Obituary DR. A. D. NELSON

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31364, 9 May 1967, Page 18

Obituary DR. A. D. NELSON

Dr. Arthur Dysart Nelson, who was Medical Superintendent of the Christchurch Hospital from 1936 until 1952 and Medical Superintendent at Burwood Hospital from 1952 until 1955, has died in Christchurch. He was 80. Dr. Nelson was educated at Hororata, Christ’s College, Canterbury University College and the University of Otago, where he graduated M. 8., Ch.B. Dr. Nelson was a general practitioner from 1910 to 1915 and during the First World

War he served with the New Zealand forces and won the Military Cross. He trained in orthopaedics at London and Liverpool and from 1920 to 1922 was orthopaedic surgeon at Trentham Military Hospital 1 From 1923 to 1925, Dr. Nelson was chief medical examiner for the War Pensions Department In 1923 he was appointed Medical Superintendent of the Wanganui Hospital. He held that post until his appointment as Medical superintendent at Christchurch.

In his book “Hospital on the Avon,” Dr. F. O. Bennett says: “Dr. Nelson had marked persuasive ability in procuring board approval for his many suggestions. He never made a dramatic emotional appeal. Instead, he kept up a steady pressure over a period of time and the board often became convinced without being aware of the mechanism employed.” Dr. Nelson is survived by a son, Dr. W. A. D. Nelson, of Masterton, and a daughter, Mrs G. Trolove of Ashburton.