DEATH OF DR. PHILSON

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 277, 22 November 1899, Page 2

DEATH OF DR. PHILSON

One of Auckland's Oldest identities and most respected citizens, Dr. Thomas Moore Philson, died at his residence, Grafton Road, at a quarter past seven o'clock this m 0l 4ning.~~As was to have been expected from his well-known characteristics, Dr. Philson, (although 82 years of age, practically died in harness. He was attending to his duties on the 9th of November, and since then steadily failed until death terminated an active and useful life this morning. Apparently there Wins no disease, death simply resulting from old age. Yesterday news was received by mail of the death of Dr. Philson's brother, Dr. William Ball Philson, at Redehnrst, Sussex, England, at the advanced age of SO yeiars.

Dr. T. M. Philson was born in Derry, North of Ireland, a.nd with his brother graduated at the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh. The brother practised his profession for many years at Chichester, Gloucester, England, and ultimately retired to Spend his declining 3'ears in Sussex. Dr. T. M. joined the army, and ca.me out to Parramatta, N.S.W., with the 58th Regiment as far back __ 1845. When Heke's war broke out he came over with his regiment to' the Bay of Islands,, and was present in his capacity as surgeon at several engagements. He was also an eye witness of the hanging of five Maoris for the nrurder of the Gilfillan family, and accompanied his regiment during the fighting at Wa.nganui. When War broke Out in the Auckland province Dr. Philson came up here with the troops, and at the termination of hostilities resigned from the regiment, remaining in active practice in, this .city ever since. For 24 years he was medical officer at the Auckland Hospital, and upon resigning that position was presented by the citizens with a carriage a.nd pair. For about a quarter of a century he fulfilled the duties of a coroner in this city, an office which he held up to his death. Dr. Philson always ranked high in the medical profession, being an experienced surgeon. He was most highly esteemed by all who knew him, as a thoroughly upright gentleman, and also as-, consistent Christian. The deceased leaves _ -widow, three eons, _n_ five daughters to mourn their loss.