FAREWELL LUNCHEON TO DR. T. MORTON

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30092, 28 March 1963, Page 8

FAREWELL LUNCHEON TO DR. T. MORTON

"The medical euperinten-dent-in-chief of the North Canterbury Hoepital Board bae many duties—to look after the intereets ot the public, to see that the dictates of the board are obeyed; to fit in with the desires of the nursing staff; and to see that the medical staff are looked after,’* the chairman of the medical staff (Mr A. M. Hartnell) said at the board's farewell luncheon to Dr. T. Morton, its retiring medical supenntendent-in-chief, yes-

terday. "Anyone who can do all these things efficiently and at the Mme tune retain everyone’s goodwill, as Dr. Morton has, has done a thumping good job,” Mid Mr Hartnell. The chairman of the board (Dr. L. C. L. Averill) paid a tribute to Mrs Morton, who was also entertained at the luncheon. It had meant a lot to the hospital service for Dr. Morton to have had such a happy home behind him. Dr. Averill Mid. Mrs M. Chambers, the matron-in-chief, said the nurses “loved his originality.” “You have an understanding way of helping us to deal with our own problems," she told Dr Mc.ton. The board’s secretary (Mr J. G. Laurenson) said Dr. Morton was “not just an administrator but an Individual, with very dear attributes.”

Dr. Morton, who will retire to a farmlet at Cust, said be had come to New Zealand 14 years ago with a desire for freedom. “I think I have found it,” he added. “Before I go back I want to Kratch the surface of the soil. I feel this is the only thing that really matters. “I shall see the hoepital situation better at Cust, when I have stepped away from it a little,” he Mid. “What a terrible word ‘Cust’ is," he said. “One day when I first bought the cottage there, a man came rushing down from the hotel, quite a distance away, to tell me I was wanted urgently by the hospital. I went back with him at full speed and rang the hospital operator, who told me there was an urgent telegram from Auckland. She opened ft for me. and ft was from a medical student asking me to guarantee him a job next year. ‘ls there an answer?’ she asked. ’Just My “Hell, no,” I Mid. That’s not like you, doctor,’ she complained. ‘You’ve got to remember I’m talking from Cust," I Mid. They all heard that in the bar, and it cost me drinks all round.” One of the reasons hs had decided to leave at this moment was that his secretary (Miss E. Willcox) was about to retire. “I couldn’t manage without her,” he said. Dr. Morton shook hands with all present as they went out. When the turn came of Miss M. B. Howard, M.P., she threw her arms around him and kissed him. Tve been wanting to do that for a

long time,” she aaid. “Your Jvite Mvi me special permission " “Do ft again, then. jdcaM,’’ said Dr. Morton; Miss

Beard’s Tribute •Dr. Morton has. been a great-hearted friend to all connected with the hospital services in North Canterbury —a wise clinician, an imperturbable administrator, and a thoughtful advocate for the betterment of all patients :n our hospitals,” Dr. Averill had told the hospital board at its meeting. Miss Howard Mid that if Dr. Morton's successor could inspire confidtnce as Dr Morton had, the board would be “very, very lucky indeed.'' Professor A. J. Danks and Mr L A. Bennett also paid tribute to Dr. Morton The board adopted a special minute in appreciation of Dr. Marton’s services.