THE AUSTRALIAN NURSES

Otago Witness, Issue 3201, 21 July 1915, Page 23

THE AUSTRALIAN NURSES

WELCOME TO DUNEDIN. Tlio -Australian nurses who, so splendidly mused our wounded soldiers on the Willociira wore entertained ( Dy tiro Otago section of the New Zealand Trained -Nurses’ Association at tile Savoy on Monday afternoon. About be) nurses ana some people interested in the association’s work were present, including Drs Brown, Oolquhoun, Church, Gordon Macdonald, Williams, Cameron, Surgeon-colonel Ealconcr, and Surgeon-captain Mitchell. His Worship tho Mayor (Mr J. J. Clark) was present for part of the time, Mesdamas Milne- and W. C. MacGregor, and Misses . llohord am! Monson were hostesses. Matron Meath and her party, dressed in their indoor uniforms, with the Notby War Ollice red capos, added brightness r.o the gathering. Dr Brown (pies.dent of the association) expressed pleasure in welcoming the Australian nurses to tho city. He nad already heard from some of the returned soldiers how hi S'hly their services had been appreciated; ho was not surprised at their being called angels, lie reterred to tho truly noble work being done by Army nurses tor King and Empire. Dr Colcjuhoun, on behalf of the medical profession, heartily welcomed the nurses, who were the guests that afternoon. lie was conscious of feelings of tho deepest respect and gratitude to thorn for their services of the highest value for .King and Empire. They were good women, who hud* done, and would do still more, noble work lor the Empire in which they were partners. Among those present were four of tho Dunedin Hospital trained nurses who formed part of tho band of Mow Zealand nurses sent out, to tho Doer war. Those ladies—Miss Williamson (matron of the party), Mrs W. G. MacGregor (nee Nurse Harris), and Nurses Monson and Campbell —were wearing their Soutn African war medals. Miss Williamson was also wearing her R.R.C. modal, the first awarded to a New Zealand nurse. Doubtless others of tho Australian and New Zealand nurses, who are doing their “little bit” in the present war, will also, for their merit, be awarded this honour, which was introduced in 1883.

“THEY CAN NURSE.” '•‘How are you feeling?” asked a Dunedin resident of one of the returned soldier; yesterday. “Just boekor; hope I’ll soon bo back again.” “How djid the nurses look after you?” “My God, they can nurse.” That was all; but the tone ea;d even more than the words.