NURSES’ FAREWELL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 May 1941, Page 4

NURSES’ FAREWELL

TRIBUTE TO MISS BARNETT SERVICES TO ASSOCIATION. INSPIRATION TO ALL MEMBERS. A warm and sincere tribute was paid to Miss M. F. Barnett, president of the Wairarapa branch of the Registered Nurses’ Association, at a meeting held last evening in the Nurses' Home, Masterton Hospital. Miss Barnett. it was stated, was responsible for the formation of the Wairarapa branch and the hope was expressed that members would maintain their interest and 100 per cent membership of the association. There was a very large attendance of members from all parts of the Wairarapa. Miss Barnett, who presided, welcomed Miss McKenny. president of the Manawatu branch. Apologies for absence were received from Mesdames Sharp (Featherston). Martin and Miss Twentyman (Martinborough) and Miss lorns and Mrs Loftus. Miss Barnett spoke of the growth of the branch from the first meeting of 25 members 21 years ago, until today practically 100 . per cent of registered nurses in the district were members. Miss Craig gave a survey of the work carried on by district health nurses, that dealing with the health of the Maori people being of special interest. Miss M. Brown thanked Miss Craig for her talk. An interesting display of matrons’ caps from 1905 to the present day was given by Miss Anderson (Eketahuna), Mesdames W. James, P. Harrison. Heckler and Misses Wallis and M. Barnett. Miss Higginson spoke of Miss Barnett’s departure to take up a war appointment and of her work for the association. She had been president since its formation. Though all would miss her the inspiration she had given to members would enable them to carry on with renewed vigour. She congratulated Miss Barnett on her appointment to such an important position and knew that with her ability it would be carried on with success. She asked Miss Barnett to accept from the branch a silver tray which carried with it the good wishes of every member.

Miss McKenny also congratulated Miss Barnett on her appointment' and urged members of the association to carry on the work and keep to the high standard set by Miss Barnett. In times of war more was expected of the retired nurses, she said, and every encouragement must be shown to the student group, who would be carrying on important administrative work in the future. Miss Cocker, on behalf of the Plunket nurses, added her good wishes for Miss Barnett’s future and presented her with some hand-worked linen from the Wairarapa nurses. Beautiful floral sprays were presented to Miss Barnett and Miss McKenny b.y Miss Anderson. Miss Barnett was greeted with applause when she rose to speak. She thanked all members for their gift, saying that her short time in the Wairarapa had been a very happy one. Her new work would bring her back often and she hoped to be present at future meetings of the branch. Musical items were given by Sister Aitchison and Nurse Smith. Supper was served and tlie singing “For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and cheers for Miss Barnett concluded the meeting.