ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVII, Issue 4, 1 October 1928, Page 164

ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

Miss Barnett moved Miss Kohn's notice of motion, that nurses on completion of their training should automatically become members of the Association. This was seconded by Miss Tennant. Mrs. Kidd: Madame President, I begto oppose this resolution. I do not feel it is practicable that nurses, on completing their training should automatically become members of the Association. There are many difficulties to be overcome, and various things to be considered before a nurse, on completing her training, can be received as a member. Miss Buckley : I also wish to oppose this motion, because on automatically becoming members, I presume that without an examination by the Association, and only by the payment of a subscription, you might get quite an undesirable girl as a member of the Association. Miss MacDonald: I think it is the responsibility of the Matrons to see that only good girls are admitted for training. Miss Tennent: A girl may do her work in hospital all right and keep all rules, and vet be a disturbing element. She has not done anything that would prevent her from going through hospital work, and yet this characteristic would prevent her from becoming a member of the Association. Miss Bagley: Might I be allowed to point out that the motion does not say anything about the paying of subscriptions, when nurses automatically become members of the Association. Are we going to be loaded in our Association with a lot of unfinancial members? Might I be allowed to ask if the Association accepts every nurse who goes through her training, and why we should lower our standard of nurses? On being put to the Council the motion was lost. Miss Bagley further suggested that something be done along these lines. That the Matron of a training school or an approved member of the local branch, ad-

dress all classes of nurses upon the desirability of becoming members of the Association, showing them that it is a moral obligation on their part to become members, and pointing out the high standard required in the nursing profession, and the expectation of the leaders that they should become members. The requirements of membership and the responsibility of membership should be explained. I would like that to be recorded. Miss Bicknell, Director of Nursing, arrived at this time. Miss Young: We welcome Miss Bicknell to our meeting, and are very pleased that she has managed to make time to be present at our Council. The delegates present showed their appreciation by loud applause. Miss Biclyiiell : I am very pleased to be here, of course. I like to know what your views are on the various subjects, and, if possible, to give you any suggestions that may occur to me. Miss Young: The next item occurring in the correspondence is the appointment of nurses to the Nurses and Midwives' Registration Board. The term of office closes in November. Miss Bagley : Are present members eligible for re-election? Miss Young: The present members are eligible for re-election. Now, would someone like to suggest nominations? Miss Barnitt: I propose Miss Tennent for the General Nursing and Miss Newman for the Midwives. Motion seconded by Miss MacDonald. — Carried. Miss Tennent : I would like to thank you very much indeed. I feel it is a very great honour to be asked to represent General Nursing on the Nurses and Midwives' Registration Board. It is a great responsibility, and I would have to ask the permission of my Board first before T can accept that. I thank you very much. Miss Young: The next item arising from the correspondence is the worldwide campaign for the renunciation of war and other disarmaments. It is sug-

gested that we do something to go into this matter and deal with it. Do all agree to that? I would he blad if someone would suggest some names. Miss Wilson: I propose Miss MacDonald and Mrs. Kidd he appointed to go into this matter and report. The motion was seconded by Miss Pike and carried. Miss Young: The next matter is the Midwives and Maternity Nurses. I think this might be left. It is suggested that, with a view to safeguarding midwifery and encouraging the right type of women to undertake the work, a sub-committee be set up and they can deal with this matter. The following Committee was set up: Misses Every for Otago, Pike for Canterbury, Newman for Wellington, MacDonald for Hawke's Bay, Ragley for Auckland, Park for Wanganui, and Gow for Taranaki. On the point being raised the President stated that the Committee had the power to add to their numbers. Mis Barnitt's name was added. Miss Young: The next matter is the closing of a Maternity Hospital in Invercargill without investigation of the circumstances. Miss Ross (Southland) gave a short explanation regarding the case, and mentioned they did not wish to do anything in the matter. Mrs. Kidd: If a nurse cannot appeal to this Association, who else can she appeal to? The nurse has been put to a financial loss through the closing of her hospital, and I suggest a little note to the Department would do good. Miss Tennent: I certainly think it is a matter that should be brought before the Department for investigation. Miss Young: Mrs. Kidd moves that a letter be sent to the Department asking for the reason of the delay. Miss Bagley : Have we the right to ask them to explain to us? Miss Tennent: We could write stating we think it is a case of injustice.

Miss Holford: Should we say that our attention has been drawn to the matter, and feel an injustice has been done to the nurses and patients? Miss Young: Mrs. Kidd moves that a letter be sent to the Medical Officer of Health, Dunedin, drawing his attention to the hardship to nurses and patients in closing a private maternity hospital without immediate inquiry into the circumstances of the case, as was done in Invercargill in October last. Seconded by Miss Park and carried. THE AUCKLAND RULES. Miss Young: I would like to propose a small committee be set up to go into these and advise us as to necessary alterations. Would someone propose some names? I think the .Auckland delegate should be on the committee and one or two others. The following Committee was set up: Misses Bagley, Buckley, Tennent and Mrs. Kidd/ The appointment of an honorary life Vice-President to the Otago Branch was discussed.

Miss Tennent: We would like the ruling of this Council about the matter. I understand most other Associations have innumerable vice-presidents. Mrs. Kidd; Is there any ruling- in the Central Council rules? Miss Young: There is not anything said about this point. Miss Tennent: Branches have a certain amount of freedom in regard to these matters. Miss Young: You propose, Miss Tennent, to leave it with the individual branch to deal with ? Miss Tennent: We have the power to elect our Presidents and Vice-Presidents, and I do not think it has anything to do with the Association. I propose that we ask Central Council to give us the authority to alter our local rules so that we may effect the appointment of an Honorary Life Vice-President. Seconded by Miss Hooper and carried. Miss Tennent : May I ask the approval of the Council? Miss Young: Yes, that approval is given.