Dr Stopford gained his qualifications (L.R.C.P.I. and L.M.) at University College, Liverpool in 1885. He set up in private practice at Southport in Lancashire, during which time he developed an interest in homœopathy. He became Honorary Physician at the Hydropathic Hospital, Southport, and Medical Officer and Port Surgeon at Perim Island. In 1888 he contributed an article to the Homœopathic Review with the title “Tetanus Cured by Hydrocyanic Acid”.

In 1902 he moved to Wellington in New Zealand where he became involved in the infant welfare movement. By 1905 he had moved to Auckland, where he ran the hydropath institute and served as an alderman on Auckland City Council.

In 1911 Dr Stopford moved to Sydney. For eight years he ran a clinic for slum children at Balmain where he lived. (The 1915 edition of the Australasian Medical Directory stated that he lived at 428 Darling Street in Balmain.) He became a consultant in children’s diseases.

Dr Stopford was against the medical profession’s ‘pecuniary interest in disease’, and so treated soldiers’ dependants without charge. He advocated the introduction of a State medical service.

In 1925 Balmain’s citizens made a public presentation to him for his contribution to the community.

© Barbara Armstrong