"SHUT UP."

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1918, Page 7

"SHUT UP."

UNDIGNIFIED .COUNCIL PROCEED. INCIS. The citizens of Gore are being treated to a little free amusement in the shape of trouble which lias arisen amongst tiie doctors of the town and which is n:iw being a'irqd before the local bodies (says the Southland Times). Dr. T. Scouiar Fleming appeared before Monday r-veil-ing's meeting of the (lore Borough Council in order to bring umhr its notice a matter of grave public importance—• the treatment and attitude towards his patients and himself at the Gore 1 Public Hospital, where be was not allowed to administer anaesthetics to his own patients: According to the Kuiigit, Dr. Matthews, another of the profession in Gore, was present "as a ratepayer" to know why Dr. Fleming was ihere. The Mayor iMr. D. McDoi:»nll) informed him that Dr Fleming, having requested an audience, was now present by the Council's invitation. Dr. Fleming then proceeded to lay his case before the councillors Presently, lie made a statement that Dr Matthews had earned so much for administering anaesthetics at the hospital. "You're a d ■ liar, - ' chipped in Dr. Matthews, whom the Mayor promptly ordered to his seat. "Not before T repeat that he is a d liar," was the response. Thereafter Dr. Flcnrng's explanation of his position was constantly interrupted by Dr. Matthews, Hio was repeatedly asked by the Mayor to "keep quiet and give Dr. Fleming a fair hearing."- Then Dr. Fleming asserted that the efficiency of the hospital was being impaired by a combine of doctors trying to squeeze him out of the town —a thing they would find they could not do. From this, Dr. Matthews vigorously dissented. Then came the Mayor like that proverbial hundred of bricks: "Be quiet, I tell you. You make more noise than a lot of cows. For squabbling among themselves, parsons, lawyers, and doctors heat anything I ever saw. Professional men are supposed to set an example to milkmen (tlie Mayor is a milkman) and laboring men. You, Dr. Matthews —what kind of beautiful example are you setting to anybody ? For heaven's sake shut up and let the Council ask Dr. Fleming some questions." After that, the two doctors bad a. lively moment or two over a professional case which Dr. Fleming cited. "It's all lies!" exclaimed his friend. "It isn't!" maintained Dr. Fleming. "It is!" "It isn't. Sit down!" "Yes," supplemented the Mayor. "Sit down and shut up." After Dr. Fleming had been again interrupted, Cr. Lock enquired if ratepayers had a right to go there and disturb proceedings by interrupting as they liked. The Mayor: No, certainly not! It's only professional men looking for a row who'd do such a thing. They look down on the working men, but behave worse themselves. Then Crs. Rhodes .and Ray moved: "That the Southland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board be asked to hold a public enquiry into matters concerning the medical superintendence of the Gore Public Hospital." The Mayor wished to know if anyone had an amendment. Dr. Matthews: Yes. I have. I move i as an —- j The Mayor! For God's sake, sit down! | The motion was carried without dissent. , Dr. Fleming thanked the Council for its patient and courteous hearing, and ' withdrew.