VALEDICTORY SOCIAL

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10888, 7 April 1927, Page 6

VALEDICTORY SOCIAL

FAREWELL TO DR. MULLIN.

COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIBUTE. A largely-attended social in the,Masonic Hall last evening, representing the medical, legal, -professional and private circles, testified to the high esteem in which Dr. W. J. Muilin, who is leaving in a day or two to live in retirement in Dunedin. The Mayor (Mr R. Gaibraith) presided. In proposing the toast of "Our Guest, Dr. Muilin," the Mayor said it was fitting that a public farewell should be accorded to him. From what he had observed through. all the years he had been in Ashburton, the Doctor had taken a very keen interest in. many of the principal institutes of the town. He had taken prominent parts in all things working for the advancement of Ashburton. and he had done his duty as a medical hum for quite twenty years. His happy, cheerful and kind nature had endeared him to all sections of the community. He was going to the Scots' town of New Zealand, where he was sure of a hearty welcome and where he would soon lie in the midst of genial company. One , and all in Ashburton would miss him greatly, and if many wishes could ensure long life and happiness, then those wishes were in the heart of each one of the residents cf Ashburton. While the committee in charge of the social that night recognised that the Doctor did not desire a presentation, they would nevertheless like him to accept a specially-bound ccnv of the toastlist.

The Mayor then handed 'to Dr. Muilin the. toast-list enclosed in a handsome suede cover bearing a replica of a- Maori chief's head, as a symbol of his connection with the Ashburton Savage Club.

The Little-krfDwn Side. Mr J. Cow, on behalf of tha Ashburton Permanent Building and Investment Society (of which Dr. Muilin was a director) endorsed the M a y o: *' s remarks, and extended hearty wishes for the Doctor's long life and happiness. He had seen Dr. Muilin in homes where, tragedy had paused, take off his coat, roll up his sleeves, and do menial duties for the bereaved. This was a side of his life that few knew of.

Mr T. M. Clark (on behalf of the Competitions Society) said the Society had many happy recollections of his association with it. In his work for the Shakespeare Club he had also endeared himself to the members, who would not readily forget the genial Doctor. He had a wonderful literary knowledge, and he had ever been ready to give of his knowledge to the members. Speaking of the Doctor's professional life, Mr Clark said he had heard of many instances whereby, the Doctor had shewn his great humanity.

A Good Doctor and a Good Friend. ■On behalf of the Ashburton Friendly Societies, Mr F. Pritehard paid a tribute to Dr. Muilin, whose departure meant that they were losing not only a good doctor but also a very good friend to the 2000 members of the Friendly Societies, who wished him many happy years iu well-earned retirement. . Mr T. J. Bucktcn (Great Chief of the Savage Club) spoke of the interest he had taken in the Club. _ „■ "A Life of Slavery."

When Doctor Mull in rose to reply he was greeted with a storm of applause and cheers. He helieved that the en- - thusiasm that night had been prompted more by ' their kindness than by his merit. If people liked him it was probably due to the fact that he liked them. (Applause). He thanked them sincerely for their kindly references. He had followed an exceedingly hard profession, as a medical man was always liable to he called out .on duty. Nature, luck, and Providence were often on the side of the medical man. He returned thanks for the token presented to him, andN he was also exceedingly pleased with the apt Shakespearean quotations inserted throughout the toast list. In the Shakespeare- Club he had derived a great deal of pleasure, and he had taken his recreation there, for he was mot an enthusiast with regard to sports, though he did have a "bowling figure." No one. had mentioned the Workers' Educational Association which he had had the pleasure of helping, and he was pleased to see that the association was "going strong." From all his other activities the had also derived great pleasure. 'The doctor referred to his everyday life, which had been termed by someone "a life of slavery," while someone else had replied: "Yes, slavery on the Guinea Coast." (Laughter). The doctor then went on to relate some stories of his profession. In conclusion he again thanked the gathering for their good wishes for himself and for Mrs Mullin. Proposing the toast of "The Medical Profession," Mr J. T. Thomas said it was a subject that allowed great scope for an orator, but as h© was no speaker he had no intention of delving into the archives and telling: them of the great work done for civilisation by such men as Pasteur, Lister, etc., and that wonderful woman, Madame Currie (the discoverer of radium). Suffice it to say that without the medical profession our world would be a dangerous place to live in. He gave instances of the wonderful heights the profession had attained. Mr Thomas referred also to the goodfellowship and comradeship displayed by the practitioners in Ashbur- . ton, an example to' all other callings, and he thought it would lie much better for everyone if they adopted that same good feeling in the various walks of life. (Applause). • The toast was replied to by Drs. J. Russell Wells and W. Pv. Ryburn. The members of the Savage Club then gave their haka of farewell to Dr. Mullin.

" The final toast of the evening was "The Chairman," which was proposed by Mr T. J. Hunter, and replied to by Mr Galbraith.

The gathering dispersed after the singing""of "Auld Lang Syne." An enjoyable programme was interspersed throughout the toast list, the following giving items: —Messrs L. J. Watt, H. Naylor, V. W. Russell, A. H. Todd, W. B. Cadzow, and C. Branigan.