NURSE TO NATIVES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5216, 14 December 1927, Page 2

NURSE TO NATIVES.

MODE OF TRAVEL CONSHDERED.

BOARD TO PROVIDE CAR.

Probably very few people realise the enormous amount of humanitarian and splendid work performed by the district nurse to Natives, Mi?e J. M. Jarrett, of Paeroa. The amount of work to be done can the better be gauged when it is remembered that her district extends from near Waharoa to Morrinsvill.e, the whole of the Thames Valley, Waihi, part of Hauraki Plains, down to Coromandel and out to Tairua and Hikuai. For years the only means that Miss Jarrett has had of getting from one part of the district to another, except service cals and trains,, has been by bicycle or horseback. This fact has been the concern of the members of the Thames Hospital Board for some time, and the matter was finalised at its meeting on Monday, when it was moved by Mr E. L. Walton that the board provide a motor-car for the district nurse, and that. the chairman (Mr W. E. Hale) and Mr PE, Brenan be a sub-committee to purchase a suitable car.

In seconding the resolution Mr A. R. Robinson spoke eu'logistically of the work being performed by Miss Jarrett in the district.

In the opinion of Mr Brenan Miss Jarrett was one of the most capable nurses in the province, and was doing wonderful work. The provision of a car would not only give her seme degree of comfort, but would enable her to get round the district more quickly.

During the discussion that followed concerning maintenance and repairs, in reply to Mr Danby Mr Brenan pointed out that there were many ratepayers who received no benefits at all owing to the isolated localities in which they lived, and such people were -justly entitled to some consideration.

In agreeing that the position was as stated Mr Danby sjiid that the members could not get aw.ay from the fact that hospital boards’ relations with the Native race were inequitable and unsatisfactory. The chairman said that the provision and maintenance of a car would mean a heavy expenditure, unless adjacent boards could be prevailed upon to make an annual contribution. The resolution was carried unanimously.