Hospital Nurses Organise Memorable Farewell To Matron Runciman

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 92, 24 October 1947, Page 4

Hospital Nurses Organise Memorable Farewell To Matron Runciman

One of the incidents during her stay at the Whakatane Hospital which is bound to live long in the mind of Matron Runciman is the farewell dance tendered to her by the nursing staff of the hospital” on Wednesday night. Members of the staff and their friends gathered at the hospital to attend a dance which was voted “a great show” by all those privileged to attend. Items given during the course of the evening were songs by Dr. Cole, “I’ll Walk Beside You,” and “The Cobbler’s Song.” Mr Roy Addison entertained with conjuring acts.

The programme consisted mostly of an excellent mixture of modern and old-time dances, Dr Dawson carrying out the duties of master of ceremonies. A number of novelty dances were held, the first, a Monte Carlo waltz, being won by Mr Jack Budd and Miss Doreen Marks. A spot veleta went to Mr I. Butler and Miss Monahan and Mr Jack Budd and Miss Cawardine won a spot waltz.

The highlight of the evening, the presentation ceremony, took place after the serving of a delicious supper. Dr Dawson, in a short address, mentioned the long service Miss Runciman had given and the way in which she had endeared herself, not only to the staff but to the district as a whole. On behalf of the staff he wished Miss Runciman good health and many happy years in her retirement. Musical honours were then accorded the guest. Miss Runciman was presented with a bouquet by Miss M. Walker and Mrs Collins presented the chair and cushion. Miss Runciman expressed her thanks for the evening and the beautiful gifts. She mentioned her happy times in the hospital and extended an invitation to staff members to visit her if the opportunity occurred.

Dr Dawson introduced Miss Miller, who is to replace Miss Runciman and Miss A. White presented her with a bouquet. Miss Miller thanked those present for her welcome and for the bouquet. She was sure she would have a very enjoyable time at Whakatane.

Dancing wak carried on to music supplied by Harrison’s dance band. A recent addition »to the dance bands of this town, Harrison’s impressed with the fine quality of their music.

The evening concluded" with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.