LONG SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22214, 6 March 1942, Page 4

LONG SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

Death Of Dr. C. A. Paterson Loss To The District After a period of ill-health Dr Charles A. Paterson died at his home, Sefton Street, yesterday morning. His death brings to a close a period of 25 years’ service in South Canterbury, first in Pleasant Point, and later m Tlmaru. Dr Paterson was essentially a family man. In addition to his own family of five, his household included for many years the three children of a deceased sister-in-law. His friends will probably remember him as sharing with Mrs Paterson the central point of this large and talented family circle. Next to the family Dr Paterson’s main interest was his family type of general practice, where his shrewd commonsense and worldlv wisdom enabled him to play the traditional role of guide, philosopher and friend to a wide circle. The calls on his time and talents in his professional capacity were almost con-

tinuous, but he was a man who did not seem to Know what it was to be tired. Outside his practice and his home his Interests lay chiefly in two directions. One was in giving to the public at large the benefit of his knowledge through the South Canterbury Hospital Board in its control of the hospital centres of the district, and the other was the Automobile Association (South Canterbury). Altogether he lived a full life, and the community in general will be much the poorer for his passing. Dr Paterson was born at Bahia (Brazil) in 1877, his father being physician to the English colony. As a young man he lived in Dunedin, but he received his medical education in Edinburgh, where he graduated. In 1904 Dr Paterson married Beatrice Kippenberger, of Christchurch, and four years later he commenced practice in Pleasant Point, where he remained for some years, rooming to Timaru in 1919. He continued in practice here until last year, when failing health caused his retirement. Dr Paterson was elected to the South Canterbury Hospital Board in November 1911, as the representative of the Pleasant Point Town District, and he continued to serve on the Board in the interests of the district until November, 1920. In May, 1929, he again became a member of the Board as a Timaru Borough representative, and he served until May 1941. when he did not seek re-election. He was one of the original members of the Automobile Association having been present at a meeting on November 29. 1913. when the Association was formed. Ha held office as president for three years, 1923 to 1926, and during his term as president was vice-president of the Soutji Island (N.Z.) Motor Union. Dr Paterson was also a member of the South Canterbury War Relief Society from its inception until his recent retirement, and was also a prominent member of the South Canterbury Club, of which he was president for two years. Dr Paterson is survived by his wife and by the following members of his family. Private Charles Paterson, who is a prisoner of war in Germany, Private Derek Paterson, who is serving in the Middle East, Mrs R. Dawson Welsh (Wellington). Mrs F. M. Riley and Mrs O. T. Harris.