AFTER FIFTY YEARS

Hokitika Guardian, 13 April 1932, Page 3

AFTER FIFTY YEARS

OF PUBLIC SERVICE MR J. J. BREEZE HONOURED. There was a large gathering at the Town Hall last evening, about one hundred ladies and gentlemen being present, when Mr J. J. Breeze was presented with a purse of sovereigns and a handsome testimonial in recognition of fifty years service as Chairman and member of the Hospital Board.,

J- The Mayor (Mr G. Ay Perry) presided, Mr J. J. Breeze and his daughter (Mrs Jacobs) being on his right, with members of the Hospital Board and Mr Bruce, secretary, also seated at the table:

During the evening a, handsome bouquet was presented by Matron Strongman to Mrs Jacobs. Mr Perry in a' short address said the meeting was for the purpose of doing honor to their esteemed citizen, Mi J. J. Breeze, who lied been a valued citizen of the toivn for well over half a century. Mr Breeze had, through that long period, assisted in every possible manner and had done everything possible to advance the best interests of the town As he had reached Ids half century in connection with hospital matters in this town it was thought >t suitable occasion to acknowledge those very’ valuable services, and he was glad to see such a large and representative gathering present.

Apologies. - The Mayor road a number of apologies from Hon. J. A. Young (Minitser of Health), Messrs G. Harker (Gro.vmouth), B. Wai’d (Arnhura), Sullivan Bros, (Weheka), J. A. Doctor (AVe.lington), R. Melmrr.v, Cooke, MeGuigan, J. J. Mcrntosli, G. W. Keller, A. B. Spiers (Mayor of KumaraJ, the Nurses of the Maternity Home and others. Tho telegram from the Hon. J. A. Young (Minister of Health) was as follows: — Concerning your kind invitation to "Y be iii Hokitika to-day to do honour to Mr J. J, Breeze, the worthy and highly respected Chairman of the Westland Hospital Board, I much regret that on account of Parliament sitting, it is not niy privilege to he able to be present. However, it affords me the utmost pleasure to telegraph my tribute of appreciation of the 50 years of earnest and devoted service rendered by Mr Breeze to the community ot Westland in the administration of hospital affairs. His efforts in the cause /'- of suffering humanity provide a shining S example for all to follow and it in \ grand to know that bis good wife « ,1,. entitled to and is able to share with him the glory of to-day’s demonstracion of appreciation of work nobly done, let me join with all vour citizens in wishing that Mr and Mrs Breeze mnv he blest with yet manv years o- health A and strength to continue the good .Work which has been to them a labour of love and devotion.

The Address, The following address in a handsome frame was then read by Mr T W. Bruee, and presented bv the Mayor, who said Mr Breeze had always done his best for the town, mainly in the Hospital Board, and also the Borougn Council, and other public bodies, while his good wife, Mrs Breeze, had proven a worthy helpmate. He also wished Mr Breeze to accept the accompanying purs 6 as a substantial tribute and recognition of past services so honourably given.

TO JOHN JEROME BREEZE Esq., CHAIRMAN, WESTLAND HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD, HOKITIKA, 1882—1932. Dear Sir, —On behalf of the people of West-land we are afforded the greatest pleasure in congratulating you on the completion of half a century’s service as a Member and for the past 12 years as Chairman of the Westland Hospital and C. Aid Board and the institutions which preceded it. The public realize and appreciate your earnest and disinterested work in the cause of relieving the sick and needy. This has entailed an exacting demand on your time and patience ana we sincerely trust the appreciation oi tlie public may in some small measure recompense you there or.

We should also like to record the fact that you have taken your part in public life and responded to the responsibilities of citizenship as an active member of nearly all our local bodies and institutions, and that in matters pertaining to the welfare of the town and province you have always done vour share.

In your administrative capacity you have observed such economy as is consistent with efficiency, and those who have to pay rates and taxes are not unmindful of the policy o" vour Board which has given the institution under its charge a high place in regard to efficient and economic administration. You have worthily discharged vour public duties and the long period over which your activities have extended make, we think, an unique re'-oivl for this Dominion. Wo do not forget Hat Mrs Breeze has done her. part and has at all times, so far as it camp within hpv province, assisted in every worthy object, .and to her we also tender our thanks and congratulations. Tn making this public iccognitloif tlm subscribers hereto desire to convey to you, Mrs Breeze, and your family, their simerest desire for your future welfare and happiness. 1 For and on hehal' 5 of fhe people of! Westland, G. A. PERRY. Mayor of Hokitika, I J. MURDOCH Mayor of Ross. 1 A. R. SPIERS. Mavor o ' Kumnra. I M. KEENAN, County Chairman, D. J. EVA NR, President R.R.A.. J. J. McINTOSH. Pros. Racing Club, E. TEICHELMANN. Pres. Progress League, W. JEFFRIES, Chairman. T W. BRUCE. Hon. Secretary. Hokitika. April 12th, 1932.

The Speeches

Mr Geo. Davidson said be bad the honour to present an pin togrnph of Mr Breeze and the members of the Board. Over such, a long period of fifty years, Mr Breeze ha c ] done wonders for the welfare o' the hospital, and he outlined much that had passed in the earlier stages of the institution. To-day they had a hospital that for its siz, compared with any in the Dominion. With the knowledge of what Mr Breeze had done before them they recognised the splendid work accomplished during that long period of years. Great credit was due also- to those who had been associated with Mr Breeze in the long past. He had tiler sure in presenting the framed photograph as another memento of appreciation. Mr M. Keenan (County Chairman), said he was pleased to voice appreciation o! Mr Breeze’s services to the town, not only on the Hospital Board j but to every sport in the town over ; such a long period of years. Dr. Teiehehnann said he was pleased to lie present. He quite agreed with the references to Mr and Airs Breeze. He had 35 years comiectioh with MiBreeze and was very glad to lie associated with the function that even- i big.

Mr W. F. Williams endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, which were all deserved. No one was more respected that Mr Breeze and. no one deserved this- recognition more. The speaker could remember the time when Mr Breeze was married. He was a fine athletic man then and was highly respected and lie had held their respect ever sineq. Mr Bree.-.o had been connected with all sporting associations and had done everything possible for the benefit of Westland Hospital. He heartily joined in the good wishes for Mr and Mrs Breeze. Mr W. Jeffries expressed as Chairman of the organisers of the function his pleasure of seeing such a large assemblage present to do honour to their guest Mr Breeze. Mr Brecr.c was a man of many parts. He iiacf had 18 years connection with Mr Breeze on the Hospital Board. They had Mr Breeze, the citizen, they knew he had won the Royal Humane Society medal, and he had done Ins utmost to save the lives of the people. Mr Breeze’s life was an inspiration to the young people of the district. His whole life had been one long inspiration. He bad always been kind to tfie sick and ailing. He paid a very warm tribute in concluding, of the special assistance given by Mrs Breeze at all times.

.Mr T. W. Duff said he had known Mr Breeze for many years, and had been associated in hospital matters for a long period. He was glad to associate himself wftli (lie present recognition of the services of Mr Breeze who had done ynernan service over such a long period of years. Mr IT. M. Coiilson said it was 2b years ago since he first was associated with Mr Breeze in public life, and lie could associate himsell with the remarks of the previous speakers. While lie congratulated Mr Breeze on Ins fifty years of service, lie also wished to congratulate those who bad organised the present recognition of those services. Mr K. W. Selby said he was pleased to bo present to congratulate Mr Breeze that evening. He had been associated with Mr Breeze on the old

Hospital Trustees 2b years ago and had recognised the valued services Mr Breeze, had always given for the benefit of the institution and district. Mr J. J. Breeze who was received with loud and continued applause on rising, said the good things that had been said of him had not been deserved. ’file members of t-lie Board and the Secretary deserved the praise. He had done what he could, but that was very little. His memory carried him back to the earliest days of the hospital at Hokitika and its various medical officers, who were named till he came to that of his esteemed friend Hr. Toiehelmaii, who was in the employ of the Board for 35 years, and there was never one who had done such work for the Hospital as he had. The first Hospital Board meeting was in 1860 at Kanieri. The progress of the years were referred to in interesting terms. He concluded by thanking all associated with the movement of that evening, and the Board members for tho great assitance they bad all given him. He thankful those present for coming there that night. “For lie’s a jolt v good fellow.” with cheers for Mr and Mrs Breeze, followed bv the National Anthem concluded that portion of the gathering. At Supper. An adjournment was then made to Preston’s Tca-roojps where supper was partaken of, over fifty being present. The toast of “The King” was proposed by the Mayor, and Mr H. M. Coiilson proposed that of “'I be Guest to which Mr Breeze replied, am! shortly after Auhl Dang Syne and the National Anti brought a notable gathering to a successful conclusion.