PRESENTATION TO DR BLACKMORE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17220, 11 December 1923, Page 11

PRESENTATION TO DR BLACKMORE.

TRIBUTE FROM PATIENTS AND STAFF,

On the eve of his departure on a trip to England and the Continent, Dr G. .T. Blackmore, superintendent of the Cashmere Sanatorium for the past fourteen years, was farewelled by patients, ex-patients and staff of the sanatorium arid Coronation Hospital at the institution’s annual fancy dress dance, held last night. A number of presentations were made to Dr and Mrs Blackmore and family.

An ex-patient, speaking of the excellent work of Dr Blackmore, said that all present knew with what unfailing energy Dr Blackmore had fought that terrible 6courge, the white plague, in this city. When a self-satisfied and slow-moving Government had gone to sleep in respect of its responsibilities regarding the public health, Dr Blackmore had prodded them into action. When silence would have been the easier path, Dr Blackmoro had not hesitated to speak in no uncertain terms, and things had eventuated in consequence. Wha,t would they say of him as a- director? A man of discipline, yes, but withal full of the milk of human kindness, endowed with a

large tolerance, and bearing the burdens of his office with a simple and anxious solicitude for all under his care. Now that the "doctor was to take a well-earned rest, patients and ex-patients desired to wish him Godspeed and a pleasant holiday for himself, his wife, and family. The time

was also appropriate for an expression of appreciation of what he had done for them. (Applause.) They appreciated the kindness and consideration he had shown towards them.

Presentations were then made to Dr Blackmore of a pair of binoculars, a travelling rug and dressing case; to Mrs Blackmore a dressing case; and to Misses Eileen and Nora gold wrist-

let watches. Dr J. C. Maclntyre spoke of the great growth of the institution since Dr Blackmore had first, taken charge, and he said he thought they could, with some justification, call Dr Black-

more their big father. The fresh-air home was his crowning achievement

and one of which he might well feel proud. Dr Maclntyre said that during his absence from the Dominion, for two years he visitetd numerous sanatoria in England, Scotland and the Continnet, and he never saw a better equipped or better managed sanatorium than Cashmere. Almost the whole of the credit was due to Dr Blackmore. He had had a sympathetic and progressive' board behind him, but their efforts would have been nil had it not been for thfe man at the wheel. As an ad-

ministrator he was a past master, and as a physician and clinician he was on a plane by himself. The speaker said he had been Dr Blackmore’s assistant

for several years, and whenever he had asked for his knowledge that bad been given freely and willingly. On behalf of the staff he desired to express their appreciation of Dr Blackmore’s consideration, kindness and courtesy. As a tangible expression they wished him to accept a suit case, and they hoped he would have an enjoyable holiday, returning with re newed vigour to carry on the excellent work that he had done in the past fourteen yoars. Dr Blackmore. who was very cor dially received, said the speakers had been good enough / to say many nice things about what he had done for them. He would like to they had done for him. In a sanatorium, doctor and patient got to know each other in iL way that they never suc-

ceeded in doing in the ordinary liospi tal. because of the length of time which the patient stayed and of the intimate relationship that must exist They got to know each ether’s foibles and weaknesses, botk bn the part of the patient and the doctor. The doctor also got to know with wliat courage, endurance and patience tho pa tient- could meet adversity. Ho had seen that many times in the institution, and it had been an inspiration and a lesson to him. It had b«en a privilege to try and get the patients well. Sometimes he had to get some of them by the collar and drag them along the path of health because they wanted to go the other way, but he had realised that that was due rather to thoughtlessness and a lack of appreciation of the dangers that beset them in the other path. He thanked them for the gifts on behalf of himself and his wife, and largely for the spirit which prompted them. He wished them all every possible pood, and, above all things, that they would be restored to health, without which nothing else mattered. A message was sent by the bed patients of the Coronation Hospital wishing Dr Blackmore a very pleasant voyage.

Durine the absence of Dr Blackmore Dr Maclntyre will act as superintendent.