Otago Branch

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XV, Issue 3, 1 July 1926, Page 128

Otago Branch

From Dunedin comes word of the activities of the members of the Otago branch, who have long felt the necessity for the erection m the city of a Rest Room for Women (especially for young mothers requiring to give attention to their little ones — or nurse their babies). During Health Week m Dunedin m 1923, Miss Holford, Matron, St. Helen's Hospital, and Miss Every, Matron, Batchelor Maternity Hospital, were invited by the District Health Officer to give lectures to the women, especially with a view to ante-natal care. This request was acceded to, and much stress was laid upon the "Rights of the Unborn Citizen," and the necessity of conforming to the "Laws of Nature." Later, when the nurses held a general meeting, the same two mem-

bers were urged by the Council to form a deputation and call upon the Mayor — placing before him the urgent need of conveniences being erected m the city for women and children. At that time the only magic word m the public ear was "Exhibition," and the nurses were asked to hold back their request until after that great event was over. At the Exhibition the appreciation of the public more than fulfilled all expectations regarding the attendances at the Creche and Women's Rest-room, erected there by the women's organisations. Immediately the Exhibition was over, the T.N.A. held a meeting and it was decided to send a deputation to the Trustees of the Dunedin Savings Bank asking them for a donation towards the

object. So eloquent was the appeal that the Trustees generously voted a sum of £500 to form the nucleus of a fund to establish what was required. In response to an invitation (advertised m the daily papers), issued by the T.N.A., to the presidents and representatives of all women's organisations, a very large and representative meeting was held m the Town Hall, and presided over by the Deputy-Mayor, when the T.N.A. placed their views before the meeting. It was unanimously decided that all the organisations would co-operate and a committee was formed and the matter enthusiastically taken up. The President of the Exhibition Women's Restroom Committee volunteered the good news that the balance of funds remain-

ing to their credit, about £150, was being held to be later handed over to the new committee. It was resolved that a deputation wait upon the City Council urging upon them their responsibility m the matter. At the invitation of the Committee, the T.N.A. members were again the speakers. The City Fathers were duly impressed, and the latest development to date is the consultation of all interested over the plans which are now being prepared, and it is hoped that before long the stigma which has been upon our city will be removed and the city feel that the T.N.A. is really an active body existing for and recognising the advantages of community service.