OBITUARY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, Issue 179, 14 July 1927, Page 5

OBITUARY.

DR. E. A. BOXER.

General regret will be fe:t throughout Hawke’s Buy at the nev.ii of the death at Dunedin last evening of Dr. E. A. Boxer, so well and popularly known as a medical practitioner in Hastings for many years. Edward A. Boxer, C.M.G., L.R.C.P., L.8.C.5., Edin.j L.R.S.P.S., Glasgow; late extra dispensing physcian at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, was born on August 1, 1875, at Lewisham, Kent, the son of William Edward Boxer, Paymaster, R.N. He was educated at Scotland, taking his medical degrees at Edinburgh University. He went out as a medical missionary to West Africa where his first wife died. On his return from Africa he entered into practice in Edinburgh. About 15 years ago ho came to New Zealand and on December 28, 1912, he married at Hastings Ruth Ida Dobree Cachemaille, daughter of the Rev. Cachemaille, formerly of Nelsou. In the same year he took up practice in partnership with Dr. P. .oarcroft, in Hastings. He had always taken a keen interest in military matters and was a captain in the Territorial Medical Field Ambulance in Scotland. On nfe arrival in Hastings he took charge of the Hastings section of the Mounted Field Ambulance. On the outbreak of the Great War he left with the Main Body, and was present at the landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli. He served throughout the most strenouuus part ot the Gallipoli campaign, being evacuated through sickness in August, 1915. On his return to New Zeaianu he took a keen interest in the formation of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, of which he was president for two years and was elected a life member. It was in recognition of his work in connection with the association that he was awarded his C.M.G.

His partner, Dr. Barcroft, having left Hastings he took over the whole practice. Mention should be made of the excellent work he did during the great influenza epidemic of 1918. He was in charge of the Racecourse Temporary Hospital at Hastings and the energy he displayed during that terrible time was described as astounding. He went to the United Kingdom in June, 1921, to take a post-graduate course in radiology, returning to New Zealand in May, 1922. On the return voyage he suffered a severe attack of pleurisy after which he never fully recovered his health.

He was appointed radiologist at the Napier Hospital and he was the author of an aufhoritafive work, “Orbital Skiagraphy.’’ Until March 1927, he continued in practice in Hastings but finally his health broke down seriously and he was admitted to the Pleasant Valley Sanatorium, Palmerston South. He was later removed to the Dunedin Hospital and then to the Waikart Sanatorium where his death occurred. Sincere sympathy will be extended to his wife and children in their loss. There are two daughters and a son, Honour, aged 13. Allen, aged 10, and Marguerite, aged 9. The funeral wili take place at Dunedin on Saturday.. The flag was half-masted at the Hastings Club is morning to-day.