Social Functions

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVII, Issue 4, 1 October 1928, Page 187

Social Functions

A most enjoyable evening was spent at the Tudor Hall. Dunedin, on Tuesday, October 2nd, when the Otago Branch of the Trained Nurses' Association gave an "At Home" as a beginning to the Conference. The hall was beautifully decorated with cinerarias, marigolds, and other seasonable flowers, and guests later in the evening were regaled with an excellent supper. Miss Young, President of the Association, and Miss Holford received the guests. Later, dainty Victorian posies were presented to Miss Bicknell, Director of Nursing, and to Miss Young, the latter of whom made a charming little speech of welcome to delegates and others. During the evening songs were given by Mrs. Evans, Dr. Thomson, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, and Dr. Butler, and Dr. S. de Clive Lowe gave a violin solo. Many doctors and their wives were present, as well as a large gathering of other well-known people. On Friday afternoon, October Sth, Dr. and Mrs. Falconer entertained the delegates and numerous friends at a garden party at The Bungalow, Ashburn Hall. Tea was served in charming surroundings and unfailing sunshine. The beautiful gardens were much admired and considerable amusement was caused by two photographs of the delegates to the first meeting of the Central Council. OPEN MEETINGS. Two evenings during the Conference were devoted to the reading of papers and subsequent discussions. On the first evening, papers were read on the following subjects: — "The School of Nursing," "The Hospital Board's Superannuation Scheme," "Associate Members." Three papers on Hospital Administration : (a) "The Ward Sister," (b) "The Domestic Staff," (c) "The Linen Room." The last three papers were written by post-gradu-ate nurse students, so also were those on Public Health Nursing. Mrs. Kidd spoke on the subject of superannuation, emphasising the fact that an alarming proportion of nurses on completing their training withdraw from the fund, and if this continues it will mean

the annihilation of the scheme. Others corroborated what had been said, one matron stating that of 61 nurses who had left on completion of their training, 56 had withdrawn their contributions. Originally the scheme had been intended for trained nurses only, and unless more advantage is taken of it as it stands, there is no doubt that these privileges will be withdrawn. On the final evening of the Conference papers were read on the Public Health aspect, the Public Health Nurse, the Care of the Feeble-minded, the Care in his own home of a man suffering from Tuberculosis, the Industrial Nurse. Miss Torrance spoke of the value of a district nurses's work. Often people will go to a church nurse, who will not go elsewhere. The nurse is apt to get out of touch with the newest methods, but the essential thing is that nursing fundamentals should be explained and taught in the homes. Miss A. Maclean spoke of the work of school nurses. Part of their duty is to keep watch on tuberculosis contacts. Charts are kept and if not satisfactory the homes are visited. Miss O'Shea, in speaking of a Plunkei nurse's work, said that they had oversight of children from infancy to school age. Miss Mandeno spoke of the Public Health nurse. Such positions are not yet entirely filled by nurses with postgraduate training. She suggested that some scheme should be developed for preparation for this work and introduction to it. Miss Timline, in speaking of the work of the tuberculosis nurse, mentioned the different methods of procedure. Suspected persons were kept under observation and sent to a clinic. Infectious cases were sent to hospital. This work was carried on in conjunction with the Public Health Department. Miss Hooper stressed the importance of ante-natal work in connection with Public Health work. Dr. Falconer addressed the meeting on the Nurses' Education Endowment Fund.

He urged members to keep the Fund intact and use only the interest at present. The Fund should be a limited amount so that capital could be drawn upon when sufficiently large. It is necessary first to have a nucleus and then the funds will grow. It must be a living fund, the ininterest should be spent, and what is unexpended should be added to the capital. He suggested pooling all the funds that had been collected. Miss Tennent proposed that some of the funds should be used for the loan system of bursary. This suggestion was afterwards approved by the Council, and it was decided to recommend to the branches concerned that money available be lent to nurses desirous of taking the Post-Graduate Course, such loan to be repaid within a given period. The candidates for such loan will be chosen by the Association. Miss Macdonald pointed out that the establishment of a Post-Graduate Course is largely due to Miss BicknelFs hard work and keen interest in the course. Miss Holford gave a resume of the history of the Nurses' Memorial Fund. This fund now has a capital of £23,000. The thanks and gratitude of all nurses

are due to Sir Lindo Fergusson, who has rendered invaluable assistance from the beginning. Miss Holford mentioned the case of a nurse who had been on her back for three years. She applied to the Fund and assistance was promptly sent. Her health improved, she was able to return home, and as she got stronger she determined that she would do all she could to forward the interests of the Fund so that she could help some one else. ' Does anyone give a thought when pay-day comes," said Miss Holford, "to those nurses who may be in need of help?" She concluded by making a strong appeal for small contributions. Miss Bagley, on behalf of the Auckland branch, congratulated the Otago branch of the establishment of the Nurses' Memorial Fund, and on behalf of the delegates moved a special vote of thanks to Miss Tennent, Lady Superintendent, and the members of her staff who had done so much to make these open meetings a success. The singing of "Auld Lang Syne" brought to an end a conference which all agreed was the most instructive and inspiring that had ever been held.