This biography was written by Michaela Selway and is based on Barbara’s Memoir and an interview with David Roche (one of Barbara’s grandsons) in October 2021 for the Early Medical Women of New Zealand Project. Further information and photographs were contributed by the wider Roche family. Further resources are listed in the Bibliography.
Contents
1927 graduate
Early life in Greymouth and Wellington
Barbara Hay Henry born on 28 September 1901, weighing 9 lb 8 ounces, was the first of two daughters to John Barclay Henry and Mary Elizabeth (nee Armstrong) (1). John was originally from McDuff, Scotland but had emigrated to New Zealand during the gold rush (2). The only immigration log from the United Kingdom to New Zealand for a “J Henry” was in 1895 on the ship “Manapouri”.
Barbara’s mother, Mary Elizabeth Armstrong was originally from the Hawkes Bay area, and her parents had emigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in 1876 (1). It is presumed that John met Mary Elizabeth Armstrong after emigrating, as their marriage was registered in New Zealand in 1900 (4). Sometime between 1895 and 1900, John was promoted to Greymouth. It is believed that Mary was a housewife, though Barbara recorded that her mother was very “sports-minded” and was proficient at tennis. She often won tournaments in singles, ladies doubles, and combined doubles (1).
By the time Barbara was born, John was working as a bank manager for the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ). She was born in the family home, which was located on the top floor of the BNZ branch that John managed (5) (1). On 17 December 1903, John and Mary had their second daughter, Elenora Weir (Nora) (6). Barbara described their home in Greymouth as having no garden, “my playing area was a yard covered with small pebbles… My first knowledge of grass was at a party which I attended at about three years of age. I was fascinated with the grass and refused to go inside for afternoon tea and insisted on sitting on the grass, pulling the leaves.” (1)
In 1906, John was promoted to manage the BNZ branch in Masterton. The family travelled by sea to Wellington. “The great excitement of the voyage was porpoise Pelorus Jack which escorted the ship across Cook Strait into Wellington Harbour.” (1) In the early days of their time in Wellington, the Henry family stayed in Te Whiti, where Mary’s sister lived, until they bought their own home in Lansdowne, Masterton. They named their land “Myrna” after John’s Scottish farm. The house was a bungalow with several acres of land. The space meant that the family was able to get a pony, horse (a chestnut mare called Ginger), and cow. John would milk the cow in the morning before work, and they hired a gardener to attend to her in the evening.
Barbara attended two smaller local schools before enrolling as an inaugural pupil at St Matthew’s School, Masterton. Many of the children, including Barbara, would ride their horses to school and keep them on the grounds during the school day. Barbara recalled the “races” that used to occur after school as the children all competed to ride home. After St Matthew’s, Barbara became a private boarder at Fitzherbert Terrace School in Wellington, where she was taught by a Miss Baker. She thoroughly enjoyed her time there and felt that it gave her a good education, especially in English. The discipline there was strict, but fair. She also recalled that they would bathe in cold water every morning, only having a hot bath once a week. The students who boarded would go for a 30 minute walk every morning after breakfast, “a good way to start the day”. (1) They also played many sports including tennis, cricket, and basketball. Barbara was very good at sports, much like her mother, and was chosen for the First 11 team, though she remembers being thoroughly humiliated by the Croydon Boys under 12s who thoroughly beat them.
Barbara also remembers experiencing her first migraine at this school. “No disprin or painkiller in those days. A cold wet handkerchief to the brow was the only pain easer.” (1) When she was twelve, she decided she wanted to become a doctor, though by the time she had matriculated and saw what was required for Medical Intermediate, she found she did not have the required Latin. Miss Baker agreed to tutor her in Latin privately so that Barbara could pursue her chosen profession. “I enjoyed the lessons and have never regretted my Latin lessons. Latin, after science, eventually became not only my favourite subject but one of my most useful.” (1)
Three significant events occurred in Barbara’s childhood that had an effect on her throughout her entire life. In 1910, Barbara remembered seeing Halley’s comet with her father, who turned to her and said, “next time you see that you will be a very old lady.” And indeed, she did see it again when it returned in 1986, though this time it was much less impressive (5). On 13 November 1913, her sister Elenora tragically passed away from a bout of meningitis following otitis media at the young age of 10 (1).
Barbara remembers they had an awful neighbour at this time who told Barbara, at a mere 12 or 13 years of age, that she wished Elenora had lived, and Barbara had died instead. This stuck with her for her whole life (2). Barbara wrote in her memoir that she believed the loss of most of her childhood memoirs can be attributed to the shock caused by the death of her sister (1). Lastly, in 1919, the Henry family moved to Wellington as John was once again promoted; here Barbara encountered an electric light for the first time. She was very fascinated by the contraption that filled a room with light at the “flick of a switch” (2) (7).
Barbara ended up taking a few years off after school to formalize what she wanted to do. Her golf coach was encouraging her to pursue the sport professionally, telling her mother that he could make her a New Zealand champion (1). Another golfer, Bob Charles, who she played alongside ended up following this route and becoming a National Champion at the age of 16. “When she first mooted the idea of a medicine career choice she met some opposition from her parents who encouraged her to become a professional golfer because of her prowess at the sport.” (7) Nevertheless, Barbara decided against golf and applied instead for medicine, a decision she never regretted.
Otago Medical School: The first intake of the new program
Barbara started her Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 1922, which was the first year of the new six-year program. Before this intake, the degree was completed in five years (example five-year program can be viewed here). When asked later in her life, Barbara said that she did not feel like a medical woman pioneer – she believed that to be the previous generation (7). There were 40 students in her intake, and five of them were women.
It is unknown how she financed her studies, though David believes she would have been well-supported by her father, who was performing well in the banking industry (2). It is also unknown how she performed academically, though it must have been good because she never failed a paper and completed the degree within the six-year time frame. At some point during her studies, she was appointed to lecture anatomy to the massage students (now called Physiotherapy). She was paid £25 a year, which she was very proud of.
More is known of the social side of her time in Dunedin. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed Dunedin and had an overall good experience. She made some good friends, such as Augusta Klippel (nee Manoy). “In her time off she enjoyed weekend hikes with her friends, wearing the long skirts and hats of the day” (5). Throughout her time in Dunedin, she stayed at St Margaret’s Hall for woman students at the University of Otago run by the Presbyterian Church. She was very happy there (5). She remembers one moment during a capping ceremony (when the students reportedly “let their hair down”), when a fellow student Theodora Hall (nee Easterfield) and one of her friends played a prank on the St Margaret’s warden by putting bulging pillows under their coats and ringing the emergency bell – this caused quite a commotion! The only negative experience she recalled was that one of the professors consistently addressed the class as “Gentlemen”, ignoring the women who were present (2) (7).
The final year could be undertaken in any of the four main cities – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Dunedin. Barbara elected to complete this year in Auckland as, by this point, her parents had moved there for John’s work (1). The Auckland Sun, which frequently recorded Barbara’s travel and social visits, recorded a Barbara Henry leaving Auckland for Dunedin in November 1927, which would line up with when she would need to be back in Dunedin in time for her final exams and graduation.
“After the year’s tuition at the city of our choice, we had to return to Dunedin for our final examination – that examination’s results had to come from Wellington (head of the University of New Zealand) and they forbade publishing pass or failure until the results were confirmed in Wellington. Our examiners (from all over New Zealand) got around this tedious by giving our year’s representative the list of failures. This was read out to a very tense waiting crowd waiting. Oh the relief when one’s name was not mentioned which indicated a pass! Pandemonium broke out among the successes. We who had passed had been through six years of hard work and strain.” (1)
Though there were four women in her intake, Barbara Hay Henry graduated as one of six women in 1927. She was accompanied by Jessie Burnett, Beryl Lawrence, Alexandra Mathieson, Mary Russell, and Pauline Witherow.
Early Career in Auckland and marriage
In 1928, Barbara took up a position as junior house surgeon at Auckland Hospital along with four other women (5) (7). They were provided with board and £100 a year. “We worked very hard but did not resent the long hours, we felt we were adding to our knowledge.” (1) Barbara’s first appointment was to the casualty department, and she vividly remembered her first case – a man with lacerated fingers. “I was appalled – I really had no idea how to cope with this – I could have written a very accurate account of brain surgery but a finger, no!” Thankfully, another doctor was able to help her in this case.
After her time in the casualty department, she did various bouts with physicians and surgeons. One of these rounds was with Sir Carrick Robertson. “I remember on one occasion he told me to discharge an elderly man patient. I gave the man his discharge in the afternoon as requested. However, the next morning on Sir Carrick’s AM round he was still there. So Carrick inquired “why” and the man said “I wasn’t going to be told to go by a chit of a girl!!”.” (1)
Barbara also fondly remembered working with Dr Alexander McGregor Grant (General Surgeon) “who was loved and respected by all… On one occasion when the theatre sister had informed him that his assistant sister was a first timer, Grant greeted her in a very welcoming manner (seeing she was nervous he put her at ease by saying “I hear you are going to help me and tell me what to do and how to do it”. The nervous nurse did her best. A contrast to another surgeon who, when ready to work, would sit then glare at and criticise the staff.” (1)
In her spare time, Barbara frequented the races and tennis tournaments – which was documented in many newspapers.
It was at Auckland Hospital that she met Dr Edward Henry Roche. “Another new doctor started later that year. She took him around her patients and presented their histories and diagnoses, but he was so enamoured that he missed them all. This new doctor was of course Edward Roche, and this was the start of a love affair that was to last another 56 years” (5).
Edward was born in Waihi in 1895 to Henry Roche and Charlotte Amy (nee Purchas). He was well-educated and upon the completion of his schooling, was offered a scholarship to study medicine at Guy’s Hospital in London (GKT School of Medical Education). During his degree, World War 1 broke out, and he put his studies on hold to enlist in the British army. Tragically, he lost half of one foot and a finger, but was awarded a military cross and was sent back to England to recover. He spent two years in the hospital recovering from gangrene.
During this time, he met Sir Carrick Robertson who was in Cambridge at the time. Sir Carrick advised Edward to remove the bandages and sit with his foot exposed in the Cambridge sunshine. “It was satisfactory and although he was lame with a permanently (damaged foot), it healed completed.” (1). Subsequently, he was able to return to medical school to complete his education. He was awarded both his Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (M.R.C.S.) and his Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (L.R.C.P.) in 1926. He then was awarded his Bachelor of Surgery in 1927 (8). Upon the completion of his studies, he returned to New Zealand, where he took a position as a house surgeon at Auckland Hospital (2).
Barbara wrote in her memoir that it was her job to hand over her ward to Dr Edward Roche. “I felt I must do my best to impress him with my medical knowledge. We entered Ward IV (the old Auckland Hospital) where my patients were. I gave what I considered was a very intelligent and well-informed dissertation on each patient. When he knew me better, Edward confessed that he had not heard or listened to my talks! For some reason he was so impressed with me that he would not listen to a word but was concentrating on me!!” (1)
Edward and Barbara fell in love and were shortly engaged. It went down in family history that “on announcing their engagement Barbara and Edward were lured into Dr Pat Murdoch’s baby Austin 7 one Sunday Morning and pushed by their colleagues into the old Costley building at Auckland Hospital, along the corridor, into the operating theatre, around the operating table and out again” (5).
The couple married on October 22, 1929, at St. Marks Church in Remuera. After their two years of registration, and six weeks after the wedding, the couple moved to London for Edward to pursue postgraduate studies in cardiology. Notably, Barbara’s parents also came with them on board the Remuera in order to do the trip to the United Kingdom that they had always wanted to do. They spent Christmas together in London before Barbara’s parents departed for their trip and Barbara and Edward settled in a small boarding house in Hampstead. Barbara spent her time exploring Hampstead Heath, and the rest of London. On 13 August 1930, the couple welcomed their first son, John.
Apart from one trip to visit a family member in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, the Roche’s spent their whole time in London (1). Edward achieved his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) at the end of 1930 (8). After Edward completed his studies, the family returned to New Zealand early in 1931. They initially lived with Barbara’s parents while they decided what their next step should be. Edward was offered a position of honorary junior physician at Auckland Hospital, though this was unpaid, so they made the decision to open a Private Practice out of their new home in Mount Eden. Over the years, Edward became a well-respected physician in New Zealand. His doctoral studies in England trained him in new practices in cardiology, which he brought back with him. He was notable for introducing electrocardiograms (ECGs) to New Zealand (2).
Raising a family, Anaesthetics, and Auckland Council
Barbara was not too involved in the family practice. “I busied myself with household duties – answering telephones – and adding to the family.” (1) In 1932, Mary was born and in 1936, their second son Anthony was born. The practice was quite busy, though they were unable to make much money at first due to the Depression. “It was right in the middle of the slump and things were very tough then. No social security and lots of salesmen wanting to sell cars, etc. In our first month, we took £16. We stuck it out and eventually it was a big practice. In the first year, we made more money from playing cards, than we did from fees!” (9) In 1936, Edward enlisted another doctor to assist him in the growing practice – Dr Renton Grigor.
Edward continued the practice during the Second World War years, as his injuries from the First World War exempted him from service. Moreover, the Pearl Harbour attack resulted in a large enlistment of New Zealand doctors, thereby leading to a shortage in New Zealand – meaning that he was needed! In 1942, the couple decided to sell the practice, which remains open to this day. It is now entitled Mount Eden Medical Centre and was the first to be established as a group practice in Auckland (1950). Notably, Daphne Adams (1944 graduate), practiced at the Mount Eden Medical Clinic in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Despite taking time off practicing medicine, Barbara was still active within the medical community. She was heavily involved in the New Zealand Medical Women’s’ Association (NZMWA) and was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Auckland Branch between 1936 and 1946. She was followed in this position by Alice Bush when she was elected as the President for two years. In 1969 she became an Honorary Member.
After they sold the private practice in Mount Eden, the Roche family moved to a house in Bassett Road and Barbara returned to work. At this point, Anthony (the youngest) was six years old. The older two children were sent to boarding school (which John, the eldest, did not enjoy). In 1942, Barbara received a phone call from Auckland Hospital asking if she would return to work as there was a shortage of doctors due to the war and they needed anaesthetists. She was assigned to a temporary hospital designed to help with special surgeries or treatments for war injuries. Though she had not administered anaesthetics since 1928, she was thankfully assigned to work with Sir Carrick Robertson.
She worked four days a week from 8:30am to 1:30pm and was paid £4 a week (1). “There were still surgeons who balked at having women anaesthetists but Barbara rapidly established a reputation as a capable and conscientious practitioner who gave anaesthetics for such well known figures as Sir Carrick Robertson, McGregor Grant and Ray Talbot.” (7) Barbara practiced in anaesthetics until at least 1945. “She was known for always keeping her hand on the patient’s jaw and her eye on the patient’s breathing and colour. Her patients were never nauseated and she never lost one. On clearing out her pantry in 1995 five unopened bottles of ether were found, perhaps saved in case of an emergency” (5). At the end of the war, many doctors were returning from overseas and so Barbara felt that she would not be needed, so did not apply for further work.
In 1946 Barbara became a city councillor with Auckland Council following the death of Ellen Melville. She served four terms “and made a distinguished contribution to civic affairs… She was active in the Women’s Food Value League which was concerned with nutritional issues and responsible for such a basic idea as date stamping on bottles of milk.” (7) David believes that she was most likely “roped” into the job because she had been quite vocal about public health issues. Two topics she spent considerable time on was the fluoridation of Auckland’s water supply and Auckland’s drainage. She specifically felt the drainage talks were not satisfactory and actively worked to have a voice.
After the war, Mr Porter, an engineer, was put in charge of the Board assigned to decide on Auckland’s drainage scheme. Halfway though enacting their scheme, the Board elections took place and only the mayor of Mount Eden and Barbara were voted onto the new Board. A new scheme was proposed by “some callow young Americans” who wanted to oxidate ponds. “To me this scheme was untried and already the scheme advised by Porter was in progress. However, Robinson was not satisfied, and a meeting of the board was held to cancel the existing scheme. It was held at 1pm and when the vote was taken at 1am mine was the only dissenting vote! A member of the Board said, “will not anything make the Lady change her mind?” My reply was no!” (1)
Later Years
Outside of work, Barbara was well-known as a gracious host. They often held tennis contests at their Bassett Road home and even held evening tutorials out of their home for medical students (7). They socialised with many medical families, especially during the holidays. They had a holiday home in Titirangi on “Butchers Alley” – a lane termed due to the high number of doctors who had holiday homes there (7).
All of the children and grandchildren remember that she was very family oriented. She enjoyed spending her time knitting for the many (great-)grandchildren. Though Edward was interested in fishing, sailing, and bowls, she never shared the same interest. Rather, the family quickly learnt about her love for Coronation Street. It was well-known that the family did not call her under any circumstances when it was screening. At some point in the 1960s, Edward even created a contraption between the TV and their couch so that they could switch the sound off during the ad breaks, so they did not have to get up.
The whole family loved getting together with Barbara to hear all of her stories. Throughout her entire retirement, she remained very sharp.
“Baba loved to reminisce at family gatherings and tell a few stories. Grandchildren enjoyed listening to her talk about what we’d got up to when we were young. … The time I got the garden hose and filled up her car’s petrol tank with water. I don’t remember her reaction at the time but later in typical Baba fashion she chose to be encouraging rather than critical. “I thought it was a very intelligent thing to do” she said.” (5)
“We had lots of laughs about Baba’s tendency to always be early. Elizabeth tells the story about the day she was born. Baba made off to see the new baby. She was running early and so decided to take a diversion driving along Mt. St. John Ave. It was then she noticed number 17 was for sale. Having some spare time, she had a look through the house and later that afternoon they bought it.” (5)
David, who is a pathologist in Christchurch, remembers that she was always very interested in his career and would constantly ask him about what modern treatments were being used and what he was doing.
Edward passed away in 1984 and she remained in their home in Mount St John Avenue until she tragically had a fall and broke her hip. After this, she moved in with different members of the family until she finally settled in a retirement home, which she enjoyed for the social aspect.
She passed away peacefully on 24 February 1999 at the age of ninety-eight years . She is survived by two of her children and many grandchildren. Edward and Barbara left quite a legacy and many of the family became doctors.
“Some words to describe Baba. Generous, accepting, courageous, positive, neat to be with, kind, honest, loyal, forthright, knowledgeable, wise, loving, devoted.” (5)
Bibliography
- Roche, B., Barbara’s Memoir. n.d.
- Roche, D., Interview with David Roche conducted by Michaela Selway, 2021, Early Medical Women of New Zealand Project.
- Inward Manifest – Coastwise of the Manapouri, A.N. Zealand, Editor. 1895: Family Search.
- DIA, Roche Henry Marriage. Births, Deaths & Marriages Online: https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search.
- Eulogy given by Roger at Baba’s Funeral. 1999.
- DIA, Children of John and Mary Henry. Births, Deaths & Marriages Online: https://www.bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/search.
- Neutze, J., Obituary – Barbara Hay Roche. New Zealand Medical Journal, 1999. 112(1100): p. 456.
- New Zealand Medical Register. New Zealand Gazette, 1968. 66(1857).
- Marshall, T. A History of Mt Eden Medical Centre. 18/06/2022).mast
