DEATH ON SAME DAY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23507, 18 November 1939, Page 12

DEATH ON SAME DAY

NEW PLYMOUTH DOCTORS HOSPITAL SUPERINTENDENTS TOWN'S OLDEST PHYSICIANS [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] NEW PLYMOTJTH, Friday The oldest doctor in New Plymouth, Dr. H. B. Leatham, and tho second oldest, Dr. E. A. Walker, died within two or three hours of each other to-day. Both "tfere former superintendents of the New Pljmouth Hospital, and Dr. Leatham served the hospital for 54 years in various capacities before he retired. Both were widely known as sportsmen. Dr. Leatham was the oldest medical practitioner in Taranaki, and was born at New Plymouth in 1857. Ho was educated in England and returned to "New Plymouth after qualifying. In 1898 he became medical superintendent of the New Plymouth Hospital. He retired in 1910, but continued his association with the hospital as a radiologist until 1933. As a young man, Dr. Leatham was a fine athlete, representing his school at Rugby and cricket, and captaining tho Rugby team of St. Thomas' Hospital, London. In later life he was keenly interested in horses and raced several prominent performers, including _ Mutiny, who won two Grand Nationals after Dr. Leatham had disposed of him.

Dr. Walker, who camo to New Plymouth in 1895 from Glasgow, was appointed assistant superintendent to Dr. Leatham at 'the New Plymouth Hospital some years later. On Dr.' Leatham's retirement, he became superintendent in 1910, holding that office until 1925, when the work became too great to bo done in conjunction with private practice, and Mr. Maxwell Clarke succeeded him.

Dr. Walker took a prominent part in sport as a young man, particularly in boxing, swimming and Association football. He continued his active interest in sport at New Plymouth and was one of the foundation members of the New Plymouth Golf Club. Ho won the first senior championship of the club in 1902. He had been president for many years.