1881 - 1900


Resident Surgeons : 1881-1900 : early controversies
The first controversy arose during Dr Gillon's tenure. Complaints were made by the Steward and other staff about the management of the hospital by Dr Gillon, and about Dr Gillon's behaviour at times. Before the Hospital Management Committee had had time to investigate these complaints, Dr Gillon wrote to the City Council demanding a full inquiry. An inquiry was held, and is well-reported in issues of the NZ Mail between 28 August and 7 October, 1882. The Management Committee held 9 meetings, interviewed 48 witnesses, and eventually concluded that there was no substance in the claims against Dr Gillon. Despite the favourable findings, Dr Gillon resigned. The second controversy occurred during the tenure of Dr Hammond, successor to Dr Gillon. Complaints had been laid about Dr Hammond's alleged general harshness towards patients. The Honorary Medical Staff had apparently stated that they could not work with Dr Hammond. Dr Hammond demanded an inquiry, but this was refused. He then requested leave to publish in the NZ Mail details of the allegations and his response, but was refused such leave on the grounds that this was contrary to the rules of the Civil Service. The Government intervened and 'granted' Dr Hammond immediate leave of absence until the end of 1883, at which time his appointment would end. Dr Chilton was subject to official criticism made to the Colonial Secretary by a group of patients in August 1885. As a result, Dr Chilton was summarily dismissed, without a formal inquiry, and the Medical Superintendent of Mount View Asylum, Dr Levinge, was made Acting Superintendent of Wellington Hospital. Dr Chilton professed his innocence, and was supported by a number of nurses who were also dismissed for making their support public. Furthermore, a petition from a group of male staff members failed to reverse any of the dismissals. These matters are reported in detail in the NZ Mail on 21/8/1885 and 28/8/1885.

Resident Surgeons : 1881-1900 : early controversies

The first controversy arose during Dr Gillon's tenure. Complaints were made by the Steward and other staff about the management of the hospital by Dr Gillon, and about Dr Gillon's behaviour at times. Before the Hospital Management Committee had had time to investigate these complaints, Dr Gillon wrote to the City Council demanding a full inquiry. An inquiry was held, and is well-reported in issues of the NZ Mail between 28 August and 7 October, 1882. The Management Committee held 9 meetings, interviewed 48 witnesses, and eventually concluded that there was no substance in the claims against Dr Gillon. Despite the favourable findings, Dr Gillon resigned.

The second controversy occurred during the tenure of Dr Hammond, successor to Dr Gillon. Complaints had been laid about Dr Hammond's alleged general harshness towards patients. The Honorary Medical Staff had apparently stated that they could not work with Dr Hammond. Dr Hammond demanded an inquiry, but this was refused. He then requested leave to publish in the NZ Mail details of the allegations and his response, but was refused such leave on the grounds that this was contrary to the rules of the Civil Service. The Government intervened and 'granted' Dr Hammond immediate leave of absence until the end of 1883, at which time his appointment would end.

Dr Chilton was subject to official criticism made to the Colonial Secretary by a group of patients in August 1885. As a result, Dr Chilton was summarily dismissed, without a formal inquiry, and the Medical Superintendent of Mount View Asylum, Dr Levinge, was made Acting Superintendent of Wellington Hospital. Dr Chilton professed his innocence, and was supported by a number of nurses who were also dismissed for making their support public. Furthermore, a petition from a group of male staff members failed to reverse any of the dismissals. These matters are reported in detail in the NZ Mail on 21/8/1885 and 28/8/1885.