AN APPRECIATION.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1506, 31 July 1912, Page 6

AN APPRECIATION.

OF MR. W. C. BUCHANAN, M.P. AT EDUCATION BOARD. Mr. "\Y. C. Buchanan,,M.P„ the generous donor of a Home for incurables at Greytown, in the Wairnrapn, was cordially felicitated by his fell'ow-meipbers on tho Wellington Education Board yesterday, when the chairman of the board (Jlr. Robert Lee) moved:—

"That this board congratulates its oldest member, Jlr. W. C. Buchanan, JI.P., on tho opening of the Buchanan Home for Incurables, erected by him in Greytown, and the board heartily wishes him years of health, and that he may realise the benefit conferred upon the Dominion by his generous gift, and by his very long and valuable services as a member of this board."

Tho motion was seconded by Mr. J. Kebbell, who hoped that the donor would be spared to witness the value to the community, and to tho Dominion, of this philantrophic institution. These sentiments were endorsed by Mr. J. G. W. Aitkcn, who said that he appreciated -Mr, Buchanan's great goodness of heart in making such a gift to Greytown, and felt sure that nothing Mr. Buchanan had done in tho whole of his life would all'ord him deeper satisfaction to contemplate as time .went on as tho fact that the benefits of his generous plrilantrophy wero being accorded to deserving men and women. Mr. A. W. Hogg said that actions of tho kind.. performed by Jlr. Buchanan wero conspicuously rare, in this part of the country at any rate. Ho. had no doubt that the Buchanan Homo would do valuable service to tho community as a. means of relieving distress. Tho Jonor had set an example to other wealthy colonists. Philanthropic cff<rt of this kind should bo stimulated by snch examples. They had in New Zealand ■ moil and women leaving considerable wealth wiincut leaving anything to deserving •institutions, and this reflection constituted a blemish oil our reputation for philanthropy. Tho motion was carried unanimously, with applause.

Mr. Buchanan, who spoko with somo feeling, sail that after 30 years' membership on tho Education Board, in association with Mr. Lee and other members, he felt it impossible to adequately express liis appreciation and gratitude for tho sentiments ho had just heard. Tho first inmate of th» home, ho remarked, was one of tho best working men he had kno'vi in the Wairarapa—in New Zealand, for that matter—but lie had fallen upon .sad times, and was now helpless from an incurable disease. It was a pleasure to him (tho speaker) to reflect that this worthy man's declining years would be spent iii comfort. (Hear, hear.)