TRIBUTES PAID

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23317, 28 September 1945, Page 4

TRIBUTES PAID

Mothers Express Appreciation Sister Vyner Honoured At a representative gathering nf more than 100 women in the Women's Community Centre yesterday afternoon, tributes were paid to the work of Sister M. L. Vyner, retiring sister-in charge of the Jean Todd Maternity Ward at the Timaru Public Hospital. Mrs J. H. Jones, who presided, explained that most mothers in the district felt that they could not allow the occasion of Sister Vyner’s retirement to pass without suitable recognition of her services to the community. The number of mothers present showed a great spirit of appreciation of her work, Mrs Jones said, and as well there had been apologies from many women who were unable to attend the function. The Mayor (Mr A. E. S. Hanan) regretted that he could not be present, and sent his best wishes to the guest for a happy retirement. Similar felicitations were received from Archdeacon W. w. Averill.

During her 16 years there. Sister Vyner had seen the Jean Todd Ward expand from a small beginning, the chairman continued. She had attended at the birth of 3000 babies, which must form a large proportion of South Canterbury’s young population, and she had always given of her best to the mothers and children. As there was no Karitane hospital in the district, Sister Vyner had 'also to care for weak babies and the premature baby ward at the Timaru Hospital was her pride and joy. Under the will of a former Mayor of Timaru, Mr T. W. Satterthwaite, the hospital had received a bequest which was used to equip the most attractive and modern premature baby ward in New’ Zealand. Sneaking on behalf of*women who were not able to be present, Mrs J. D. Connell said that Sister Vyner would be able to look back on her life with pride and satisfaction. She had assisted 3000 lives into the world and it had been her aim always to send home a healthy mother arid child to a proud father. If only half of the 3000 turned out self-reliant, selfsupporting citizens, Sister Vyner’s part in their birth would be a proud achievement, Mrs Connell maintained. She then presented the guest with a decorated cake. Mrs G. L. McKissack declared that Sister Vyner had been second to none in the care, attention and advice given her patients. She asked her to accept a bouquet from the many grateful mothers in Timaru. Worthwhile Sacrifices It was recognised that Sister Vyner had given wonderful service in her chosen branch of nursing; no other type of nursing gave such satisfaction

to the nurse as midwifery, Miss M. L. Lindsay, matron of the Timaru Hospital, told the gathering. No nurse who could claim Miss Vyner’s record would ever regret the sacrifices she had made in time and effort, as she had so much of which to be proud. Sister Vyner had given that same devotion to the training of her punils as she had given to the care of her patients, Miss Lindsay continued. More than 160 trainees had gone through her classes and it was to her credit that not only did her pupils hold a record of almost 100 per cent passes, but also that many of those nurses came to the Jean Todd Ward themselves to have Sister Vyner attend them. During the period when private doctors were not admitted to the hospital, many former pupils had relinquished their family doctor in order to have Sister Vyner in charge of their babies. Miss Lindsay apologised for the absence of Dr. J. c. McKenzie, medical superintendent, and Mr E. Macdonald, chairman of the South Canterbury Hospital Board, who both extended their best wishes to the guest in her retirement. Although Sister Vyner was leaving the hospital, the children of the district would contintre to have her interest and assistance, the Mayoress (Mrs A. E. S. Hanan) said before making the presentation of a substantial cheque on behalf of the mothers of South Canterbury. She had given valuable assistance with the Timaru nursery play centre as well as in patriotic work, and Mrs Hanan said that in her capacity as Mayoress she was constantly hearing Sister Vyner’s praises repeated. She wished her a happy and long retirement from all the mothers whom she had attended. Thanking the speakers for their remarks, and the gathering for their attendance, Sister Vyner said that she considered her work a pleasure and a great privilege. She thanked all those who had been associated with her for their co-operation, Miss Lindsay, Dr. McKenzie, all of the Timaru doctors and the nurses. She would never forget the pleasure which her work with mothers and babies had given her. During the afternoon items were given by Mrs J. Drennan (musical monologue) and Mrs L. Hopkins and Miss R. Cross (vocal duets). While afternoon tea was being served opportunity was taken by those present to extend their personal best wishes to the guest.