HEATED DISCUSSION

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1928, Page 6

HEATED DISCUSSION

OYER NURSE’S DISMISSAL

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

AUCKLAND. Nov. 29

The ease of Nurse A. Blackie, who was dismissed from the hospital stall by a special Committee appointed by the Auckland Hospital Board, foi sending a loiter to a prisoner at Mount Eden Gaol, who had been a patient, and in which was an indiscreet reference to the Lady Superintendent, was again considered by 1 i ■ Board to-day. After a somewhat heated discus- ion lasting an hour, it was decided that the nurse should appear before lb' Board at a special meeting next Monday, so that He.' Board might hear what she had to say in defence.

In a letter to the Board, the nurse said: “J think that to have my character and my career destroyed and to be dismissed at a moment’s notice, is too severe a punishment for what I hgve done.” Mr M. I suing, a member of the Board, said he did not think it was the Board’s business to whom the giri wrote, as long as she did her work. In his opinion, she could only have been punished for being out late. The Chairman, Mr W. Wallace, said that, all the nurses were in the habit of coining in late. Discipline must be maintained. Miss Blackie had said in her letter that the Matron was ‘‘going soft.” A Member.: Perhaps she meant softhearted. (Laughter). The Chairman added; Nurses were actually getting in through the maids’ quarters and climbing over their beds. If they allowed this, it would he the end of discipline. Regarding the statement of .Miss Blackie that she had been dismissed without her wages, they had not been collected by her. and were waiting for her. The resolution to hear the nurse was then carried.