URITI DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 184, 8 September 1909, Page 4

URITI DISTRICT NEWS.

SATISFACTION OF THE SETTLERS. t Speaking at the Hospital Board meeting yesterday, Mr. C. O'Sullivan, representing the Clifton County Council, said he would like to congratulate Dr. Valintinc upon liis choice of, a nurse. As yet she had been in only two houses in her professional capacity, but those people were immensely pleased with her. This opinion was held by all who had come in contact with her. Immediately upon her arrival she was asked to take up her duties, and she readily consented. Her first patient was Mr. Jupp's little boy, and, without in any lay detracting from the value of the doctor's services, Mr. Jupp's opinion was thnt Nurse Belton's skill and constant attention had saved the little fellow's life. Had TJruti had a district nurse earlier other lives might have been saved. He strongly recommended districts similarly situated to obtain a nurse under the same conditions.

When Dr. Valintine entered the Board room, Mr. O'Sullivan conveyed to liim the settlers' appreciation of the nurse's good qualities and obliging manners, and congratulations upon his choice. Dr. Valintine said that it was extremely gratifying to him to learn that the system was starting so well, and that the people Were satisfied. There had been, as Mr. O'Sullivan said, a little delay in making the appointment, but he had been extremely anxious that the Bret attempt should succeed, and it had been important, therefore, to secure a nurse who was fitted in every wav to "go to the front and kick off in' the district nurse scheme." The system was Sure to take on. Already lie had received several enquiries as to the success or otherwise of the appointment in Taranaki, and he was glad to learu that the settlers were satisfied. He was of opinion that the appointment of district nurses on the lines now adopted—the settlers contributing a share of the cost —should form an integral part of our hospital system, so that the countrv settlers, who made such great contributions to the upkeep of our hospitals, might know that they were not lieiinr forgotten or overlooked. He would watch Kvjth very great interest Nurse Bclton's work, and he hoped to be able to go out during the summer months and personally convey his appreciation of her continued success in her most honorable position. He remarked that at large meetings recently of nurses in Auckland and Christchure'h he had emphasised his opinion that the position of district nurse Avas one that should be looked up to as the most honorable position in the nursing world, for these nurses were the outposts who had to bear the brunt of bad weather and bad roads in carrying out their duties.