HOSPITAL NURSES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 33

HOSPITAL NURSES.

REUNION IN DUNEDIN. A reunion of nurses connected with the public hospitals of Dunedin was held at the Nurses Home, Cumberland street, on Saturday afternoon. There was a very large attendance. Among the gentlemen present were Mr W. E. S. Knight chairman of the Otago Hospital Boaru), Dr Thomson (medical superintendent of the Dunedin Hospital), and Dr Falconer (ex-medical superintendent). A feature of the gathering was the hospitable entertainment extended to the guests, whose comfort was closely studied. A pianoforte solo, followed by a violin solo, by members of the nursing staff opened what proved to be a very sociable meeting. The names of those providing the musical portion of the programme were unfortunately not obtainable, but all contributing to the harmony of the afternoon exhibited considerable taste in their playing and singing. They had evidently found time, outside their many hospital duties, to keep in touch with the acquaintance they had made with music in earlier days. Conversation very soon became general, and did not cease until a wellknown amateur contralto, who has adopted the nursing profession, sang “ The Arrow and the Song,” of which the young lady gave a very pleasing rendering, and was warmly applauded. Another vocal item had to be supplied by the vocalist, -and the same lady sang later. The customary afternoon refreshments were handed round.

Mr W. E. S. Knight, in an address, thanked the matron (Miss Tennant) for the invitation to be present. It was very gratifying to himself, and also to his colleague, Miss Runciman, to be there. Unfortunately. Mrs Ross had been compelled to send an apology for absence owing to indisposition. They had with them Dr Falconer, who had initiated the Hospital Day movement in New Zealand. He thought that was the fifth anniversary and the third reunion, so far as the oldtime nurses were concerned. It was pleasing to note that the South Otago Hospital Board was holding a similar function at Balclutha that afternoon. He had not heard of a great deal of success as to others holding a similar function, although they had been circularised. He had spoken personally to the chairmen of northern boards, but had not succeeded in arousing much enthusiasm. The movement had been started, not with the intention of collecting funds for hospital purposes. That was generally supposed at the start of the movement. They had received pamphlets from America as to holding Hospital Day, and perhaps next year, if he was still a member of the board, he would try to interest the various local authorities in the movement. It was quite appropriate that the present function should be held on Maj- 12. because that was the date of the birth of Florence Nightingale. The object of the movement was to interest people in their own institution, and the only interest people seemed to take was when the board struck a rate. It seemed that people looked upon hospitals and other institutions with cold blood. He thought that that should be impressed upon their minds. In America they tried to interest the people, and there it was a voluntary system. In New Zealand it was a question of rating, which was, he thought, the most equitable system. He was glad to meet the old-time nurses, who worked for £l2. a year in their time. .He again thanked the matron for the invitation to be present. Dr Thomson, medical superintendet, in the course of his remarks specially mentioned Dr Falconer, who was responsible for the inauguration of the present function. He also referred to Miss Young, of the Nurses’ Training Association, in complimentary terms, and eaid that he recalled with regret the loss they had sustained through the death of the late Mr Mark Cohen, who had been a staunch and loyal friend to the nursing profession. His death had been a great loss, but his memory would ever remain. In conclusion the doctor said that he felt that they should look upon the Dunediu Hospital as their alma mater.

Miss Young referred to the pleasure she experienced in coming back to the institution, and being so well entertained. The nurses of a former daj r dearly loved the old place. Dr Falconer said he was very pleased to be present at the function. As to Hospital Day. it had been the original intention to make known to the public what the Hospital was able to do. He suggested that sub-committees throughout New Zealand be formed to make this clear. He was pleased to see the nurses who had been present in the Hospital when he entered it. —

A few further remarks of a complimentary nature having been made, the proceedings concluded.