Dr Herbert Macandrew, MBM Ch, (1860-13/1/1917). "large-hearted and liberal-minded"

OBITUARY

HERBERT MACANDREW

(West Coast Times).

The news of the death of Dr Macandrew, which occurred at 10.30 o’clock yesterday morning was not unexpected. 

For months past Dr. Macandrew had been in a critical state of health, and his many friends knew full well that the end was near, and could only resign themselves to it. 

The deceased was a native of Dunedin, where he was born in 1860. He was a son of the late Hon. J. Macandrew, the first Superintendent of Otago and Minister of Public Works in, Sir George Grey’s Government. Deceased was educated at Edinburgh University, and on his return to New Zealand was appointed assistant medical officer at Seacliffe Mental Hospital, Dunedin. In 1889 Dr. Macandrew was appointed medical superintendent of the Sea View Mental Hospital, and since that date resided in Hokitika. 

Dr Macandrew was one of the most large-hearted and liberal-minded of men, and no call for the advancement of humanity was ever, denied by him. His memory will live amongst those who had occasion to appreciate his sterling worth. As a citizen the late Dr. Macandrew always took a live interest in any progressive movement. He was for many years a member of the Borough Council, and as chairman of the Reserves Committee did excellent work. He was also a valued member of the Acclimatisation Society, and was one of the few citizens who were interested in the movement to provide swimming baths for Hokitika. Dr. Macandrew was also a prominent member of the Church of England, and was a Vestryman for over twenty years. As medical superintendent of the Mental Hospital Dr. Macandrew made many friends. The patients and staff of the hospital had confidence in the worthy Doctor, and it was not misplaced. The records of the recent meeting of the Westland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board bear eloquent testimony to the worth of Dr. Macandrew, who had saved the hospital hundreds of pounds by his freely given services. 

The deceased leaves a widow and family of three, one son (Master ‘Teddy’ Macandrew) and two daughters, (Mrs. Stanley White and Miss Maisie Macandrew). There are also four brothers (Mr. Hunter Macandrew, Inspecting Engineer of Railways Wellington, Mr. Arthur Macandrew, Government electrician at Auckland; Mr Colin Macandrew, farmer at Portobello), and three sisters, one of whom, Nurse Macandrew, was matron at Kumara and Greymouth Hospitals and who is now in charge of a military hospital in England. 

The community will extend to the bereaved family very sincere condolences in their sad bereavement.  -Greymouth Evening Star, 16/1/1917,

Hokitika Cemetery.