TEICHELMANN, EBENEZER (1859-1938) was born in South Australia (of German-Scots parentage) and educated at Hahndorf College and Adelaide University. He then proceeded to King's and Queen's College, Dublin, where he graduated as licentiate in 1887. In 1888 he became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, England, and in 1891 a fellow. He was assistant physician to the general hospital in Birmingham, assistant surgeon at the Jaffray hospital, and resident medical officer at the workhouse, and during this time lectured in physiology at Mason's science college. In 1895 he returned to Australia and became health officer at Port Adelaide; and in 1897 he was appointed surgeon-superintendent of the Westland hospital. During the long period he was in charge of this institution he raised the standard of surgical and medical work considerably.

Teichelmann was a prominent citizen of Hokitika, being for some years a member of the borough council, president of the acclimatisation society, vice-president of the progress league, a member of the High School board, of the Arthur's Pass scenic board and of the racing and trotting clubs. He was also a skilled mountaineer, and made many notable first ascents, including Malcolm Peak, Mt Tyndall, La Perouse, Douglas Peak, Glacier Peak, Mt Green, Mt Walter and Mt Halcombe. His expeditions covered much difficult country in Westland, and his expert photography was a factor in the development of the tourist facilities and mapping of that province. Not the least remarkable of his achievements was his reconnaissance of the Waiototo approach to Mt Aspiring. He did not begin his career in the Southern Alps till early middle age, but his small tough stature and aggressive spirit took him to many valleys where heavy swags and exposed camps were the rewards of enterprise. Teichelmann died on 20 Dec 1938.

Cycl. N.Z., vi; Who's Who N.Z., 1908; J. D. Pascoe (information); West Coast Times, 20 Dec 1938.

Reference: Volume 2, page 191

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