Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Thomas William GARDE adn Sophia nee COLLES

DR. H. C. GARDE. A NOTABLE CAREER
One of the oldest links with the early days of Maryborough was severed yesterday by the death of Dr. H. C. Garde, who for the past 53 years had been closely associated with the growth of the district and who had alleviated the sufferings of many, giving ample cause for their subsequent goodwill and esteem which was at all times extended to him. Known generally by the term ''' H.C.'' he was ever ready to lend a helping hand, more especially so far as his medical knowledge was concerned, to those in want. His qualifications were such that he was looked upon as being among the foremost surgeons in the Commonwealth and his degrees certainly bore testimony to that fact. He had qualified at some of the leading colleges in the Old Country, earning diplomas of high merit there.

The late Dr. Garde was born in Cork, Ireland, on February 9, 1855, his father being the Church of England Rector of Cloyna, his ancestors, who were of French nationality, having settled in Ireland in 1688. His predecessors had been closely associated with the medical profession for generations, Dr. Colles, his grandfather, being the person whom the fracture of that name was called after. It was therefore natural that the late Dr. Garde should adapt himself to that profession, and at the age of 22 he qualified to become a licentiate of the Apothecaries Hall, Dublin. He continued his studies in medicine and surgery, and in the fol lowing year became a licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) and of the Royal College of Physicians. In 1886 he qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh), whilst in that year he also gained a diploma as lecturer in midwifery of the King's College of Physicians (Ireland). He was successful that year in gaining the only gold medal awarded for merit, gaining the highest pass in the examination. His career therefore was made in the early days of his studies, and the knowledge so acquired in his initial stages as a doctor stood him in good stead for his future ministrings to mankind.

Dr. Garde came to Maryborough about 1879 having for some time be fore that been a ship's doctor. As such he had travelled over considerable parts of the world and gained experience in his calling. He started in private practice here and in those days the mode of travel was by horse or buggy, many long journeys having been made by him to reach his patients. He was ready at all times to answer a call for medical assistance and his responses to those calls often endangered his own life in times of flood and during the time when the blacks were prevalent in the district.
After having been in practice for a number of years, Dr. Garde was appointed resident surgeon at the old Maryborough General Hospital in 1884, being with that institution when the transfer was made to the present site. He remained there till 1902, being succeeded by Dr. Lee Garde. In May, 1011, he was re-appointed to the position. Following the outbreak of the war, he obtained leave of absence from the hospital committee and proceeded to Egypt with the rank of Major. He also served on the hospital ships at Gallipoli and returned to Maryborough in 1916, resuming his post as resident surgeon at the hospital. He resigned from that position in June, 1918, and once again commenced private practice in John-street, which he retained up to a few months ago when failing health compelled him to retire from active work. Dr. Garde played a prominent part in the work of the, R.S.S.I.L.A. and was the first president of the local sub-branch. He remained a member up to the time of his death.

The late Dr. Garde took a keen interest in public matters and was associated with the City Council as an alder man for a few years. He also represented the city in Parliament for portion of one parliamentary term. That was in 1902, when he won a by-election brought about by the death of Mr. C. H. Barton, the sitting member. Dr. Garde was returned, defeating Mr. H. Turley, but at the next election he was defeated by Mr. W. Mitchell, who stood in the Labour interests. During his occupancy of the position he opened up practice in Brisbane, but on his defeat returned to Maryborough.

Evidence of his disregard of danger was afforded during the flood of 1893, which was the biggest ever experienced in the history of the district. A man named Henry Miles, was being swept downstream by the flood waters from Sussex-street, when the doctor went to his assistance and succeeded in saving his life. For that plucky action he was awarded a certificate of merit by the Royal Humane Society of Australasia. Prior to that happening he had also been awarded a medal for saving life at sea, though the details attached to that event are not available.

Perhaps there has been no greater lover of horseflesh than was the late Dr. Garde. He took a pride in having good horses and it was generally admitted in the days when horses were prized to a greater extent than they are today that his animals were the equal of any. Racing also claimed his undivided attention and he was one of the keenest officials attached to the various race clubs that have functioned in Maryborough. So great was his interest in this sport that he established a stud at Tandora, on .the Mary River, where he bred many fine animals which met with success on the race track. He also bred stud cattle on that property, which which were much sought after by district breeders. Outside centres recognised his ability as a judge of horses and on innumerable occasions his services were requisitioned in that capacity.

Dr. Garde is survived by his widow, one son, Mr. T.W. Garde (Maryborough), and three daughters, Mrs. J. Howard-Rees (Detroit. U.S.A.), Mrs. W. . Versteeven (Penang, Strait Settlements), and Mrs. O. L. Beresford-Hope (Colombo, Ceylon). One daughter, Eileen Croker -Garde, predeceased him in 1902 in infancy. The funeral will take place from his late residence, John-street, at 11 o'clock this morning. Members of the Returned Soldiers' League are asked to attend.
Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser Wed 10 Aug 1932