FELICITATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 August 1932, Page 3

FELICITATIONS

-; A iiAPi*t GATHERING. J PRESENTATION TO MATRON ; STRONGMAN. There was a large gathering at l Preeton’s Tea Rooms last evening when j the members of the Westland Hospital Board entertained Matron Strongman at- supper on the occasion of her severJiii her connection with the Board. ) During th|e evening community singling, led by Miss Davidson, was inhlullged in, while songs were x'endered |by Mrs/ Parkin LI and Mrs Paterson. -Miss Haffiday: presided at the piano. /Apologies for absence were made for Mrs Fordham and Mr and Mrs W. A. Jamieson. ' r'Mr W. Jeffries, presided ahd -those' ; present included the guest of the eve/n----'i»g land her intended, husband, Mr C. Gunji of Greymouth, Matron Ander--sson ! .(who took charge of Westland Hospital that day), Mir and Mrs G. A. Perry, Dr. and Mrs Wilson, Dr. ; Tie ieh el man, members of the Board, murseis of . the Hospital, and a very /representative gathering of ladies aiid ’gentlemen. In oponinig the proceedings Mr Jeffries.expressed his pleasure at there being such a large and representative gathering present to tender their good wishes and say farewell to Matron Strongman, and to introduce Matron Anderson who had taken over the duties at Westland Hospital that morn:ing. During his personal experience rof 18 years as a member of the Board they had had a 'number of very fine -women at- the head of the institution and the retiring ‘Matron had fully held high the great- record of her predecessors She had come from Blenheim and the very fine reputation cf her that had come from there had been fully borne out in Westland Hospital. Now she was leaving them for another sphere of/life, and lie was sure all Would extend to her thenvery best wishes for the- best of luck and every prosperity in her new future. The Board recognised it had been signally fortunate to have had ’ the valued services of the retiring •Matron. He again welcomed them to the function and desired to. introduce -.Matron Anderson.

Mr Geo. Davidson (chairman of the House Committee) referred to the list of past Matrons paying a- high tribute ,to their work 'at' Wtetf-iancl Hospital, .and suggested tliht a roll of honour of Matrons should be inscribed. The work of Matron Strongman was referred to in glowing terms, Mr Davidson stating lie had had special personal opiportunites of /seeing her excellent work which was of a very high -standard. He had pleasure in asking acceptance of a dinner service from the Boroughs of Ross, Kumara and Hokitika as. a small token of appreciation, and wished her every success and happiness in the future. Mr T. W. Duff,, chairman of the Finance Committee of the Board, eulogised the splendid services, 'rendered as Matron of Westland Hospital; congratulating , the gentleman who was responsible for the lady leaving tbq hospital, on. hj.s Imppv selection ‘ and wishing both every pros,perity and happiness in the future, Asking acceptance from the people of Westland County of a picture of Southern Lakeis, hie extended best wishes. Dr. Wilson, medical superintedent at Westland Hospital, said in the past year he had had plenty of opportunity of gtiaging the valuable -services rendered by Matron Strongman, who had shown her capabilities. He had always had great confidence in her knowledge of the medical and surgical . work of the hospital. He . .reg/retted that there was the necessity for their happy relations to part, She would carry with her the very .best wishes of the whole staff of the institution. i

Dr. E. Teichelman said in connection with the training of her nurd is, Matron (Strongman lmd been very sue-, cesfirl, giving her nurses a very practical experience. He wished her every happiness in liter new sphere. , ;

Mr W. E. Williams said lie was in cordial agreement with the good wishleb expressed hy the other speakers. He had been ■ glad to hear the tribute paid to previous Matrons. He had been pleased to -sea the compliment paid to Matron Strongman that 'evening, ' and joined in the very hearty expressions of goodwill’ -for her future. - Mr It. Meharry (Board member) said he was very sorry that were losing Matron Strongman. She was a big favourite both in town and country and tliere was general regret at her leaving the hospital! He, extended hearty good wishes' for her future happiness.

Mr 0. Gunn responded on behalf of Matron Strongman. He appreciated tire many kindnesses that had been glowered on Miss Strongman, which had almost overwhelmed her, and had left her speechless, so that lie had. to make the response ori 'her behalf.

He thanked them very heartily for the very generouis expressions of apjireciiifion thaf/'had ble'e'n voiced. He wish Pd'on hfehalf of 'Miss 'Strongman to thank the members of the Board for the many acts of kindness and courtesy and consideration that she had received at theii'hands. What she had done in connection with her nursing work has been a work of love. He had been vary pleased to have heard Mr Davidson’s generous tribute, for he ■"as in a singularly' able position to gunge the work at the institution, also the generous references of Dr. Wilson. He had’ been asked to wish for Miss Ai derson the same cordial assistance from the nutves that had been given ti Mis« Strongman. It was deeply gratifying to find such widespread good

wishes* and be thanked them for blip Ve-vy representative gathering. He also desired to thank them for their very generous gifts. With Miss Strongman, he isiimerely . thanjcedjthroi for the very warm welcome hearty good' wishes. Mr Jeffries then introduced Matron Anderson asking, for the ld|,aL. support given to' past Matrons to. to her. ■•’ - 1 ,7 ■s>'. The toast of “The King” was then; honoured. Mr G. A. Perry (Mayor) proposed the health of “The bridle and brideerroom,” in a humorous manner } in which he paid tribute to the high qualities of, the Matron, -and extended best wishes to both for a happy future. Miss Strongman responded, being received with musical honours. She thanked them all for their attendance that evening and for the very kind remarks made which she felt she did not deserve. She thanked membe-ng of the Board for the very fine gifts they had given her. jvuld Lang Syne and the National Anthem concluded a very pleasant gathering.