Remembering Dr Kenneth McAdam

Remembering Dr Kenneth McAdam 

Doctor Kenneth McAdam was an early citizen of Oamaru whose priority was the care of his fellow citizens. He was a medical doctor, local body politician and member of a number of the town’s community groups. McAdam is yet another of Oamaru’s old identities who is buried in the local cemetery.

Dr McAdam was born in Glasgow in 1870. At the age of nine he made the journey with his family to Dunedin where he commenced his schooling. He spent his primary school years at Dunedin Normal School then won a scholarship through the Otago Education Board, continuing his education at Otago Boys High School.

McAdam went on to the University of Otago where he studied medicine, graduating in 1890 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B, B.Ch or in Latin Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae). These are the professional degrees awarded upon graduation from medical school in medicine and surgery.

After his graduation Dr McAdam became resident house surgeon at the Dunedin Hospital where he remained for two years. After this period he then took up a position as assistant to a Dr Whitton. In 1896 McAdam went to London to further his education. On his return the following year he settled in Oamaru establishing his own medical practice. He also held a position as superintendent of the Oamaru Hospital.

Dr McAdam was also involved in local politics. He was an Oamaru Borough Councillor for over ten years and was elected Mayor in 1911. While Mayor, McAdam championed a number of the significant activities in the town including the official opening of the main gates at the Oamaru Public Gardens in 1912,  and the decision to plant a Memorial Oak at the harbour end of Arun Street to honour Antarctic explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott.

McAdam was active in a number of the town’s community institutions. He was an early founder and president of the Oamaru Beautifying Society, a member and subsequently chairman of the Oamaru Fire Board and a member of the Fire Brigade. He was involved in the Oamaru Athenaeum, and the Oamaru Boating Club. McAdam was also the Surgeon-Captain of the local territorial forces.

The McAdam family lived in a fine home in Eden Street, purchased in 1900. Significant additions were made a number of years later. The home is now a bed and breakfast establishment called Eden Lodge. McAdam’s name also pops up in a number of spots around Oamaru. There is a plaque with his name on it at the gates to the Oamaru Public Gardens, and in January 1934 a prominent memorial and brass plate were erected near the Thames and Severn Street intersection in honour of Dr McAdam.

Sadly, McAdam passed away on the 29 October 1913 at the age of 43, from illness, only two weeks after resigning as Mayor. He was survived by his wife Edith and three daughters. McAdam is buried in the Oamaru Cemetery alongside his infant son who was lost to the McAdam’s in October 1909.

All information in this article comes from the Waitaki Museum and Archive and local sources.

Sources for this article:

• McDonald, Kenneth (1972) The Story of the Oamaru Hospital. North Otago Museum Archive reference 40719.
• Murton, Ian (2009) Eden Lodge Oamaru, website.
• Oamaru Mail (30 October 1913) ‘Obituary, Dr K McAdam M.B, B.Ch’, North Otago Museum Archive.
• The Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Vol. 4, Otago and Southland (1905). ‘Oamaru - Medical’, p. 527.

Written by Shannan Carr, Curator of Archives, November 2009