DRUIDS’ SOCIAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 524, 22 September 1902, Page 3

DRUIDS’ SOCIAL.

FAREWELL TO DR. CRAIG AND WELCOME TO DR. MORRISON.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING

11 Welcome (ho coming and speed the parting guest,” might have been taken a* the keynote of the social held at Whinray's Hall on Friday evening last The gathering was promoted by the Turanganui Lodge of Druids and was intended as a farewell to Dr. Craig, the Lodgei's, doctor for over six years, and also as a welcome to his successor Dr. Morrison. Over a hundred and j twenty members of the Lodge were present, the chair being occupied by Bro. P. Greaves, A.D., who was supported on the right, by Dr. Craig, and on the left by Dr. Morrison. The visiting brethren present were Bros. C.

11. A mbridge (Manchester Union of Odd/Cilows), R. Robb (American Order of Oddfellows), C. F. Lewis fCourt William Gladstone U.A.O. Foresters), 0. Goldsworthy and Poole (Kw habites), B. Maynard (Hibernian Society). Apologies for non-attendance on account of prior engagements were received from Drs Cole, Fisher, and Williams. Full justice having been done to the excellent spread provided by Host Craig, the evening was- devoted to harmony, a number of toasts being ■proposed. That of “ Tho King, ” was proposed by Arch-Druid Bro. (leaves, and drunk with musical honors. The toast of the “ Ancient Order of Druids ” was also duly honored. Mr J. Nutting proposed the toast of

‘‘The Grand Lodge of New Zealand,” and in the course of an excellent speech referred to the progress the order had made of recent years in Die colony Mr Nutting highly eulogised the services rendered to the. Turanganui Lodge by Dr Craig, whose departure from the district, was greatly regretted He pointed out Dr Craig iiad been connected with the Lodge for over six years, during which time lie had won the respect and admiration of all the members. It, was some satisfaction, however, to know that lie wit's to be succeeded by one so qualified as Dr Morrison, who could rely on receiving a warm welcome.

Bro. S. J. Spiers’ name was coupled with the tons! cf the “ Grand Lodge,” and that gentleman made an excellent speech. Bro. Gush gave a fine rendering of “The Sleeping Gamp.” “ The Medical Profession," coupled with the name of Dr Morrison, was proposed by Bro. It. Johnston, who stated that he deemed it a great privilege to be Piloted such a duty. He attributed a good deal of the success of the Turanganui Lodge to the fact that it had always had good doctors. (Applause.) Most of those present that evening had been acquainted with the Doctor from their youth upwards. (Laughter.) “ Most of us„” continued Bro. Johnston, amid much laughter, “ made our first appbarancc on this mortal scene with the assistance of the |

doctor, and ever .since we have heen relying upon him to keep ns out of danger. We always rush for the doctor before we run for the parson. It is strange but true that in this colony a great many may he seen raising their hats to the doctors, but seldom to the ministers. That will show you the respect we have for the doctors.” Continuing, Bro. Johnston said that the Turangamii Lodge had been phenomenally successful in regard to the doctors that tiad been associated witii it, and from the impression that Dr. Morrison had already made there was reason to believe that.this same good fortune would continue. (Applause.) He remembered sixteen years ago, when the .'Lodge : sought, the services of Dr limes. At that time, they were only 25 strong, but to-day they were' in the proud position of Having nearly 300 members. He was sure that he expressed the feelings of all when he said that he sincerely regretted the departure of Dr Craig, who had always taken a keen and lively interest in the

affairs of the Lodge, They had learned not only to respect, him but to love him. (Cheers.) Those members who had hail the need for the doctor’s services in their families had found him kind, affectionate, and a mos practitioner. (Applause.) He took that opportunity of welcoming Dr Morrison. He welcomed him not only as a member of the Lodge, but as a citizen of New Zealand. A citizen of Clod's own country. (Cheers;.) He considered that they were highly privileged in having had the chance of obtaining such a professional man as Dr Morrison as a successor to Dr Craig. (Applause.) On behalf of the Lodge, he extended to him a warm and hearty welcome. Dr Morrison, who, on rising, was received with cheers, said that he desired to thank the members for the hearty welcome they had given him that evening. He also desired to thank them for the confidence that they had shown by the votes in electing him as Dr Craig's successor. (Applause.) 11 I feel that I hardly deserve such confidence,” said Dr Morrison. “ I came

amongst you as a stranger, and have received many kindnesses at your hands. At the same time I can assure you that I will do my best to merit that confidence, which many of you have not yet had a chance of putting to the test. I thank Mr Johnston for the kind remarks that he has made in regard to the medical profession and as he aptly pointed out, I am afraid you will find it a necessary evil.” In continuing, Dr Morrison said, when he looked around and saw so many healthy faces lie almost felt that his occupation was gone. Few of them required much from him or front any other medical man. He 'hanked them for the manner in which the toast had been received. Mr C. F. Lewis, who was in excellent voice, contributed a song. Bro. Cleaves, A.D., said that, he had an exceedingly pleasant duty to perform, and that was to present to Dr Craig an illuminated address from the members of the Lodge. They had, one and all, the utmost admiration for Dr Craig, whom they had found a most able and skilful practitioner. (Cheers) It was worthy of mention that during the whole time that Dr Craig had been connected with the Lodge there had < i ..... n »wl 110

not been one complaint, and that, ho thought, was saying a good deal.. lie thought that the medical officer had reason to feel proud in having given satisfaction to a Lodge oi such great numerical -strength. (Applause.) The members had decided that the best way to show thier appreciation of the excellent services rendered by Dr Craig was to present him with an illustrated address. They deemed that it was most lilting to the occasion. (Applause.) The address was signed by over a hundred members of the Lodge, and had time permitted, tie knew the signature of every member on the roll could have been obtained with the greatest of pleasure. The district was a. widely scattered one, and many of the members could not be reached, hut speaking for them all lie could say that they deeply regretted Dr Craigs departure from Gisborne, and wishtu him and his family every prosperity and happiness in the future. (Gheei. •) 'lit It t oi the address was as loi-

"Dv Craig, Gisborne. Dear Sir. and Brother.-—Wo, tho undersigned past and present officers and members of tho above Lodge tako tho occasion of your departure from this town and district to express herewith our warm appreciation of your services as medical|ollicer for a period extendin" ovor six years, and to gratefully testify on behalf of ourselves, wives and children tho high esteem in which we hold you as an able and skilful practitioner. We further desire to express our deep rogrot that wo shall bo shall be sovered from your geniality and sympathy as a useful brother and respected citizen, as , linow that whenever opportunity has presented itself you have invariably dono good, and have striven to benoiit tho community in which wo live. Wo arc, respected sir and brother, yours fraternally and faithfully.” Then follow 100 signatures of past and present officers and members.

Bro. Little, P.D.F.. corroborated the remarks which had fallen from the Arch Druid, and made eulogistic reference to tho services rendered to the Lodge, by Dr Craig, whom they all joved 4 jrls also welcomed Pr Woe*

rison amongst them. Bro. Sawyer followed in the samestrain, and asked Dr Craig if, prior to his leaving Gisborne, he would favor the Lodge with an enlarged photograph of himself, to be placed in the Lodge room. Bro. H. Miller endorsed the sentiments of the previous speakers, and he made special reference to the fact, that I)r Craig had heen connected with I lie Lodge for over six years-, and then relations had throughout been of the pleasantest.

i Bro. P. Maher, and the .Secretary of the Lodge, Bro. D. C. Hawkins, also 1 made pleasing reference to the services I rendered by Dr Craig. In replying, Dr Craig said that the members of the Lodge, m presenting him with such a magnificent gift, had made it most difficult for him to adequately thank them for their kindness. It was- impossible for him to explain the feelings that he had towards the i

brethren of tin- Lodge. In the course ni Ins professional career it had been his lot to have a lilt!,- farewell al each place that he had heen at, hut never upon any occasion had he seen such imanitnilv and good feeling displayed as there was that evening. lie

fully appreciated the many kindnesses and true friendship that -tad l-een accorded to him by members during his residence in Gisborne (applause;. In dealing with cases lie had at- all times U -ated members as well as it was in his power to do, and he thought that

they had been very complimentary to the skill that, he possessed—in fact, had exaggerated it. (Voices : No! No') Referring to the address Dr Craig said it, pleased him liet-ter than any address he had ever received, and the artistic work would have done credit, to the best artist in the old country. He had seen many illuminated addresses, but the majority to his mind were outdone (Laughter.) They, had so much work round the edges that one could not. see the address inside. (Laughter.) Continuing, Dr Craig spoke of the excessively arduous and responsible duties

that doctors had to perforin. “ After being out day and night, for three and four days in succession—when you are weary and knocked up, you- will perhaps he called out to attend an urgent case, and you hrf,ve to go. It is at, such times you feel that you would prefer t.o have employment in some other branch of life. But when you receive the gratitude of the patient all else sinks into oblivian, and one feels happy that he is a medical man. (Applause.) Gratitude is the thing that actuates the medical man, and gives him renewed life and interest in his work—it is that feeling of gratitude that the majority express when they know that they are treated well. (Applause.) It. is worth all the work and toil that you do for if. (Applause.)

Men in other professions and walks of life are paid, but the whole lot sinks insignificance in comparison with thatgratitude which a medical man tcceives from a patient whom, lie na.s treated, and whose life, as most people aver, he has saved—or at least they imagine that lie has,” humer-jiisly added tiic speaker. His real reason for leaving the district was that lie ’, -eid the work becoming too heavy for him, and he preferred to take up a practice in a place where he could have it around him. An opponent of his had once said

that) ho was too grasping, and perhaps j there was some truth in it. He did not care to throw up part of his practice, so lie had decided to give it all up. After making n geneial refeicrce to Friendly Societies and the advantages to he gained irom them Dt Oiaig concluded : " I wish them all success, hut may the U.A.O.D No. prosper better than any other." (Cierrs.) l!ro. Ilawk-ins gave a clever rendering of the Coster song, “ My old imich,’’ an encore being insisted upon. The toast “ Visiting Brethren ius proposed by firo. Grifferi, vho in the course of a neat speech, referred to tingood feeling that existed between the Druid s and the other Friendly Societies. Me also look the opport ni'y to express appreciation of the services

rendered bv Dr Craig. 11 They till love Jack," was sung in good style by Dr Craig. ‘ Bro. Am bridge, responding on henaif of the Manchester Union of Oddfellows, thanked the members for the enthusiastic manner in which the toast had been received. lie expressed regret that Dr Craig was leaving the d'skict but it was a matter ot congratulation that the Turanganui Lodge was obtaining the services of a gentleman so well qualified as Dr Morrison. Bro. R. Robb, Secretary of the American Order of Oddfellows, said Rial wherever Dr Craig went he would Mill be the same genial soul, llewassuic that they all wished Dr Craig and nis family every happiness. Bro. C. F. Lewis endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, and touching on affairs of interest- lo Ihe Lodge, iie strongly urged 'hat a superannuation scheme in connection with Friendly Societies should be adpti 1. lie thought it was a matter of poor consolation that a Lodge should have

several thousand pounds to heir crcuil anil yet not he able to help nicnurs who had been twenty-five ..cars in the. Lodge, and who required assist;, net. lie hoped -to see something done towards effecting an improvement in Inis direction. 1-le congratulated the Lodge on the appointment of Dr Morrison. Bro. Goldsworthy, or the Keehabite Order, said that lie came to -he social that evening wit!) a message Torn the Rcehabjte Lodge, and that message, he added, was an expression of regret at the departure of Dr Craig from Gisborne. Dr Craig had made 1 inself deservedly popular, and they could ill afford to lose him. Bro. 13. Maynard, of the Hibernian Order, also added testimony to the personal, woortli of Dr Craig. Although the Lodge he (Bro. Mayngrd) represented had only recently been estaulished in Gisborne, it was one of the oldest Lodges in New Zealand and Australia. He extended a warm welcome to Dr Morrison, who would become po-

pular with the memk-rs. Dr Morrison, who on rising to speak, was greeted with cheers, thanked the several speakers ior tue kind lelerencea that they had made lo himself. He came to New Zealand a perfect stranger, and he had never been in any place where ho had met with such a reception us lie bad received that evening. He heartily thankiu them one and all fur their kindness. Afcor a song by Bro. 0. Neild, the teas; “ United Ancient Order ol Druids,' coupled with tbo name of Bro. Sawyei, was introduced by Dr Craig, who said that he was afraid ho could not say much in regard lo the general work of friendly societies. Such matters were best left to the members. One could not go through the world without recognising tho greatbenefit which men received by belonging to a friendly society. He looked upon the benefits accruing from a lodgo as a sort of insurance, almost equal to the best companies in tho world. Tho amount paid by members of the various lodges was small compared to the benefits they re-

ceived. They did not miss the money at the time, and it was a grand thing in time of sickness to fall back upon £1 per week and free medical attendance. As compared to tho Old Country, they were in a kind of Paradise in New Zealand. (Cheers.) Passing on, Dr Craig said the medical men were better paid for t-hc lodges in New Zealand than in any placo in the world. With regard to the remarks fallen from J3ro. Lewis in regard to the superannuation scheme, he thought that it would be an excellent thing if some such arrangement, as he suggested, were adopted, and continuing, tho Doctor, characteristically remarked : “ I quite agreo | with him, that when a poor man is down, j it is not the time to turn dog on him. j (Cheers.) On the other hand, every effort j should be made to assist him." Dr. Craig said ho would take that opportunity of

OaiU IIU wuuiu mau vuv.u ui thanking tho brethren of visiting Societies for tbetr very kind remarks. He also dosirod to thank thorn for the friendship that they had extended to his successor. Bro. Goldsworthy contributed a recitation, and Bro. Sawyer rnado an excellent reply on behalf of the Druids. Bro. B. Johnston was pressed to sing, and after much persuasion, favored the gathering with a Scotch ditty. “ The music of it has never been written,” humorously remarked Bro. Johnston. “ I have tried all the accompanists in the district, but they havo failed. The song was much appreciated. “ The Press ” was proposed by Bro. Little, who, in the course of an excellent speech, referred to the kindly aid that the friendly societies received from tho papers in Gisborne. “How We Beat the Favorite” was rocked by Bro. McCabe. Mr W. Gaudm, in replying to tho toast

of “ Tho Press,” complimented the members upon tho flourishing state of Lodge Turatiganui, wliicb in less than 16 years had increased in membership from 26 to nearly 300. It was an indication that the district was progressing, aud that the young men believed in thrift. Ho congratulated the Lodge upon the appointment of Dr Mouison, and was sure that that gentleman would give them tho same satisfaction that Dr Craig bad done. Bro. Maynard sang in good stylo 11 rhere’ll be a Hot Time.” Tho toast of “ Tbe Ladies ” was proposed by Bro. H. Miller, who coupled with it tbe names of Messrs Gush and Jarman.

Bro. Dower sang an Irish melody, which was given with much success. Bro. Jarman, replying on behalf of the ladies, said that in New Zealand the fair sex were in advance of other countries, having received the franchise. That being so, he thought it would be more in keeping if they were to attend such functions as the one this evening and respond on their own behalf. On behalf of the absent sisters he thanked them for the way in which they had responded to the toast. Bro. Gush was too nervous to make a speech, and instead thereof sang “ The Gallants of England.” The toast of "The Chairman,” proposed by Bro. Little, was the last on the list, and in responding, Bro. Geaves said tiiat he had been in Lodge Turangauui six years, and having attended regularly he had gone through tho chairs, He thanked the members for the kindness they had at all times extended towards him.

The company then sang “ Auld Lang Syne,” and cheers were given for Drs. Craig and Morrison, the gathering breaking up at midnight.