ASSET TO TOWN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20669, 6 March 1937, Page 8

ASSET TO TOWN

SISTER F. A. ADAMS HONOURED GIFT FROM CITIZENS An enthusiastic send-off to Sister F. A. Adams, District Nurse, Timaru, who has been selected as one of the two nurses to visit England with the New Zealand Coronation Contingent, was attended by a large and representative gathering in the Borough Council Chambers last night. Tributes were paid to Sister Adams’s splendid work during the last 15 years and . congratulations extended to her on what was regarded as an honour well deserved. Gratification at the fine response that had been made by the citizens of Timaru was expressed by the Mayor (Mr P. C. Vlnnell) who presided. The attendance was a striking tribute to the fine work that Sister Adams had accomplished. Mrs . Mary Raymond said that a great honour had been conferred on Sister Adams in being chosen as one of the two nurses with the military representation at the Coronation, and not only was it an honour to Sister Adams and the nursing profession but to the women of New’ Zealand. There was no one more suited for the position. For 15* years Sister Adams had given faithful, service to the community, and Mrs Raymond had personal knowledge of her wonderful work. Sister Adams carried into the homes love and sympathy and helped to lighten the burden of the sick, suffering and distressed. She radiated sunshine wherever she went and not only was Sister Adams loved and honoured by her patients, but all who came in contact with her had the greatest respect and admiration for her work. Not only was she interested in her work, but Sister Adams was ready and willing at any time to enter whole-heartedly into any cause for the good of the community, and anything undertaken by her was a success, “We are going to miss you very much,” continued Mrs Raymond. “We wish you good health and a very happy time. You have a responsibility, but we know you will uphold the honour and dignity of the women of New Zealand. You may be assured of a very warm welcome on your return,” said Mrs Raymond. Selection Gives Satisfaction Representing the South Canterbury Returned Soldiers’ Association and also the Temuka and Pleasant Point branches, which were associated with the presentation, the Rev. J. Milburn Stewart recalled that a few days ago a sub-committee met and went most carefully through a large number of applications from men desirous of attending the Coronation. While none of the men was chosen they all rejoiced with him in the fact that they were to be represented by one of the Asociation’s members in Sister Adams. No appointment or selection could have given more satisfaction to returned soldiers, and no one was more entitled to the honour than Sister Adams. They thought of her excellent war record and unwearied labours in the town and extended appreciation for all she had done. “We recognise in Sister one of the most valuable assets (that this town possesses, and we feel that through her skilful hands and sympathetic personality she has been a source of help, encouragement and power to hundreds. We shall miss her pleasing countenance, but we shall look forward to her return,” said Mr Stewart. The Association felt that it was not right for Sister Adams to leave without carrying with her some recognition of her membership of the R.SA. He asked Sister Adams to accept a specially made badge which he hoped she would wear in “Dear Old Blighty” in a hope that it might be the means of opening the way to new and perhaps old friendships. Credit to Profession In associating himself with earlier tributes the Mayor ■ said that Mrs Raymond and Mr Stewart had expressed in clear language the feelings of everyone assembled and many who were not present. “I do not think that anyone has been held in more universal respect in Timaru during the time I have been associated with this testimonial,” continued the Mayor. Sister Adams had r. wonderful record of service, and the fine work that she had accomplished was not. generally known. She was a credit to the profession, and it was difficult for him to express adequately the high regard in which she was held in the town. He asked Sister Adams to accept a cheque and a fountain pen on behalf of many subscribers and a gift which had been forwarded to the gathering for presentation to her. "I deeply appreciate the great generosity that has been shown to me,” said Sister Adams in reply. During her 15 years in Timaru she had experienced many kindnesses and she felt that the presentation was just another of those kindnesses. She felt greatly honoured at being chosen to go to the Coronation, and she would do her utmost to warrant the confidence that had been placed in her. Sister Adams was delighted, she said, to receive the badge from the R.S-A. She would be very proud of it and wear it the whole time she was away. Mr Stewart expressed thanks to the Mayor who had been chairman of the testimonial committee and to the secretary and treasurer (Mr F. H. Davey) for the services they had given. Cheers were given for Sister Adams and “For She’s A Jolly Good Fellow” was heartily sung.