A MOTHER IN ISRAEL PASSES ON.

White Ribbon, Volume 50, Issue 11, 18 December 1944, Page 3

A MOTHER IN ISRAEL PASSES ON.

The following “In Memoriam” is such a picture of the women wlio did such splendid service in early days of New Zealand’s history that we willingly give it sjoce.

Mrs. lane Pope, wlio |»a>scd on at Hamilton on May 22nd. 1V44, was one whose long life of unselfish service to suffering women and new -born infants must surely be inscribed venew here in indestructible records, and many still live to remember lier as slit was, marly sixty years ago, in her small nursing home at Havelock, the only one of its kind there then, always so trim and swift at her work, with a cheery smile and encouraging word for all; she was indeed a mother to many. V ery small hi stature, with unfailing energy, one wondered often Ih»w she was able to do for so many. Site had married twice, and given birth to twelve children, and suffered much sorrow and loss, yet often said it was her greatest joy and wish to have a baby at her knee and another in her arms. Her heart was ever in Church and Temjicraiice work. As a member of the Methodist Church she vj.s very helpful in Havelock, and helped man young ministers to endure the hardbip3 of an indifferent parish and a salary of almut fifty pound' jx-r annum. One of her saddest memories wa> the death of her six-vear-old daughter from dijJitheric croup, a lovely fair child win was ill only four days, and when the doctor came he was so intoxicated that he just sat on the bed and watched the child pass away, after which she herself almost died of grief, but like the heroine she was she rallied to her work with In-art and soul. In her long nursing career she only lost two patient', and in each case the doctor was in attendance, which is a grand testimony of her skill and care. Her fees were moderate— 30/jx*r week, and an extra guinea confinement fee if no doctor attended. She often said she was much better pleased to have the mother attended by the doctor than to get the extra guinea, hut we had to count that gentleman's fee if we possibly could, and we felt safe with her. Her management was such that it was an example one could follow and benefit the house by all one’s life, as it has my own, and one feels proud to have known her We may well give thanks to God i or such a gallant soul now called to His Kingdom at the great age of ninety years.