PATETONGA NURSE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXX, Issue 5409, 10 April 1929, Page 2

PATETONGA NURSE.

SERVICES TO CEASE. NO LONGER NECESSARY. The Thames Hospital Board’s district nursing service at Patetonga will cease at the end of June, as the people of Patetonga no longer require the nurse’s services. The following letter was received by the Thames Hospital Board at its meeting on Monday from Mr E. F. Wilkins, secretary of the Patetonga Medical Association : “I am reluctantly compelled to advise you of the present position of the association. Owing to resignations of some of the committee it has not been possible to collect the half-year’s subscriptions, and a public meeting called met with a very pool’ response. In view of the financial position, and the chances of collecting the necessary subscription, the following resolution was carried : “ ‘That Messrs Appleby and Wilkins be instructed to arrange a conference with the Hospital Board, with a view to finalising the position and the standing of the district nurse, and report to a public meeting.’ “Owing to minor complaints, lack of interest, and inability to collect funds, one can only conclude that a district nurse is not required. This may be on account of extensive reading works, the weekly visit of a doctor, and the fact that the isolation of the past is now a minus quantity. It is quite expected that the roads from Kaihcre to Thames and Patetonga to Morrinsvillc would be metalled before winter. Under these circumstances I leave the position in the hands of the board. I have enclosed a cheque for £l3 18s 8d and the last balance-sheet.

“Concerning arrears : These may not be so serious as set out, if the time when the district was without a district nurse, through resignations, etc., over a period of seven years, can be taken into account. But quite apart from this, some of the committee are quite willing to start a campaign to clear up arrears if necessary. We believe the district should shoulder the responsibility. The committee desires to express its grateful thanks to the board for past services of the district nurse, and to assure you that.the presence of the district nurse has filled a very urgent need over a period of isolation.”.

The enclosed balance-sheet showed a credit brought forward of £2 Os 6d, and receipts for the year totalling £37 Os Bd. The sum of £25 had been sent to the board, 2s 6d had been spent on stamps and stationery, and £l3 18s 8d was the cash in hand. This £l3 18s 8d had been forwarded to the board in reduction of the committee’s liability of £25.

The chairman said he had spoken to Mr Appleby on the matter, and it had been agreed .that there was no necessity for the deputation to visit the board if the position was explained fully by letter. On being advised that the nurse’s appointment terminated at the end of June Mr Parfitt moved, and Mr Walton seconded, that the appointment be not renewed.