VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 April 1929, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

Dr Buchanan, Medical Superinteu dent at the' Hokitika Mental Hos d tal, was farewelled on Wednesday night by the Mayor and citizens at a convivial gathering at .’the Club Rooms, Hamilton Street. There wa a reprosentjative gathering .'|of pui’.li men, and 'gbod wishes were.{expressed to the departing guest. The Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided and TMcpvessed the sentiments of the gathering in cordial terms o' appreciation of the departing 1 tor’s services at the Institution which ho had done so much for while stationed here. The remarks of the Mayor were supplemented by Drs Baird and Teichelmann, Hon. H. L. Michel, M.L.C., and Mr H. M. Coul son, official visitors to the Institution and Mr D. J. Evans, District Coroner.

The references to Dr Buchanan's work at the hospital were very laudatory. It was remarked that he had reformed the old institution out or existence, and his changes and methods had been all for the betterment of the health and happiness of the patients. The Institution was eonducted under a splendid discipline, and its management had been in every way creditable to the Doctor and the staff he directed. Dr Buchanan’s health was drunk with cheers for the worthy Doctor and his wife.

In the course of a feeling reply, Dr Buchanan said he came to the Institution when it was in a transition stage, and he had to carry out the work. He acknowledged he did it with zeal, but it was a time following the war period when money was more plentiful, and the necessary work was done. He felt he had done something useful in seeing that the roadway connecting the two hospital institutions had been put through. Tt was used by the public to some extent but always in a seemly way. and wit.l) the freedom extended the public gave more rational consideration for the patients. Ere commended his successor. Dr Hayes, to the good graces of the people, and he felt that ii they gave Dr Hayes the support he had received from the community, the Institution would continue to function favourably along the lines intended. Oil behalf of Mrs Buchanan and himself he thanked th en heartily and his wife and he would carry away wiili them the happiest recollections of their sojourn in Hokitika. Before the gathering concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, the Mayor extended to Dr Haves a hearty welcome to the town, and hoped his stay would he as pleasant and as useful as that of Dr Buchanan. Dr H ayes said he would find it difficult in following Dr Buchanan whose ability was well understood and recognised by the Department. He would be encouraged by their wel-

come and their friendliness that evening, and it would he his endeavour to do his best in the sphere in which he now found himself.