Volume 22 • Issue 05 • 2018
A Tribute to Veterinary Pioneers
2020 Will be the twin centenary of The South African Veterinary Association (SAVA)
and the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort. Leading up to these events The
Review will be publishing an article in each issue relating to the history of veterinary
science, specifically livestock. Not just diseases, but especially the people - vets - who
helped create what we now think of as standard practice.
DR ROMYN EVERY
Romyn was born in Durban in 1927. His father Harold
Joseph Every was an Agricultural College Principal and so
Romyn’s early years were spent at Grootfontein and Fort
Hare in the Eastern Cape. He then attended Merchiston
Preparatory School in Pietermaritzburg and matriculated
from Maritzburg College at the age of 16. Those were war
years and being too young, his attempt to enroll for Military
service was turned down. He completed his first year
BSc at Natal University and again tried to enroll, this time
successfully. He trained in the Artillery and was en route to
North Africa when peace came.
Then he was accepted at Onderstepoort where he met Helene,
Prof Schalk van Rensburg’s daughter, whom he later married.
Romyn excelled in his studies and on qualifying in 1949 was awarded both the Sir Arnold Theiler
prize and Clinical medal. He missed his degree Cum Laude by just a few marks in one subject.
He began practice with Lex Thomas in Pretoria and then joined Ashton Tarr in Pietermaritzburg,
running a branch practice in Richmond. Thereafter he and Sandy Littlejohn were sent to Estcourt
and Mooi River respectively. The arrangement was not practical, and both branched out alone.
And so he put up his Plate and started practice out of one room in his rented house in Estcourt.
It must be remembered that at this time farmers were still used to having their livestock needs
serviced by State Vets and Stock Inspectors. East Coast Fever had not long been controlled and
blood slides from all dead animals still had to be examined by the State. Farmers and pet owners
were then reluctant to pay for private services, but Romyn, partnered by his very able wife Helene,
soldiered on.
He was an exceptional vet: hard working, extremely able, totally ethical and having the
strong character and warm nature to be equally liked and respected. Estcourt was his base but he
covered a huge area of the Natal Midlands: from Ladysmith in the north, Nottingham Road in the
south, Weenen and the thornveld in the east and the Central Berg to the west. These were the times
of “fire engine” work, the odd pregnancy test of dairy cows before sale, colicky horses and all the
companion animal surgeries and consultations as well. None of the modern drugs that make work
so much easier and treatments more specific and successful today, were available then. His prowess
as a pregnancy diagnostician was legendary. His accuracy then for ‘days-in-calf’ was uncanny.
Remember the middle uterine artery!
The work, long hours and excessive travel time took their toll. Locums were difficult to find
for time off and holidays. He underwent two major back surgeries. A few prominent farming clients
saw his worth and respected his sound advice and really supported him through some hard times. In
1968 he employed Tink Robey as his first assistant, followed by Roger Turner for 1969 and the late
Angus Pringle for 1970.
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