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Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1929, Page 4

The Bed Cross Society is now devoting itself very closely to peace-time work. Some of tlie nurses under tlie organ isatinM have luul special training in Ivmrland. and are now being utilised in various parts of the Dominion to give special instruction in nursing and aid in accidents. The English trainin'-' i of a comprehensive and high standard from n health point of view, and those receiving it are speeiallv equipped for nipartng knowledge which must he of advantage to any commnnitv. The wik of the Societv is being extended into Westland, and at the Town Hal 1 theevening there is to h-e a public meeting nresided over hv the flavor, to form an orgaiiisaton to work the district. Sister T). M. Christian, who has been working several farming districts in

.Hutcrbury, lias been sent over here to organise classes for instruction', and 10-night will explain the special objective ol' the visit. Jt should he possible l-:> utilise .Miss Christian’s services in ioth the town and country very nsoiull.v, and it appears rather fortunate unit 'Westland Jias been selected by the Society as the centre for opera--lou by one so well trained. Sister Christian instructs classes in homo nursing and hygiene, the formation of •irst aid classes for both sexes, and talks on general health to both adults iml children. The latter are often instructed through school teachers disosed to co-operate, and in that eonnee.loll some excellent knowledge can be imparted which will be useful to the young folk all through life. {Sister - hristian is also available to give advice and help to returned soldiers and -heir dependents from a general luA.lth point of view wherever possible, it will ie seen from the foregoing that the organisation is out to do useful community service. In bringing such knowledge and instruction to the people, it is now for the people to show a ready acceptance. It can he readily understood that mucli good work can he accomplished through the useful instruction imparted. A knowledge of the uner points of nursing in the country lisu-iets, where professional help is not always of value to have some knowledge about the early symptoms of disease, md an idea about preventative measures, where infection is possible. The proper course to follow in regard to nursing treatment where there • are minor ailments in the homes, is also >* value. The treatment and handling if patients is Avorth understanding in cases where a qualified nurse is not readily procurable, and tile mother or other relative, has to carry out intelligently the instructions of the doctor. First aid treatment in regard to .rounds or burns is of the highest value for the comfort of the unfortunate patient. so a world of information can be acquired, which is always easily carried, and is available on emergency in after life. The Red Cross Society is pursuing a useful course of action, and the opportunity it is presenting here should be availed of readily because of die special community value.