A TRIBUTE

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 26, 31 January 1930, Page 7

A TRIBUTE

LATE REV. VAN STAVEREN

VALUABLE SOCIAL SERVICE

The "Wellington Hospital Board at its inecting yesterday passed a resolution of sympathy with the relatives of the 3ate Rabbi Van Staveren, and placed on record a minute of high appreciation of Mr. Van Staveren's long and valuable services as a member of the board. Tho chairman (Mr. C. M. Luke) said if he could interpret the minds of members and their feelings, he was sure that great sadness pressed upon them. He had no doubt they had all acutely felt the loss of their dear old friend, the Eev. H. Van Staveren. Not only was Mr. Van Staveren an outstanding figure of the board, but he was a prominent figure in the community. Few men were spared to serve the community so long as Mr. Van Staveren. He had marked feelings of sympathy with those in distress. Although he could bo firm, and, indeed, severe, in dealing with those who deserved censure, yet he had the tenderness of a woman for those deserving help. Mr. Luke said he had been associated with Mr. Van Staveren for many years, and felt his loss very much. A letter of condolence had already been sent to the family, and a minute of his splendid service would bo placed on the records of the board. Mr. G, Petherick said it was difficult to find words to express one's feelings on that occasion. They were poorer today as' a board because of the death of Mr. Van Staveren. Tho city also •was poorer because of his home-going. Those who came in touch with him had nothing but admiration for his great interest in, and practical sympathy with, all in distress. He felt keenly for those "down and. out." Many a time when cases came up for consideration Mr. Van Staveren would remark, "iPetheriek, give them a show." Another feature of his nature waa his great fondness of • children, for-whom lie had always a kindly word. . Mr. F. Castle said that' Mr. Van Staveren, although a keen critic, never harboured animosity. He was a man of great kindliness, and his love of children was most marked. He had lived a very useful life in the community. Mr. A. M'Curdy endorsed -what had been said by other speakers. Tor fifty years it had been his privilege to have the friendship of Mr. Van Staveren. He could only express the hope that he and other members of the board when their time came would deserve even a measure of the recognition and praise which had been won by Mr. Van Staveren. Mrs. M'Vicar and Mr. J. Glover also spoke in terms of high appreciation of the services rendered by the late Mr. Van Staveren. The resolution of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Van Staveren was adopted, those present standing.