Otago Trained Nurses' Association

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume II, Issue 2, 1 April 1909, Page 45

Otago Trained Nurses' Association

December and January being holiday months, no lectures were given. Two very enjoyable social afternoons were given, one in each month, and another in February. On February 27th a general meeting was called, when we were fortunate in having Miss Maclean with us. The subject of amalgamation was discussed, and a resolution was passed deciding that " this Association do all in its power to forward the movement." Miss Maclean pointed out it would be necessary to form a central council, composed of a certain number of representatives from each centre, suggesting that each of the four Associations should be represented on the council by a vice-president, and three councillors, with a general secretary resident in Wellington. She expressed the hope the matter would be definitely settled in time for the General Secretary to write to the International Council of Nurse:, which will meet in London in July, asking for recogni tion as a branch of that Council. It was proposed that Mrs. Gracs Neill be asked to accept the position of President; which was carried unanimously by our Association. It was proposed, and also carried unanimously, that Miss Maclean be elected VicePresident of the N.Z. Association. Both these proposals are subject, of course, to the approval of the other centres. Letters have been written to the Secretaries of each centre asking for the co-operation of their councils in this matter. Miss Holford, one of our Vice-Presidents, who is away north, has been asked to interview, where possible, the councils of the other Associations, and hear their views, and place ours before them. Our members elected four representatives whom they wish to act on the Central Council, in the event of this method of forming it meeting with the approval of the other Associations. A letter and pamphlets have been received from the Secretary of the Royal National Pension Fund for Nurses, which is an excellent way for nurses to provide for sickness or old age. It is open to certificated nurses throughout the world. A letter was read, which will be published in another column, from Miss Dock, Hon.

Secretary of the International Council of Nurses, conveying a cordial invitation to the nurses of New Zealand, to attend the meeting in July. Members elected as representatives fo r the Otago branch on the Central Council o f the N.Z.T.N.A.— Vice-President, Miss Jeffreys ; Councillors : Dr. Will, Miss Holford, Mrs. Milne. On Tuesday afternoon, 23rd March, the members of the Association were the guests of the President, and Mrs. Will at a garden party, held in their picturesque grounds at Abbotsford. The President had arranged some original outdoor games for competition which were much enjoyed by the guests. Nurse Eidelberg was the winner of the croquet competition. During the afternoon much amusement was caused by the arranging of a group of the guests by the photographer, who found it a somewhat difficult undertaking to group so many. Later on, those of the Executive Council who were present were photographed together, and two interesting pictures should be the result. On March 25th Mr. W. Trimble gave a most delightful address to the membeis of the Association. The subject chosen by him was : " The Thread of Literature," and everyone was intensely interested. About 36 nurses were present. We hope to publish the lecture later. Owing to the loss of her mother on April 4th, Miss Jeffreys, who has been Hon. Secretary of the Association since its inception, will probably resume her nursing work, and will not be able to continue her work as Secretary. This announcement will be received with the greatest regret by all the members, to whom she has been so helpful, and not the less so from the sad cause. Miss Holford, while away from Dunedin for her holidays, was able to meet some members of the Council of the Wellington Association, and to attend a general meeting of the Canterbury Association, at whieh the matter discussed was the question of affiliation, and formation of the New Zealand Nurses' Association.