THE CASE OF DR GOODE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 50, 24 March 1909, Page 4

THE CASE OF DR GOODE

PRESS OI'INIOX. (N.Z. Times).

Counsel for the defence has proved to demonstration that Dr Goode was insane when he murdered -Mrs Kleuuer at Waitara. 11l proving that the accused was not a lit subject for the gallows, Mr. =Skcrre,tt showed that his client should long since have been the inmate of an asylum. Instead -of that he has been in active practice as a medical man, and the lives of score* of people have been at his .mercy. One witness deposed that, having seen Dr Goode in a state bordering on delirium tremens, he reiused to drink the medicine which he prescribed l . It may now transpire that other patients have been less fortunate. In view of the fact that it if» a matter of notoriety that medical men in various localities are the victims' of alcoholic excess, it may well be asked what -steps are to be taken to protect the public from their maudlin and in«vne idiosyncrasies. It is decidedly unpleasant to think that a madman can practice medicine and surgery until he puts someone to a ,vioh»nt death, or that a doctor who is Uie victim of chronic alcoholism can carry on under any conditions at all. Of course, theoretically, there is no need for the public to patronise this class of practitioner, but it not infrequently happens that in remote localities no alternative is presented. It » apparent from the evidence that this particular doctor was notorious for extraordinary conduct. Tie was a violent and dangerous character, who habitually carried firearms to the public peril. Obviously the polioe both at. Waitara and New Plymouth were aware of the violent and dangerous character of this man. It would be interesting to know whether any representation was made to headquarters as to his condition with a view to hi* arrest, n.s a lunatic, and. it not, why not! This is a matter which closely concerns the Medical Association. Tt is manifestly prejudicial to the profession that lunatics, drug victims, and drunkards should hold licenses to kill or cure. If the Medical Association were given legislative authority to bring medical men before the Supreme Court to show cause why their diploma* should not be enneeiled. the public would have some protection against practitioners of the type of Dr. Goode.