NATIVE TOWN REVISITED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22659, 26 August 1935, Page 10

NATIVE TOWN REVISITED

RECEPTION TO DR SYDNEY SMITH LARGE GATHERING AT ROXBURGH There was a large gathering of residents of Roxburgh at a civic reception tendered to Dr Sydney Smith, of Edinburgh, a few days ago. Dr Smith, who has won great distinction in the sphere of medical science, is a native of Roxburgh. The Mayor (Mr F. A. Laloli) presided and was supported on the platform by members of the executive of the Reception Committee and several visiting ex-pupils of the school. Welcoming Dr and Mrs Smith to Roxburgh, the Mayor made reference to the boyhood days of Dr Smith and to the wonderful advance which he had made in his profession. He assured Dr Smith that his old home town was very proud of him and would continue to watch with interest his further progress in the medical world. The speaker made refer-

ence to the pioneers of the district, who had named it after a district in Scotland and thus established a connection which had been further strengthened by Dr Smith’s appointment in the University of Edinburgh. On behalf of the residents of the district, he extended to the guests a hearty welcome. ' Addresses were given by Messrs George, T. Waigth and J. H. Waigth on behalf of the ex-pupils of the school, and by Mr Luke, the rector.

Dr Smith, who was warmly received, thanked the Mayor and the other speakers for their welcome and kind references'. He had heard many remarks during the evening of the escapades in which he had shared when at school, and had cOme to the Conclusion that the people of Roxburgh had very good memories. He appreciated the warmth of the welcome extended to him and was more than grateful for it. During the evening songs were contributed by Miss Kee and Mr J. Pearson and a violin solo by Mr K. Hunter. Earlier the same evening Dr Smith was entertained by his old school friends in a dinner at the Commercial Hotel. About 40 guests were present. There was a short toast list, during which reminiscences of school days 40 years ago were exchanged and incidents which had almost faded from memory were recalled. Reference was made to the headmaster of that period, Mr W. A. Reilly, and the interest which he took in his pupils, and a toast to his memory was honoured in silence. His sons, Messrs L. G. Reilly (Alexandra) and G. W. Reilly (Dunedin), who were present, replied to the toast. Dr Smith returned to Dunedin towards the end of last week. He will leave for the north this morning en route for Melbourne, where he will attend the forthcoming conference of the British Medical Association.