Our telegrams for assistance or advice were given priority by sending a pink telegram form, which was sent immediately to the doctor on board the ship. When in a settlement on an emergency call, the doctor would visit other patients requiring attention or advice at the nurse's request.

I always looked forward to the arrival of the hospital ship as I could visit the staff, have one or two meals with them and enjoy their company and discussions.

Before starting work on my own, I helped with clinics on the Lady Anderson all day. I was then taken ashore to begin my work at Rencontre. I had a busy first day, as several children needed attention; one or two were very sick.

The doctor on board the ship had already advised me regarding drugs and treatments. I was glad of this advice, as many of the drugs had different names in England.

I had a very comfortable boarding house where every kindness was shown to me. Especially in winter, if I had been away all day in other settlements on monthly visits or on a sick call, my landlady, Mrs. Baker, kept a lookout for the boat. She would have a nice big fire ready to warm me up, as well as a nice cup of tea and a meal.

A very convenient surgery and waiting room were provided. All instruments for dentistry and minor surgical needs were supplied by the Department of Health and Welfare, as was a liberal supply of drugs. No effort was spared to provide the supplies which were ordered once a month.

All liquid medicines were provided in one gallon jars. In winter especially, it was necessary to order a large supply, as weather often delayed the boat's arrival and no roads connected the settlements.