DR. DAWSON AND THE COOK ISLANDS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1259, 16 October 1911, Page 3

DR. DAWSON AND THE COOK ISLANDS.

Sir,—Mv attention has been drawn to a rccent statement in Parliament made by Mr Glover, M.P., in connection with the Cook Islands trouble that the late modical offircT, Dr. Dawson* had stated that ho desired to get himself—or a iriend of his—appointed as Resident Commissioner, and ergo wanted Mr. Smith removed. 1 think it a remarkable thing that sucn a. srotesone and ridiculous assertion should pass almost unchallenged, and bo minded clown to posterity in tho pages of Hansard. Perhaps legislators attach so Jittle importance to statements made oj this particular member that they sinuod. As an old friend of Dr. Dawson I feci it due to him and to his many friends throughout the Dominion to ask Mr. Glover's" authority for such a palpably absurd statement. For tho b.eneht of those who do not know the modest and gritty little Aberdouian, 1 may say that Dr. Dawson would as noon think of aspiring to the Premiership of New Zenlaud as to the Commissioners-hip of Karotonga. ITe as just a hard-working and unambitious mortal, but a peculiarly able and gifted medico without the desire tor placo or emolument, but he went to tho Cook Islands to do his duty as a healer, and apparently is Still trying to do it in endeavouring to bring about a sine and callable administration under which the abuses and iniquities of inland life may ire grappled with as a prelude to making the lot of natives and whites alike a better nnd, from the physical standpoint, too, a healthier one.—l am, etc., EDGAR BEVAN. 25 Henry Street, Kilbiruie.