Mexborough and Swinton Times August 6, 1937
Two Noble Women
Tributes to Matron and Assistant Matron
Montagu Hospital Presentations
Mr W.A. Lewis, chairman of the Hospital Board, making a presentation. On the right is Mrs Squires, who presented a gift on behalf of the Ladies Committee
The esteem in which the matron of the Mexhorough Montagu Hospital, Miss C. Wesiley, and Sister G. M. Harvey, are held, and the universal regret that is felt over their forthcoming departure was clearly evinced on Tuesday night, when a large gathering assembled in the Hospital Board Room to witness presentations to both of them and join in the final tributes.
Mr. W. A. Lewis, chairman of the Board of Governors, who presided, said “Our gathering is to give recognition to the splendid and great work of two noble women in connection with this Hospital. I feel that I am expressing the feelings of every one when I say that I deeply regret that the time has come when we must say to these friends ‘Good-bye.’ It is a regret that every one shares, and there is a tinge of real sorrow in this gathering.
“The Matron has to a large extent worn herself out in the service of humanity, in rendering help to others, and forgetting herself. There are not many Matrons who go on for 20 years, but our Matron has been here for 34 years, nine as a Sister, and 25 as Matron.
“Our esteemed Sister has spent fourteen years with us. She has shown thoroughness associated with hard work and has helped the Matron to make the Hospital what it is to-day.
.There is an affinity between these two women that only death can break. Their friendship is like that of Ruth and Naomi-in fact, history repeats itself here. How many of us are living testimonials of their wonderful work and loving kind-ness? They have done some splendid work behind the scenes. They leave a staff behind them of which any Hospital may he proud, and we must work hard to keep up the record of the past.
“It gives me very great pleasure to make this presentation. A sum of nearly £180 has been raised of this, £60 (£30 each) is being spent on furnishing their bedrooms at their new home. I ask the Matron to accept this cheque for £75, and we hope she may long live to enjoy that rest she has so richly deserved. To Sister Harvey we give a cheque for £25 with all our respect.”
A Lot of Friends.
After receiving the cheque, Miss Wesley said that, she had not lived in Mexborough for 34 years without knowing that she had a lot of friends, but she realised it that night more than ever before. She recall a terrible day in November, when she first came to Mexborough.
“When I arrived at the station I asked the porter where I could get a cab he told me that I might be able to get one atthe top of Station Road. When I got to Montagu Square (a far differs Square than it is now), I asked a passerby where I could get a cab to take me to the Montagu Hospital. He replied ‘that’s the hospital,’ but when I looked I could only see the little square building, and at first I could not believe that this was the hospital. I went to the front door, and a kindly old gentleman, I later identified as Mr Storer answered it. Then the Matron appeared and took me downstairs into a queer little dining room what had seemed to be a bed sitting room. I was very miserable and asked the Matron why I had come to Mexborough. She said she had felt the same at first, but the people of the town was so very nice. This did not comfort me, and I said I should not bother to unpack my boxes. I determine that I should not stay eight weeks, but I have stayed 34 years.
“Now I do not remember what happened in my life before I came here; really I seem to have been here all my life.
There are only three of the old regime left, Mr. Goddard, Mr. Thompson, and myself: I quite expected to die here. I was not long at the old Hospital in Bank Street and then we came up here. Ever since we have been continually building and adding, until now the Institution is a great credit to the town
“All the time, although the work has been tremendously hard, I have been happy. I have not had much social life in the town, but I have always had that feeling that there are many houses in which I should be made welcome. I have worked hard and tried hard always. I do want your continued support for the Hospital, and I do not want it to feel my loss. I want you to give the same love and help to the new Matron that you have always given to me. I have always had an understanding committee, who have helped me and listened to me
“I am not happy to-night; I hate to be going, but it has to be. I would like to thank all of you; Mr. Lewis, the committee, Sister Harvey, and others. This is my maiden speech!”
Sister Harvey, returning thanks, said: “I really do not know how to thank you for your kindness, not only now, but in all the time I have been here. It has been hard work, but Very happy work. Here you have a Hospital of which you may be proud, and I hope that all of you will do your best to keep it up.”
Mrs. G. Squires, Chairman of the Ladies’ Committee, presented, on behalf of the committee, an arm-chair to Miss Wesley, and a biscuit barrel to Sister Harvey. Mrs. Squires said how sorry she was personally to lose them both, and said: “My committee wishes you both every happiness, and hopes that you, Matron, enjoy the rest that you have so richly deserved.”
Mrs. E. H. Alderson associated herself with these remarks.
More Tributes.
Refreshments were afterwards served to the gathering by members of the Ladies’ Committee. After moving a vote of thanks to the ladies, Mr. H. Thompson. said: “I am glad to associate myself with the many kind expressions that have been made to Matron and Sister. For many years Matron did not have the assistance of specialists as she has to-day, and consequently was called on to assist the medical stall a great deal. After such long and faithful service it is no wonder to some of w that the time has come when Matron feels she ought to take a rest, and as an old worker with her, I sincerely hope she may be long spared to enjoy her retirement.
“We congratulate Sister Harvey on her preferment. Since the opening of the Maternity Ward eight years ago she has very largely put the County Maternity Home at the Montagu Hospital on the map. Now the county council is gaining our loss. The thoroughness with which she has dealt with patients in the hospital reflect the highest credit upon. We in the office will miss her, for a daily, weekly and monthly returns could always be relied upon, and she assisted in the smooth working of the administrative work.”
The vote of thanks was seconded by Mr G Dickinson, Bolton, who also spoke of the service the Matron and Sister have done to the Montagu hospital.
In addition to the presents mention Miss Wesley and Sister Harvey have received many beautiful personal gifts.
Miss Wesley and Sister Harvey leave the hospital today (Friday). They will surely take up residence at Heath, near Wakefield