PARENTS’ THANKS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1939, Page 3

PARENTS’ THANKS

TREATMENT OF NORWEGIAN SAILOR. (Per Press Association—Copyright). AUCKLAND, Sent. 25. The attention and consideration ex.onded to a young Norwegian seaman peforc his death in tile Auckland Hospital several months ago was the sub* iect of an appreciative letter received py the Hospital Board from the boy’s parents, Mr and Mrs J. Hansen, of Fredi ikstad, Norway. The letter was written in Norwegian; but a translation was obtained through the Norwegian Consulate in New Zealand. About 18 years of age, the Norwegian boy, Egil Hansen, was transferred from his ship to hospital to undergo an abdominal operation. He was then unable to speak more than a few words of Epglish; but while receiving treatment his knowledge of the language improved rapidly, and his cheerful fortitude and his friendliness with the doctors

and nurses of an alien people made him one of the staff’s most popular patients. However, he failed to recover from his illness, and died some time after his admission. “We wish to send our sincere thanks to the doctors and sisters and others „ ~u uau to uo wiui our dear son Egih and who looked after him during his illness,” said the parents’ letter, which was written on July 27. “He wrote to us, telling how kind the doctors and nurses were to him. It was hard that we should have to lose him; but God knows best. As we cannot reach all by any medium other than letter,' we wish our thanks to be passed on to all,” the letter added. “Again thank ’you for everything. May God repay you for your work. With very kind regards from Egil’s parents.” Reference to the tribute of the hoy’s parents was made by several members of-the board; Dr Hastings observed that this experience was another example of the fact that the medical pro. fession knew nothing of race or creed in the discharge of its duties.