Farewell to Miss Newman

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVII, Issue 4, 1 October 1928, Page 193

Farewell to Miss Newman

A pleasant function was held on September 11th, at St. Helens Hospital, Wellington, to say farewell to the Matron, Miss Newman, who retires at the end of the month. A large number of ex-St. Helens trainees assembled and were welcomed by Dr. Bennett and the staff. Other visitors were Miss Bicknell, Miss Inglis (a former Matron), Miss Morgan (Matron of Alexandra Home), Miss Maclean, Miss Moore and Miss Willis. Dr. Valintine, Director-General of Health, had been unfortunately called away, and sent a letter regretting his inability to be present. The Hon. the Minister of Health, Mr. Young, who was desirous of seeing the hospital before Miss Newman's departure, arrived, and after being escorted round the wards, was asked by Dr. Bennett to make the presentation to Miss Newman of a letter and a beautiful blue leather hand-bag containing a substantial cheque from past and present pupils. The letter, beautifully hand- written in Old English letters, was bound in pamphlet form in purple suede. The names of all the subscribers possible to the testimonial were signed, and names of absent contributors (some as far as India) were appended. Before the presentation. Dr. Bennett. Medical Officer to St. Helens, spoke feelingly of the retirement of Miss Newman and of the splendid work she had done. and the place she had won in the hearts of all in contact with her. She then read the letter, which is as follows : — MISS NEWMAN, Matron, St. Helens Hospital, Wellington. We, the undersigned, wish to put on record our great appreciation of your period of service at St. Helens Hospital, Wellington. By your fearless adherance to the principles of right and justice, by your thoughtful consideration for all with whom you have come in contact, by your selfless and ceaseless activities on behalf of patients and staff, you have endeared yourself to all, and you have set, by personal example, a standard of work and conduct which will be a permanent influence in the lives of most of us. It has been a privilege to be

associated with you, and it is with deepest regret that we have learned of your resignation. We trust that many years of happy active life may be yours, and that you will accept the cheque we enclose with our affectionate regards. We hope that you will purchase with it sonic small comfort for your new home. — We are, The Members of the Staff and the Pupils and ex- Pupils of St. Helens Hospital, Wellington.

One of the present pupils gave Miss Newman, as a mark of the great esteem of her class, a lovely bunch of violets. Miss Lambie, on behalf of past pupils, assured Miss Newman of the pleasure of the ex-nurses in contributing to her presentation, and spoke of the many letters of deep appreciation she had received and their wishes for a happy retirement. Miss Newman replied feelingly, and in a few touching words, spoke of the difficulty she would have in disassociating herself from St. Helens and its nurses, and wished her successor the same happy atmosphere as she had herself enjoyed. She spoke of the opportunities of the present nurses, and envied them their chances, especially of the post-graduate course, for which she was born 20 years too soon.

Tea and refreshments were then handed round by the nurses, and a pleasant time was spent in social intercourse.

On the afternoon of 26th September, a pleasant gathering was held at the Nurses' Club, when the Committee gave a farewell tea to Miss Newman, prior to her departure to Christchurch. Miss Newman had been a member of the Council ever since her arrival in Wellington. In a few informal words. Miss Pengelly. President, expressed the regret of the Wellington branch of the Association at losing Miss Newman, and presented her with a cushion, as a mark of esteem from the Council. Miss liicknell spoke a few words in appreciation of Miss Newman's Avork as Matron of St. Helens, and the pleasure she had had in working with her. A delicious afternoon tea was then served, all prepared by the Matron of the Club and her staff. Miss Newman left Wellington on the Ist October and went on to Dunedin to act as a delegate from Wellington to the Conference of the Association.