THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1870.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 69, 25 April 1879, Page 2

THE Manawatu Herald. FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 1870.

In another column appears an advertisement convening a meeting of settlers at the Foxton Athencouni on Thursday next, to take steps to obtain a medical practitioner for this district. That an urgent necessity exists in the direction indicated, no one at all acquainted with the circumstances can doubt. We feel great diffidence in referring to those circumstances, but a sense of duty to the district impels us to refer briefly to them. Although Dr Rockstrow, it is well known, dees not possess those credentials which are required by " The Medical Practitioners Act," he has, nevertheless, been acting (successfully, we believe,) as a medical man for a number of 3'ears, not only in Manawatu, but also on the West Coast of the South Island. When he determined, some years ago, to settle-at Foxton, the inhabitants requested Government to confer several appointments upon him, with a view to assisting his support, as the district was necessarily con*, fined. This was done, and Dr Eockstrow holds the following positions :— Coroner, Begistrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Native Medical Officer, and Medical Examiner for Government Life Asturance. Thus assisted, Dr Eockstrow has discovered that " his lines have fallen in pleasant places," But some time ago, Dr Kockstrow ietired from practice. Since then, though repeatedly pressed, he has (speaking generally) refused to attend even the most pressing cases. Having acted thus, the inhabitants are bound to endeavor to obtain a medical man who will attend in cases of sickness. The movement in this direction is general. Setters with families, who may at any time be Seized with illness, cannot afford to have the lives of their children lost for want of medical advice. Whilst differing strongly from Dr Rockstiow as a public man, we have studiously avoided referring to matters relating to his professional position. As a medical man, we have heard him very highly spoken of for his patience, skill, and care. His ability we do not question. But as he has determined not to practice, he in at present simply standing in the way of another ma a, and it is therefore co be hoped that the settlers will be successful in getting the Government to confer some, at least, of his appointments upon some other gentleman who is willing to cast in his lot with the settlers of Foxton.