H.—3l.

Post-graduate Training. In comparing the development of the post-graduate training of nurses abroad I think New Zealand may be congratulated on the work done in this country. This is very largely due to Miss Moore and to the interest Professor Hunter and Professor Gould have given. There is no doubt that Miss Moore's close association with the work of the Department as a whole has been of enormous value to the course, and I hope that in the future the instructors of this course will maintain this contact. This does not mean that improvements cannot be introduced in the future. For instance, subjects such as anatomy, physiology, bacteriology, and nutrition have all been introduced because of the weaknesses in the basic course. As this improved it should be possible to modify the curriculum so as to give more emphasis to the socialized aspect of preventive medicine. (a) Course for Institutional Sisters. In comparison with what is given elsewhere, the course at present arranged for Tutor Sisters, provided they are experienced Ward Sisters, needs little altering. The teaching experience at present arranged is good, but could be further extended if it was possible for each student to give a lesson in clinical nursing in a ward situation. On the other hand, there is a necessity for post-graduate experience for Ward Sisters, particularly from our smaller hospitals, and I would like to recommend the inclusion of such a course. At Western Reserve University Hospital in Cleveland a post-graduate course covering a period of six months is offered either in medical or surgical nursing. The student does four hours' duty a day in the department in which she is specializing, and is paid for this duty. The theoretical course consists of lectures in psychology and methods of teaching and in advanced medicine or surgery, with coaching from an experienced Ward Sister. The clinical experience includes ward and clinic experience in the various sections of the particular department, together with actual classes for pupil nurses in the wards. In Wellington Hospital, where there are now organized departments, a course of this type could well be given in conjunction with our post-graduate course and would assist many nurses. A similar course in psychiatric nursing might well be given at Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs, and should be considered directly the new hospital is opened. (b) The Course for Public-health Nurses. Innovations which need to be considered in regard to this course are — (a) The provision of bursaries for prospective public-health nurses. In Great Britain and the various States of the United States of America this is being extensively carried out by means of grants from the Central Government. S (b) The extension of field experience whereby the student is able to be responsible for a certain amount of work independently though under supervision. This year a beginning along these lines is being made. Obstetrical Nursing. I was impressed by the provision which is made in Europe for regular refresher courses for all midwives, such courses being compulsory. A similar scheme is about to be adopted in Great Britain, and it is certainly something which New Zealand should prepare for; but if nurses are to be enabled to take such a course it will be necessary for them to receive a fee so that they can arrange for relief from their duties while attending the course. Public Health Nursing. While appreciating deeply the work being done in New Zealand, there is great need for better co-ordination between the existing public-health nursing services. Nowhere in New Zealand has there yet been developed a family record system. This might be considered with a general review of our record system. Staff education programmes are part of every well-organized public-health organization. Something has already been attempted by means of group meetings, circulars, &c., and it is proposed to extend this by means of refresher courses. Lay committees of various women's organizations have already been used for propaganda, but probably in connection with the Council for Adult Education more definite plans could be developed. Health films and plays for broadcasting —if they were produced around local situations —would create fresh interest. This form of propaganda is used extensively in some parts of the United States of America.

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