SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS

Taranaki Daily News, 16 July 1930, Page 4

SUPERINTENDENT RESIGNS

CABLE RECEIVED FROM DR. CLARKE DR. G...RICH APPOINTED BY BOARD . ‘Please accept, three mouths’ notice ol my resignation of the position of medical superintendent of the hospital,” stated a cable from Dr. Maxwell Clarke in Edinburgh to the Taranaki Hospital Board, which met in New Plymouth yesterday. The resignation of Dr. Clarke was accepted with regret, the chairman, members of the board and th? acting-super-intendent (Dr. G. F. Rich) speaking highly of Dr. Clarke’s work. Afterwards, Dr. Rieh was unanimously -ap pointed superintendent. Dr. Rich graduated M. 8., Ch.B., at Otago University in 1925. In 1926 he was appointed house surgeon at the Dunedin hospital and in 1927 was appointed house surgeon at the New Plymouth hospital. During 1928-29 he went to England, holding surgeon appointments in London and Manchester hospitals. He continued his studies in -surgery at Edinburgh and qualified for his F.11.C.5. in Edinburgh in 1929. He returned to New Zealand at the end of last year and was in charge of the surgical side of the New Plymouth lids-, pital .when Dr. Burns was-acting medical superintendent in place of Dr. Clarke. When Dr. Burns left last January Dr. Rich was appointed acting medical .superintendent. “AR we can do,” said the chairman (Mr. S. Vickers), when Dr. Clarke’s resignation was read, “is to accept it with the very greatest regret.” During Dr. Clarke’s association with the board he had been not only a very capable officer but he had done much to popularise the hospital. He Tnoved that the board convey -its appreciation of his work to Dr. Clarke.

The Rev. R. B. Gosnell (deputy-chair-man) in seconding, said he could confirm all the chairman had said. Dr. Clarke had been a man of unfailing patience and courtesy. The work of Dr. Clarke for the children's ward was recalled by Sir. S. J. Smith. Dr. Clarke had accompanied board, members to Wellington and the way he had “stuck to his guns” in the face of strong departmental opposition had won Mr. Smith’s admiration.

Messrs. A. Corkill, R. J. Dearo and A J. Brennan added their appreciation of Dr. Clarke’s. work. The board went into committee to consider the appointment of a new medical superintendent. Dr, Rich was unanimously appointed, the appointment to take effect from the beginning of October. ’ >. ,