SUTHERLAND MEMORIAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9736, 25 July 1910, Page 5

SUTHERLAND MEMORIAL.

UNVEILING CEREMONY,

Notwithstanding the unfavourable weather conditions which prevailed on Saturday afternoon, a large number of ladie3 and gentlemen—particularly the former—were present at the Mastertou Hospital to witness the ceremony of uuveiling a memorial tablet to the late Miss Selina Sutherland, a founder of the Hospital.

Mr W. H. Beetham stated that no doubt all present had heard a great deal concerning Miss Sutherland. She was unselfish, good, kind, and was never tired of well-doing. Whenever Miss Sutherland heard of a case of sickness she would immediately mouut her horse and ride away to render assistance. Some years ago six men at Alfredton contracted typhoid fever, and Miss Sutherland's help was called for. On arrival at the homestead it was found that the men had beeu getting bad food and were almost completely neglected, but. by her untiring and wonderfully skilful efforts Miss Sutherland restored the sufforers to their normal couditiou of health. There were many such cases that could be quoted, which she undertook merely lor the love of the work. Many were acquainted with her good work in Australia, where her name would never be forgotten. Thousands of people had attended her funeral, and a handsome monument was erected to her memory. Knowing of Miss Sutherland's work in the Wairarapa, the Australian people wrote asking for subscriptions towards the erection of the monument. A meeting was held, and it was unanimously decided that some effort should be made to erect a suitable memorial in Mastertou. Subscriptions lists were prepared and sufficient funds were collected, without the slightest difficulty, to procure from Homo a tablet that would serve as a memorial.

Mr M. Caselberg then unveiled the tablet, which bears the following inscription : — IN ME MORI AM SELINA SUTHERLAND Who by her unswerving aud self sacrificing ministration to the sick and afflicted and by her touching appeals on their behalf largely contributed to the establishment of the first hospital iv tin-. Wairarapa. inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of those my brethren yo have done it unto me.

Mr Caselberg said it gave him great; pleasure to unveil a memorial tablet to such a noble woman as Miss Sutherland undoubtedly was. She was a very old friend of the speaker, having beeu acquainted with him for forty years. She was always known for good actions done in a qniot, unobtrusive way. When any trouble needed alleviating, Miss Sutherland would not hesitate to ride over miles of rough conutry and freely give her time and attention to the case. In those days there were uo hospitals or doctors, and she was an angel of mercy to a great many people in all parts of the district. When there was a deniami for a hospital in the district some thirty-three years ago, the matter was lett almost entirely in the hands of Miss Sutherland, who rode about the district, collecting money for the purpose. She also went to Wellington at her own expense, and was successful in obtaining there a number of subscriptions. Relying on a number of promises, the contract was let, but it was found that the funds wero not sufficient for the carrying out of the scheme. Miss Sutherland, learning that a certain amount was required, at once commenced collecting the sums promised, ami was successful in obtaining them all, with several substantial amounts iv addition. The hospital was eventually built, and a management committee, of which the speaker was a member, was set up. Five years ago Miss Sutherland re-visited Masterton and marie mention of her successful undertakings in Melbourne, where she established, among other institutions, a home for orphan children. Iv conclusion, Mr Oaselberg stated that Masterton owed a debt of deep gratitude to this noble woman, who did her duty out of love for her lellow creatures.

Mr Hogg said he had not had the pleasure of knowing Miss Sutherland intimately,, as the two former speakers had done, but lie had heard a great deal concerning her wonderful works. Shakespeare had Paid: "Men's evil memories live in brass, their virtues we write in water." But Miss Sutherland had no evil memories, and her virtues would remain written on the brass tablet that, had just been unveiled. The speaker felt still more attached to his native country, the noi'th of Scotland, when lie learnt that Miss Sutherland was a native of that part. Her father was a Sutherland crofter. A gentleman, in conversation with the speaker that moruiug, had told him that Miss Sutherland was a wonderful woman ; while herself able to work hard, she liad such a command over those working under her that she could always secure assistance. She travelled about the Wairarapa on iiorses which no other woman would attempt to mount, and crossed rivers that would make the bravest man hesitate. In 1881 Miss Sutherland went to Melbourne, where her work immortalises her memory. Her name in this district would not perish; everything that she had given was for the benefit of those in need.

The Key. Bain Macdonald spoke on behalf of Mrs Graut (a sister of Miss Sutherland), who was unable, owing to illness, to be present. He signified his pleasure at being privileged to join in expressing respect and honour for the memory of a saintly, largehearted Scotch woman, who had consecrated heart and brains and means and life itself to the doing of the merciful, saving, healing works of Christ among the suffering and abandoned in this laud and in Australia. All present felt very deeply for Mrs Grant on this day ol mingled ,-joy and sadness. Iv conclusion, the speaker said that he had read glowing eulogies of Miss Sutherland's early labours in this district, where she was ever ready to answer the cry of distress, and also of her rescue work among children in Victoria. Mr D. McGregor, junr., eulogised the excellent work of Miss Sutherland. He could remember the good impressions she made upon him when he was a boy, her kind manner making a I strong appeal. Mr McGregor read the

inscription, as follows, which was engraved on the monument recently unveiled in Misa Sutherland's honour in Melbourne:—

Erected by public subscription in loving memory of Selina Murray McDonald Sutherland. Born at Kilgower, Scotland, 12th February, 1843; died in Melbourne Bth October, 1909. For twenty-eight years an unwearied friend of Melbourne's poor, the trusted helper of its falleti and the devoted foster mother of all ! destitute little ones for whom she taught Victoria how to care, having herself rescued 3000 waifs from Rliim and street befoie her death. ;, She has done what she could."

Mr Hogg, on behalf of Mrs Grant, presented •to the Hospital a photograph of Miss Sutherland, to be placed in the children's ward. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Grant, and the gathering dispersed after partaking of afternoon tea, kindly dispensed by the hospital staff.