PLUNKET SOCIETY

Southland Times, Issue 22055, 30 June 1933, Page 3

PLUNKET SOCIETY

WYNDHAM BRANCH. (From Our Correspondent). There was a good attendance of members of the Wyndham Plunket Society at a meeting last week to hear Mesdames Hugh Mac Gibbon and James Harper, president and secretary respectively of the Gore branch, who were present to discuss Plunket woik. Mrs A. A. Wilson, sen., the local president, welcomed the visitors. Mrs Mac Gibbon said they wished to explain the alteration in the nurses visits to Wyndham. It was now 20 years since a branch of the Plunket Society had been opened in Gore, and the babies under their charge at that time numbered 50. In the 20 years which had elapsed, the work had advanced rapidly, and they now numbered their babies in thousands. This meant a large increase in work for their nurse, who often had to travel long distances; so it was decided to apply to the central council for assistance. With Mrs Harper the speaker had attended the meeting to see what could be done, and found that they had very little say in the matter. The central council decided they were now large enough to warrant the services of two nurses, and Nurse Burnett had been appointed assistant to Nurse Wilson. This meant added expense to the Gore branch; thus they had appealed to the subbranches for assistance. They were delighted at Wyndham’s ready acceptance of a weekly visit from the nurse. Moreover, Waikaka was now forming a subbranch and agreed to have the nurse visit them two days a month. It behoved all mothers to join their respective branches and help along the work. Opportunity was also taken to say farewell to Nurse Wilson, who in future will not be visiting Wyndham. In presenting her with a travelling rug, the chairwoman referred to the fine services rendered to the branch by Nurse Wilson, who was always courteous and helpful and ready to visit homes when needed. They were sorry to lose her, but realized they were fortunate to secure Nurse Burnett, who was not altogether unknown to them. Mrs D. N. A. Macpherson, on behalf of the mothers, spoke of the great benefit they had derived from the nurse’s visits. Mrs Lex Ross, as a senior member, said she had always found Nurse Wilson most obliging and ready to help. Nurse Wilson, in reply, said she had always enjoyed her Wyndham trips. Members of the committee and mothers had been most courteous to her, and she was indebted to them for their hospitality. She greatly appreciated the gift just handed her.