Two New Branches

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVI, Issue 3, 1 July 1927, Page 153

Two New Branches

Wanganui and Taranaki.

For some time past the matter of forming a Branch of the N.Z.T.N.A. in Wanganui has been mentioned among nurses in Wanganui. At the October meeting of the Central Council a delegate from the Wellington Association (Miss McKenny) was asked to see if it was possible to form a Branch. On May 26th a meeting of nurses was called by Miss McKenny taking advantage of the opportunity to have Miss Inglis Honorary Secretary N.Z.T.N.A., who was spending a night in Wanganui, present. The nurses assembled at the Nurses' New Home, the meeting taking place in the large sitting room which was gay with autumn foliage and chrysanthemums — quite festive.

About fifty were present — all the Private Hospitals were represented — St. Helens and a few married ex-sisters. Miss McKenny welcomed the nurses and announced the object of the gathering and introduced Miss Inglis. Miss Inglis then explained the advantages and obligations of becoming members of the Association, especially emphasising comradeship, and the educational possibilities. The rules used by the Wellington Branch were quoted for the information of inquirers and the procedure for transferring (for members of other Branches now resident in Wanganui). It was then unanimously decided to form a Branch in Wanganui — all present agreeing to join or transfer.

Miss McKenny was elected President, Miss Gott Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Benjamin and Miss Mcßeth Vice-Presi-dents, Miss Strachan, Miss Williams, Miss Livingstone, Miss Lee and Miss Bagley Councillors, Drs. Nelson and A. Wilson Honorary Medical Advisers, Miss M. A. Newcombe Lay Member, Mr. Henry Keesing Honorary Solicitor. The date of the first meeting was fixed for the 27th June. Miss Inglis then spoke of the needs and claims for support of "Kai Tiaki," on which several new subscribers came forward. The members of the (newly formed) Association were then entertained at supper by the Hospital nurses in the large dining room of the Home, and a very pleasant evening concluded. The unanimity and enthusiasm displayed are a happy augury for the future success of this Branch. NOTE. — Since the inaugural meeting, several offers of lectures for members of the Branch have been received. At a meeting of trained nurses, held at the Nurses' Home, New Plymouth, on Monday, May 23rd, 1927, a Taranaki Branch of the New Zealand Trained Nurses' Association was formed. Miss Inglis, General Secretary of the Trained Nurses' Association of New Zealand, who was visiting privately in Taranaki, very kindly consented to address the meeting. She reviewed the history of the Association and pointed out the advantages of membership. She stressed the excellent work done for the Association during its pioneer days by Miss H. McLean, R.R.C, who was also instru-

mental in organising the first New Zealand Nurses' Journal, "Kai Tiaki." The Association, with the help of the Department of Health, had secured superannuation for nurses. There was every possibility of re-establishing a course at the University for a diploma in nursing. The Association is determined to carry this through. The Association was also interested in settling any dispute regarding fees, more especially in connection with maternity cases. Unity is strength, and Miss Inglis was of the opinion that, if the whole Association took up any matter concerning nurses generally, the authorities would be much more impressed than if a single individual was to approach them. It was then unanimously decided to form a Taranaki Branch and 26 of those present were enrolled. It was pointed out that if less than 25 were to join a Sub-branch only could be formed, and the Branch would then lose its right to vote on the Central Council. The following officers were elected : — President, Miss Campbell ; Vice-Presi-dents, Misses Wade and Gill; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Miss E. McAllum; Advisory Members, Dr. Walker and Dr. Thomson ; Council, Mesdames Ellis, Southam, Thomson, Misses White, Peterson, Patterson, Gill, Holmes and Ross. Miss Inglis was sincerely thanked by those present for the helpful talk she had given, it being very much appreciated. A dainty supper was then served. The first N.Z.T.N.A. Taranaki Branch meeting will be held on the first Tuesday in July, when Dr. Walker has kindly consented to address the meeting.