SIR WATSON CHEYNE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 71, 17 December 1928, Page 13

SIR WATSON CHEYNE

RECEPTION BY SHETLAND SOCIETY DISTINGUISHED SURGEON’S BIRTHDAY Shetland Islanders gathered In full force in the New Century Hall on Saturday night, when the Shetland Society of Wellington tendered a reception to Sir Watson Cheyne, the eminent surgeon, formerly Professor of Clinical Surgery, King’s College. London, and president of the Royal College of Surgeons, England. The distinguished guest, who was “piped into his seat, arrived from London by the Tamaroa on Wednesday last.. In proposing the toast of “The King,” the president of the society (Mr. P. S. Isbister) expressed deep regret at the illness of His Majesty, who, lie said, was the most popular sovereign in Europe. Sir Robert Stout, who ii the patron of the society, and who was in charge of toasts and presentation of address of welcome, referred in glowing terms to the distinguished visitor, who, he said, had a big, soft heart, and had done great work for the poor. Sir Watson Cheyne, who was a great surgeon, had always done his best to, relieve the suffering of humanity, continued Sir Robert Stout, and it was a great honour to have such a distinguished man who resided in the Shetland Islands, and who was of Shetland extraction, present. (Applause. ) ' Sir Watson Cheyne, in the course of a brief reply, expressed great pleasure at being given such an honour. He thought ’New Zealand a splendid country, with a wonderful future before it. Mr. King! Tahiwi read a Maori translation of the illuminated address. Other speakers were Mr. P. S. Ramsay (the toast of “Our Visitor”), and Mr. R. H. Nimmo. who replied. In Mr. Niinmo’s opinion Sir Robert Stout and Sir Watson Cheyne were two of the greatest “Shetlanders” in the world to-day. Mr. P. Fraser, M.P., also spoke. Musical items were rendered by Mrs. McLellan. Messrs. P. S. Isbister, D. Ganson, Kingi Tahiwi, D. Scott, and Master Cheyne. The address presented to Sir Watson Cheyne was in the English and Maori languages, as follows: —

“Welcome the leading light of the people, the emanation of knowledge and science—Welcome to New Zealand (Ao, tea-roa).

“We the members of the Shetland Society of Wellington, N.Z., extend to you a hearty welcome to the plaza of the Maori people. It is fitting that on such an occasion, when a countryman of such high renown visits us, that the sons of Thule, their descendants and friends, should raise their united voices in welcoming you to our shores. “We feel proud as we think of you who. greatly daring, fared forth into the great battle of life with but slender equipment, and there macle in the world of science a great and honourable name. You have the integrity of character which is symbolic of the race, ami by your great efforts have brought reflected glory upon the Island of the North. “We have watched with interest your great and successful career, and are grateful for your many acts of kindness to those who have asked for your advice and skill. By your great abilities and devotion to your country, you have done great service to our Motherland. We feel honoured and delighted that your many and arduous labours on the battlefields of the nations, and in the Homeland in time of peace, have been recognised by your and our Sovereign and Government.

“We sincerely hope that you will enjoy your visit to our Dominion, and when the time conies for you to leave this fair land, and again face northwards across the rolling blue ocean to the land of the Vikings, you will arrive during the period of the long twilight and Shetland’s fine summer days, when the laverlock sings from dawn to dim, the plover and horseguk are heard among the heather; when the buttercup carpets the meadows; the downy cotton grass waves its creamy plumes; with the tiny forget-me-nots, and the old Sweet Williams, when you again visit the Northlands resuming the old life, and roaming the old haunts, then in your quiet moments turn to this, our address of welcome, and think of us, as we will think of you.” A big birthday cake was cut, it being discovered by a “fairy,” so the president said, “that it was the birthday of Sir Watson Cheyne.”