WALTON-ON-THAMES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 666, 29 March 1916, Page 6

WALTON-ON-THAMES.

APPOINTMENT OF MATRON MISS THURSTON SELECTED. A high honour has been conferred upon Miss Thurston, Lady Superinlendeni of the Chrislchurch llospital, by her appointment as matron of the large and imporlanl liospital for New Zealand soldiers at Walton-on-Thames, Lngland. The appointment was offered Miss Thurston by cable early in the week, and she immediately decided lo accept, subject t(. the consent of the Hospital Hoard. The Hospital Hoard unanimously | agreed this morning lo'give Miss : Thurston leave of absence, and expressed the hope that she would be spared to resume her present posi-

lion. Mr F. Horrell, chairman of the board, and Mr H. B. Sorensen, chairman of the Hospital Committee, expressed dee]) appreciation of Miss Thurston's capabilities and services, especially in tbe training of nurses, and voiced tbe opinion that her new appointment was an honour to the hospital and the board, as well as to Miss Thurston herself.

C.hrislchtirch cannot but experience a feeling of pride that the matron of such a hospital should be chosen from this pity. No one will want lo dispute tbe fact that tbe authorities have made a wise choice, for Miss Thurston's genius for management anil organisation are wellknown. During tbe seven ami ahalf years that she has occupied her present position she has more than made good, and she will do as much at YVallon-on-Thames. Needless lo say, she looks forward lo tile exceptional experience that awaits her as matron of a big military hospital, and she is sensible, 100, of the opportunities it oilers for work and sacrifice. The Walton-on-Thames Hospital contains over 5(1(1 beds, and lately a number of new wards have been added, which have been called by New Zealand names—"Hotorua," "Taupo," "Manapouri," and "Wakatipu.' ' Miss Thurston is an Englishwoman, who has been in New Zealand for tbe past 1(» years. She was trained in the Wellington Hospital,

and, afler passing her examinations there, stayed on for another year as a sister. Then she went to Grey- | mouth, and was matron of that hospital for two years and a-half, coming lo Christ church seven years and a-half ago. She is at present, in addition to being lady superintendent of Ihe Chrisleliurch Hospital, 'president of Ihe Trained Nurses' Association of Canterbury, and president of the Central Council. She is also a member of the Council of the Matrons' Committee of Great Britain and Ireland, and military matron for Ihe Canterbury district. Chrisleliurch will speed Miss Thurston (who expects lo leave in about a fortnight) with ail good wishes, and will look forward lo welcoming her back when her work in Kngland is finished. Sister Hose Muir, who came lo Ihe Chrisleliurch Public Hospital aboul a year ago lo lake Ihe place of Submatron Sister .Nelson, > ill act as lady superintendent in Miss Thurston's absence. She is a trainee of the Blenheim Hospital, and has previously been connected with the local hospital in the capacity of sister. She left about 15)1-1 lo go north, bul returned again to take Sister Nelson's [dace, as slated above. She is a line, capable nurse, and Miss Thurston leaves Ihe reins of government in her hands with every confidence.