“THE LADY OF THE LAMP”

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20499, 16 May 1938, Page 6

“THE LADY OF THE LAMP”

FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE’S WORK 118TH ANNIVERSARY OF BIRTH At St. Andrew's Church, Claudelands, last evening there was a crowded congregation when the 118th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the intrepid nurse heroine of the Crimean war, whose name is held in high regard throughout the world, as the founder of the modern nursing system and also the organiser of war-time hospital service, was celebrated. Included In the congregation last evening was a large contingent of the nursing staffs of the local hospitals and members of the medical faculty. With the Rev. H. G. Gilbert in the pulpit were Sister E. 11. Elliott, of the Mission Hospital at Jagadhri (India) and Mr H. Gilbert, a medical student, who read the lessonsThe sermon was based on the words, “She hath done what she could . . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me." The preacher gave an interesting sketch of tho life of Florence Nightingale, who from childhood had felt the urge to devote her life to nursing and the amelioration of suffering, but was unable through marital and other opposition lo carry out her desire. It was not until she was *25 years of age that she was able to commence a course of training. Her great opportunity came in the Crimean War, when with a party of other nurses she embarked for the seat of hostilities and organised and directed the hospital system, being instrumental in saving thousands of lives.

Upon her return to England after the war a national testimonial was raised, which netted £50,000, but at her request the money was devoted to hospital purposes. The preacher referred to the fact that Florence Nightingale's life was one of service, dedicated to God and humanity and he read, from a letter In her* own hand-writing, the treasured possession of the holder, in which she urged all members of the nursing profession so to regard their calling. The service throughout was bright and inspiring. Mr E. H. Apthorp conducted the musical portion. NURSES PAY HOMAGE COMMEMORATION AT CATHEDRAL A service was held at St. Peter’s Cathedral yesterday morning when members of the nursing profession gathered to pay homage to the memory of Florence Nightingale. About 80 nurses from the Waikato Hospital, in uniform, and members of the St. John Ambulance and Nursing Division were present. The service was conducted by the Dean, the Very Rev. T- P. Weatherhog. and the sermon was delivered by the Rev. C. W. Chandler, Vicar of Cambridge. Eulogistic reference to the work beina: carried out by the Waikato Hospital was made by Mr Chandler. Three Judges Dismissed.—Three Supreme Court Judges have been dismissed, including the president of the Court, Dr. Otto Leonhard, says a message from Vienna. A Bit of Scotland.—Scots living in Australia need no longer worry at the expense of a trip to Scotland to stand once again on Scottish soil, for in Canberra is Scottish earth suflicient to give standing room not alone for one Scot but a 'All":* 1 clan. A rowan tree was sent out from Scotland to add lo the eiorles of the millions of trees m the Australian capital, and while not - soil, several ions of Scottish soil were duff up with tlie tree and brought across the seas to a new location. The tree is growing well, surrounded by a wide railing to mark the extent of the soil in which it grows, and he who will needs no passport when he steps over the boundary line on to Scottish