LOSS TO MEDICINE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22818, 27 August 1937, Page 13

LOSS TO MEDICINE

1)1?. ADA PATERSON LIFE WORK FOR CHILDREN CAMPS AND KINDERGARTENS [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION*] WELLINGTON, Thursday The death occurred to-night of Dr. Ada Gertrude Paterson, one of the best known women in the New Zealand medical profession. She made the welfaro of children her life work, being closely identified with the health camp and kindergarten movements. Dr. Paterson was born in Otago in 1880. After a distinguished school career she graduated at the University of Otago in the year 1906. Subsequently Dr. Paterson proceeded to Great Britain for post graduate study, taking additional qualifications at Dublin University. On returning to the Dominion she practised her profession for some years at Picton. In 1912 Dr. Paterson accepted an appointment as medical inspector of schools at Dunedin, being one of the original medical inspectors appointed that year. In 1916 she was transferred to Wellington and in 1923, on tbo retirement of Dr. E. H. Wilkins, Dr. Paterson was appointed director of the School Hygiene Division of the Department of Health, a position which she filled with distinction up to the time of her death. Dr. Paterson was a member of the committee of the New Zealand University Women's Federation and was an official visitor to the Women's Borstal Institution. After entering the service of the Government Dr. Paterson travelled abroad on two occasions. Her last trip was in 1935, on which occasion she represented New Zealand at an important conference connected with the League of Nations at Geneva.