UNQUALIFIED AS DOCTOR

Hokitika Guardian, 19 March 1931, Page 3

UNQUALIFIED AS DOCTOR

( By Telegraph—Per Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH, March 17. Charges were preferred against Report Cecil Thompson ofWellington descrioed as an English dispenser, 82 years, before J. L. Stout S.M., at the Magistrate’s Court. The allegations' follow that on February 10 at Palmerston North im incurred a debt or liability to Sydney Herbert Mutin for taxi fare to Wellington for L’6 and did thereby obtain credit by fraud; February 7th to February 0 at Palmerston North not beng a registered medical practitioner under the Medical Practicloncrs Act lie did practice medicine under the title of a doctor. On February 7 did accept appointment as a medical practitioner duly registered under tlie Medical Practitioners Act.

-Detective Russell stated tb ( . accused arrived at Palmerston North on February (i last and bad represented himself as a doctor. He had taken charge of tin. hospital at ihc Showgrounds after reporting to Major Potter that he had been appointed. Evidence was given by Phillips, managing secretary of the hospital hoard that accused had been introduced as Dr Thompson and had been instructed t,o take charge at the Show Grounds being relieved alter a. day. .Other evidence ..was given that, accused; belt’d in the capacity of a doctor. ' .■

Accused gave evidence that he had never held Jjim.s'cdf "out as a doctor! He. had helped as a dispenser at Napier after: tlie earthquake and also assisted at • the Show Grounds, but lie had not prescribed. The debt to the taxi drive lie considered on a charge of Accused was convicted on a charge of incurring a taxi fare and was ordered to pay the driver within a month. Lie second charge was withdrawn. On the charge of accepting an appointment without being a oualified medical practitioner lie was fined CIO.