A book celebrating Tuatapere's late Dr. Eric Elder's 50 years service to Western Southland is to be written by Southland author Lloyd Esler.

Project chairperson Edwin Lewis said the stories of the Tuatapere GP are legendary and cover a pioneering time in the history of the Western Southland district when life was hard but rich.

The late Dr. Eric Elder served Tuatapere and the surrounding communities for 50 years. Photo: Supplied

Stories of past patients and people of the area should be recorded and passed on before they are lost forever, he said.

“Many stories are well known. Collectively they represent everything that is good about humankind and the Western Southland community during that 50 year period.”

“He was held in the highest regard, widely recognised for his service and skills and his interacting with his patients and the community he practised in.  Many rural practitioners attempting to follow in his footsteps today would struggle to replicate his dedication to the people of Southland.”

“Many people have often talked about the importance of recording the memories of Dr. Elders unique years of service that he provided to the wider Western Southland district and for it to be officially documented and now is the chance for patients and friends to put their thoughts forward,” Lewis said. 

Members of the public are invited to contribute to the project with written or oral submissions, photos and their personal stories.

Contributions and other memorabilia can be delivered to the Tuatapere Medical Centre or emailed to [email protected]

The project has the blessing the Elder family, with all proceeds from the sale of the book going towards the Eric Mitchell Elder Bursary Trust Fund.