EPIDEMIC WORKERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12687, 8 July 1919, Page 7

EPIDEMIC WORKERS.

APPEAL, TO CITY COUNCIL

BY NURSE MAUDE ASSOCIATION,

The secretary, of the Nurse Maude Association wrote placing before the City Council last evening certain facts in connection with the association’s work. “At the time that the epidemic of influenza was raging in our city, 5 the letter ran, “it was found that the- staff of district nurses was quite inadequate to co.po with the situation even within the city boundaries, bub that their expert knowledge was invaluable in directing lay helpers to carry on the work of attending the ? 1C i u de P utafc ion of citizens, who had become prominent in organising help waited on the late council to ascertain whether they would be inclined to make a grant to the Nurse Maude Association for the purpose of providing two or three more nurses for the district. The deputation met with a courteous and sympathetic hearing, and the members of the council then in office were disposed to favourably consider the suggestion, and promised to recommend it to the members of the incoming council. 55 Ihe Mayor said that this was a most important letter, handed on to them to recognise Nnriso Maude’s good work. He had been asked that the association should be given £3OO far- two extra nurses to work bn the occasion of any epidemic. The symptoms were that they might have a slight recrudescence in the coming spring. He would move that the sum of £3(X) should be granted t°. Nhise Maude to assist in coping with any epidemic that might colmn Councillor Armstrong .seconded the motion. .

In answer to a question, th© Mayor said the grant would be a yearly one. Councillor, l.Jeslier said the grant opened up, a most serious situation. ll© thought the matter wa.s more on© tor. consideration , by the Hospital Boai-d, to whom they, paid a big levy. H© thought the matter could be /e----terred to th© Finance Committee. Councillor Beanland said that what Councillor Flesh,er had said was no doubt quite correct, th© matter had not been considered by th© old conned. It the question had then been brought up four nurses would have been provided for. It was opening up also tb© appointment of women inspectors.

Councillor Williams said that many councillors apparently felt that +h© time had arrived for th© appointment or Tenia le inspectors. Councillor Sullivan held that if the application was referred to the Hospital Board, probably nothing would be done. Hie city was under a deep debt of gratitude to Nurse Maude. Ihe . council had voted £2OOO to sro uu in fireworks— 1

A Voice: Not this council. Councillor Sullivan: I take it that the council never goes out:of office. .1 am going to point out these incontuntty I€S eVery tim<s 1 haT6 the 05>por ~ dissentient 1011 W3S carried 'without any