PROMISE WELL KEPT

Evening Star, Issue 21510, 7 September 1933, Page 3

PROMISE WELL KEPT

DENTISTS AND SIR THOMAS SIDEY MEMORIAL TABLET UNVEILED Grateful acknowledgments of Sir Thomas Sidey’s services to the dental profession were freely expressed); yesterday afternoon, when a tablet to his memory was unveiled. Mr I>. V. Donaldson (president of the Dental Association) presided over a large attendance, which included Lady Sidey, Sir Lindo Ferguson (Dean of the Medical Faculty), Mr W. J. Morrell (Chancellor of Otago University), Dr 11, Bo van Dodds (Dean of the' Dental Faculty), Professor T. D. Adams, Sir James Allen, the Mayor (Rev. E. T. Cos), and Messrs F. Jones, M.P., and J. W. Munro, M.P. In his opening remarks, Mr Donaldson said they were assembled to do honour to one who was a very great friend of the profession of dentistry in the dominion, and one who did a tremendous service in advancing the Dental Association and the Dental School. He expressed pleasure at the large attendance and read a telegram from Mr A. E. Ansell, M.P. Mr Donaldson then called on Mr T. A. Hunter, who, he said, was formerly of Dunedin and was very closely associated with Sir Thomas in much of the legislation resulting in the raising of the standard of the dental profession. Mr Hunter said that ho felt honoured at being asked to take part in this ceremony. It was not necessary for him to refer to the many services rendered the country hy the late Sir Thomas Sidey during his lifetime, as a private citizen, member of Parliament, or Minister of the Crown. That had been done by those better fitted than him to _do so. There was, however, one activity in his life which had not been given the prominence it deserved. It was now _ over twenty-eight years since a meeting was held in Dunedin to discuss the question of forming a Dental Association for New Zealand. This step was considered necessary, not nnty in the best interests of the profession, but also of the public generally. The result of the meeting was the formation of the association. _ At the first meeting of the new association it was decided that steps be taken for the establishment of a dental school, and further that an effort be made to have amended legislation placed on the Statute Book, which would protect the public as well as the school, said Mr Hunter. This step forward required a much greater effort at that time, than might be imagined nowadays. He considered one of Hie most fortunate steps the new association' ever took was when it approached Mr Sidey (as he then was), placing its views before him, and asking his assistance. Realising that this forward move'was in the public interest as well as that of the profession, he promised his support. The manner in which he kept his promise was best known only to a section of the profession. He had said that the task was not an easy one, but with that tenacity of purpose which characterised him in aid of a good cause, Sir Thomas never relaxqd his efforts. His services, both professional as well as political, were always at the disposal of the executive of the association. They knew tlvc result. A dental school was established and legislation protecting the public as well as the profession was placed on the Statute Book. But this was not all. for during the history of the school Ive had proved a most munificent benefactor. His interest had never abated. In this busy world of strife and turmoil they were apt to fni;get the pood clone hy those who had gone before, and he wished, on behalf of the profession, to thank the executive of the association for giving them the privilege and the opportunity of expressing in tiiis simple way .to thp family, ns well as to the public, their appreciation of the services rendered, and also to thank the University Council for allowing its humble tribute to bo housed in the building with a view to perpetuating the memory of one who had done so much for them. The tablet was unveiled by Lady Sidey, and Mr Donaldson called on the Chancellor of the University to accept the tablet as tangible evidence of the association’s gratitude to Sir Thomas. Mr Morrell said it was unnecessary for him to emphasise the pleasure with which he accepted the memorial on behalf of the University Council. He thanked the association for its happy thought in erecting the tablet to commemorate Sir Thomas’s work. Ho had done much for the school and the University. The council greatly valued the keen and constant interest of the association, prior to and subsequent to its formation. It was due to the association’s and Sir Thomas’s efforts that the school was founded, and the association’s interest had since been very live. Ms Mr Hunter had said. Sir Thomas was devoted to the cause of the Dental School. His efforts for education and the University were great and unremitting, but,he exhibited no keenc•r closer interest than in the Dental School. It was n happy thought that his services ami his features should ho commemorated witlun the school with which he was so closely bound. The tablet would he a lasting encouragement to those who continued the work commenced so happily under the joint auspices of the Dental Association and Mr Thomas Sidev.