Former
Duncan Hospital polios gather to celebrate
the launch of a book about their old home
Over 600 people gathered on a Rangitikei
farm near Hunterville to launch a new book “Otiwhiti Station”, the
story of the Duncan family. Many Polio survivors owe their recovery to
the Duncan Hospital, which was started by Mr & Mrs T.A. Duncan and
funded from the proceeds from the Otiwhiti Station farm in the 1940s
and 1950s.
Former Duncan patients and staff mingled
with the Duncan family members, friends and neighbours to hear speeches
by David Duncan and others, to inspect the old Otairi homestead and
gardens, and to enjoy refreshments. But the Polios spent much of their
time catching up on each other’s news and reminiscing on their days at
the Duncan Hospital.
The book:
Centering on Tom (T.A.) Duncan,
and his wife Jeannie, the founders and driving forces behind the Duncan
Trust, Otiwhiti Sation chronicles the fortunes of the farm from the
turn of last century to the present day, and also charts the story of
the Duncan Hospital. Part family history, part social and farming
history, Otiwhiti Station is an engaging look at a New Zealand family
that is not only deeply connected to its local community but has also
made a difference to the well-being of the country as a whole.