Reception to Miss Maclean, R.R.C.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XIII, Issue 3, 1 July 1920, Page 108

Reception to Miss Maclean, R.R.C.

On the evening of 25th June, the Wellington Branch of the Trained Nurses' Association invited Miss Maclean, the Matron-in-Chief, to a reception, m. order to congratulate her on receiving the award of the Florence Nightingale Medal for her services m conection with nursing. The rooms were charmingly decorated, and although it was a very wet and boisterous evening, many guests were present, among others Dr, Valintine and General McGavin, Mrs. Porter (late president of the Association), Mrs. Gibbs (vice-president), Mrs. Young, Mrs. Maclean, Dr; Agnes Bennett, Miss Agnes McLean, Miss Madge McGregor, Dr. and Mrs. Regg, Col. McLean, also many members of the Association. Apologies were received from Colonel Sir Heaton and Lady Rhodes, Mrs. Grace Niell and others. The president (Miss Helen Inglis) said : — ■ Ladies and Gentlemen,— We have invited you here to-night to congratulate Miss Maclean on being awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal. The honour conferred on her extends to us too, as nurses and as New Zealanders. Miss Maclean's work has not been done m the limelight, and on that account few people have much idea of the magnitude of her labours, involving constant strain on mind, body and spirit. The Florence Nightingale Medal, as its name implies, was instituted m 1912, m memory of Florence Nightingale, and Avas to be awarded, originally, each year to certificated nurses who have been specially distinguished either m peace or m war. Owing to the Great War, the distinction of the medal has rather lapsed, and until this year none have been conferred. At the present time 50 medals are being distributed m the different countries, including the British Empire. One has been awarded m New Zealand to Miss Maclean. I am sure that you will agree that no one else could have been chosen whose work for the good of the sick and the suffering more richly deserves this recognition. After reading the following telegrams from other branches, the president then presented Miss Maclean with a lovely

bouquet of flowers — roses, maidenhair, pink chrysanthemums, and pink stephanotivs tied with pale blue velvet ribbon, from the four branches of the Association. Miss Maclean said a few words of thanks and appreciation of the honour done her, and expressed her feeling that the award of the Florence Nightingale Modal was made m her person to the New Zealand nurses who had done so splendidly m the war. Dr. Valintine then spoke m appreciation of the work of Miss Maclean, and after some cheering and music, supper was served and a very pleasant evening concluded. The following are copies of telegrams received from branches : — "Staff St. Helens, Dunedin, send warm congratulations .Miss Maclean, hoping she will be crowned with good health and may wear the mantle of Florence Nightingale for many happy years." "The council and members of the Canterbury Branch of the N.Z.T.N.A. send greetings and many congratulations to Miss H. Maclean, matron-in-chief, and are glad to know her long and, faithful services have been recognised by the presentation of the distinguished order of the Nightingale Medal. — M. J. Hood, president, Canterbury Branch." "Otago Branch sends very hearty congratulations to Miss Maclean on the occasion of her receiving Nightingale Medal and wishes for many years' health to enjoy her honour. — Holford." ' ' Hearty congratulations and best wishes from Auckland Branch. — Tracy Inglis."

Messrs. Burroughs, Wellcome & Co. inform us that they propose to issue an edition of the "Wellcome" Nurse's Diary next year, which will be sent gratis to all registered nurses. Owing to the high cost of material, etc., the edition is likely to be limited, and to ensure obtaining a copy, we would suggest that a request be sent to Messrs. Burroughs, Wellcome & Co., 481 Kent Street, Sydney, immediately.