PHILSON, THOMAS MOORE (1817-99) was born in County Derry, Ireland, educated there and graduated M.D. at Edinburgh University. He practised three years in the Forest of Dean, and then joined the army. He was assistant surgeon in the 58th Regiment, with which he came to New South Wales and later in the transport Ann to Bay of Islands (1845). He was present at Ruapekapeka and served afterwards in the Wanganui campaign, being present when the murderers of the Gilfillan family were hanged. In 1851 he retired to practise in Auckland, where he was coroner (1858-99), and medical superintendent of the hospital to 1883. He gave as an endowment for a medical library at the hospital the fund of £300 presented to him by the citizens on his retirement. Philson married (1840) Matilda Willmet, daughter of Captain Anderson, R.N. He died on 22 Nov 1899.

Morton; Cycl. NZ, ii (p); NZ Herald, 10 Feb 1883, 23 Nov 1899.

Reference: Volume 2, page 86

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