Obituary

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume VIII, Issue 4, 1 October 1915, Page 195

Obituary

By Miss A. Winter, Matron Mena House Private Hospital, Auckland.

It is with great sorrow and deep regret that we have to record the death, while on Active Service m Egypt, of Major T. Copeland Savage, N.Z.M.C., at the early age of 41 years. The late Mr. Savage — as we all best knew him — -for health reasons came to New Zealand m 1902, after a most brilliant student's career m England. From the time of his arrival m the Dominion, he practised m Auckland, confining himself to consulting and operative work, and it was not long before he proved himself one of 'the most brilliant surgeons m the Dominion. In 1905 he was appointed an Honorary Surgeon to the Auckland Hospital, and he held that position until 1913, when he bscame Consulting Surgeon to that Institution. While acting m those capacities, he gave lectures to the Nurses of the Hospital, and at times acted as Examiner m their final examinations. Upon the outbreak of War, Mr. Savage was most anxious to give his services for

the benefit of our wounded New Zealanders. Although bound by family ties, and of a physique none too robust, he volunteered, and was accex^ted for service as Chief Operation Surgeon to the No. 2 Stationary Hospital, stationed at Port Koubba m Egypt. Leaving m the Troopship " Maunganui " on the 12th June, 1915 with 1,200 troops besides officers and medical staff, he arrived m Egypt on 22nd July, having performed several operations on the voyage. Prior to reaching Egypt, he had contracted Cerebro-Spinal-Meningitis, and to this dread disease he succumbed on 14th August, with the work for which he had sacrificed so much still undone. Those nurses who were fortunate m knowing Mr. Savage as an operating surgeon, and were privileged to see his work, can the more fully realise the irreparable loss this country has sustained by his untimely death. The surgical work he did m Auckland — patients coming from all parts of the Dominion — -was not to be bettered m the whole of Australasia. Indeed some four years ago while on a visit to Sydney, he was asked to perform a certain operation which he did m the presence of some of the leading Sydney Surgeons, who expressed themselves amazed at his work. For the past six years the writer has had many opportunities of witnessing most of his difficult and serious cases, and his results have been a revelation of modern surgery. His wonderful and charming personality endeared him to all, and his kindness and sympathy to those m trouble, will ever be remembered by hundreds of patients. Only the Nursing Homes know how much work he did gratis}: he was particularly charitable, and did much for the poor of the Dominion. He made no distinction between rich and poor patients ; those who most urgently required his attention came first. The late surgeon took a great interest m nurses and nursing generally, and he was always quick to appreciate a capable and good nurse. Truth always appealed to him. It mattered not m what difficulties a nurse found herself with regard to

her nursing, an honest confession forthcoming, no one could be more humane than Mr. Savage, and at the same time, he would point out the seriousness of any mistake. But a confession once made, he had one of those wonderful forgiving natures that never caused him to speak again of the incident. While nursing a case for Mr. Savage, one always had that feeling of confidence that, night or day, whenever told that a patient needed his care, he would come at once, never questioning a nurse's judgment. He had few recreations, his home life absorbing what little leisure time his practice gave him. Those of us who were privileged to know him intimately know how much he appreciated that haven of rest after his long and strenuous hours of work. He leaves a widow and five children, the youngest born shortly after his death. Our hearts go out to Mrs. Savage, m her great sadness and loss. We know she made the, tremendous unselfish sacrifice for our Dominion soldiers m parting with her husband, when the separation meant so much for them both. Patients and friends over the whole Dominion mourn with her m this her great hour of sorrow. We trust that the Hand that gave to her so much happiness m the past will liberally bestow upon her and hers m the future all comforts and happiness m the knowledge that Mr. Savage died m the great cause of succouring our wounded soldiers.