Laurel and Forget-me-not!

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVII, Issue 1, 1 January 1928, Page 44

Laurel and Forget-me-not !

A little breeze crept up the hill ; It sighed, and whispered, and was still. But Avhen that little breeze stole by The forest trees returned its sigh. Responsive tones the spaces fill — A zephyr ! — Forests all a-thrill. Over twenty years ago the Dunedin branch of St. Helen's Hospital was officially opened. Its success has far exceeded all that was hoped for by those who wrought for the establishment of efficient New Zealand training schools for midwives and maternity nurses. In speaking of Dunedin St. Helen's, too high a tribute cannot be paid to Miss Holford, who has been matron of that institution since its inception, and to Miss Gow, who became its sub-matron a few months later. These two ladies have veritably borne the heat and burden of the day — not to mention the chilling vigils of the night, and with Dr. Siedeberg have made St. Helen's a training school super excellent. The example of these ladies, their unfailing patience, and the exceptionally high standard of their ethics, without taking into consideration many other things, have proved a mighty source of inspiration and support to a large number of trainees. Truly the spirit of St. Helen's Hospitals has gone forth to the uttermost ends of the land. The tragic side of the professional nursing life is, that of those who give themselves unreservedly to their profession, many become so impaired m health that they are forced to retire before they should do so, and it was with

extreme regret, that her numerous friends, and the trainees, past and present, of Dunedin St. Helen's, learned that Miss Gow was leaving St. Helen's on extended sick leave. On this occasion Miss Holford issued a general invitation to ex-trainees of St. Helen's, Dunedin, to be present on the 29th October at a farewell afternoon to Miss Gow. Quite a large number of nurses rallied to the call, and unanimous expressions of appreciation and good wishes took tangible form m two presentations. One from the indoor staff, presented by Miss Gudgeon, consisted of an adjustable electric lamp. The second presentation, from ex-trainees, was made by Miss Bicknell, and consisted of a stocking, which on investigation, was found to contain money m notes, threaded on ribbon, and silver, and a sheaf of stamps m the foot of the stocking. In a few happily chosen words Miss Bicknell referred to Miss Gow's helpfulness to trainees, and her superlative qualities as a teacher. Much entertainment was caused by Miss Holford's hanging the note-laden ribbon many times around Miss Gow's neck, until she appeared to have been made a peg for an extra long kite-tail. With the stocking, Miss Gow received a bouquet of forget-me-nots and laurel leaves. Of the latter there were twentytwo, a leaf to represent each year of Miss Gow's sojourn at St. Helen's. Surely a more eloquent floral tribute could not have been found to give utterance to thoughts and emotions which are "better felt than telt." J.M.S.K.