A QUEER MEETING AT FOXTON.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 154, 8 May 1879, Page 2

A QUEER MEETING AT FOXTON.

(From the Manawatu Herald.)

A public meeting was held at the Foxton Athenteum last evening, to talce steps to obtain a medical man for .Foxton. Between 30 and 40 people were present, including all the influential men in the place.

After some delay, Mr G. Russell was voted to the chair.

_. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to take steps in selfdefence, as Dr Rockstrow had refused to practico amongst a number of the people, Mr T. Easton proposed—" That in the opinion of this meeting Dr Rockstrow has forfeited all claim to the support of the residents of Foxton, by refusing to attend in several cases of accident and illness."

Seconded by Mr Torr Mr J. L Stewart said Dr Rockstrow had always attended his family, and had given satisfaction. He hoped he would continuo practice; if so, there would be no need for any other gentleman, It was difficult to get a doctor, They were trying for two years before they got Dr Rock- ■ strow. Mv A. Easton said Dr Rockstrow had refused ten days before to even give him a gargle for his child, which was almost dead at.the time.

Mr Bowe said his partner, P. Mangan, was almost killed a few days ago by a fall from a horse, but though twice appealed to, Dr Rockstrow refused to see him. Mr M'Gorley fully corroborated Mr Bowe. He said the Doctor waved his hand, and refused to go when ho asked him

Mr Torr said a few weeks ago his wife had broken a bloodvessel, and Dr Rockstrow, when asked to see her, told him to send to Palmerston for a doctor,

Mr Purcell said when his boy broke his leg, he had to take him on a horso to Dr Rockstrow's, as he refused to go to the boy.

Mr Whyto thought it an insult on the part of Mr Stewart, after the blank refusal the people had, to suggest tlicy should ask Dr Rockstrow to practice again. Mr Flower thought Dr Rockstrowshould be asked why lie had refused to attend to the cases mentioned.

Dr Rockstrow explained that ho had not heard of Matigan until 24 houra after the accident slr M'Gorley denied this), when he lieard Dr Hewson had been sent for. Mr Easton knew why he would not attend his family. le told Mv Toit he wished to compel the people to got another doctor by refusing to practice. Mr PurcoU's boy was attended to better through coming to his surgery, where ho had the instruments, Statements had been made that Foxton people got his Government appointments. This was untrue. Mr Fox got him Coronership, Rev Mr Duncan that of Native Medical Officer, and the Registrarship came direct from Wellington. Practice here was small, and not more than a dozen families had paid him what they owed. He therefore gave up practice in Foxton, as it did not pay, and meant to keep to the country districts.

Mr Thynne said Mr Rockstrow held all his appointments from the will, wish and desire of the people of Foxton, as they were kept open till a medical man settled here, He himsdlf was coroner, and wrote to Mr F«x asking him to change it to Mr Rockstrow,

The resolution was then put to the meeting and carried; only three voted against it.

Dr Rockstrow said if the people of Foxton had ceased to have confidence in liiiH, he also had lost confidence in them, J Mr T. Botve then proposed—" ThatV a committee be appointed to obtain promises of a guarantee to induce a qualified medical man to settle in Foxton,"

The resolution was seconded by Mr Easton,

Mr .Thynne supported the resolution. He took no exception to Mr Rockstrow's qualifications, although he had no diploma. But they must have a medical man in the place, who would attend everybody, and not a few friends. A petition had been got up, and he had told the ladies who brought it they were selfish, because though Mr Rockstrow would attend them he would not attend numbers of others equally willing to pay him. He had not given up practice, as he was acting now for a few friends. Whatever assistance Government could give, they had a right to expect by handing Mr Rockstrow's appointments to a medical man who mightsettle in the place. Several instances were related to prove Dr Rockstrow was still practising. The resolution was carried unanimously. The following committee was appointed' with power to add Messrs Thyno, Lid- 1 dell, Whyte, Torr, Purcell, A, Ea'ston, T. Easton, Bowe, McPherson, Coley, W, Robinson, and J. Russell.

Irßowo proposed the following resolution- That it is desirable efforts be made to get the Government to promise tho appointments of Coroner, Native Medical Officer, and Government Insurance Examiner, will bo conferred upon any legally qualified medical man who may settle in Foxton." Seconded by Mr A, Easton, and carried unanimously, Mr Thynno prnp n|w j_« That in. the opinion of this meeting it is inexplicable upon what grounds any agitation for retaining the services of Dr Rockstrow can be made after his public expression of °piMtl«at ho has lost confidence in the nihaMnts of tho place," Seconded by Mr Whyte. Dr Rockstrow asked what agitation was there 'I He meant he had lost confidence in the willingness of tho people to pay, The Chairman replied he had seen a petition, Mr Thynne said he had been waited 011 regarding it, ' Tho resolution was carried unanimously, The meeting closed with the customary vote of thanks. A committee meeting was then held, at 1 which Mr Robinson was appointed secretary. A guarantee list was opened, and £72 subscribed by the committee.