SUPREME COURT. SMITH V. PLIMMER.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume IX, Issue 935, 19 July 1854, Page 3

SUPREME COURT. SMITH Y. PLIMMER.

Tiitc arguments in this cause v ill come on tomorrow (Thursday) before His Honor Mr. Justice Stephen, when we believe the matter will be fully gone into by the Counsel on both sides.

We have received the following communication from Dr. Knox, which has about as much to do \\ith the prevailing epidemic as Tenterden Steeple has with the Godwin Sands. Dr. Knox, it seems, forwarded to Sir George Grey some plan of his for medical treatment of the Natives, which appears to have been treated with civility, and to have received all the attention it deserved. But what has that to do with the critical emergency caused by the general prevalence among the natives in this province ofthemeasles — againstwhich, as wehave shewn, no pecautions were taken by the Provincial Executive, until their culpable supineness and neglect became so glaring that they dared not remain any longer inactive. To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator. Hutr. July 15, 1854. Siß, — A friend in Wellington having sent me a copy of this day's Spectator, and at the same time directed my attention to the leading article, I am induced to trouble you with this letter, and its enclosures, for insertion in your Wednesday's edition. The epidemic which at present rages has fallen severely on the aborigines in this district, chiefly in consequence of the wretched state of their dwellings. They are spread in small groups over the entire valley, being, mostly engaged in clearing the land for the various settlers, rendering anything like active practice in. severe cases impracticable. You will see ft om the , enclosed official communication that so far back as 1851 I suggested the establishment, at Petoni, of what has always appeared to me the most efficient mode of affording the Maori race medical aid, — and, again, a most urgent letter was addressed by me to the Governor in July, 1852, but without effect, although in reality the Maories required medical aid then as much aa they do at this moment. I should say, indeed, more so. Had the plan I have for many years advocated and suggested to the Government in 1851 and 1852 been gone into, I feel quite certain that the Maories would have been placed in such a position that few or none would have died of measles, which runs its course in every respect as mildly as in the Eui opean. My views in establishing dispensaries in the various pahs, and the nearest medical man giving daily visits, not only included the dispensary medicine, but the collecting correct data for ascertaining the cause of the then gradual disappearance of the Maori race, and consequently endeavouring, if possible to check, if not prevent it. j I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant, !., .• ' .:.<•>. - 'FREDERICK J« KNOX, . | * Surgeon..

Private Secretary's Office, Wellingtons October 2, 1851. Sir, — T am directed by the Governor- in - Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 13th of September, toother with: the enclosed abstract of your Medical practice, whicli his Excellency has read with much interest. Sir George Grey lias directed me further to express to you his thanks for the trouble you have so kindh taken in transmitting this information to him, and to inform you that should he in consequence of your letter require any further information on the subject to which it alludes, he will avail himself of your offer, and apply to you for it. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant* James Wodehouse, Private Secretary. F. John Knox, Esqr., &c, &c.

Colonial Secretary's Office, Wellington, 16th July, 1852. Sin, — I am instructed by the Governor-in-Chief to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the lOth instant, enclosing an abstract of the Radical Practice in the Hutt district for the year ending June, 1852 ; and in reply, I am to express to y6u his Excellency's thanks for the very interesting] information , contained in your report. With regard to your suggestion that a Dispensary should be established at Pitoni for the benefit of the Natives, his Excellency deshes me to say, that enquiries shall be made as to the necessity which exists for carrying out the same. In allusion to the fourth passage of your letter, his Excellency remarks that he should regret extremely if your practice has been subjected to any improper inteiference, but with respect to the Colonial Hospital, the rule is (and his Excellency understands such rule to be general) to admit all cases of accidents. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Alfred Domett, Colonial Secretary. Frederick J. Knox, Esq., M.D,, River Hutt.