Valedictory

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 7 March 1935, Page 8

Valedictory

MATROX KELLY HONOURED

After 15 years' service as_ matron of the Patea hospital, Miss N. Kelly, who has retired, was tlio guest of honour at' a social in the town hall at iPatea on Monday evening. Representatives were -present from all parts of the district. Miss Kelly, on entering the hall, was met by the chairman of the Patea Hospital Board, Mr C. It. Honcyfield, and the gathering accorded her musical honours. Miss Cynthia Simmons then presented Miss Kelly with a beautiful bouquet of autumn tinted flowers. A short musical programme was enjoyed, items being contributed by Mr and Mrs I. Jones (duet), Miss A. Hall (recitation), Miss O. Adams (song), Mrs P. V. Graves, Waverley (recitation) and Mr J. Crawford, AVhemiakura (song). Community singing was led by Mr F. Pam shot tom and' Mr F. Xaismith, with Mr A. Gilmore at the piono. The Mayor (Mr Ramsbottom) after thanking ~ all who had contributed items, said that the attendance testified more than words could convey the esteem in which Miss Kelly was held. Miss Kelly had filled her position with dignity and honour, always cheerfid and helpful and with a natural smile which came from a kind heart. Miss Kellv’s life has been one of service and sacrifice and she had now earned a- well-deserved rest. On behalf of the community, Mr Ramsbottom wished her health and happiness in her i retirement. ' Mr Honeyfield said that Miss Kelly had watched the hospital grow from a 20-bed institution to 40 with many other additions, including'a children’s Ward, nurses’ home and laundry. . On behalf of the hoard he wished her a bright and happy future. \ Dr W. T. Simmons, medical superintendant. said the position of mat- ! ran was not an easy one to fill and jtliss Kelly had always conducted the affairs at the hospital economically and satisfactorily, with perfect har.Snionv between tlie staff and patients. The Patea hospital had always turned out nurses who could hold their own ’with any hospital, showing that the trailing they received had been sound. His work with Miss Kelly had always been happy and on behalf of the staff and himself he thanked her for her -loyal co-operation and assistance. On behalf of the Returned Soldiers Association he also conveyed to l her the members’ good wishes for the futuic and thanked her for the interest she had always taken in the association. Mrs Ramsbottom, president of the Girl Guide Association, thanked Missj 'Kelly for the keen interest she had taken in the movement since its inception at Patea eight years ago. She had been a great help in training the girls for their sick nurse badge. On behalf of the association Mrs Ramsbottom asked Miss Kelly to accept a silver “Thanks Badge’’ as a token of appreciation. The Mayor then read a letter from Miss B. Lavery, superintendent of the nursing division of St. John Ambulance Brigade at Patea, thanking Miss Kelly for her assistance in connection with the association’s homo nursing classes. Dr Simmons, on behalf of the R.S.A., presented Miss Kelly with the silver badge of tlie R.S.A. for returned nurses and sisters. The Mayor, on behalf of the residents of Patea, Waverley and the surrounding districts ,asked Miss Kelly to accept a handbag with a. substantial cheque as a token of esteem and appreciation. . Miss Kelly, in reply. satid she thanked them one and all for the wonderful gift and for the kind words j spoken. Later supper was served.