Hoby, A

Born New Plymouth 1852                           Died Havelock North 15 Jan 1947

Educated at Schofield's School, New Plymouth

After leaving school, he spent six months as a clerk followed by several years doing farm work at Bell Block. His father had "dabbled in dental work", and Arthur decided to make a career of dentistry.

He travelled to England where he learned mechanical work from Mr Balding, a dentist practising near Highgate. He then spent one year at the Great Northern Hospital working under Charles James Fox, a West-End dentist, learning extractions. He took a course in gold fillings with Mr Best, an American dentist working in London, and he attended classes run by Mr Ditcham, designed to prepare students before going to a Dental Hospital.

Whilst in England he learned that the Dental Act, requiring that all dentists have a recognised qualification, had passed into law in NZ. He arranged to take the examinations of the RCS, Ireland, and returned in 1881 as the first registered Dental Surgeon in NZ.

Source: Hoby Family papers: Alexander Turnbull Library MS-Papers- 1489

He initially practised in New Plymouth, but moved to Wellington in October 1882, setting up practice in Willis Street.

Honorary Dental Surgeon, Wellington Hospital 1883 - 1888