Echoes of Sir Carrick

I approach the subject of John's grandfather Sir Carrick Robertson with some trepidation and great respect. 

 
To lay the groundwork, best I stick to published information available on the internet:

Carrick Hey Robertson was born in Glascow in 1879, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Blair Robertson. He was educated at St. Dunstan's College and Guy's Hospital. In 1902 he took the London M.B. and in 1903 the B.S. The following year he gained the F.R.C.S.Eng. After qualifying he spent a year in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, and then went to New Zealand in 1905, where he spent the rest of his life. For five years Robertson was medical superintendent of Waihi Hospital, and after that began to establish his position as a surgeon in Auckland. Two years before the First World War he was appointed to the honorary staff of Auckland Hospital, a position he held until 1937. He was also closely associated with the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Auckland, as first senior surgeon and subsequently as chief of staff. Robertson served  with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1915 and 1916, and later took a prominent part in the treatment and rehabilitation of wounded soldiers. A leading figure in the medical profession of New Zealand, he was at one time president of the New Zealand Branch of the BMA. Robertson was the first New Zealand honorary fellow of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, and he was also an honorary fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Carrick Robertson was knighted in 1929 for his services to medicine, and shortly after that France made him a Chevalier of the Legion d'Honneur.

Shortly after he settled in New Zealand he married Constance Maxwell-Hibberd (the daughter of Mr. C. Maxwell-Hibberd of Jersey, former Postmaster General of Natal); they had three sons and one daughter. Lady Robertson died in 1950. Sir Carrick remarried in 1957, and died at the age of 84 in 1963.

Sir Carrick was the first surgeon to treat neurosurgical cases routinely in New Zealand. He was called "Mana" by his family and lived in "Rannoch," a grand Arts & Crafts house a short distance from the Mater Hospital. The house still overlooks the motorway in Auckland today, now home to The James Wallace Arts Trust and some of its collection.

Sir Carrick was also known to be an avid naturalist, with a particular interest in the moa, a now extinct flightless native bird. By all accounts he was larger than life, an imposing figure who did incredible things.

He features in Michael Belgrave's excellent history "The Mater, A History of Auckland's Mercy Hospital 1900-2000" (published by Dunmore Press Ltd.).

At Struan Farm we have the dining table from Rannoch in the Knitting Studio, as well as a matching carving table:

 

 

Each chair has a different angel face carved below:

 

 

There's also an elaborate silver stand with crystal decanters for liquor that came to us via Maurie (it locks, presumably so the servants couldn't pinch the whiskey!). I have tried to research what the phrase "Parum Gratias Ago" engraved across the front means, with little luck. Any Latin scholars out there who can help? My rough guess is "Too little on account of some time ago," but there must be a better way of translating that into a proper expression of thanks/appreciation. 

 
 

Sir Carrick used to wear bow ties. My favorite picture of John as a young child is a formal black & white photograph for which, according to his mum, he insisted upon wearing a "bow tie like Mana." So there are echoes of Sir Carrick around us every day at Struan Farm; they help to keep the family history and his achievements alive.

 

 

Comments

[Ann nighy]

Hello Karen
I think that John will have a copy of 'Carrick, Pioneer Surgeon' which will give you more information on 'Manah' (not Mana !)
I wrote the book ready for my father's 90th birthday.
What a pity we didn't know you were in Nelson ! I know the Trading Shop in Mapua well. In fact I've sold things there and they are very willing to promote functions.
We have been in this Paradise for 11 years. John will tell you about us!
Greetings to you both and Clifford. The name of my husband!
Ann

[Karen]

Hi Ann, John wasn't aware Manah was spelled with an "h," so we've all learned something!
Kind regards,
Karen

[Ann Nighy]

Hello Karen
Have just opened this again. Carrick's father's name was Robertson Blair Robertson. When the clergy asked what his name was he was told 'Robertson' so he was baptised R B R.
Ann

[Katherine Taylor]

Hello! What a great webpage this is!My husband is Carrick's greatgrandson through David Robertson. I am very interested in learning more about the family. I've read the easily accessible websites. Can you recommend any other resources? Do you know if the book mentioned above is still available?

[Robyn Higgins]

Hello, My late aunt, Jessie Aitken, was employed by Sir Carrick as his cook/housekeeper in the late 1950's, early 1960's. As a young child I got to spend time at Rannoch House, as did my sister. We have some photos of us in the grounds all those years ago and up until my late aunt's death, I was constantly reminded of a time when the nuns came to deliver mail or something for Sir Carrick and I answered the door and told him that there were 'penguins outside.' I do remember that incident and him smiling at me. I would spend time with him in a room with a large chair from memory where he would patiently listen to the ramblings of a young child, or he would be in the kitchen while my aunt made him macaroni cheese for his lunch. When it came time for my aunt to leave his employment, he gave me a tiny blue and white patterned cup and saucer which I think my sister has. My sister and I are hoping to arrange a tour through Rannoch House next month.

[Ann Nighy]

Hello Katherine Taylor, Unfortunately the Book 'Carrick pioneer Surgeon' is no longer available to purchase. Anyone of the family that you know may have a copy for you to borrow.
I wrote the biography of him ready to present to the family on the 90th birthday of my father John Carrick Robertson. Most libraries, city, historical, medical and others throughout the country bought a copy so you may find one there.
Ann Nighy, Nelson

[Heather Lipanovich]

Hello - after reading the post by Robyn Higgins I thought I'd like to add a story I recall with fondness from my early childhood. My paternal grandfather Nikola Lipanovich worked for Sir Carrick Robertson.
I'm not exactly sure what it was he did or how long he was employed by Sir Carrick.
One Christmas Day a chauffeur driven car arrived at my grandfathers home - Sir Carrick had come with a gift for my grandfather. The gift was some type of alcohol.
Without knowing anything about this man and given it was Christmas day to me it shows more than politeness or good manners it seems to be the gesture of a kind and thoughtful person.
For some years I have been intrigued by Rannoch House and it was only yesterday that I learnt this is where my grandfather worked - until yesterday I had believed Sir Carricks home was in a street adjacent to Government house.
Kind regards
Heather