A CORRECTION.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 127, 8 March 1879, Page 2

A CORRECTION.

(to the editor of the temuka leader.) Sir, —Permit me, in justice to myself, to correct a rather loose statement which appeared in your issue of "Wednesday last. Writing the obituary of the late lamented Mrs Barratt you make use of the words, “a very painful operation was performed some six months back (for cancer) from the effects of which she was unable to recover,” leading to the supposition that the operation was the cause of death. To this statement I must give a most unqualified denial. The cause of death was not the operation, but resulted from an occurrence which, alas, is too frequently the cfee in cancer, viz 1 , the appearance of that fatal disease in some other organ other than that from which it has been excised. In spite of the probability of recurrence it is still good surgery to operate if the disease is not too far advanced, and for the following reasons ; —- Ist. The chance (though a faint one) of a complete cure. 2nd. That the operation holds out the prospect of a considerable prolongation of life. 3rd. The improvement in the general condition of the patient, and the obvious advantages to both patient and attendants resulting from the absence of an open cancerous nicer. 4th. Though a fatal result may at last take place from the occurrence of the disease in internal organs, it is a far easier death than to be worn out by the external affection. All these considerations were clearly represented to the friends of the deceased. The operation was performed by me in the presence of Drs Gumming and Fish ; none of ns at the time being sanguine of a complete cure, yet wo were all agreed as to the propriety of operative interference. I may add that Mr Barratt spared no expense in the matter, and obtained the services of Dr Brins, from Christchurch, who met me in consultation, and approved of everything that had keen done, though at the same time confirming the unfavorable opinion already expressed by me as to the ultimate result. I daresay the statement which gave origin to this letter was made inadvertently, yet nevertheless I beg you will exorcise more caution in future. I am, &c., J. S. Hayes, M.D. Temuka, March 6th, 1876. [Nothing was further from our thoughts than .any intention to cast reflections upon Dr Hayes’ treatment of Mrs Barratt. Our knowledge of the disease and the efforts that had been made enable us to say that no trouble or expense was spared to give her relief, and wo regret that the notice death should have been recorded in'such a way as to lead anyone to think Dr Hayes was negligent or incapable of properly discharging his duties as a medical gentleman. —Bn. T. L.]