CIVIC FUNCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 April 1930, Page 3

CIVIC FUNCTION

There was a very representative attendance at the Town Ilall last evening to tender civic farewell to ,‘>r J. ilruce. Baird prior t >, his deparuro from Hokitika. The Mayor (Mi G. A. Perry; occupied the Chair,, being supported by Mr IS. Ward, county Cuainnun, A lie J. «J. Breeze, Chairman oi the ilos] iiai Board, ami ,Dr Teiciielmaim, ex-»\- irgeoii oupeiiutciKtenfc of the Wesll.nd Hospital. The Mayor a-rtu stating me occasion lor trie gatiiei ing, siliu in the ten years Di- .Baird ,bad been here tiiei». was ample evidence of his capacity as a medical man. From one end oi the district to the ‘other be was wed known. There was mingled regret ai Iris departure. They did not wish to lose him, but losing him perforce, he carried with him the goodwill of the community. They would gladly see him remain if it were possible. On behalf of the people ho could wish him sincerely along with Mrs Bairu every happiness and prosperity. Air Bernard Ward said on ibehalf of the County he was pleased to say a word of kindly farewell to the worthy Doctor. Dr Baird had travelled to most parts of the district doing his good work, and the people held the Doctor in high esteem. As

a burgeon and a medical practitioner Dr Baird had been instrumental in saving many lives, and in his practice here had put up a wonderful record. Now ho was going an tty to become'a greater doctor, and on -behalf ’of the country people he joined in the ex pressions of gdodwill for the future of Dr and Mrs Baird. Dr Teiohelmann said he was losing a personal friend, and was parting with Dr Baird with very great regret. For ten years they had worked together and he was going to feel tlie doctor’s departure very, much. He hoped their guests would have a happy holiday and felt sure they would return to New Zealand, for he felt certain they would not be able to stay away.

~ii J. J. Breeze on behalf of the hospital thanked Dr Baird for all' his kindly consideration '.to. the- members and. his great work on behalf .of the institution. Dr Baird, bad (lone wonders for them. As. the surgeon -sup'•rintonrient ho had conducted : the (hospital economically and the ratepayers owed the Doctor a debt of gratitude on that score. Now,he was going to fresh fields arid pasture:new) he hoped , the Doctor would achieve every advancement in his profession and along with his family live long and die happily. Tlie Mayor then presented two rugs to the Doctor, each bearing the initials of the Doctor and Mrs Baird.

Dr Baird s;yd lie felt greatly honoured at so many taring present and for their kind wishes to his family. The appreciative remarks were too generous, and were the outcome of the. traditional AVcst Coast geiieros, ity arid kindness. If his work liad satisfied them it was dtie to the people with wlionri he had beep associated. He referred to the help ..received from Drs Mandl, Buchanan arid Hayes—all whom had rendered special help in his surgical work. Dr Teichelmann. he considered, was Tii-', surgical father. The worthy Doctor ms nn ousts ml ing figure, and lib affection for the Coast was referred to. The Doctor reminded him of Peter Pan. tho character who was credited with refusing to grow old. Thev all knew how loyal Dr Teielielmann was to Westland, and he would no! tolerate anything said a.gainst, tin-diH-irt. Personally they' had got, oiv oriletidid together and the mutual’ help had had the liappieH, result--Dr P>"ird went on to refer to Mr W. E. Williams whose name was a household word in tii- district. Ho spoke also of the Hospital Board and of the. unvarying kindness received from Urn members. They held, the balance in the administration of Hie institution as between efficiency and economy, and rendered faithful service. Mr 0. Davidson as a member of the Board was doing unique service to the community. Ho was doing ii tremendous work in the interests of the people. Air Davidson did everything that.; could lie done, and was an expert in carrying out the tasks ho sot himself. Dv Baird also paid tribute to the Matron, Sisters. Nurses and all associated with the Institution for tlrnir help. There was no class of tlie community more de°ervinf than the m-.rsos for appreciation bv the peoi>le. Tlieir leisure at Imsv times was encroached on and tlie service rriadilv .given. He licspoke a kindly welcome to his successor. Dr Hopkin«.- V'bo had arrived that evening. Dr Hopkins graduated at Otemi. and h”d six years in English hoS'ritn.K He snout three years at Huddersfield when the overlooking surgeons said thev had no hesitation in allowing Dr Hopkins to perform tlie most difficult operations. No doubt the Doctor would succeed here. He was. a native-of C.untorbuv v . v.b.ieli "-b tlm next- host thing + o a V r ov+. Ooaster. Personally, ria'ul Dr Baird in conclusion ho had an unfeigned love of Westland, and -would «m-

tiiinly return again, if tint to stay at lnn.st to visit them, and' ndmh«ion 'to the select Hoitf ”f roasters. On hellalf of his wife ■■ ml himself he

appreciated the splend'l eifts. whwh would always l** l treasured for the associations of their stay in ."VI estland. All he could say was “Thank, you,” and “I wish you all the best of luck.” The meeting closed with musical honours and cheers.