“A HUMANE MAN”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 May 1938, Page 6

“A HUMANE MAN”

TRIBUTES TO MR. EWINGTON HOSPITAL BOARD RECORD Glowing tributes to the splendid services rendered by Mr J. C. Ewington during his 35 years as a member of the board were paid by members at today’s meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Hospital Board. Sincere regret was also expressed at the fact that, through his failure to nominate in time, he was no longer a member of the board. After welcoming the new members, Mrs J. Robertson, Miss E. Card, Messrs A. Forsberg and I. McLeod, the chairman, Mr H. H. Mawley, went on to refer to the work of the retiring members. Dr G. S. Sharp, he said, had been a member of the board for seven years, Mr F. W. Parry for six years, Mr R. Smith for fifteen years and Mr Ewington for 35 years. All had rendered very useful service, and had always been most considerate when dealing with the poor and needy.. Had Mr Ewington’s nomination been lodged in time he probably would have still been a member of the board. He suggested that members should each make a small monetary contribution towards a presentation to Mr Ewington in recognition of his many years of fine service. Mr Arch.’ Clark said he heartily approved of the suggestion. “Mr Ewington’s record is unique,” observed Mr J. F. Thompson, who added that he had been associated with Mr Ewington on the board for twenty years. They had lost a man of ability, sound common sense and practical ideas. He was always most humane in his administration of hospital affairs. Mr Smith had also given long service and had proved himself to be an able business man. They owed a lot to Dr Sharp for his advice on medical matters. Mr Parry had possessed farreaching ideas, and it was regrettable that he was not still a member of the board. Mrs S. Fletcher added her tribute to Mr Ewington and said he knew everybody and had the kindest way of dealing with cases of sickness and distress. “You would have all been very pleased if he had been nominated,” she added, “because I am sure I would not have been here.” (Laughter). Mr C. T. Richardson said he did not think it was the function of the board to make any presentation to Mr Ewington. That should be left to the people he represented. A letter of appreciation was all that was required. Messrs W. B. Martin and W. T. Armstrong agreed with Mr Richardson’s remarks and it was decided to forward letters of appreciation to the four retiring members.