THE GLOBE. MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1881. APPEAL FOR JUSTICE.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2193, 7 March 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. MONDAY, MARCH 7, 1881. APPEAL FOR JUSTICE.

It has been rumored that the medical gentlemen affected prejudicially by Dr. Skae’s report on tho late Hospital enquiry, intend taking some action prior to the meeting of Parliament, with a view to bringing about a further investigation in their interests. Wo know not whether this rumor bo founded on fact, hut should any such movement ho contemplated, it, is nothing more that might have been expected by the impartial observer of our Hospital disturbances both inside and out. About two years ago a section of tho medical men in Christchurch went to Parliament with a complaint of one or more of their brethren on a much less reasonable pretext, it being, in fact, if memory servo ns, of a purely personal character, and one of which the Legislature could not take cognizance. The present case is of a totally different character. It is one in which certain professional men feel very deeply that they have been wronged through the laches of a Government official, and, therefore, in an indirect manner by Government agency. Hence their appeal to Parliament would he perfectly legitimate and consistent with all the rules of fair play. As we took occasion to remark on a former occasion, when discussing a branch of this subject—for it hath assumed many branches in its tortuous course —tho theory attempted to be set up, that a Royal Commissioner can do no wrong and should be regarded as immaculate, is of all absurdities the most utterly absurd. If that were so, a man of unprincipled character, placed in a little brief authority, might do an incalculable amount of harm in tho full confidence that by exercising a little tact and judgment, he could work his own sweet will without fear of consequences. The position now occupied by tho Medical Staff is not a pleasant one. They have the best of “ the quarrel,” in that they still hold the place of power; hut their characters as medical men have been called in question, and by the report of Dr. Skae a stigma has been cast upon them. The evidence taken at the enquiry does not, in our opinion, warrant the conclusions drawn from it by Dr. Skae, and this is the opinion—very much intensified, it should be needless to say—of the staff. Under these circumstances, the best course for them to pursue is to bring the matter clearly before the House of Representatives—seeing that the Government refuse to do other than support their officer to the letter—and seek to have the evidence as taken at the enquiry submitted to some competent and impartial tribunal for judgment. Supposing this to be done, and the decision given in their favor, they gain a position stronger in the public mind than they occupied before; and if, on tho other hand, it be against them, they at least have the satisfaction of knowing that the question has been decided on its merits, and not settled by the whim or mere professional opinion of one of themselves, with prejudices, probably as strong as any. Recent events affecting the official position of Dr. Skae, who conducted that inquiry, might he adduced as a reason for appealing against his decision, and some suggestions of the kind have, it is understood, been made by that much dreaded character, the “Man in the Street.” But no additional reasons to those already advanced are in reality necessary, and if tho Hospital staff really feel that they are placed in a false and unjustifiable position, their only plan is to go to headquarters for redress.

OUR VOLUNTEERS. Our Christchurch volunteers suffer by comparison, in some respects, with those of other towns of less importance. The great reason of this is to bo found in the absence of that earnestness and enthusiasm which have caused volunteering elsewhere to be so eminently successful. The fact seems to be, that the officers of the different companies do not exhibit sufficient interest in their duties, included in which, by the way, should be the acquirement of a knowledge of drill; and the men become disheartened and depressed accordingly. One evil of the system, as it operates in this district, was brought under notice the other day through the action of one of the commanding officers. It appears that a number of men join the volunteers as they would enter upon an enterprise for profit, and whilst paying much devotion to their own personal enrichment and pleasure, they entirely neglect the obligations imposed upon them by their oath of allegiance. After the first novel effects have worn off, they neglect to attend parades, and use their position simply to gain prize money in shooting contests, their appearance at which are about the only public exhibitions they make as volunteers. Hence the local companies are comprised to a considerable extent of “ paper men,” who are only represented on the roll. The officers are, no doubt, responsible to a very large extent for such a state of things, and their obvious duty is to apply the remedy. At the same time, it appears equally obvious that the first step they take in the way of amendment should be made with a view to their own improvement and greater efficiency. The rest would follow in natural order.