New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association Central Council

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume IV, Issue 1, 1 January 1911, Page 3

New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association Central Council

The members of the Central Council m the several districts have met and discussed the rules submitted by the different branch councils, and have sent the results of their discussions to the President m Wellington. So far we regret to say the difficulties m the way of complete accord m such points as the qualification for membership have not decreased. On the 12th January the President met the delegates of the Auckland branch and discussed this matter. On 13th January a meeting of the branch council was held at which Miss Maclean was present, and took occasion to speak concerning the necessity for some co-ordination among the branches, m the following terms : —

' ' It is to be feared that unless each branch will give way a little it will not be possible to draw up a workable set of rules. Where a large number of workers m each different branch of nursing treatment, from the more widely-embracing, and therefore necessarily longer trained general medical and surgical nurse, to the midwifery nurse and masseuse, are concerned, it is perhaps feasible to have entirely separate associations for each. Here, where the numbers are comparatively small, surely it is best to meet and associate together m amity, than to have several small groups, hardly large enough to have any weight or importance ! After all, each is engaged m the same line of work, and can carry that work on with the same high objects. We must also remember that each branch m its first formation accepted as members individuals who were then accepted more for their social personality and help-

fulness than for their professional qualifications. Some members, indeed, had none of the latter, but were true friends and helpers It is then impossible for the branches, which at this time were glad of their help to now cast them off. I consider that the Association should be widely embracing, taking m as members representatives of the different methods of caring for the sick ; workers m the great cause of health ; being careful at the same time that each shall have the proper qualification for the branch of work he or she is engaged m, be it as a medical practitioner, medical or surgical nurse, midwifery nurse, mental nurse, or masseuse. Some fewother members, to link our Association with the great public for whose welfare we work may well be elected, and their help accepted gratefully.

" So long as the President of the United Association of Trained Nurses of New Zealand is a fully trained nurse, I am assured by Miss Dock, the Hon. Secretary of the International Council of Nurses, of which we are invited to become an affiliated branch next year, minor differences as to the composition of our Association do not matter m regard to this affiliation. The President must be a trained nurse, as ex offlcio she would be a Vice- President of the International Council.

' ' During the next three months I hope to meet the Central Council members m the other centres, and that we shall be able to arrive at an agreement as to our membership."

Following are the reports of the annual meetings of the several branches.