Notes from Christchurch

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume VIII, Issue 2, 1 April 1915, Page 90

Notes from Christchurch

DOCTOR ACLAND'S SEND-OFF (By One of the Guests.) Among the many good-bye gatherings m the New Zealand medical and nursing world this month, one of the most interesting was the "At Home >: given at Christchurch Hospital on the afternoon of Thursday the 18th February by Miss Thurston, the Lad} r Superintendent. Dr. Acland, the widely known Christchurch surgeon who is going to the front was the guest of honour. Amongst those present were Mrs. Acland, Mrs. J. H. Wilson, Mr. Horrell (Chairman of the Board), Dr. and Mrs. Westenra, Dr. and Mrs. Lester, Dr. and Mrs. Stevenson, Dr. and Mrs. Sandstein, Dr. and Mrs. Mac Gibbon, Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Foster, Dr. and Mrs. Pearson, Dr. and Mrs. Courtenay Nedwill, Dr. and Mrs Duncan, Dr. and Mrs. Scott, Dr. Crooke, Dr. Inglis, Miss Gow, Miss Hood, Misrj Petersen, Dr. Reid, Dr. Wallace, Dr. McDiarmid, Mr. and Mrs. Sorensen, and the sisters and nurses on the hospital staff. The " At Home " was held m the nurses' sitting-room, the two being thrown into one, by opening folding doors, forming a large and spacious room, where all could move about freely to talk to their various friends. Everyone was anxious to have a few words with the " guest of the afternoon," and, thanks to the untiring energy of hostess and "guest/ all, or nearly all must have had the opportunity. A very dainty afternoon tea was served and a perfect babel of chatter accompanied the tinkle of the pretty soft eggshell blue cups and saucers. So thoroughly was everyone occupied that, after tea was over, it was quite a few seconds, before the hostess could still the hum of voices. Then, suddenly, all realised that, unconsciously by those taking part, a very impressive picture was formed. On one side of the room stood the Lad} 7 Superintendent surrounded by her sisters and charge nurses m their pretty uniforms, on the opposite side sat the group of guests m their varied attire, the distinguished surgeon standing m front, and within the folding doors crowded the nurses m training. On every face was written the thoughts which Miss Thurston so aptly expressed m a short, neat, womanly speech —

regret at parting, even for a time, with one who had been m las position as Honorary Surgeon, for so many years, a valued guide, teacher and friend. Miss Thurston then presented Dr. Acland with a case of hypodermic syringes from the nursing staff as a token of their gratitude and good wishes. Dr. Acland m thanking the staff, with the true modesty of our medical men disclaimed any honour for giving his services to his country, saying that, on the contrary, he felt privileged m having the opportunity of doing what he knew every other doctor m the country would gladly do if he could. The Chairman of the Hospital Board (Mr. Horrell) then spoke of the distinguished services of Dr. Acland to the Hospital and the appreciation by the Board of his excellent work. After another half -hour's chat the guests reluctantly said good-bye, all haying appreciated the privilege of being present that afternoon.