Personal
Dr Thomas Fergus left for Trentham this morning. He volunteered for active service, and was appointed surgeon-captain to the stationary hospital. Dr Fergus, who is a son of Mr Robert Fergus and a nephew of the late Hon. T Fergus received many tokens of esteem before his departure. -Evening Star, 27/5/1915.
Thomas Fergus' Army Record is a relatively short one, which is a pity, because it seems that his experiences in Army hospitals were of great influence in his post-war life. It should be enough for the reader to imagine the many tragic and pain-filled sights that were part of his time at the war. His obituary notes that, during this time, he became an expert in amputations and prosthetics. Having to deal with men whose lived had not ended but become limited by a permanent disability must have been taxing.
PERSONAL
Dr T Fergus, of this City, has been demobilised after 4 1/2 years of military service, four years being overseas service. He will continue to be in charge of the artificial limb work of the Otago military district as part time work for the Defence Department. -Evening Star, 25/11/1919.
Dr Fergus took what was then described as "a keen interest" - professionally and personally - in the welfare of returned soldiers. He would have seen the lasting damage, both physical and psychological, that men took back from the war. The physical damage was bad enough but more easily diagnosed by a doctor than the psychological. The physical damage was also more easy to understand for those who had not seen the war.
CITY POLICE COURT
Monday, October 11. (Before Mr J. K. Bartholomew, S.M.)
A licensing case. — Percival Vere Stevens, licensee of the Caledonian Hotel, was charged with selling liquor, on October 3 to an intoxicated person, Thos. Gray Risk. — Mr Irwin, for defendant, pleaded not guilty. — Sub-inspector Mathieson said the case was somewhat unusual. Constable McCulloch visited the hotel in company with Constable Watt. On entering the place, they found the licensee and a boarder with two other persons. The licensee was very frank, and explained that these two had had tea and then returned to the room where he and the boarder were playing billiards. They joined in the game, and the boarder shouted drinks for the lot. — Constable McCulloch gave evidence on similar lines and said that the boarder seemed to be stupid with drink. When he was brought forward in court, however, the constable said, if he were not shamming, then he (witness) would be doubtfull whether he was drunk that night or not. — Constable Watt said that, in his opinion, the man was drunk the night they saw him in the hotel. — Thos. Young, woolclasser, said the man was in the same condition that night as he was then in court. — Mr Irwin called Drs Church and Fergus, who both agreed that the man, who is a returned soldier, and was wounded and gassed on service, ought to be in a hospital and should not have liquor. Dr Fergus described him as being in a highly neurasthenic condition. It would be possible for a stranger to mistake his condition for drunkenness. — Defendant gave evidence, and was followed by other witnesses, who testified that the man was in his usual condition. The latter in his evidence, said he had had only one drink the day that he visited the hotel. — The Magistrate said the question was whether the last witness's condition when spoken to by the police was due to his nervousness or was the result of drink. He had certainly given his evidence without the excitement that he showed earlier in the day. In view of the medical evidence and his own observation of the man, it seemed quite reasonable to assume that he might show all the symptoms of intoxication and yet not be under the influence of liquor. The information would then be dismissed. He was a man who clearly should not be staying at an hotel, and should not have liquor, and it would be the licensee's duty to see that he got none. He was not imputing any blame to the licensee for the past, but merely making his position clear. — Mr Irwin said he understood the man was going into hospital for treatment as soon as there was a vacant bed. -Otago Daily Times, 12/10/1920.
It is slightly unfortunate for the historian that the name of the boarder is not reported in this case - it would be interesting to see whether he received the treatment that he needed. The same case is reported slightly differently by the Evening Star and includes details which make it worth adding to the Times' account.
A Peculiar Case. — Percival Vere Stevens, licensee of the Caledonian Hotel, Carroll street, was charged with selling liquor to a person already in a state of intoxication. Mr Irwin defended. — Subinspector Mathieson said the facts were somewhat out of the ordinary. On Sunday night, the 3rd inst., Constables McCulloch and Watt visited the Caledonian Hotel, and in a room there found a boarder shouting liquor for two men and the licensee. The two men had had tea at the hotel. The licensee very frankly explained the position. He stated that the boarder had shouted. The constables considered that the man was intoxicated, but it was understood that the defence was that he was in a highly nervous condition, and was not intoxicated. — Evidence was given by the two constables and Thomas Young. — Mr Irwin said that an honest mistake had been made as to the man's condition. He would certainly be better in a hospital than in an hotel, but he was staying in the house when the licensee took it over a few weeks ago. He had been asked to look for other lodgings. The young man, who was a returned soldier, suffered from neurasthenia and general debility as a result of bullet wounds. The whole conduct of the licensee was quite open. He immediately told everything that had happened, and explained the man's excitable condition to the police. — Dr Church said that he had attended the boarder referred to on several occasions. He was suffering from weakness of the nervous system. He had a bullet wound in the left leg. Witness last week signed a document for the young man's admission to the Hospital, and he would be admitted there any day now. Witness did not blame the police for thinking that the man was drunk. Any stranger looking at him when he was worked up to a state of excitement would come to that conclusion. — Dr Fergus also said that the young man was in a highly nervous condition, and would give one the impression of being drunk. — After further evidence His Worship said that it was a peculiar and unusual case. In view of the medical evidence, and his own observation of the young man in court, it would be a very difficult matter to say whether he was really excited or intoxicated. The information would be dismissed. It was clear, however, that the man should not be staying at an hotel, and should not be supplied with liquor at all. — Mr. Irwin: "That will be attended to." — His Worship: "I realise that the licensee's position was not free from difficulties. The man was a boarder when he took over the hotel, and it might have seemed harsh treatment to have turned him out." — The Sub-inspector: "Mr Stevens has the makings of an excellent licensee." — His Worship: "I am not imputing any blame to him." -Evening Star, 11/10/1920.
REMANDED FOR TREATMENT
PRISONER-PATIENT DIES IN HOSPITAL.
The coroner (Mr E. C. Twocy, S.M.) held an inquest concerning the death of John McNaughton, forty-two years of age, who died at the Dunedin Hospital yesterday morning. Deceased was arrested at Middlemarch on February 23 on a charge of helpless drunkenness, and was remanded for a week’s medical treatment at the Dunedin Gaol. Sergeant Shanahan represented the police.
Dr Fergus (acting police surgeon) said that he saw deceased on Friday morning at the Dunedin Gaol, and was of opinion that he was suffering from acute alcoholism with pneumonia commencing, so he ordered his removal to the hospital. All proper attention had been given deceased at the gaol. Dr A. B. Roy, house physician at Dunedin Hospital, deposed that McNaughton was admitted to the institution about 12.30 p.m. on February 25. He was then suffering from acute alcoholism, and showed signs of pneumonia. Treatment was given, but he died at 10 a.m. on the 27th. He considered that death was due to heart failure following pneumonia. Pneumonia in alcoholic subjects had a high mortality.
James McNaughton, living at N.E. Valley, said he was the father of the deceased, and identified the body. Deceased was a single man, and a farmer by occupation, having a returned-soldier section of the Gladbrook Estate at Middlemarch. He was three years at the war, and was wounded in the head and knee, and had always complained about his head and chest since his return. Witness did not know if deceased had been drinking heavily.
Constable Herbison (watch-house keeper at the Dunedin Police Station) gave evidence of deceased’s arrival at the Police Station from Middlemarch and his condition. Deceased was on a remand warrant for a week’s medical treatment at the Dunedin Gaol.
Constable Munro also gave evidence relating to deceased's condition while in the gaol. It was this witness who had called in Dr Fergus. The coroner adjourned the inquest to Middlemarch to enable Dr Roberts and the police there to give evidence. -Evening Star, 28/2/1921.
LIMBLESS SOLDIERS
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual mooting of the limbless members of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association was held last evening. Dr Fergus presided.
The annual report, which has already been published, was adopted.
The Chairman mentioned one matter not referred to in the report — i.e., that one peg leg, in addition to the other artificial leg provided, was granted to soldiers who desired it.
A vote of thanks to the Otago Rugby Football Union for granting free passes to limbless soldiers last season was carried by acclamation.
Votes of thanks were passed to Dr Fergus, the secretary (Mr Bruce), Mr Smith (secretary of the Dunedin R.S.A.), and the Press. The following office-bearers were elected President, Dr Fergus; committee — Messrs C. E. Wilson, N. Y. Quelch, G. J. Campbell, and A. D. Gunion. -Evening Star, 12/4/1921.
As a doctor, Thomas Fergus' cases also included the many results of accidents, industrial and sporting, of the day. And the unfortunate consequences of the morals of his time - and the breaking of the "rules."
DEATH OF NEWLY-BORN CHILD
INQUEST OPENED.
Mr J. R. Bartholomew. S.M., sitting as coroner this morning, opened an inquest into the circumstances of the death of an infant given birth to by a single woman on Tuesday last. The coroner said it would be as well to keep the name out of the papers until the mother was well enough to attend and give evidence. He also suggested that the name of the woman by whom she was employed should be suppressed.
Chief-detective Lewis represented the police.
The employer said that the mother of the infant was a servant in her house. On the evening of July 1 the girl complained of feeling "unwell," and witness suggested that she should go to bed. The girl went to the bathroom, and, becoming concerned because she had not put in an appearance after a considerable lapse of time, witness knocked on the door. Witness saw indications of what she thought had been a miscarriage. She called in Dr Fergus, who discovered that a child had been born. He ordered the girl’s removal to the hospital. Witness had had no suspicions as to tho girl’s condition. Sergeant Boulton gave evidence as to ordering the removal of the body to the morgue. The inquest was adjourned sine die. -Evening Star, 3/7/1924.
Personal
The resignation of Dr T. Fergus from the War Pensions Medical Appeal Board was mentioned at the executive committee meeting at the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association last night. Mr A. Laing stated that Dr Fergus would be greatly missed, but although it was with regret they saw him vacate the position, he was to be congratulated upon having been appointed Pensions Medical Officer for the district. It was decided to forward a letter of appreciation to Dr Fergus for his past services. -Otago Daily Times, 20/5/1925.
ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS
WAR HERO’S END.
Pathetic circumstances are connected with a fatality that occurred at Musselburgh to-day when Edgar Towler Tyson, coal merchant, aged twenty-nine, and single, ended an attack of depression by shooting himself. Deceased, the holder of an M.C. and many other military decorations, was badly gassed at the war, in which, however, he served for practically the duration of hostilities. Ill-health and depression were attributed as the cause of his act when Mr J. R. Bartholomew, held an inquest at the residence, 7 Princes street, at noon to-day.
A brother of the deceased, James Chalmers Tyson, builder, residing at 11 Princes street, St. Kilda, after giving evidence of identification, related some of the circumstances leading to the fatality. While on service deceased had been badly gassed, he returned as an acting-captain. On his return he gave a blood transfusion to a pneumonia patient. His health since had been indifferent, and at times he had been depressed. Witness was with him yesterday, while he was working, and decided to sleep in the same room as the deceased. They retired about 11 o’clock. The deceased complained occasionally about a pain at the back of the head. Witness rose about 6.45 this morning, leaving his brother in bed. Going to his own house, witness returned at about 7.45. He went to the deceased’s bedroom, and found the deceased lying on the floor, by the side of the bed, partly clothed, with a bullet wound in the forehead. There was a rifle beside him. Their parents, who slept in the next room, had not heard any report. Dr Fergus and the police were immediately communicated with.
The rifle belonged to the deceased, who had had it for some time. He was a member of the City Rifle Club. He had never made any threat to take his life. Only yesterday the witness had said to him: “You ought to buck up!” The deceased replied: “Oh yes, I know life is sweet!”
The verdict was that death was due to a bullet wound, self-inflicted, while in a depressed condition, due to ill-health. -Evening Star, 8/8/1925.
RED CROSS SOCIETY.
WORK OF THE PAST YEAR (excerpt)
Monticello Home. — The home is still the committee’s chief care and interest. The aim of the committee at all times is to make conditions as comfortable and homelike as possible, and in this they have been ably assisted by the matron and staff. The home is visited weekly by a special committee. The health of the men is looked after by Dr Fergus, who is pains taking and sympathetic in his work. In Dr Fergus the soldier patients have a good friend. The stuff consists of a matron, two nurses, a masseuse, and housekeepercook, four V.A.D.’s, orderly, gardener, and chauffeur. The average number of patients has been 23. The committee has given much thought, in regard to the difficulties and troubles of ex-soldiers who suffer serious breakdowns in health, but who are not accepted as defence charges by the Government. Some of these men the committee have sent up to the home for short terms, and the rest and change afforded have been of very great benefit. Matron Macmillan and her staff spare no pains in their efforts to promote the health of the patients, and the committee wish to record their appreciation of this. -Otago Daily Times, 26/8/1925.
UNEMPLOYED SOLDIERS
COMMISSION TO INVESTIGATE
DUNEDIN ASSOCIATION'S ACTIVITY (excerpt)
A meeting convened by the Returned Soldiers’ Association of representatives of the association and other bodies was held in the clubrooms last night to arrange for the presentation of evidence to the Commission which was recently set up at the suggestion of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association to investigate and report upon the conditions of uneconomically employed or unemployed’ex-aervice men....
....Dr Fergus referred to some of the types that came under the notice of the medical profession, particularly the neurasthenic cases, and the best methods of dealing with them.
In referring to "neurasthenic cases," Dr Fergus means what was then also called "shell shock," and a condition now referred to as "PTSD" or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
DISABLED EX-SOLDIERS.
COMMISSION OF INQUIRY.
DUNEDIN SITTING CONCLUDED. (excerpt)
A DOCTOR’S VIEWS.
Dr T. Fergus said that he had been associated with the examination and treatment of disabled war pensioners for a number of years. He was of opinion that there was a large section of unemployed partially disabled men who, as a result of various causes, including long hospitalisation necessitated by their war disability, anxiety and want of occupation, had developed a degree of neurosis and loss of confidence which persisted in some instances even after their original disability had become relatively slight. A proportion of these, if suitable employment within their capacity were offered, would soon rehabilitate themselves. A proportion, however, had lost initiative and become stagnant and discouraged. These required, in the first instance, encouragement and graduated employment under supervision to enable them to gradually build up their selfconfidence and their ability to work and undertake responsibility. Outdoor employment within their capacity was beneficial to this class, and it was here that he thought a project of the farm colony, seed raising or industrial type or such scheme as the commission decides was the best of those submitted would be of value, but it should end in the war pensioner becoming eventually independent as the whole intention of any method of dealing with this matter should be to convert this group from dependence to independence so far as their original disabilities allowed.
In a number of these men, the type of their disability had considerably narrowed down their field of employment, and to provide them with suitable occupations vocational training would be required, and this could be satisfactorily combined with the farm colony or similar scheme. In reply to a question, Dr Fergus stated that outside employment was to be preferred. -Otago Daily Times, 2/11/1929.
The spirit of good comradeship was uppermost at the reunion last night of ex-servicemen who served with the New Zealand Medical Corps. The function, which was held in the rooms of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, attracted the satisfactory attendance of seventy-two, these including representatives from the various field ambulance units, the staffs of the stationary hospitals, and the medical transport branch. After the loyal toast had been honoured the Last Post was sounded, this being followed by the toast, “Absent Comrades,” and the Reveille. Under the chairmanship of Dr T. Fergus those present wont on to spend a most enjoyable evening, in the course of which songs, choruses, and reminiscences of a great experience played a large part. Other toasts honoured were “Medical Services,” “Returned Soldiers’ Association,” and “The Performers.” Midway through the evening a hearty supper was served by the “mess orderlies.” The function was brought to a conclusion with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne." The old committee was re-elected to office. -Evening Star, 1/11/1933.
PERSONAL
There was a pleasant ceremony at the Montecillo Convalescent Home yesterday afternoon, the soldier inmates meeting together to bid farewell to Dr T. Fergus, who has been medical officer of the home for some years and who is leaving shortly on a visit to England. Mr T. Cummings, in the course of a neat speech, expressed the deep appreciation of the ex-soldiers for the kindness of Dr Fergus, and on behalf of his comrades and the staff asked their guest to accept a case of pipes. The Rev. V. G. Bryan King (president of the Red Cross) expressed on behalf of the society deep appreciation of the kindly interest Dr Fergus had always taken in the patients and wished him a pleasant voyage. Dr Fergus replied in suitable terms thanking the staff and inmates for their gift and for their expressions of goodwill. -Evening Star, 15/3/1934.
WOMAN’S WORLD
By Diana
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL
Dr and Mrs Fergus, who left Dunedin early in the year, are at present in Bournemouth, where Dr Fergus is attending a medical conference. They intend to leave shortly on a motor tour through England, Wales, and Scotland, and will later go on to the Continent, spending some time in Vienna. -Evening Star, 3/10/1934.
“LIMBLESS” SOLDIERS
FIRST REUNION DINNER
The first reunion dinner of soldiers who lost limbs in the Great War was held at the Vedic Cafe on Wednesday evening, Mr A. J. Gordon, recently vocational guidance officer under the Disabled Soldiers’ Civil Re-establishment Committee, presiding over an attendance of about 80. The function was organised by a local committee comprising Messrs Gordon, J. M. White. C. E. H. Wilson, G. Meggitt. A. L. Mitchell, F. Sherrill, and J. A. Rhodes. Among the guests were the Mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox), Dr T. Fergus, medical officer in charge of the “limbless” soldiers in England during the war, Messrs E, J. Anderson, representing the Disabled Soldiers’ Civil Re-estab-lishment Committee, A. S. Falconer, president of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association, Ben Ellis, representing the South African War Veterans’ Association, E. W. Fulton, registrar of pensions at Dunedin, and C. Lander, of the Pensions Office in Wellington.
The chairman explained that this was the first reunion of its sort held in Otago and, as far as was known, the first in New Zealand. The gathering was unique in that every man present had been under shell fire and had sacrificed at least his health for his country. Many of them found themselves prone to avoid social gatherings and very few of them were able to take part in any sport. It was with the object of providing a special function for these that the dinner had been arranged. It was gratifying to see that men had come from as far afield as Wellington and Bluff, as well as all parts of Otago, to be present.
The first toast honoured was that of "The Army Nursing Staff,” which was proposed by Mr C. E. H. Wilson, and replied to by Mr S. P. Cameron. Both speakers dealt with the heroic work of the nurses during the war and said that had it not been for the skill of the nurses and their unremitting care, many of those present would not have lived to attend dinners.
The toast of ”Returned Soldiers’ Organisations” was in the hands of Mr E. J. Anderson, who referred to the work of the parent body, the British Empire Service League, which had been founded and organised by Earl Haig, who, despite what some critics had said, he considered the greatest soldier and leader the Empire had ever seen. Nearer home there was the ‘‘grand old man” of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, General Sir Andrew Russell, who was completely wrapped up in the welfare of ex-servicemen, and associated with him was Mr William Perry, M.L.C., who, having lost an arm himself, was particularly interested in the affairs of the “limbless” returned men. Mr Perry was a tower of strength to the organisation in this country. Mr A. S. Falconer replied on behalf of the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association.
Mr J. M. White proposed the toast of “The New Zealand Medical Corps and Company Stretcher Bearers,” and eulogised the work of both units in the field and at the base hospitals. These men had been in the unfortunate position of having to take all the risks without the opportunity of retaliating. Dr Fergus was greeted with cheers when he rose to reply. He said that the Medical Corps had merely tried to carry out its work in conjunction with the other services. He gave an interesting account of his recent visit to the places where the Walton-on-Thames and Oatlands Park Hospitals had been and referred to many scenes remembered by those present at the dinner.
Other toasts honoured were “Loved Ones at Home,” proposed by Mr F. Sherriff and responded to by Mr B. Ellis, and “Pensions and Artificial Limbs Experts,” proposed by Mr G. Meggitt and responded to by Messrs E, W, Fulton and A. L. Mitchell.
During the evening the Mayor gave a brief address and congratulated the committee on arranging the first reunion of its sort in the Dominion. Mr C. Lander also spoke on the progress made in orthopaedic appliances for “limbless” soldiers.
The toast list was interspersed with musical and elocutionary items, which were contributed by Messrs G. Crawford, Arthur Macdonald, S. Jeffs (songs) and Mr P. S. Cameron (humorous talk). Begg’s orchestra, under the baton of Mr J. F. Himburg, supplied enjoyable selections. -Otago Daily Times, 7/6/1935.
OBITUARY
MRS THOMAS FERGUS
The death occurred suddenly yesterday of Mrs Fergus, wife of Dr Thomas Fergus, of High street. Mrs Fergus was trained in the nursing profession, being well known as Sister Christine Gidden, and was one of the courageous women who undertook war service in France. After returning to New Zealand, she identified herself with various movements which were directed to the promotion of women’s interests. The nurses’ memorial fund, the object of which is to provide help for nurses when they are no longer able to practise their profession, naturally engaged her warm sympathy. She was among the founders of the Children's Day Nursery, for which she was an unceasing worker. She was the first secretary of the League of Mothers in Dunedin, and latterly she interested herself in the Travel Club and took an active part in the prosecution of its objects. She was a regular participant in the women’s golf competitions at Balmacewen. Mrs Fergus was a lady of wide and deep sympathies, and many intimate friends will mourn her loss with Dr Fergus. -Evening Star, 6/12/1937.
With the passing of the year 1939, a new war was begun and Dr Thomas Fergus took charge of the Army medical board for Dunedin. It is possible that his eventual end was affected by the combination of the anticipation of more wrecked young lives to come, and his state of mind not helped by the absence of his wife and her support.
OBITUARY
DR THOMAS FERGUS
The death took place at Milton yesterday of Dr Thomas Fergus, a well-known Dunedin surgeon. Dr Fergus attended Otago Boys’ High School from 1895 to 1898. and graduated M.B. Bac. Surg. at Otago University, subsequently gaining the degree of F.R.C.S. at the University of Edinburgh. He saw service in the last war, both on hospital ships and in England, and it was while he was in England that he began to specialise in amputation and the fitting or artificial limbs. For some years he was on the staff of Dunedin Hospital as a senior surgeon, and in that capacity lectured to the medical students on clinical surgery. Until recently he was in charge of the local Army Medical Board. Among his other duties he was chief medical officer to the Montecillo Home, and he also did much work in connection with pensions. Dr Fergus was predeceased by his wife some years ago.
Our Clutha correspondent telegraphs that an inquest was held this morning before Mr Roy, J.P. The evidence disclosed that deceased had been stopping with his brother near Milton for the past 10 weeks. Yesterday afternoon about 2.30 he was found dead in the garden with a single-barrel shotgun beside him. He had been very depressed of late and his nerves were in a bad state. A verdict was returned that deceased died from a wound self-inflicted during a period of extreme mental depression. He was about 60 years old. -Evening Star, 8/6/1940.
PERSONAL
Reference to the death of Dr Thomas Fergus was made by Dr W. Newlands at the meeting of the Otago Hospital Board last night. Dr Newlands said Dr Fergus had joined the honorary medical staff of the Dunedin Hospital in 1914, and had rendered faithful and continuous service until his death. A tribute to his memory was paid in silence. -Otago Daily Times, 28/6/1940.
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