HOSPITAL HEAD

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 107, 1 November 1940, Page 8

HOSPITAL HEAD

DR. THORNE RESIGNS

REASONS OF HEALTH

LEAVING NEXT MONTH

For reasons of health, Dr. A. R. Thorne, Medical Superintendent of Wellington Hospital, has resigned his position, and his resignation was received with regret at last night's meeting of the Hospital Board.

The chairman, Mr. F. Castle, said that Dr. Thorne had been appointed some six years ago on a guarantee of three years' service, and the appointment was renewed three years ago. Last week Dr. Thorne had intimated that his contract terminated on November 12, and as his present state of health was such that he could not continue in his position much longer, he would be pleased if arrangements could be made to release him at an early date, before the end of the year at the latest.

Some months ago, continued the chairman, Dr. Thorne had a month's holiday in the north, and returned much better in health, but recently he had said that his health had not improved as much as he had hoped, and that he would have to resign his position. He knew that Dr. Thorne had

other reasons for wishing to go back to Australia, but the 'matter had been left to Dr. Thorne to decide.

Mr. Castle moved that the resignation be received with regret, and that the board make arrangements to release Dr. Thorne at an early date. The middle of December would suit all parties.

"Dr. Thorne has carried out his duties with great zeal, and with a great deal of energy," said Mr. Castle, "and he has had a great deal to carry on, under difficult conditions, particularly since Trentham Camp was established. The hours of work amounted to considerably over 40 per week, and I know that made a drain on his physical energy. In the later stages he was doing clinical work, which was not part of his duties, but owing to the large number of soldiers coming into camp he had to undertake it. I am pleased to know that he did so. but it was not his real position. Valedictory remarks will be made at a later meeting."

Remarking that he would have something to say of Dr. Thome's work later, Mr. G. J. Petherick seconded the motion.

Miss A. G. Kane said she supposed it was necessary for Dr. Thorne to give up his work, but that it seemed a pity that the board must make a change in the middle of a great project and in the middle of a war.

The resignation was accepted,