MATRON FAREWELLED

Chronicle (Levin), 30 December 1949, Page 4

MATRON FAREWELLED

Function At Levin Farro The popularity of Miss M. L. Cowen, matron of the Levin Farm, Kimberley Road, ; was evidenced yesterday when a large represen'tation- of the statt", officers and outside ' friends gathered in ths nurses'- lounge to bid her "farewell ; and extend congratul'ations on her forthcoming marriage. Matron Cowen will be succeeded by Matron M. V. Haliins, of Nelson. Present at yesterday 's function was Dr. J. Russell, Director oi Mental Hygiene. . Opening the proceedings, • the chief attendant, Mr- C. A. Guy, apologised for the absence of the ofhcer in charge, Mr. T. 5. Gilbert, who was at present on holiday. Ha had been associated with Matron

Cowen for a number oi years ana knew her as an able and fine woman, said Mr. Guy. She had ■been the pioneer woman officer at ohe farm and the way in which she had set about improving the accommodation . had been very praiseworthy. She, had also been keen to provide the best facilities for the nursmg. staff. In conclusion, he' wished her, on behalf of- the staff, all the best in her new life and thanked her for all she had done in the past for the farm. Amazing Work. The next speaker was Dr. L. J. Hunter, who said he was very pleased to asseciate himself with the gathering to wish Matron Cowen all happiness in the future. She had done an amazing amount of; work for the farm. She had a-rlrived to face bare -.barracks left

by the R.N.Z.A.F. and • few facilities, and on top of that quite suddenly some 50 children had arrived to be cared for. Matron Cowen made the farm quarters very comfortable. Matron Cowen had next gathered round her a staff and trained it competently. "One can say that not one ehild can be found here that is afraid of the nurses and that speaks volumes for the way in which the girls have been trained," said Dr.

Hunter. In conclusion ne wisnea Matron Cowen every happiness and all the best in her married life. Matron Cowen was one of those people who had the right attitude to her job, said Rev. A. Salmond, of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. If a person's. attitude was not right then all knowledge and experience meant nothing. Matron Cowen had also 'inspired canfidence in the parents of the children and they had become increasihgly nappy about the way in which their children were being treated. He wished to convey thanks to Matron Cowen on behalf of those parents and also convey to the farm the goodwill ofjthe ^iptr^ct,,,., Speakmg for the nursmg staff, Sister M. Nesbit said that Matron Cowen had always been behind the staff and had been wonderful to them all. She had refused nothing that could be done. The •nurses had responded by doing their best to help her attain her objective at the farm. Sister Nesbit conveyed the good wishes of the nursing staff. Nurses Born, Not Made. It was a great pleasure to be iri attendance at such a function, said Dr. Russell, and on behalf of the Government and his department he thanked Matron Cowen for her services and wished hei all the best in her future career. He had "had no hesitation in ap^ pointing Miss Cowen as matron a't the Levin Farm when that position arose. He had" been very pleased with her work thereafter and had never regretted making the appointment. Nurses were born not trained, and Matron Cowen had proved herself a born nurse. The department was very well served in all its officers at the farm. The main objective at the institution was to make the children as happy and useful as possible. That, however, was no'i the only point of view. Those in charge should be human in their outlook and inspire confidence in the children's relatives. In this regard Matron Cowen and Mr. Guy had excelled, and the department was very grateful. On behalf of the staff, Sister Nesbit then presented Matron Cowen with a handsome silver tj0ct set Replying, Matron Cowen thanked the speakers for all the kind references made to her work and the gift, and added that she really did not require presents to remind her of her days at the Levin Farm. She thanked the staff for their co-operation during her term of office. Afternoon tea was then served by the staff, after which Mr. Guy ofiicially welcomed Matron Haliins, stating that the staff would do their utmost to support and assist her in every way possible.