Dr. Thomas Moore Philson

While I was having a bit of a look around part of Symonds Street Cemetery last month, I came upon Dr. Philson's gravestone -- a column with cloth draped over it (see below). The name I recognised instantly. Thomas Moore Philson was one of Auckland's leading medical practitioners, if not the leading one, for most of the colonial period of the 19th century, especially in his position as medical superintendent for the developing Auckland Hospital. Even the Cyclopedia of New Zealand, published after his death, honoured him.

I was delighted to realise last night that I also share my birthday with him.