CLAIM FOR REGISTRATION

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 196, 8 May 1918, Page 8

CLAIM FOR REGISTRATION

DR. M'KINNON'S CASE

An appeal was made to the Full Court yesterday against the refusal of the Medical' Board to registor John Alexander M'Kinnou, medical practitioner, Christchurch. The appellant applied for an order to be directed to the itegistrarGeneral to register him under the Medical Practitioners Act. On the Bench were the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout), Mr. Justice Chapman, and Mr. Justice Sim. Sir Jdbn Findlay, K.C , ., with him Mr. Hunter, of Christchurch, appeared for. the appellant, and the Solicitor-General (Mr. J. \V. Snlraond, K.C.) appeared for the Registrar-General. Sir John Findlay, for the appellant, traced the history of Dr. M'Kinnon, his connection with tho New Zealand Customs Department, and his subsequent qualification as a medical practitioner. On returning- to the Dominion and settling in Christchurch he applied to ba registered as a medical practitioner and was refused registration by Uhe Medical Board without any reasons being assigned'for the refusal. The first question was as to the true meaning of the words "good fame and character" in paragraph B, Sub-section 2of Section 8. He eubmitted that "fame" and "character" meant tho ssme thing. With respect to the Customs frauds he thought that, the verdict of tlhe jury should be accepted by the Court. M'Kinnon was tried and acquitted. Had he been convicted that would have been final, and acquittal should also bo taken as conclusive. M'Kinnon went to the box, gave his evidence, and was cross-examined a.nd acquitted. "Fame" and "character," he submitted, wore the same thing, and meant reputation. Ho quoted the dictionary meaning of the words and legal authorities also.

Tho Solicitor-General stated that tho RegistraT-General's affidavits filed charged M'Kinnon with a long course of theft and fraud and official breaches of trust as an officer of the Customs Department. "Good famo and character,' he contended, meant external reputation merely, and did not relate to the applicant's character. It was contended on behalf of the Registrar-General that the charges or crimes referred to amounted to a justification for refusing registration under the Medical Practitioners Act. The Court reserved judgment.