Kai Tiaki: the Journal of the Nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVII, Issue 1, January 1924, Page 23
Farewell to Miss Polden
The Miners' Union Hall was the scene of
a pleasant social gathering last evening (states the " Thames Star" of
November 30, 1923), the occasion being the eve of the departure from Thames of
Miss Polden, Matron of the Thames Hospital. The audience, of which ladies
predominated, was very large and thoroughly representative of all parts of the
Hospital district, testifying to the great popularity of the Matron. Several
large sprays of pink rambler roses and bowls of spring flowers decorated the
stage, while on the centre table vases of sweet peas of the most delicate
shades were most artistically arranged. The chair was occupied by His Worship
the .Mayor (Mr. T. W. Rhodes, M.P.). He had on his left the guest of the even-
Miss Polden, Mrs. Rhodes and Mrs. Johnson, and on his right Miss Wilcox and Mr.
W. McCullough. In his opening remarks the Mayor expressed his great pleasure at
such a large and representative gathering to do honour to Miss Polden on the
eve of her departure. He regretted that circumstances had arisen that made Miss
Polden J s departure possible, but the large audience at the previous public
meeting, and the one that evening, clearly showed Miss Polden that she had a
very large circle of friends in Ihe Thames hospital district, who held her in
the very highest esteem. He dealt with the efforts made to try and keep Miss
Polden at Thames, and regretted that the Hospital Board could not see their way
to accede to the request of the deputation which waited upon the Board on Miss
Polden 's behalf. After some musical items, the chairman then handed Miss
Polden an address and a purse of 100 sovereigns. Mr. McCullough, a former
chairman of the Hospital Board, responded for Miss Polden, saying Miss Polden
had no doubt suffered much sorrow and unhappiness these past few months, but
the affection of her friends and the esteem of the whole community, as
testified by the resolutions passed by a large public meeting and now
accentuated by the assembly that evening and the address and purse, would be
received as some reparation for her unhappiness. It was an exhibition of that
spontaneous feeling shown by Britishers all over the world. (Applause.) The
whole proceedings are complimentary to Miss Polden, but equally so to
themselves. He concluded by saying that Miss Polden thanked them all personally
for their evidences of attention and regard, and their good wishes for her future.
(Applause.) The evening concluded with the singing of "For She's a Jolly
Good Fellow" and "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.
A pleasant evening was tendered by the
nursing staff of the Thames Hospital on November 28, in the social hall at the
Nurses' Home. Time passed pleasantly, with games, competitions, songs and
recitations, Nurse Turikino contributing a song, and Misses Hood, Johnson and
Chapman recitations. During the evening Nurse Turikino, on behalf of the
nursing staff, presented the matron with a beautiful New Zealand
travelling-rug, and in a neat little speech conveyed good wishes for the
matron's future welfare. Miss Polden feelingly responded, and wished the nurses
success in their hospital work and examinations. After a daintily-served
supper, the toast of "The Matron" was honoured, and the evening
closed with "Auld Lang Syne" and the National Anthem.
Miss Polden left Thames to pay a visit
to friends at Tuparoa, on the East Coast, where she is enjoying a delightful
rest.
Subsequent to the departure of Miss
Polden, the matron, from Thames Hospital, we hear there is much unrest among
the nursing staff, and eleven nurses and, sisters have resigned. Several of
these, who were willing to remain on duty until their places were filled, were
informed that they could leave at once. This shortsighted policy on the part of
the authorities must, we fear, result in inadequate care for the patients. We
understand the Thames public will demand an inquiry.