1894 - GULGONG DOCTOR
Dr R Dick, second son of Mr. J. A. Dick, of Windsor, is now practising at Gulgong, and in several cases of a critical character which he has had in hand he has displayed much professional ability. Dr. J. A. Dick, his elder brother, who is practising in Sydney, was in Windsor on Christmas Day.
1895 - [LATEST REMEDIES]
Two of Mr George Stewart's children have been at death's door from diphtheria. They had to be conveyed from Denison Town to Gulgong for the effective treatment of Dr Dick, with the very latest remedies for this terrible complaint. Mrs Stewart, too, after her arrival in Gulgong, had to have medical attendance, and altogether there was an unpleasant time for the genial George. We are pleased to say that all are now convalescent.
Source: 1894 Guardian quoted in Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 Mar 1935 Page 17
1895 - DIPTHERIA
The two oases of Diptheria at Gulgong in which Dr. Dick injected anti-toxin are progressing favourably.
1895 - GULGONG, Monday
Diphtheria is still prevalent The patients are being treated with- anti-toxin by Dr Dick, with apparent good results The Public school has been closed for one week.
1895 - ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.
The monthly meeting of the executive committee of the above was held on the 5th instant at the association's office, 12 Imperial Arcade... Communications were received from Dr Arthur Groves, Wyalong, and Dr Robert Dick, Gulgong, stating the probability of the formation of [first aid] classes in their districts.
1895 - GULGONG, Friday
A banquet was tendered last night in the Town Hall by the members of the Literary, Musical, and Debating Society to the late president, the Mayor, Mr F W Russell. The ladies provided the refreshments and the decorations. The occasion was also availed of for bidding farewell to Dr Dick, vice-president, who is leaving the district.
1895 - LEAVING
Mr. R. Dick has disposed of his Gulgong practice, and intends taking a sea voyage. Dr. Dick is son of Mr. J. A. Dick, post-master at Windsor, and nephew of Mr. Robert Dick, of Sunny Brae. He is the second doctor claimed by the family to which he belongs.
1895 - Valedictory to Dr. Robert Dick.
ON Monday evening, last week, about 25 gentlemen, citizens of Gulgong, met in the local Town Hall for the purpose of presenting an illuminated address and several medical works to Dr. Robert Dick, who is leaving the district on account of ill-health, and who has in consequence resigned the position of medical officer to the Gulgong Hospital, a position which he had occupied for nearly two years. Mr. F.W. Russell, Mayor, presided. The address, of which the following is a copy, was in book form, beautifully illuminated, and was from the office of Mr John Sands, Sydney:
Gulgong, October 17,1895,ROBERT DICK, ESQ., M.B.Dear Sir,—On the eve of your departure from amongst us, we feel that we should be ungrateful towards you if we did not express, on behalf of the inhabitants of this district, our respect and admiration for the manner in which you have performed your duties as a medical man in this town since your arrival, a period now of nearly two years. From all quarters, rich and poor, old and young, your praises have been repeated far and wide, for your unvarying skill, attention, and kindness to your patients. During the late outbreaks of diptheria your watchful and devoted care saved many a little one's life, for which you have earned and retain the undying gratitude of a large number of parents.With regard to your position as surgeon to the local Hospital, words cannot adequately describe our sorrow that you are about to sever, unwillingly, your connection with that institution. Your zeal and promptitude in attending to the ailments of the patients have given the greatest satisfaction to them and the committee, between whom and yourself the most pleasant relations and harmony have always existed.In conclusion, we exceedingly regret that your illness has created the necessity for your leaving us, for the purpose of taking a sea voyage with the hope of regaining your health, and sincerely trust that the change will have the desired effect, and that you will return to your native land completely restored to your former health and vigour. With our most earnest and heartfelt wishes for your future welfare, we beg to subscribe ourselves,Your very sincere friends, F. W. Russell, Mayor, S. T. Bishop, J.P., R. White, Richard Stear, J.P., W. R. Bentzen, John Tuxford, W. Clarke, Arthur Croft, W. Fletcher, D. C. Acton, Robt. W. Heard,A. P. Lambert.
Mr White spoke in feeling terms of Dr Dick's departure, and of his many good qualities. He had filled the position of medical officer to the Gulgong Hospital for nearly two years; he had won the esteem and goodwill of all, and the poor of the district would miss him most.
Mr Clarke said Dr Dick had won the hearts of all by his disinterested kindness, skill, and good citizenship. They all hoped he would return at some future date in the best of health. Mr Fletcher spoke in a similar strain.
Mr Lambert, secretary to the Hospital, claimed a large share of the honor of having brought Dr Dick to Gulgong. He gave personal testimony of his sterling qualities in private practice. In the Hospital he had been most attentive day and night, and the institution had never before had an officer who performed his duties like Dr Dick.Mr Acton said he had heard of Dr Dick's fame before coming to Gulgong. Once when a child was sick with diphtheria he had not waited to have it conveyed to the Hospital, but, wrapping a rug round it, carried it to his own rooms. The highest tribute they could pay the doctor was that "he is a man."Dr Dick was greeted with cheers. He said he was deeply conscious of the honor they had done him. Since his arrival in Gulgong he had met with nothing but kindness. He regretted the severance, but hoped that the friendships he had made would last for all time. He had decided to try a prolonged rest, and wherever he was be would always look back with feelings of pleasure upon his sojourn in Gulgong.
Dr Dick's health seems to have improved. He went on to become the Director of Public Health for NSW and also started The Baby Health Clinics.
Source: Philip Zillman
1943 - Obituary - DR. R. DICK
The death is announced of Dr. Robert Dick, former Director-General of Health for NSW, and first Medical Officer of Health for the Hunter district. He died suddenly at his home in Bellevue Hill. He was in his 75th year. Dr. Dick became Medical officer of Health for the Hunter in 1898.
Newcastle was his headquarters from that year till he was appointed State Director of Health in 1921. He retired a few years ago. He served throughout the World War as a major with the RAMC. He was in England in 1914 and volunteered there. He was born at Windsor (NSW).
Source: Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954) Thu 4 Nov 1943 Page 2
Source: Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954) Thu 4 Nov 1943 Page 2
