St. Helens, Wellington

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVIII, Issue 4, 1 October 1925, Page 175

St. Helens, Wellington

Miss Newman kindly gave us a party at the end of the June term. The examinations were over so we were able to put our whole hearts into the preparations. The girls were all so keen to make it a success and worked busily and happily together. Oh! Such fun it was cutting up the fruit for the salad and the brewing of the coffee gave forth such a delightful party smell ! And there was great competition m the preparing of "make-up" costumes. The sitting-room was gaily decorated m blue and gold and the floor was cleared for dancing. Pale blue, mauve, and silver roses, streamers and butterflies were daintily and artistically arranged m the dining-room where supper was set forth. At 7.30 the first guest arrived — none other than Miss Newman herself arrayed as ' ' Mrs. Eothschild ' ' — a 'replica of " Sarah Gamp." On her midwifery bag, which she carried m her hand was an advertisement m large print "Midwifery Done Cheap" and contained therein was a bottle of whisky and a large spoon. Her nose was painted a vermilion hue and one suspected that Mrs. Rothschild frequently helped herself to the contents of the bottle. There was a great deal of laughter and

noisy chattering amongst the trainees when Mrs. Rothschild arrived. Knowing Miss Newmans keen sense of humour and great breadth of mind one was able to appreciate the character which she had chosen. Nurse Park, as a polished carrot-headed gentleman ably acted as master of ceremonies and presented the different characters to Mrs. Rothschild. Saturday night's tea of ''saveloys and steamed potatoes ' ' was cleverly represented, as also "tripe" — showing originality on the part of enterprising trainees. "Topsy," "Spanish Gentleman," "Little Miss Muffet" and many other well-known people were there that night. The most original prize was awarded to ' ' Grandma ' J — an excellent character adopted by Nurse Salisbury; while Nurse McTntyre, who looked very dainty and charming as "A Hawaiian Girl" won the prize for the prettiest costume. Games, items and dancing made up a very enjoyable evening and we were sorry that 11 p.m. and "Auld Lang Syne" brought the evening to a close. Nurse Park thanked Miss Newman on behalf of the departing trainees, for her generous hospitality, and the party broke up with a great deal of noise and laughter.