TRAGIC DEATH OF Newbury Hospital Secretary

Mr D GRAHAM  ROBERTSON

Deep regret and sincere sympathy have been expressed at the death of Mr Duncan Graham Robertson, which occurred under tragic circumstances at his residence, “Torrie” St John’s Road, yesterday (Wednesday).  The deceased, who was 68 years of age, had been in ill-health, being confined to his home since Christmas.  He was suffering from heart weakness and diabetic trouble, and had got into a low and depressed condition, his chief concern being that he was unable to carry on his duties as hon. secretary of Newbury District Hospital, to the welfare of which he was so ardently devoted.

On Tuesday afternoon, his sister, who was living with him, missed him for a short period, and on search being made he was found in the lower part of the house with his throat badly cut.  Dr Kennedy, who lives opposite, was immediately summoned, and applied treatment to stop the bleeding.  The Matron of the Hospital was apprised and quickly attended, while two trained nurses were summoned from Reading.  Mr Robertson was then alive and recognised his friends, but it was realised that the case was hopeless.  Death occurred yesterday morning at 12.30 a.m.

The deceased was a member of a Scottish family, his parents living at Callender, Perthshire.  He was educated at Russell public school and went on to Cambridge where he took his degrees.  He adopted the teaching profession, and was assistant master for some years at a preparatory public school in Perthshire, to which he returned during war-time to carry on during the absence of members of the staff on service.  His father and mother came to live in the Enborne Road, Newbury and both are buried in Newbury Cemetery  .  After their deaths, the son and daughter kept on the home, latterly removing to St John’s Road.

Twelve years ago he became associated with the Hospital as a member of the Management Committee, and for seven-and-a-half years had discharged the duties of hon. Secretary.  He made this work the one object of his life, and, having leisure and administrative ability, his services proved of the greatest value to the institution.  He was in attendance several times daily, and kept in close touch with every detail, being largely responsible for securing new subscribers and supporters.  He made intimate acquaintance with successive patients, and his genial manner made him very popular with them.  A few years ago, on the initiation of Sir William Walton, the president, he was presented with a silver rose-bowl and candlesticks in recognition of his diligent labours.  Finding his illness prolonged, he intimated his intention to resign, but the management committee were loth to lose him, and invited him to remain in office, a deputy being appointed to relieve him of responsibility during his indisposition.  It was his knowledge that he could not accept this offer, and must sever his connection, which preyed upon his mind and led to his sad end.

Mr Robertson served in the Newbury Volunteer Corps, and his favourite recreation was the composition and solution of acrostics, in which he attained to considerable success.