Colonial Surgeon, later Colonial Surgeon's Office (GA2054)

In December 1835, Thomas Young Cotter was appointed as Colonial Surgeon of the soon to be settled South Australia. Dr Cotter sailed in the Coromandel and arrived at Holdfast Bay in January 1837. Under his care were all the government officers and immigrants. He was expected to supply necessities from his salary of 100 pounds. After complaints he was censured by a board of inquiry and in August 1839 he was suspended. (1).

In a letter, from the Chief Secretary, Mr W. Younghusband to Mr R. W. Moore on his appointment to the office of Colonial Surgeon on the 11 March 1858 the duties of the office were as follows: "to advise the Government on all matters affecting the public health, and the sanitary condition of the Colony; to exercise the entire charge and control over the Public Hospital; to act as superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum; and Medical Superintendent of the Convict Stockade; to take medical charge of the Gaol; of sick and destitute persons, receiving Government aid, within the city boundaries of North and South Adelaide; of the Sappers and Miners, with their wives and families; of the Mounted and Foot Police; to give evidence at the Supreme and Local Courts; and to attend Inquests, whenever called upon by the Coroner; to examine and give certificates to all candidates for admission into the Police Force; also to be President of the Medical Board and Central Vaccine Board, and Member of the Destitute Board". (2).

The salary was 500 pounds per annum, with forage for a horse. The Colonial Surgeon had to attend to his official duties first, and if he had time he was permitted to have a private practice. (2).

In 1863 the duties of the Assistant Colonial Surgeon were as follows: "to attend to the patients of the Hospital; ...he is not expected to visit the Lunatic Asylum or Gaol, unless in cases of emergency, but has to see the inmates of the Destitute Asylum at least twice weekly on fixed days, and oftener as occasion may require - the acute cases, or patients requiring much attention, being always removed to the Hospital." (3).

The Colonial Surgeon's Office was also known as the 'Lunatic Asylums and Colonial Surgeon's Office'.

Sources:

(1) Australian Dictionary of Biography available at http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/cotter-thomas-young-1923 viewed 14/09/2012.
(2) S.A. Parliamentary Paper, No. 115 of 1858.
(3) S.A. Parliamentary Paper, No. 94 of 1863.