Following the death of Dr. Hubert Washbourn in 1927, his replacement, Dr William Fleming Currie, arrived the same year to take up Washbourn’s practice.
William had graduated from New Zealand University in 1916 after which he practised at Waikato Hospital for around 18 months. In March 1917, he enlisted in World War One as a surgeon and embarked in March aboard the Corinthic.
He served with distinction as Regimental Medical Officer in the 2nd Battalion, Wellington Regiment, with the rank of captain.
In October 1920, he was accepted into the Edinburgh Royal College of Surgeons and, on completion of his studies, returned to New Zealand to work in partnership with Dr Hugh Douglas in Hamilton for several years before moving to Richmond.
He arrived in the region with his wife Lillian, twin sons Hugh and Henry and daughter Kathleen.
He very quickly became involved with several clubs.
Between 1928 and 1939 he was either a member of, or supported; the Waimea Tennis club, the Waimea Association, A and P Association, Nelson Ruby Union, Waimea Football club, the Pirate Football Club, the Kai Oras ladies hockey club, the Brightwater Cricket Club, the Stoke Golf Club and the Richmond Miniature Rifle Club.
As a member of the Court Sherwood Forest Friendly Society, William was elected as Court surgeon, a position he held until his death.
His reputation of being a dedicated doctor grew and he was always available to render help, often in a voluntary capacity.
As well as the usual duties of a doctor attending to the health and well-being of the community, he was also called to give evidence at trials where harm or death had occurred, attending minor and horrific accidents and taking part in inquests.
After only six years in Richmond the family suffered a blow in October 1933 with the death of Lillian, wife of William, following an illness of only one week.
Lillian’s sister, Elizabeth, may have come to Richmond to look after the children as in early 1935 she and William were married.
By 1939 William had been in Richmond for twelve years and as the year was coming to an end he was busy with his practice and patients, and all seemed well. But after becoming unwell for only a few days mid-December he died unexpectedly on the 20th, aged 47 years.
The funeral took place on the 22nd at Richmond Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. W. Evans of Riwaka.
The large number of attendees and wreaths testified to the respect and affection that he was held in.
A eulogy from a grateful patient and member of the community told of how the doctor was a man who thoroughly enjoyed life, had a good sense of humour and always saw the bright side of life. His skill as a surgeon saved many lives who might otherwise have been lost.
