DR. MONCKTON AND THE HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2600, 6 January 1885, Page 2

DR. MONCKTON AND THE HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

- ♦— We acknowledge the receipt on Saturday from Mr L. Bruck, the publisher, of a copy of the Australasian Medical Gazette, dated Sydney, December 15, 1884. This Gazette is the official organ of the combined Australasian branches of the British Medical Association, and other Medical Societies in Australia and New Zealand, and is edited by John Mildred Creed, Esq., L.R.C.P., M.R.0.5.E., &c. There is an article in this Gazette under the above heading, which, though it assumes to be based on our report of a Hospital Committee meeting, it is not difficult to perceive that the writer has also perused certain correspondence which also appeared in this journal, on the actions of the Committee. We give the article in its entirety. Wo have received copies of the Kumaba Times (N.Z.) containing the report of a Hospital Committee meeting on November 25. It seems to have been specially summoned to consider complaints made by some one or two malcontents against the surgeon of the institution, Dr. Monckton. There appears to have been no complaint, or ground for complaint, against the professional conduct of this gentleman, but only as to hia manner towards some apparently well-to do people (amongst them a member of the committee), who, having a fitting consciousness of their personal value are careful to obtain medical and surgical treatment at the hands of the hospital surgeon for a shilling "a go" at which rate some absurd rule of this hospital authorises ticket-holders to demand it. Dr. Mouckton appears to be something of a colouial Aberuethy, giving every individual who applies to him his best and most skilful professional services, but at the same time openly showing the contempt he feels towards the delectable crowd he has to deal with. This is certainly honest, but of questionable policy, when dealing with persons such as the newspaper report shows the majority of this Hospital Committee to be. The complaining individuals, it is apparent, are only too pleased to be able to harass and annoy a man their superior in social standing, moral worth, education and generosity, aud naturally do not miss the. opportunity. The chairman, if the report is correct, is a plastic individual whose opinions are to be moulded as " the butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker," forming the majority, may desire. We sympathise with Dr. Monckton, and consider that should his connection with the hospital cease, the loss will not be his, but the patients' whose well-being, it is unanimously acknowledged, he constantly made his study.