DUNTROON NOTES.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXVI, Issue 8119, 11 May 1901, Page 1

DUNTROON NOTES.

(By our Own Correspondent.) Regret was universally felt, when it became known tliat we were about to lose our lady medico. Apart from her professional ability, a matter in which the majority of us are hardly capable of forming an opinion which may be worth anything—those who have come in contact with Dr Platts have been struck with her fascinating' personality and her gentleness in the treatment of her patients. So marked is this that some of those who have not seen her performing a dangerous operation have been led to believe that she was too, tender hearted to be a doctor! This, however,is a mistake, as in Dr Platts there is that blending of steadynerve and warm heart so essential, bub also so rare, in the profession. On Saturday afternoon last, Dr Platts was invited to meet her ladv friends at Pringle's Hotel for afternoon tea. The commodious dining room was comfortably filled by lialf-pa.sl/ two. I noticed among others present Mrs M'Leod, Mrs Pringle, Mrs and Miss A. Grant, Mrs and Miss Thomas. Mrs and Miss Leonard, Mrs and Miss R. Orr, Mrs and Miss More, Misses Bradshaw (2), Miss Aitkin, and Miss Wilkinson. After partaking of tea, cake and sweets- Dr Platts was asked to sing "By the fountain" . and although she had driven in from ICuroiv in a dust storm I never heard it rendered with better effect. Mrs M'Leod then roso and went 'towards the piano apparently to sing, but when she turned round and faced Dr Daisy she held ill her hands a pretty frosted silver tea service and half-a-dozen.

apostle spoons. Mrs M'Leod said "Dr Platts, I do not intend to make a speech but the ladies present have asked me to present you with this small token of our esteem, prior to your leaving us for Wellington." Dr Platts appeared considerablysurprised and struggled to keep lier feelings under control; she appropriately returned thanks and then someone remarked "that it was just like getting married," which caused a general laughter; and this ended the formal part of the proceedings. A very pleasant, time was spent altogether-, a. number of songs being sung. Dr Platts ■contributed an instrumental pie-.'e Bee. thoven's "Adieu," ami sang ; 'Tiie goiden .shore''; Mrs M'Leod sang, "Because I love vou." and "Hie lads in navy blue" ; Mrs Pringle' sang "Killarney"; Miss Wilkinson, "Doreen" and "The land of little children." The meeting 'terminated with the singing of "For she's a jolly good fellow" and "Auld Lang Sync." Mr C. B. Morris, the secretary of tlio Otekaike Petition Committee, has received, a letter torn our member, the Hon. Ma jor Stewart, who is at present in Sydney iiu business connected with the Federation Commission, in which he slates (hat lie is strongly in favor of the Government pur chasing the estate for closer settlennnt. The Major is in correspondence with tin; Minister of Lands on the subject; so ills to be sincerely hoped that something will come of it, as there is such a demand for land in this district.

Following the example set by the farmers of Awomoko, I hear that another meeting is to be held in Duntroon. when the advantages of a. farmers' co-operative company will be discussed. It is to bo hoped, "if the scheme —which is an excellent one—is carried out. that the farmers will see to it that none but practical men from their own ranks be given a seat on the Board of Control.