OBITUARY.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2868, 25 April 1878, Page 2

OBITUARY.

A very painful feeling pervaded the community to-day when it became known that Dr. W. A. Perston was dead, and the feeling was intensified when the cause of death, wait made known. Few medical men have practised here who hare gained snob a hold upon their patients as the*deceased, and the news of his death—which even now is not known beyond a limited circle—will bring sorrow to many a heart. The circumstances attending the deceased gentleman's death are alluded to in another portion of this day's issue. It wold appear that Dr Fenton had never folly recovered from the attack of rheumatism by which he was prostrated at New Year's time; and the demands upon his time of an extensive private practice, and his duties as Hospital Sur* gcoa were very Irving, aggravating the pain from which he suffered and depriving him also of necessary rest: hence his recourse to the hypnotic, an overdose of which is believed to have been the immediate cause of death. Dr. Ferston arrived in New Zealand in 1859, aad became a settler in the Whangarei district, where he acquired a large property, betides practising amongst the settlers. Soon after the Thames was opened as a goldfield he came down and established a practice here, but did not remain very long. About 1870, however, the doctor returned to the Thames and took up a permanent residence here, from which time he has gradual!j acquired a large practice and gained much favor with the inhabitants, having been elected Surgeon to the Hospital on the death of Dr. Fox, and acting for some time as medical officer to several of the benefit societies. Doctor Perston held very high diplomas, being an M.D. of Edinburgh ana we believe possessing the highest qualifications as a surgeon and accoucheur. He was universally respected in the district of Whanßarei, and we are sure that he has been held in the same high esteem here. His death will leave a void not easily filled, and his untimely death will be sincerely regretted by many * ho could appreciate his genuineness as a man as well as his skill as a physician. Dr Perston leaves a widow and young family, who will have a large hearted sympathy extended to them in their x hereavement.