APPEAL.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume X, Issue 3, 1 July 1917, Page 159

APPEAL.

The object of the Institution is the establishment in memory of Nurse Edith Cavell, wherever possible, of a Home or Homes of temporary rest for practising trained women nurses and probationers who are or have been employed in civil or military hospitals, or in connection with war, or in any other capacity whatever, and have become temporarily in need of mental or physical rest. In time it is hoped that sufficient support may be forthcoming to establish such Homes throughout the British Empire. As a beginning a freehold house, which would deal with the needs of about 100 nurses yearly, has been offered as a gift at Coombe Head, about two miles from Haslemere Station, Surrey, and about an hour and a half by rail from London, provided that a fund sufficient for its permanent endowment as a Home can be raised. The house has been inspected and reported on by Mr. H. J. Wadling, Surveyor to the Temple. It is admirably adapted for a Home of Rest, being situated in a perfectly quiet neighbourhood at a height of about 700 feet above the sea level in beautiful surroundings. It stands in about three and a half acres of good garden and lawn land, adjacent to Invall Common, leading to Hindhead. It is estimated that the annual maintenance cost of this house will be £1,000, and for the purpose of supplying a permanent income of that amount and a sum sufficient to convert the building into a Home of Rest a sum of £30,000 will be required. Apart from fulfilling the life-wish of Edith Cavell, it has been ascertained that there is a definite and immediately pressing

need in the Nursing World for such Homes, and it is certain that this need will become increasingly acute as the war continues, and that when the war is over it will remain for a considerable period thereafter. This consideration alone should find an echo in the hearts of all those who have benefited by the ministration of nurses during the war, and of all who desire to help the devoted women who have unselfishly laboured for the sick and wounded in a time of National stress. The foundation of the Homes will provide a permanent National and Imperial tribute to the memory of Edith Cavell, Dorothy Haig, Beresford, Gwendoline Jellicoe, L. M. Hunting, Florence M. Scott Cavell, W. R. Robertson, F. M. French, R. Temple, C. C. McLeod. Marlborough House . I heard with great pleasure of the project which has been started to provide Homes of Rest for Nurses who are temporarily unable to carry on their duties owing to the stress of work brought on by the war. I am sure our sailors and soldiers will be gratified at knowing that an opportunity has been taken of showing National recognition of the labour of the Nurses who have broken down in their efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the sick and wounded in the war. Alexandra. 4th November, 1916.

We are informed by Miss Thurston, in a recent report from London, that a second convalescent or holiday home for nurses has been started at Barnstable, in a house lent by Lady Williams. Miss E. Williams, sister of Lady Russell, is taking charge of the home. Miss Thurston says it is a sweet spot, and thinks the nurses will have a very nice time there. Daily excursions can be made from there to Ilfracombe, Clovelly, Lynton, and other well-known places. The rest home at Sandwich is still kept for sick nurses.