A Matter Of Interest...
From Matron's Office:
Memorandum May 5th 1966
Re: Board and Lodging — Sister in Charge (Foxton Maternity Home)
As the Sister-in-Charge is using a bedroom only and sharing the lounge, and ablution facilities with the other resident full time midwife, could her board and lodging charge be reduced to £4 a week.
The lounge in the Matron's flat is used as a staff dining room because it is situated in the hospital building. The bedroom is used as a staff change-room and the non-resident relief midwife uses it for the nights she is on call. Would it be possible to adjust the board and lodging charge retrospectively to when Sister Archibald commenced duties. Namely = 14.3.66.
(From supervising matron).
Reply: May 17th 1966
That Sister Archibald is charged at the rate of £4.00 per week as from 14.3.66, subject to the provision that she receives no meal or cleaning services.
Social Functions
Christmas Happenings
• The Salvation Army Band played out on the front lawn every Christmas eve and the Silver-Band played whenever they were able to for several years at the Carols by Candlelight function on Christmas Eve. (1960-1965)
• Mr Jim McLaughlin acted as Father Christmas and visited mothers and children on Christmas mornings in the 1950s
• The JA Nash appeal was held in the streets every year during the 1960s, in each town covered by the Palmerston North Hospital Board's area, the purpose of which was to raise funds to buy presents for mothers and babies and provide some luxuries for the Christmas season. (Strawberries and cherries etc).