Untitled

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 198, 25 September 1914, Page 10

A rather interesting case was heard at the Invercargill Magistrate's Court last week, when a medical practitioner, Dr Ewart, claimed £9O expenses incurred for medical attendance from a farmer named John Kallam. The plaintiff said that in December last he was called to attend the defendant's wife, and subsequently paid 24 visits, all of which were absolutely necessary, as she was suffering from a severe form of goitre. At first he considered that nothing could be done for her, but subsequently decided on an operation. Witness advised her to go to the Southland Hospital, but, she refused and expressed a wish to go to a private hospital. On May 23 the operation was performed at a private hospital in the presence of Drs Young and PottJiiger. The operation was tedious and r delicate, one of the most delicate that could l»o performed. Ho had never, performed or seen a more dangerous piece of surgery. Had it not been for the operation which witness performed the patient would not. be living to-day. The defendant approached witness as to the bill, and was informed that it was £153, which was much below his usual charges. The defendant asked if he (witness) could not make the bill less, and it was then reduced to £9O. The two medical men present at the operation testified that it was necessary and that the fees were reasonable. The defendant contested the case on the grounds that the fees were excessive, but the magistrate upheld the claim. Mr G. L. Johnston, an English expert, will conduct classes for the benefit of stammerers if a sufficient number enrol before the 30th iust.