VOLUNTEER SISTERHOOD

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2612, 6 November 1915, Page 12

VOLUNTEER SISTERHOOD

<si r) —Since the first contingent of volunteer women orderlies left Sew Zealand for Alexandria on October 21, I have received many applications from women desirous of offering their services and paying for themselves, or furnishing money contributed by friends and supporters., The only conditions on which such offers can bo accepted are as follow:— 1. That the volunteer woman is over 30 years of age, and preferably between S3 ami 10. 2. That she has been medically examined and certified as A 1 physically. 3. That she is a woman of cheerful disposition, sound character and common sense, and susfcainmeut of purpose. J. That she is willing lo do any kind of work, and to give cheerful and ready obedience to the trained nurses and oilier ifi iiMthm'ity 9V«p !wr.. The respwsibmtj; for geewg wt

these conditions arc complied with rests with the medical adviser and myself in Christehurch. On these conditions money can bo accepted in trust for any individual woman. General fluids are hanked and expended by cheque bearing the signature of the medical adviser anil myself. The accounts aro kept by one chartered accountant and audited by another chartered accountant. The volunteer women offor their servicos to the Imperial Government, which has for many months past employed such women, the peace supply of regular trained nurses having proved entirely inadequate. The New Zealand Defenco Minister gives the Volunteer Sisterhood no official status, but accords all official courtesies necessary. Passports" are obtained either in New Zealand or Australia. The possession of nursing experience is desirable, but not essential. Tho main thing is to get the right kind of woman. Much of the work is not nursing at all.

The monov required- is approximately £130 each—£loo to be paid into the Defence Department, less single, steamer fare, and £25 to bo paid into the Volunteer Sisterhood for equipment, plus £5 for additional ivar risk on insurance policy. The next contingent of volunteer women will leave New Zealand in December. The Y.M.C.A. agents meet the women at their destination, assist them as required, and take charge of postal and cable arrangements.The general funds of the Sisterhood have been temporarily exhausted by the dispatch of the first contingent; therefore applications from women raising the money for themselves must receive preference at present. But in no case will unsuitable women be allowed to buy their ivay into the Volunteer Sisterhood.—l am, etc., ETTIE A? ROUT, Hon. Sec. Volunteer Sisterhood. Box 360, Ohristchurch, November L 1915..