DISTRICT’S ESTEEM FOR PIONEER DOCTOR PORTRAYED AT FUNCTION TO FAREWELL HIM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 16, Issue 10, 20 October 1950, Page 5

DISTRICT’S ESTEEM FOR PIONEER DOCTOR PORTRAYED AT FUNCTION TO FAREWELL HIM

The esteem in which Dr F. J. Applebly has been held since, as he says, he arrived here “by accident” 33 years ago, was evidenced on Wednesday evening when the King Street hall was filled with borough and county residents, gathered to farewell him on his retirement.

Organised by the Chamber of Commerce, the function was attended by people from most parts of the district.

Pleasure at the number present was expressed by the president of the chamber, Mr B. L. Butler, who read numerous apologies. Episodes alleged to have been part of Dr Appleby’s career in the town were portrayed in chalk by Mr R. H. Haeusler. While he had known Dr Appleby for 13 years, there were others present who had known him for all of the 33 years of his residence here, said Dr E. T. Dawson. He told of some of the difficulties encountered by Dr Appleby in earlier 'days, particularly in matters of transport. He told also what he alleged to be the real reason for Dr Appleby’s retirement.

“His name was a household word before some of you were born,” Dr Dawson said. “It seems sad that he should pull down his plate and leave the district. We are here to show him that the work he has done is appreciated by the people of the district. No man has spared himself less. He has been at the beck and call of everyone at all hours. He has brought a tremendous

number of people into the world and even some of their children also. It must give him a glow of pleasure to know that he has done so much for the welfare of the people. We wish him good living and good fishing in his retirement.” Mrs Larmer played violin items before the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, on behalf of both town and country people, presented an inscribed barometer and an illuminated address. Illuminated Address “We are proud to pay a tribute to one who has done so much but we regret saying farewell,” said Mr Barry. He read the address, which, dedicated to “our beloved Frederick John Appleby”, expressed the good wishes of Maori and Pakeha and their gratitude for his use of his skill, courage and confidence on their behalf.

It wished him a long and tranquil life. It was signed by three of Whakatane’s oldest residents, Messrs W. Sullivan, A. J. Canning and E. Manurewa.

He was saying farewell to friends he had known for many years, replied Dr Appleby. He had done his best under conditions which were admittedly difficult, after having come to Whakatane by mistake—it had been his intention to open practice in Matamata. He told of work with no hospital and no ambulance and referred to the suffering which could have been prevented had they been there Other pioneers at that time had also worked under difficulties and Dr Appleby thanked the many of them who had helped him. An informal period followed in which old friends said good-bye to Dr Appleby.