VALEDICTORY.

Otaki Mail, 5 July 1922, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

SISTER LEWIS ENTERTAINED. Many friends of Sister Lewis assembled at the Otaki tlieatre last night to bid her farewell prior to her departure fOr England. While the downstabs p<ition was well filled vvith wellwishers ihe dress circle al.-o hold n large number, and it. wns evident that the large gathering was loath to say good-bye to one they held so dear. The "little nurse," as she is popularly ' known, has labored early and late among all classes for their welfare, and her ungrudging services are evidently , appreciated. Luring the evening a dance was indulged in, and line music, supplied by many willing persons, was the moans of causing pleasnre-scekers to make full use of the floor, whip at a suitable interval Mr H. Freeman", one of the oldest residents of the town, was called upon by Mr Davies (secretary) to make a presentation of a wellfilled purse. Mr Freeman, in doing so, apologised for the absence of His Worship the Mayor (Mr Brandon) and Mr Witchell, who was indisposed, and who had been largely instrumental in arranging the gathering. With some feeling Mr Freeman said all had as- j scmbled to bid farewell lo Sister Lewis, who had labored so faithfully in Otaki and district for the past ten years. He had been one of the first, he said, to | oomc into contact with her, due to i holding a position on the Hospital Board, and he had pleasure in testifying to line work she had accomplished. She had made many friends —pcrhaua more thai) anyone else in the district and all had grown not only to esteem her, but to love her. Sister Lewis had worked chiefly among the Natives, and he felt sorry that that race was »o lose such a capable and painstaking nurse. and tho Natives had Ihe sympathy of all in their great loss, fi would, lie fiiid, be a very difficult matter to replace her. Everyone, said Mr Freeman, owed Sister Lewis a debt of grathnde for her good advice and help, and residents would rumember the smile she had for all. Her company, he said amidst applause, was like a ray of sunshine. Not only would adults miss her but there were the children who wore endeared to her. They would miss her very much, especially as she had always given (hem enjoyment. There was one thing, said Mr Freeman, that, was consoling, and that was the fact that although Otaki was to lose a valuable person it would mean a gain for somewhere else. Like otlx-rs he was sorry Sister Lewis was leaving, and he joined with all in wishing her (iod-speed, and trusted shu would always enjoy good health. In conclusion Mr Freeman said all hoped that she would some day return, and that in the meantime they would be pleased to hear of her. (Applause). "For She's a -lolly Good Fellow" was then sung, after which Mr G. H. Harper, on behalf of Sister Lew is, said he nut afraid he could not do justice in replying. He said the Xur.e's heart was full of gratitude, am! that she appreciated all kind things said and done for her. It had always given her pleasure, added Mr Hniper, to work among all classes, and although miles would soon separate them the Xur?c would never forget the people of Otaki. He did not hare tie- information officially. lie said, but he kn»w Sister Lewi? wowid return to Otaki in six months' time. (Applause).

Prior to the coniineucfment of tho proceedings the Otaki Bruv Band rendered splendid selections, and also assisted with the dance music. Credit for the success of the gathering was also due to the committee, of which Mr F. G. Davies was secretary, the ladies who so willingly and capably supervised the suppei arrangement., and all who supplied dan*c mu>ic. As a re.ult of the entertainment nearlv £'_'« was handed to her, besides a lovely purse.