HOSPITAL FEES

Hokitika Guardian, 27 September 1928, Page 3

HOSPITAL FEES

MAORI RESISTS CLAIM. DUNEDIN, September 25. Unusual circumstances marked a civil action in the Magistrate’s Court to-dav, in Avhich the Otago Hospital Board (Mr Barrowclougli) claimed from John Ellison, n Maori, the smii of £5 17s as hospital fees for his daughter. > In evidence, the daughter stated that she entered the hospital of her own accord, and not on her father’s representation. Defendant contended that he was not liable for the amount, because the South Island Maoris considered they were supposed to get free medical and hospital treatment from the Government. In.-view-of the promises given by the purchasing officers that the Natives would receive free medical attention, the Natives had agreed +o sell their land (20.000,000 acres) to the Crown for £2OOO.

Mr Barroivdough said that while medical attention ivas provided fur. t 1 is did not include hospital treatment.

Cross-examined bv Mr Barroivcliugh, tho defendant said that had •there been no treaty Avith the Government, he Avould ha"e regarded it as Ins duty to pay if he could, i Mr RarroAvelough sahl that lie relied upon the fact that defendant Ava.s responsible for his daughter. To establish defendant's lia’ilitr. he thought if the Magistrate found publicly, that there was no eiideuce of a treaty such as that stated by defendant, it avou Id let the Maoris knoiv Avhat was the exact position.

• The Magistrate said that defendant had made no representation to Hi'’ Hospital Board in the matter. He had not entered into or incurred any liability, and that being so, it was f r plaintiff to obtain relief against the pa •tv concerned. There, was no leva! elr’m agauist the defendant -by the Hospital Board in respect to a member of his family who was over twentyone. Judgment would be for the defendant, no costs being allowed.