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Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1919, Page 4

TREATMENT OF NURSES. The Taranaki Hospital Board, appears somewhat reluctant to strike out on its own and treat the nurses in its employ fairly. At last week's meeting there was a generally expressed opinion that there s.hould be a revision of salaries, and it was ultimately agreed to urge on other hospital hoards the necessity for holding a conference, and to able the Minister of Public Health to call the conference. This ia all very well so far as it goes, but we must confess we would have admired the board more if, recognising the injustice of the present payments, as it did, it decided there and then to apply the obvious remedy, without waiting for other boards. Hospital boards throughout the country are noted for the parsimonious treatment of their staffs, from their medical superintendents) downwards, and really do not deserve the splendid staffs they retain and loyal service tliey obtain. It is not only a question of wages; it is a question of hours, which, as we have previously j shown, are altogether too long for such exacting work. It is little wonder that so many nurses become physical and nervous wrecks. The whole system wants changing and bringing into line with icaion and justice. We would like to see the Taranaki Board take a proper stand in the matter, and recognise by deeds more than by words its appreciation of the services of its splendid staff. Because the nurses do not protest, against the present conditions in regard to salary and hours is no reason why the board should take no action and thus invite trouble. The nurses have real grievances that should be righted without delay and without regard to the opinions of other boards. The Taranaki Board need not worry about receiving rebuffs from the ratepayers, who, before all eU'e, desire to see the nurses properly—and even generously—treated.