FAREWELL TO MATRON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19891, 9 March 1928, Page 5

FAREWELL TO MATRON.

BLIND INSTITUTE FUNCTION.

A largo and representative audience was present at the Blind Institute Hall last evening, when a farewell concert was given in honour of._ Mrs. E. Whelan, the matron, who is retiring after 114 years' service. At the opening of the concert a beautiful bouquet of pink lilies and mauve asters was presented to Mrs. Whelan by little Margaret McLachlan, the youngest member of the institute. Mr. H. E. Vaile, chairman of the trustees, presided, and in a brief speech, expressed the keen regret of the trustees and staff, in having to say farewell to Mrs. Whelan, who was held in such esteem .by all. He presented the matron, on behalf of the trustees and staff, with an armchair. Mr. H. J. Montgomery, a blind member of the institute, also spoke of the iovo and esteem in which Mrs. Whelan was held by the blind members, and wished her every success and happiness in life. He presented her with an ottoman and morris chair. Mr. J. E. Broadfoot responded on behalf of the matron. An interesting programme was rendered by Mr. S. Pritcliard, who sane several songs, Mr. Theo. Treziso, humorous items, and the Rev. E. Chitty organ solos. A march was played by the institute band, and part-songs were sung by the school choir, which is trained by Miss M. B. Law.