Robert T. Paton

Robert Thomson Paton (16 March 1856 – 17 February 1929) was a medical doctor who served as Director-General of Public Health for New South Wales from 1913 to 1921.

Biography

Paton was born at historic Portobello Castle, Edinburgh, a son of John Govan Stewart Paton, carver and gilder, and his wife Catherine Paton, née Thomson. Police Surgeon and Government Medical Officer (1895). Medical Officer, Darlinghurst Gaol; certified the death by hanging of Stuart Wilson Christopher Briggs in 1899 death by hanging of Jimmy Governor on 18 January 1901, and the death in custody of George Harris in 1905.

Paton and Dr J. B. Nash MLC were sent to Wollongong hospital by special train immediately after the Mount Kembla coalmine disaster of July 1902 to help treat miners suffering from "afterdamp" (a carbon monoxide mixture) inhalation, the cause of most of the 93 deaths. Inspector General of Hospitals and Charities (1912) Director-General of Public Health 1913–1921, when he retired, then became medical superintendent for Anthony Hordern, a position he held until his death. Commissioner under Venereal Diseases Act of 1918 (1919) He was awarded the CMG in 1922.

His remains were ashed at Rookwood Crematorium and presumably disposed of "in the most economic manner possible" as directed in his will. Dr. James Thomson Paton (1887–1960) married Gertrude Maiden on 18 October 1912. Doris Ainslie Paton (1892–1956) Noel Ainslie Paton (7 December 1894 – 1956) served overseas in WWI; wounded; enlisted with RAAF in WWII. Dr Robert Thomson Paton (21 May 1897 – 7 September 1934) married Eileen Mary Shard on 15 March 1928. Allan Ainslie Paton (4 November 1899 – 5 August 1941) enlisted 1918 Hilda Ainslie Paton (1902–1915) Hew Lindsay Paton (14 November 1907 – 1977) married Sheila They had a home on O'Sullivan Road, Rose Bay, in 1928; Wentworth Street, Point Piper in 1929.

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