APPRECIATION

Southland Times, Issue 20014, 30 October 1926, Page 5

APPRECIATION

MATRON STUBBS FAREWELLED. NINE AND A-HALF YEARS’ SERVICE. AN ENVIABLE RECORD. During the year 1917 the Hon G. W. Russell paid a visit to Southland in his official capacity of Minister of Health, and needless to say his time was fully occupied in receiving deputations, the members of which felt rightly or wrongly, that they had a just claim to Ministerial sympathy. No request, however, received a more sympathetic hearing than that of a party of six Invercargill ladies, who, headed by Mrs J. Baird and the late Mrs J. D.»McGruer, sought the assistance of the Minister in the establishment of St. Helen’s hosiptal in Invercargill. Mrs Baird called the Minister’s attention to the success of the home that had been established in Dunedin and urged that at a time when the war was draining the blood of New Zealand’s manhood, it was imperative that every effort should be made to safeguard the lives of the children. Mr Russell ndt to give the project his wholehearted support, but stated that he knew of a residence which the department would, take over provided the sum of £lOOO could be raised with which to purchase the furniture and equipment. This seemed a large undertaking at a time when money was not by any means plentiful, but speaking on behalf of the deputation, Mrs Baird said she thought the sum could be raised. Immediately a canvass was made and the operations were carried out not only in Invercargill but throughout Southland. In the obtaining of country contributions Mrs Lillicrap rendered invaluable assistance, placing her motor car and her services at the disposal of the committee. So generously did the public respond to the appeals that £1036 was raised within a short space of time. The next thing to do was to appoint a matron to take charge of the home and the committee were extremely fortunate in their selection of Miss Stubbs who took over the management on October 1, 1917.

Much remained to be done in the matter of alterations to the premises, and it was not until March 25, 1918, that the home was officially opened. With the extra £36 a piano was purchased, for the use of nurses and it might be mentioned, in passing, that Mrs Baird was instrumental in securing it for the home.

For nine and a-half years Miss Stubbs has been in charge and during that period no fewer than 1297 inside patients and 89 outside patients have been treated. Miss Stubbs has trained 64 nurses at the home. Of the 58 who sat for their examination two failed to qualify, 56 passed and 44 received honours, a performance of which Miss Stubbs feels very proud, and rightly so, for it is a record that few, if any, institutions in New Zealand can surpass or even equal. Several of the nurses trained at St. Helen’s have taken over hospitals of their own, while others have undertaken .the responsibilities of matronship in other towns. One of the best appointments in this sphere is the niatronship at St. Helen’s, Christchurch, which is held by Miss Trotter who was , trained, under Miss Stubbs. The majority of the remaining nurses are to be found carrying on their work in various parts of the Dominion. On Saturday last Miss Stubbs, who has relinquished the control df the institution in order to enjoy a well-earned retirement, was tendered a garden party and presented with an electric kettle, an electric percolator and a reading lamp. Miss Stubbs is leaving for the north by this morning’s express. In referring to Miss Stubbs yesterday Mrs Baird said she could not speak too highly of her work. In addition to the bringing of the institution to the highest point of efficiency, she had created an air of happiness about the home which made it a pleasure to pay a visit at any time. This feeling of harmony and contentment was in evidence throughout the institution and conveyed itself to the patients, with the most beneficial results. It was characteristic of Miss Stubbs, said Mrs Baird, that she had announced, her intention of retaining an interest in her profession. She was not going to lay aside her work altogether, and would always be glad to offer advice and assistance should such be sought.