Sister Elizabeth Barclay was a Dunedin - if not New Zealand - heroine of the slums. At a time when all medical care cost cash she went to where people could afford none. She would have seen the worst of conditions and the best of humanity. For 31 years she cared for the poor who had no other care - sick mothers with children, bedridden dying patients, the "sick poor." Her career scarcely merits the humble word "nurse." Instead, it takes that word and makes it a glorious one.
Another step has been taken by the St. John Ambulance Association in the matter of district nursing, Nurse E. Barclay having been appointed as district nurse. Nurse Barclay received her training in the Dunedin Hospital, and was afterwards matron of the Grey Hospital. It now rests with the general public to provide the necessary funds to support the movement. After the holidays a public meeting is likely to be held to enlist sympathy and support for the movement. -Otago Daily Times, 1/1/1906.
District Nurse Barclay has been sent to Christchurch by the St. John Ambulance Association to get an insight into the detail work carried on by Nurse Maude in and about in the City of the Plains. On her return the district nursing scheme will be put into active operation. -Otago Daily Times, 11/1/1906.
NURSING THE POOR.
THE BUSY LIFE OF A DISTRICT NURSE.
High and honoured among the blessings that wait with ministering hands upon the sick, the suffering and the helpless is the sweet-faced, neatly-uniformed, pleasantspoken trained nurseing worker whose modest demeanour hides a vast storehouse of knowledge peculiar to the healing fraternity. She is the right hand of the doctor and the friend and comforter of the patient. At her best she is an angel carrying healing in her wings; at her worst she is an immeasurable improvement upon her predecessors in that hard old school of nursing whose traditions found such faithful interpreters in Mrs Harris's bosom friend Sairey Gamp and the scoffing and sceptical Betsy Prig. Unfortunately for those whose purses are as lean as their wants are great the trained nurse is, save under exceptional conditions, either a luxury of the well-to-do or an official in either a public or a private hospital. To the poor woman whose triple anguish of mind it is to nurse a sick husband, wait upon a clamorous and ravenous family of little ones, and to earn by bitter toil in humble ways enough money to pay the rent and provide food for herself and those dependent upon her, the idea of installing a trained nurse to take her place (when her many duties permit her to be there at all) at the bedside of "her man" may well appear a beautiful vision, destined never to materialise in this flinty world.
Happily, however, whilst much remains to be done, the nursing of the sick poor in their own homes by thoroughly experienced nurses is, thanks to our growing habit of' liberality towards humanitarian enterprises, becoming less and less rare. The innovation of March last, when, supplementing the noble work of the devoted ladies of the nursing corps of the St. John Ambulance Association, a professional nurse was, as the result of a special appeal on Ambulance Saturday and donations from various philanthropic sources, engaged to place her services entirely at the disposal of the poor, whose sick would otherwise be imperfectly (if not improperly) attended to, has proved a very real boon to hundreds of indigent families. The members of the nursing corps, all of whom have passed an examination in nursing, still move freely among the sick poor as the greater or lesser leisure at their disposal permits, but the trained nurse is always in attendance on this, unhappily, large class.
On Thursday afternoon a Times reportor had a chat with District Nurse Barclay, and gleaned a few facts about her work. Between the first week in March and the last week in July she had made no less than 850 visits to sick persons, not one of whom was in a position to pay a nurse. "Incurables" form quite a large percent of the cases. Of the incurables, the majority are cancer patients. It is the nurse's duty when waiting upon a cancer subject to wash the wound, rearrange the position of the sufferer — always bed-weary and often sore from lying for long hours in one attitude, — and generally to perform those duties which, trivial in the narration, nevertheless require special knowledge. Next to cancer in point of number comes consumption, with rheumatism third, and paralysis at the end of the list. Nurse Barclay very properly declined to discuss any particular cases which have come under her notice. The poor are proverbially sensitive; the sick poor are pathetically so. At the same time, she indicated that there is ample room for philanthropists and would-be philanthropists to open their purse-strings and pour out their gold in aid of their sick and necessitous neighbours. "It is not always those whose poverty is most apparent to the casual observer," said Nurse Barclay, "who are most in need. I know many people who, though they turn a brave smile to the world, dress themselves neatly, and live to all appearances very comfortably, are really existing from hand-to-mouth. And when a heavy sickness befalls father or mother or one of the children it is a very worrying time indeed. Of course, many cases of hopeless poverty come from time to time under my notice. Fortunately, no time is lost by our benevolent societies in hastening to the rescue as soon as they hear of such cases." It is quite a common thing for a doctor to advise poor people to send for the district nurse. Church and chapel wardens and deacons help the good work along in a similar way. Each succeeding month, with one exception, has seen an increase in the number of applications to the St. John Ambulance Association for a share in the busy daily round of the good-natured, good-tempered, and at the same time thoroughly qualified district nurse. Of the necessity of the appointment the 850 visitations speak volumes. The number is steadily increasing. The district nurse calls upon seven or eight patients a day, spending as much time with each as possible. The system is one that might with advantage, be extended. -Otago Daily Times, 1/9/1906.
WANTED, URGENTLY,
HOME for dying consumptive WOMAN; £1 weekly. Nurse Barclay attending daily. "SISTERS,” 100 George street. -Evening Star, 18/10/1906.
CORRESPONDENCE.
AN EXPLANATION.
TO THE EDITOR Sir, — Allow me to correct a slight mistake in your report of yesterday’s meeting of the Hospital Trustees, referring to the case of the woman dying of consumption, it says: “ The Trustees then rang up the Salvation Army, and they were going to look after the woman.” The facts are the Salvation Army not being able to find a place, and no answer in reply to advertisements having come-to hand, Sisters Evelyn, and Mary are themselves attending to the case, Nurse Barclay, at their request, also visiting twice daily. And so as to safeguard the children, the sisters are meanwhile taking them into their own home. — I am, etc., E. A. Axelsens. October 18 - Evening Star, 19/10/1906.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION. (excerpt)
In the beginning of this year they appointed Nurse E. Barclay (formerly matron of Greymouth Hospital) as district nurse, to devote her whole time to visiting among the sick poor, assisting in every possible way to make their lot more pleasant, and helping them more quickly on the road to health and happiness. The nurse's, life is a very busy one, and she has countless opportunities of doing good. During the last nine months she has made 1480 visits. Through the kindness of friends the nurse is able to supply underclothing, sheets, blankets, bedrests, and many invalid requisites to those who cannot possibly affford them. -Evening Star, 29/11/1906.
PERSONAL
Nurse Barclay, who for the last 10 vears has been district nurse under the Dunedin Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association, has been accepted for active service. During her absence her place will be taken by Nurse Torrance, a daughter of the late Mr J. A. Torrance. Sister Looney and Nurse K. Blackie, who were on board the Marquette when she was torpedoed, returned to the Dominion recently, and have been in Dunedin for a few days on leave. They left for Wellington this morning in order to report themselves for duty. -Evening Star, 7/1/1916.
THE WAR
NURSES FOE SERVICE.
A number of the members of the local centre of the St John Ambulance Association assembled at the railway station yesterday morning to bid farewell to Nurse Barclay, who for tho last 10 years has been acting district nurse for the association. Nurses Arnold, Campbell, Don, and Mercer, who received their training at the Dunedin Hospital, and Nurse Eagle, also went north, and Nurse Hamann, matron of the Picton Hospital, who has received word to join the hospital ship Maheno. -Otago Daily Times, 18/1/1916.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION (excerpt)
The monthly meeting of the executive was held at headquarters. Since the last meeting of the executive one of the original founders of the association in Dunedin had passed away in the person of Mr W. Livingston, who had done much for the furtherance of ambulance work in this centre and for some years acted as secretary and treasurer. A motion of sympathy with his wife and family was passed. District Nurse Barclay, who joined the Expeditionary Force in Januarv, l916, and who has been continuously on active service from that date, has now returned to Dunedin, and, having been posted to the reserve, will resume duty as senior district nurse this month. -Otago Daily Times, 14/6/1919.
For the next 17 years, Nurse Barclay did nothing to merit mention in the newspapers. Except her job of caring for thousands of those most in need.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE
MEETING OF EXECUTIVE (excerpt)
After 32 years of active service Nurse Barclay has tendered her resignation as district nurse. The committee resolved that she be released from duty as from March 31. A committee has been set up to arrange a suitable farewell function. -Evening Star, 10/2/1936.
A HELPER OF MANY.
TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — With the exception of four year's active nursing service during the War, Nurse Barclay has, during the past 31 years, worked indefatigably in Dunedin, visiting and ministering to the needs of the sick poor. In a very quiet and simple way, without ostentation of any kind, and still, comparatively speaking, an unknown lady, she has tended thousands in their need, and now, owing to the advance of years, retirement from this social service is at hand.
This work has been carried on under the auspices of the St. John Ambulance Association. At no time during its existence has the association been in a position to give adequate remuneration, nor has it ever been able to set aside funds for superannuation purposes. Neither of these facts, however, has deterred Nurse Barclay from continuing her work which has been performed more from love than for the remuneration received.
The time has now arrived when some recognition of these services should be publicly rendered. Among those who have received benefit from her skill as a nurse and from her kindly ministrations, there may be some who would like to assist. To the many citizens who have seen, heard, or have had evidence of the work done find who recognise such work as a social necessity fulfilled without their assistance, we now make an appeal to their generosity, to enable the association in as liberal a way as possible to make provision for the declining years of the one who has given of her best to the sick and needy of the city.
Probably there is no other person who has quietly and consistently performed so faithful service to the city. We have, therefore, no hesitation in appealing to the public to assist us in providing an adequate retiring allowance for Nurse Barclay.
Remittances may be forwarded to the editor of this paper or to the secretary of the association, — We are, etc.,
A. R. Falconer, chairman,
A. Peters, secretary, 41 Moray Place, C.l.
[We shall be glad to receive and acknowledge subscriptions to this fund. — Ed. 'E.S.'] -Evening Star, 5/5/1936.
POPULAR DISTRICT NURSE
SISTER E. BARCLAY HONOURED
THIRTY-ONE YEARS OF SERVICE
There was a large gathering in the Somerset Lounge last evening to pay tribute to the work of Sister E. Barclay, who is retiring after 31 years’ service in the St. John Ambulance Association. The mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox), representatives of the Hospital Board, and other local bodies were present, and after Mr John Ash (vicepresident of the association in Dunedin) had welcomed those present, he invited the mayor to take the chair. Mr Cox said that the occasion that brought them together was not just an ordinary social event, but was a memorable one in the history of the St. John Ambulance Association. He did not intend to dwell on the history of the St. John Ambulance Association, but probably it was the oldest order in existence. They were assembled to do honour to one who had served in this city, and who had served those who were least able to help themselves. It was only the other day that he learnt that such a service had been in operation for so long a time in Dunedin, and ns Nurse Barclay had seen a total of 31 years’ service in the city, it was right that they should honour her on her retirement. He said that if it was possible the association intended to engage another nurse next year. No one knew how much she had done in the city, and he expected that not even Nurse Barclay could say to how many families she had rendered service.
Mr Ash said it was difficult to speak adequately of the services rendered by Miss Barclay. Her work had been so tremendous and so far-reaching that one could hardly relate it without feeling that one was exaggerating. Although the mayor had refrained from presenting figures it might be pointed out that the statistics showed that the three nurses of the association had made 5,550 calls last year. These nurses had to go to all parts of the city in all weathers and at all times, and every call was answered promptly. Sister Barclay had been working in Dunedin for a period of 31 years, and although they were very sorry to lose her after such a long service she needed well-earned rest. All they could do was to express their appreciation of her self-denying efforts and to wish her a happy evening to her life. Mr Ash said it would be a disaster to the community if voluntary services such as that given by the St. John Ambulance Association were to be abolished. There was always a need for such bodies, no matter how much State and local body aid was given, and it was the duty of all the more fortunate members of the community to help the voluntary organisations in their midst. Mr Ash read extracts from letters of appreciation from the former ex-Dis-trict Nurse Torrance and Miss McNab (hospital hostess).
Mr Ash also read two letters that had been received by the secretary of the association. The first was: “As a very old patient of Sister Barclay’s, I desire to express my very deep appreciation and gratitude for the many kindly services she has rendered to me for many years. It would indeed be interesting to know just bow many miles she has travelled in carrying out the highest grade of practical Christianity that I know of. I would also express thanks for services performed for me by members of the brigade —a fine lot of young men and a credit to our race.”
The second letter read as follows: “It gives me great pleasure to write to you of the invaluable service rendered to my home during the recent illness and death of my wife by Nurse Barclay. Not only did her professional skill relieve my daughters and mvself of much anxiety, but her manner and bearing in the sick room were an inspiration both to the patient and to ourselves. Unassuming and patient, she was the very essence of kindness, and on each visit left behind her an atmosphere of helpfulness and comfort, and no one could have done more than she did to assist us in a very distressing time. We wish her great happiness in her retirement, and trust that during the years of resting from active service she will find a rich reward for her labours for others, in the knowledge that many sad and anxious hearts have been helped to bear their sorrows and grief by the daily visit of the little woman with a great heart and a cheering smile which gave courage to those with whom she came in contact. I am glad, indeed, of this opportunity to express the grateful thanks of‘myself and family to Nurse Barclay, and to assure her, through you, that she will always live in our hearts in grateful and pleasant memory.”
In Speaking on behalf of the Otago Hospital Board, Mr J. W. Dove extended his congratulations to Nurse Barclay. He himself had, during the last few years, taken an interest in the work of the association, and he thought they were doing a magnificent service in this community. He thought that the association was the best organisation, from a voluntary point of view, rendering service to this community. He spoke of the ambulance service which was provided largely by voluntary support, although the Hospital Board donated a sum of £800 annually. Nurse Barclay was retiring with the weight of years on her shoulders, but she had the memory of a glorious record of service. He spoke of Mr Falconer's efforts to extend the district nursing scheme, and said that there would shortly be a nurse stationed at South Dunedin, and he was confident that there would be more before long.
Dr A. R. Falconer, on behalf of the association, presented Nurse Barclay with a cheque, and spoke briefly of the history of the association in Dunedin. Nurse Barclay had been the pioneer trained nurse in Otago, he added.
The Rev. V. G. Bryan King said that he had known Nurse Barclay and her family before either she or he had come to New Zealand. He paid a high tribute to her, both as a nurse and as a social worker.
Bishop W. A. R. Fitchett added his congratulations to Nurse Barclay on her excellent record of service, and expressed the hope that she would enjoy a long and happy retirement.
Mr J. Jacobs, secretary of the Otago Hospital Board, also congratulated Nurse Barclay. Dr Marion Whyte said that the first thing that could be said of any person who was retiring was “ Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Nurse Barclay had been with them in good and bad weather, looking after people who could not look after themselves. Her service had been a special work, and it was only a gifted person who could carry it out. Dr Whyte concluded by saying that Nurse Barclay would find many true friends in all parts of the city.
In replying on behalf of Nurse Barclay Mr A. Williamson said that Nurse Barclay was a woman of action, and not words, so that was why he was replying on her behalf. Nurse Barclay had been trained at the Dunedin Hospital, and after the completion of her training had been matron of the Greymouth Hospital. From there she came to Dunedin, and after a period of private nursing joined the St. .lohn Ambulance Association. During the war, from 1916-19, Nurse Barclay had served in both England and France.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the mayor for presiding, to those who had contributed to the musical and elocutionary programme, and with good wishes to Dr and Mrs A. R. Falconer, who are leaving for England on Wednesday. Items were presented bv the following: — Pianoforte solos, Miss M. McDowell; songs, Dr J. Thomson and Mr McDowell; recitations, Miss K. Falconer. -Evening Star, 20/3/1936.
DEATHS
BARCLAY.—On April 25, 1946, at the residence of her sister (Mrs M. Williamson), 43 Cranston street, Anderson’s Bay, Sister Elizabeth Turnbull Barclay (late 1st N.Z.E.F.). — Private interment from the above residence to-morrow (Saturday), 27th inst., at the conclusion of a service at 10.30 a.m. — R. McLean and Son, funeral directors. -Otago Daily Times, 26/4/1946.
In the cemetery records of the Dunedin City Council, Nurse Elizabeth Barclay's occupation is listed as "spinster." I realise that the word is a reflection of the times in which it was recorded, but Elizabeth Barclay deserves much better. I hope that I have been able to show why.
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