THIRTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 28

THIRTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

On Tuesday afternoon. Miss Holford, tHe first matron of St. Helens Hosjntal, assisted by the present matron '(Miss Joyce), the secretary (Miss Vallis),' and tho staff, gave a delightful tea party in honour of the thirty-first birthday of the institution. The guests were the nurses trained at St. Helens, about 50 of whom were present and thoroughly enjoyed the reunion. Among special friends of St. Helens in earlier days who- were present were Mrs N. Beaumont, Mrs Fraser, Mrs J. A. Hanah, and Mrs Vallis. Other guests were Dr -Siedeberg M’Kjnnon, medical officer from the beginning; Miss Jeffrey, representing Health Department; Miss Gow, a former sub-matron; Miss Gudyear, sister in charge, Port Chalfners Hospital; Misses . Ross and M'Cabe, matrons of private hospitals; Miss Dynes, matron Children’s Rest Home; Mrs Gordon, the first nurse to enter for training, and who on many occasions assisted as relieving sister in charge; Miss Cameron, who obtained her certificate at the first State examination; and.many others, some of whom had married and a few who had retired. Many telegrams and letters were received from nurses who could not be present, including one from Miss Bicknell, president of the New Zealand Trained Nurses’ Association, herself the first trained nurse-pupil of the hospital. A basket of flowers, with good wishes, was sent from many ex-pupils in Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch, and many sprays and posies from guests and friends. The beautiful birthday cako was made and given by one of the esnurses. A very delightful afternoon was spent. Several guessing competitions kept the guests moving about, but the favourite entertainment was meeting and recognising old class mates and friends and hearing news of others unable to be present. After a dainty and delicious lea, Miss Joyce kindly permitted the ex-nurses to pay a short visit to the -wards and nursery, so closely associated with their old memories. All sincerely -thanked Miss Holford and Miss Joyce for enabling them to addone more happy memory to their association with St. Helens Hospital.