DR COUGHTREY’S REPORT.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 242, 30 June 1874, Page 5

DR COUGHTREY’S REPORT.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus. Sir, —ln consideration of the remarks upon Dr Coughtrey with which some of our worthy Councillors are credited, and after a perusal of “ Erewhon’s” letter in your last issue, under the heading “Dr Cough trey’s Report,” I think it desirable to say a few words, as a certain amount of discredit has been attempted to be thrown upon Dr Conghtrey’s report upon the sanitary condition of Cromwell, because its author was not personally known throughout the Province before the report in question was published. I may assure the citizens of Cromwell that Dr Coughtrey’s credentials (as our Councillors put it) are of the most satisfactory description, and that he is looked upon, and his opinion treated, with respect by all the leading members of the medical profession in Dunedin. It is therefore a fair thing to assume that Dr Coughtrey was well qualified to undertake such an enquiry as the one which has provoked so much discussion. Another recommendation which Dr Coughtrey possesses, (and one which “ Erewhon” would do well to allow to carry its full weight,) is that he is not at present pmctliiny his profession, and it is understood that he has no intention of practising it in the ordinary sense as a medical practitioner. He was therefore free from certain influences which might have given a bias to his report. I regret that it should be necessary to make any remarks upon this subject at all, for I think the fact of His Honor the Superintendent selecting as the man to make the inspection and Hrp’ott required by the Town Council, ought to have been quite a sufficient guarantee, not only to the members of the Council, but also to the citizens of Cromwell, that Dr Coughtrey was well qualified for such a task. No statement made by Dr Coughtrey has yet been pointed out. let alone proved, as being untrue. If the Witness chooses to publish foolish leaders on the subject, it is no reason why Dr Coughtrey should be abused.—l am, &c., D. MacKellar. Cromwell, June 29, 1874.