Popular Matron Farewelled

Miss L. M. Stowell, matron of Nelson Public Hospital for the last nine years, is a devoted woman. During her nursing career she has expressed that devotion in her continued efforts to safeguard and better the lot and welfare of patients and staff under her control. So it was that when she clashed with the hospital board over a policy matter affecting patient welfare and nursing standards, she resigned rather than accept what she believed to be a wrong policy. And so, Nelson has lost an extremely efficient and popular matron.

The extent of her popularity was shown at a function attended by past and present nursing staff – a crowd which packed to capacity the nurses' home staff room. At this farewell function she was presented with a silver savoury tray by the student nurses and a radiogram and tape recorder by past and present registered nursing staff, aides and medical orderlies.

Of the many offers of positions she has received, Miss Stowell has accepted a position as acting tutor sister at Seacliff Hospital, Dunedin, where she intends to extend her knowledge of mental illnesses. She takes up this position in November.

For the many courtesies she extended, "Photo News" expresses its thanks, and regret at her departure from Nelson, and with all the patients and staff who have passed through the hospital, wishes her every success in her new position.