THE LATE SIR JAMES WILSON.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 40035, 5 December 1929, Page 3

THE LATE SIR JAMES WILSON.

MEMORIAL UNVEILED AT

HOSPITAL,

“These wards were,dedicated to the memory of James Glenny Wilson, K.O.M.G. He rendered voluntary and devoted service to this hospital both as. a member and as chairman of the board from 1902 to 1929. Deim nus est quern imiterus.” This is the inscription on the tablet in the new block of the Palmerston North Hospital dedicated to the memory of the late Sir James Wilson, which was unveiled by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral, Sir Charles Fergusson, at Palmerston North on Tuesday. The ceremony was a pleasing cue, in that representatives of' the various hospital bo'ards in the North Island who -are attending the conference in Palmerston North, many of whom were personally acquainted with the late Sir Jaimes Wilson (and all of whom were acquainted with his work, woke present. Many distinguished visitors were present, including the Minister of Health (Hon. A. J. Stallworthy), the Director-General of Health (Dr. Valin tine), and Mr. C. M. Luke, president of the Hospital Boards’ Association.

Theijr Excellencies were conducted over the hospital (by the matron (Mass J. N. MeGlhie) in the absence through illness of the superintendent (Dr. Ward). A guard of honour was formed by the nursing staff. A tribute to the many sterling qualities of the late Sir James Wilson was paid by the .chaaiman of the Palmerston North Hospital Board (Mr. J. K. Hornblow), win? extended a welcome to (the distinguished visitors. The late Sir James Wilson, who had done so much for suffering humanity, had taken an active interest in the Hospital Board since its inception, he said, and he had been responsible for the passing of the Bill in 1891 enabling the district to obtain _.a hospital. His life had been an inspiration, said the speaker. Mr. Hornblow read a telegram from an cx-Minister of Health, Sir Maui Pornare, expressing regret that he could not be present, but slating that he was present in doing ihomeage to one of New Zealand’s most illustrious sons. Dr. Valintine also spoke briefly, stating that the late Sir James, whom he had known well person ■ ally, had done his work zealously and well,, as befitted a Britisher. His Excellency, in unveiling the tablet, said that-there was little he could add to what had been said by the chairman with regard to the late Sir James Wilson. The chairman had spoken of the wonderful dream that was the work of Sir James Wilson. “One think I think he lias not touched on is that Sir .James was first and . foremost a great Scotsman,” said His Excellency. Although Sir James had done so much for New Zealand, he H-membercd him especially by little words and 'actions that showed how wrapped up he was with his native land. His life, he thought-, could he summed up in one word, “Duty.” “He was one of those wonderful spirits we meet once in a lifetime,” said 'His Excellency.