NURSE E. MITCHELL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1933, Page 8

NURSE E. MITCHELL

TRIBUTES TO HER WORK. Sir Truby King, the founder of the Pluhket Society, writes:—“Nurse Esther Mitchell, formerly of Rees, who died recently at Wellington, simply radiated her own happiness, banishing personal worries whenever we looked on her at the Central Plunket Rooms or met her accidentally on the street. Her mere presence was an inspiration and stimulant; not only to ourselves, her colleagues, but equally or more so to the- crowds of mothers of all classes who sought her help and advice. The Rotary motto, “Service before Self,’ was an essential portion of her being; she did not have to play the. part; she exemplified it and enjoyed being of service to others. Mir* Mitchell frankly regarded herself as a lucky woman, and so she was!. Let there be no mourning at the funeral to-morrow. There will be plenty of real grief, on the part of those who leaned on Nurse Mitchell, and who never failed them.

“The Plunket nurse,3 at the Kari-t-nne Hospital and the probationers will send no mourning wreaths to the funeral. , Then mUt'd !•» until-r with their own hands as many beautiful roses and bright cheerful berries ns they can at mid-winter, because they know so well that this is wliat their ‘Beloved Nurse’ would most appreciate.

The' following tribute by ‘A Mother’ to the work of the late Nurse Mitchell has also been received by “The Post”: “On Saturday, evening there passed quietly away one of Wellington’s most devoted women, Miss. -Mitchell, the charge nurse at the Plunket Centre, Kent Terrace. Her invaluable work and long service to the Plunket Society are generaly known. Here one would sneak of what she has meant to the no: hers who have had the good fortune toe ome into contact with her in her work, and to benefit not only by her professional advice l.u.t so largely by Tier .wonderful pers - uility. No matter lmw busy things might- be- in the rooms, Miss 7vlitche.il was always ready to listen ana to . help. No matte’' how agit’ted tlie mother might be Miss Mitchell's very presence radiated a- calm and soothing influence; and, as she questioned, talked, advised, gradually the trouble seemed to be smoothed away. The mother felt the strong, reassuring influence, behind all the practical help, and went away cheered by the kindly smile, and the knowledge of the genuine sympathy behind it. What'Miss Mitchell has meant to some of the poor mothers and expectant mothers in these distressful times only they can say We know how much she took to heart all- the hardships and sufferings of which she and other Plunket. nurses have had such, intimate knowledge, .7- - . “One of Miss Mitchell’s great assets was her great sense of humour. 'She wds always so bright and cheery when one looked, in at the rooms, and ready to see the amusing side of tilings. Her serene and cheerful bearing had a wondfful effect upon He all. From one local branch of the society they write saying*'how mudi they valued her presence at any meeting of mothwho loved just to look at her and have a word with her if possible.

“An indefatigable worker, bound heart and soul to the Plunket movement, her loss to the Society must he great, and by her colleagues at Kent Terrace the absence of her helpful guidance and wonderfully serene personality will be most keenly felt, as is must also be by those of us who have known her and been associated with her iff the work.

“We know, however, : that the end came as she woud have wished—after such a short ilklces that she practically died in harness— happy and serene, iinfearirig—for, as she said, a little while before the end: ‘There’is no fear ill love, for perfect love castetb out fear.’ ”