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Broadcaster David Kohn presents part of an episode of the magazine programme "Radio Digest" featuring recordings made at the Karitane Hospital at Melrose, Wellington, which opened 25 years ago in 1927.
He describes the hospital and gardens, which are the resting place of founders Sir Truby and Lady King. There are now six Karitane hospitals, funded by public donations and benefactors.
Plunket Dominion President Elizabeth Bodkin speaks about the continued need for Karitane hospitals to train Plunket and Karitane nurses for district and home help.
Mrs Gilmour, President of the Wellington branch of the Plunket Society, talks about the work of the Melrose Hospital which serves the lower North Island and upper South Island. She mentions the popularity of Karitane-trained nurses worldwide. They have launched an appeal to mark Plunket's Silver Jubilee to raise more funds for their work.
Matron of Melrose, Miss Humphreys, talks about the shortage of staff, and the training they receive. She describes the mothercraft section of the hospital, where new mothers can come and learn techniques for breast-feeding and becoming confident in caring for their babies. She talks about a premature baby in the hospital currently, who is now thriving.
In a ward overlooking Lyall and Evans Bays, David Kohn interviews Nurse Hawke from Wanganui, who is feeding vegetable puree to a 10 month old baby. Nurse Dalzell from Masterton is also interviewed about why she became a Karitane nurse. They are both to sit their final exams soon.
An unidentified mother from Upper Hutt who is about to go home after a hospital stay, is interviewed. She has been in the hospital for three weeks and her baby for seven weeks, as she was underweight. She speaks highly of the care they have received and is sorry to be going home.