11 Facts About Leslie Averill

Leslie Averill served as a medical administrator and community leader.

Leslie Averill was born on 25 March 1897 at Christchurch in New Zealand to a local vicar and his wife.

Leslie Averill graduated as a medical doctor in 1924, submitting a thesis on the detection and treatment of placenta praevia for his degree.

Leslie Averill was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh the following year.

Leslie Averill returned to New Zealand in 1925 and married Isabella Mary Wilkie Roberton in Auckland.

Leslie Averill began a general practice in Christchurch in 1926 but would be heavily involved in regional and national medical services and administration.

Leslie Averill helped set up a private hospital that opened in Papanui in 1928 and would remain associated with the hospital for over 40 years.

Leslie Averill was employed at St Helens Hospital as medical superintendent from 1929 until 1962.

Leslie Averill's contributions were not limited to medicine; he was on the board of governors of Christchurch College for nearly 20 years, served as a president of the Old Boy's Associate of his former high school, and was a member of Christchurch's Rotary Club.

Leslie Averill died on 4 June 1981, survived by his wife and four children.

Leslie Averill returned to the town in 1923 to unveil the New Zealand War Memorial there with Marshal Joseph Joffre and Sir James Allen, New Zealand's High commissioner to London.