NURSES’ ASSOCIATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 October 1939, Page 7

NURSES’ ASSOCIATION

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING. . AN INTERESTING ADDRESS. The members of the Wairarapa branch of the New Zealand Registered Nurses’ Association held their first annual meeting at the Country Women’s Club, Masterton, last night. The president (Miss Barnett) assisted by Mrs Marshall, received the guests, there being over 70 present. Several new members were enrolled. The chief guests of the evening were Miss Clark, Royal Red Cross secretary of the New Zealand Association, who later addressed the meeting and who was presented with a bouquet of carnations on arrival; Miss Whitehouse (lady superintendent of St. John Ambulance Association), and Miss Kummer (president of the Women’s National Welfare League). Apologies for absence were received from Miss McKenny, M. 8.E., Miss Lambie, 0.8. E., Misses Higginson, McGregor, Meredith and Mrs Sharpe. Miss Barnett welcomed the guests and the men members. In her report she referred to the steady increase in membership, the numbers this year having been doubled. After speaking of the various activities of the association she concluded her report with the words: “Our association is nonpolitical; it is non-denominational; it is international in its outlook. Our aim is further to relieve suffering and to maintain health, and in this time of war and stress we are indeed fortunate to be able to work for these ideals.” Votes of thanks were accorded to the Wairarapa Hospital Board, the sisters of the Masterton Hospital, the secretary and treasurer of the association, the auditor (Mr A. D. Low), and the president and secretary of the N.Z.R.N.A., to Mrs -Marshall for articles written for the "Kai Tiaki.” and to the Press. A special vote of thanks was passed to Miss Barnett (president) and was followed by those present rising and singing "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow.” Miss Clark gave a very able address on the history of the N.Z.A.N.A. It was interesting to hear that of 30 countries .affiliated with the International Council of Nurses, New Zealand was the ninth to become a member ol that association; also of interest was the fact that the International Council of Nurses was the first association in the world to be formed and governed by women. Mrs James thanked Miss Clark for her interesting address. Songs and recitations were given during the evening by Mrs Ogilvie and Miss Aitchison which were greatly api predated. i A very enjoyable gathering was I brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem.