A NOTABLE SURGEON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17282, 25 September 1916, Page 4

A NOTABLE SURGEON.

DR A." A. MARTIN, OF PALMERSTON NORTH. Dr A. A. Martin, who : died of wciihds inflicted in the battle at tho Somme, was about thirty-nine years old. His father, Mr T. Martin, was for many years first-class guard on the luvereargill-Kingston railway line, and is now living in retirement at Lumsden. Dr Martin was educated at the.Lumsden public school, and afterwards went to tho Lawrenco District High School, where he passed the Civi.l Service matriculation examinations. In 1593 he joined tho Government Life Ihsuranco Department head office as a cadet, and in tho following year went to England to prosecute his medical studies. He had ti brilliant career at Edinburgh University, where ho practically supported himself by winning scholarships and prizes, chiefly in anatomy aud surgery. On the completion of his course ho returned to New Zealand a fully qualified M.D., with the highest testimonials from his professors. First, however, ho served through the Boor war as a surgeon, and wrote a series or articles on field surgery for tho "British Medical Journal." - Soon after his return to New Zealand, lie went to Palmerston North,, and entered into partnership with the lata Dr Wilson, eventually setting up in practice for himself. The " NewZen land Times." in an appreciative obituary notice, states that his able skill as a surgeon soon won for him a great reputation aud attracted patients from all parts of tho North Island. It was said of him by brother medical men that he was absolutely unerring in diagnosing a complaint, and that a mere touch revealed more v.-o hj'im than An extensive examination would to many others of lesser skill. His patients had the utmost confidence in him. Shortly before the outbreak of the present' war, Dr Martin went to America and England in connection with a proposal to establish a Radj.um Institute in New Zealand. He was also keen to make himself personally acquainted with the very latest developments in surgical and medical treatment, for though he eagerly studied all professional literature that came his way, he was not satisfied until, as lie told a friend in Pai»merston before he went away, he could go. to tho centres of knowledge and bring himself abreast of modem movements. War broke out while he was attending a Medical Congress in Edinburgh, and ho immediately offered his services to tho'lmperial authorities. After being employed for a period in England he joined the Field Ambulnnce, sth Division, 2nd Army, and with it served at Havre Harbour, the. battles of tho Manic and of the Aisne, also before La Basseo and Ypres. For his bravery in tending wounded under fire he was mentioned in 'dispatches by General French. Scpne of his experiences during that period are recorded in his book. " A Surgeon in Khaki a volumo which has been described as the best one dealing with the medical side of the war so far written. Early last year Dr Martin, relieved of his duties at the front, returned to New Zealand and resumed practice at Palmerston North. The outbreak of cerebrospinal meningitis at Trentham Camo startled New Zealand about tliat time and general satisfaction was exmessed at Dr Martin s appointment as one of tho three commissioner;; remitod to investigate the mattor flc took .1 prominent part in the inquiry, closely cross-examining the witnesses. This duty discharged, Dr Martin again settled down quietly in P'llmerston, where he was literally rushed off his feet by the. number of patients who flacked to his surgery. It was no uncommon thing for people to take long railway journeys specially to consult him. and then have to wail days for a chance to sec him. A few months pawed in this strenuous existence and the call of the Empire again became paramount. Once more ho rrave up -hia lucrative practico and volunteered for the front, going away as maior of the Third Field Ambulance New Zealand Division.' Ho reninlined on the held till tho time of his death. „ , In spite of tho incessant calls mado upon him by patients, Dr Martin found time for many public duties in Palmerston. He was chief .medical officer of the public hospital, honorary surgeon to the Manawatu Racing Club, and patron of the Operatic Society. He was also keenly interested in Masonic matters, and was W.M. of United Manawatu, E.C. Dr Martin leaves a widow, who rs now iu Scotland.