Plaque honours first doctor

Dr Graeme Kerr (left) and Gavin Kerr stand beside a plaque dedicated to their grandfather, Dr...
Dr Graeme Kerr (left) and Gavin Kerr stand beside a plaque dedicated to their grandfather, Dr William Edward Stevens, outside the house that was once his surgery in Kurow. PHOTO: DANIEL BIRCHFIELD
Two grandsons of Kurow’s first doctor have ensured his legacy will not be forgotten.

On Friday, a plaque dedicated to Dr William Edward Stevens, who practised in the Waitaki Valley township from 1891 to 1911, was visited by his two grandsons, Dr Graeme Kerr and Gavin Kerr.

It is mounted outside a property at the corner of Manse Rd and Robinson St, built in 1893, where Dr Stevens based his surgery.

While his contribution to the history of Kurow is recognised on the plaque, an event of national importance is also noted.

The house is where another doctor, Dr David McMillan, was based between 1929 and 1934, and was where he met the Rev Arnold Nordmeyer and Kurow School headmaster Andrew Davidson to first discuss what would eventually become the Social Securities Act of 1938 and the first welfare state system in the world.

A Historic Places Trust plaque used to be at the site, but has now been replaced with one by Historic Places Aotearoa to recognise both contributions.

Dr Kerr said it never sat well with him that his grandfather’s place in history was not recognised on the original plaque.

"I quite recognised that that conversation was very important in New Zealand history, but there was nothing about grandfather. He was probably the first high country doctor in New Zealand, and he started here in Kurow.

"My feeling was a site like this has a important place in New Zealand history, and a plaque should also record what is important locally."

Dr Stevens died in 1937, so neither of his grandsons had the chance to get to know him, as they were both young children at the time.

However, Mr Kerr said from all accounts his grandfather was "extremely caring" and would go out of his way to ensure his patients were well cared for.

Add a Comment