CORRESPONDENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 April 1924, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor)

Sir.—As there seems to be some misunderstanding concerning tin* reason why 1 did not take up the position of South Wcstlad Nurse, and as the report of the Board meeting threw absolutely no light on the subject 1 would esteem it a favour if you would publish the following copy of my letter. Tetaho, April 2nd. 24. The Secretary, Hospital Board Hokitika— ‘

Dear Sir—.Vs stated in my telegram yesterday 1 have decided not to take up the position of South Westland District Nurse.

He Airs A .Cron, Haast:—l would like to make the position clear to the Board. On Friday evening I was rung up about the case and solely in the interest of the patient advised her removal to the Hospital by boat (which was then at Bruce Bay). Mr Cron would not agree to this, saying his wife could not be moved. 1 rang up Dr Baird l"or them, and he said that ‘lie would go if required. They then said they did not want a doctor. The next morning L offered to go, but they informed me they were telegraphing the Board for a nurse. That afternoon on receipt of a telegram from the Board 1 rang up the Chairman and told him I was quite willing to go to Airs Cron ; but in a private capacity, and not as District Nurse. I strongly objected !o being pressed into immediate service by the Board entirely to suit their convenience as they Tiad unnecessarily delayed my appointment two months. Afr Breeze agreed to niv going in any capacity.

I rang Haast and tolrl them I was coming, but after letting me make my own arrangements for conveyance to Yveheka. they asked if 1 was in the Board’s employ. I said not yet. They then asked how tho Board could order me to come if 1 was nut in their employ. 1 said the Board had asked, not ordered, me to come. They then tolclme Afr Jeffries had telegraphed them that the Board had ordered me to come and that 1 would he there next evening (Sunday). This conversation took place between 4.30 p.m. and .5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon). Finally they told me not to come.

I might here mention that the hor.-e which the Board originally arranged 1 should start out on, was offered to me at 10 a.m. on Sunday, without slices, without saddle, and much too fat to take on a long journey, having neeii out of work for many months. Now .Sir. if, before T enter the employ of the Board, Air Jcllries or any other member is going to lead the people to believe that 1 am to he ordered hither and thither, 1 feel my position, as District Nurse would he untenable, hence my todegram. Once again thanking the Board most sincerely for the oiler of the position, 1 beg to remain Yours faithfully, ALA BEL W. GUNN.

B.S.—Also. Air Editor it would appear from the remark of one member that the Crons were unable to secure the services of a Nurse or Doctor, but as a matter of fact, as shown in the above letter they were (lifered either before they consulted the Board. In fact l)r Baird had a fortnight previously definitely offered to go if required.

Thanking you in anticipation, 1 am etc., AI ABEL IV. GUNN