Laurie Muir: He said that after some discussions with his colleagues - the ones I've already mentioned - that he wanted to formalise a Research Institute, and he wanted to have a Foundation that would fund it. And he felt that Sir William could see it through its early days but he wanted one or two other people from the business world to join with him. In fact he made the same speech to me as I made later to Tony Charlton, to Alan Skurrie,[46] to Ron Walker.[47] (laughter) He saw, always, the importance of medical research, [and] the profession working harmoniously with business, yet within the right areas with funding.

I went with Sir Edward Dunlop to get the money from Dick Hamer.[48] That was a delight. There's no way, the late Dick - what a day to be talking about that great man, there’s no way he could have said 'No’ to 'Weary’, I don’t think he had to say a word.

Ann Westmore: What do you recall of the meeting?

Laurie Muir: It was most amiable, friendly and he dealt with the request in five minutes and then we had three-quarters of an hour of some very pleasant catching up. They were two great soldiers – I was a sailor, so I was a bit out of it – they talked about the war.

Ann Westmore: Was Mr Hamer immediately attracted to the idea of having a research institute in microsurgery? Why would that have been? Would it have had anything to do with that war background and maybe returned soldiers?

Laurie Muir: I'm not sure about that. I think all governments have been impressed with Victoria’s innovation in medical research and we are known to be the centre of it. And the Hamer Government was very keen to take up any new ideas. We talked partnership…if the Government will do this, the public will do the rest.

Ann Westmore: And Bernard wasn't with you at that meeting?

Laurie Muir: No.

Ann Westmore: Why was that?

Laurie Muir: Tactics, I think. (laughter.) No, in fact he was operating, he was with Wayne.

Ann Westmore: Well, on that note we might break and have morning tea. Then we'll meet back at half past eleven.

Morning Tea

Witness to the History of Australian Medicine