LATE DR. PATERSON

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1937, Page 10

LATE DR. PATERSON

AN. APPRECIATION

There has gone from- our midst, a great woman, whose passing brings a sense of irreparable loss in official circles as well as to her many friends, writes an admirer of Dr. Ada Paterson. ' There was ]no more universally beloved' worriahi' She was well known and highly respected not only throughout the' Dominion!' for' many tributes have been ■ paid to her overseas also. During Dr. Paterson's last visit abroad she established. many, contacts in her search for material to: enrich her service in the Dominion, following a similar quest,, a year, later, one was impressed .by the . many spontaneous expressions of appreciation. In London, at the Ministry of Health, and the London County Council; in Edinburgh and Glasgow; in the Scottish Highlands; on the Continent, at the League of Nations; and in numerous contacts; everywhere it was the' same. This New Zealand woman a,year before had left a deep impression of ability. and personal quality. ■ We .have l^riown her as an able administrator, as a' woman of rare intellectual capacity, as possessed of statesmanlike vision, a rare combination of gifts which fitted her 'for the office she filled with, such outstanding distinction. Great as these gifts .we're they do not represent the; true secret qt her success.-.. For these was she admired and respected; for her personal qualities was.. she beloved. ■ Absolute integrity; a rare gift-of. humour, unassuming consideration for : others, a dignity compelling in1 its > gentleness, a human. understanding of, those who worked with her, kindness to those whose work she directed, self detachment, a clear comprehension, and. interest in the. welfare of 'others even when the shadow lay darkly over her own pathway. •' " ' These are some of the facets of a unique r personality. Hers was the strength which is made great, through gentleness. ; ...•...' - .