MEDICAL PROSECUTION.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2356, 5 October 1880, Page 4

MEDICAL PROSECUTION.

At the Marton Resident Magistrate’s Court, Frederick Lyster was charged with a breach of the Medical Practitioners Act, 1870, in practising as a duly qualified man, he not being registered or in possession of the necessary diploma at the time. Evidence was given showing that defendant advertised in the “ Rangitikei Advocate” as a medical man, that he attended the son of a settler named Joseph Sutcliffe, and wrote a prescription which was made up by a chemist named Lyon. Police Constable Coyle deposed that he had spoken to the defendant on September 16 and 17, On the first occasion witness said that it had been reported to him that defendant was not registered as a medical man under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1879. Defendant said “What? Do you mean to try and stop me from practising?” Witness replied that he did not, but, if defendant was not registered, it was a hint that he should be so as quickly as possible if he possessed the necessary qualifications. Defendant said he would not answer an} 1, more questions. On the next occasion, he said that if an action was brought against him it would give him notoriety, and would be a good advertisement for him. Witness had seen defendant’s advertisement in the “ Advocate,” and his impression on reading it was that he was a “ quack.” He had met defendant before at Otaki. He was then swagging it up from Wellington. Sub-Inspector Goodall, said defendant admitted that he was not registered, but said that he only claimed to practise as assistant to a man who was properly qualified. Assistants were allowed to practise in England, and he thought they should be alowed to do so in New Zealand. During further conversation he asked why witness did not take proceedings against Dr Akers and Dr Rockstrow, neither of whom were registered, and witness told him his intention was to proceed against everyone offending against the Act. The Bench inflicted the full penalty of £SO and costs, 21s, or in default of payment on the distress warrant, three months’ imprisonment with hard labor in Wanganui gaol.