would give the matter publicity.