TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1891.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 91, 21 April 1891, Page 4

TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 1891.

The moderation and good sense which characterised the speeches delivered at Robson's Rooms yesterday evening, when, in the presence of a large number of ladies and gentlemen, a public presentation was made to Miss Arnaboldi, will strike everyone who reads the report of tbe proceedings. The speakers showed good taste in avoiding, as far as possible, irritating reference to a subject about which, in the very nature of things, a sore feeling exists in the minds of a certain section of the community. The value of a public testimonial is often lessened by the knowledge that it is merely an expression of strong and sometimes; unreasonable parttsiiHsbip. It is frequently made in the naroe'bf the public, while it really only expresses the views of a" noisy and factious minority. That the testimonial presented to Miss Arnaboldi reflected tbe opinion formed of her action not only by the public of Auckland, but of the colony generally, is, we think, indisputable.

There can be no doubt that the case would never have assumed such proportions, and indeed might have been disposed of without calling for any great amount of public criticism, if the members of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board had not shown such a strong disposition to barke inquiry in the first instance. For this they have been severely censured by the public, nor do we think the strictures passed upon their conduct have been unduly severe. That the Board and the medical profession should equally feel averse to such inquiries, although for widely different reasons, is not at all to be wondered "at. The Board have called into existence a system of Hospital management which is generally condemned by th c medical fraternity, and which differs also in essential features from the working of most kindred institutions throughout the Empire. The ! Board may plead the exigencies of their position for the anomalous position in which the Auckland Hospital is placed, but the fact cannot be disputed. It is not, therefore, surprising that tbe {members of the Board are extremely sensitive to any criticism which points out the flaws in the system ; but, unfortunately, some of them lost their heads when Miss Arnaboldi's charges were formulated, and the determined attempt to treat the matter with contempt aroused public indignation. When members forgot themselves so far as td talk about "kicking and ducking".a womah before any evidence had been adduced to show that she was actuated by sinister motives, it was evident to every impartial person that the matter could not be allowed to drop at that stage of the inquiry.

That the doctors should have a strong objection to inquiries which tend to throw doubts upon their mode of professional treatment is only what we should expect. There is an esprit de corps in the medical fraternity which we look for in vain in the other professions. Doctors differ among themselves, but they are never willing to make the public a party to the dispute, and when it comes to a question between medical men and laymen, "medical etiquette" requires that the profession should present an undivided front. In this respect the doctor differs essentially from the lawyer or the divine. The barrister's strongest point are made by showing the flaws in his opponent's argument, and making his " learned friend " look like a fool. The clergyman who can induce a man to exchange one set of theological beliefs for another, and thus traverse the teaching of a rival divine, calls the process " conversion," and assures tho interesting neophyte

that he will eventually be rewarded with crown aud palm. The transition is dignified as passing " out of darkness into light;" but the divinity which doth hedge a " leech " is never thus rudely shaken. The constant discoveries in medical science lead to an everchanging system of treatment, and a more accurate knowledge of the human frame has led modern medical men to discard wholesale the modes and methods adopted by their predecessors of past ages. But, at the same time, nothing like unanimity of opinion or uniformity of treatment has been arrived at by the medical profession, even with regard to very ordinary ailments. To diagnose successfully seems most difficult of all, and it is no uncommon thing for a patient to Fubmit to a long and expensive course of treatment for a disease which he is assured by his medical man is in an advanced stage, and, when, worn out, he consults other authorities, he is told that no symptom of such particular disease exists, nor is it possible that it could ev6r have existed. But while the opinions formed of the same case by different medical men are often wide as the poles asunder, they are unanimous in agreeing that people outside the charmed circle know, absolutely nothing about the subject. When this is premised, we cease to wonder that medical men resent inquiry, and too often show a reluctance to assist in bringing it to a satisfactory issue.

The value of the action taken by Miss Arnaboldi, and, indeed, of all similar action taken by subordinates, must, of course, be largely determined by the influencing motive. It is quite possible for a probationer to entertain a grudge against a medical man, and out of affected pity for patients, or sense of public duty, to bring charges which are really induced by a spiteful and vindictive spirit. It is easy, too, to imagine that an inexperienced young woman would be unable to form a correct judgment of the mode of treatment adopted by a medical man in complicated cases. The ghastly appearance of a patient who has recently undergone an exhausting operation is a severe trial to the nerves of the uninitiated onlooker, although viewed with calm equanimity by the experienced practitioner. In a case of apparently excessive hemorrhage, especially, an unqualified nurse is apt to take alarm. There is, too, a latent feeling of antagonism between the ! nurse fraternity and the medico. Nurses frequently think it adds to their own importance to differ from the doctor's . view, and to affect to despise his mode of treating patients. These and other causes have to be considered when nurses are in the habit of making complaints. But in Miss Arnaboldi's case we are glad to have her own assurance, which, we think, was borne out by the evidence, that she acted from pure a_-d"disinterested motives: '* if. requires a considerable amount of moral courage to come forward and make speficic charges, when, if they are not fully substantiated, the complainant's prospects as a professional nurse may he ruined, and it implies a still deeper sense of duty when the gentleman whosi treatment is challenged, as in the case of Miss Arnaboldi and Dr. Collins, is one who has treated the complainant with marked kindness and consideration.

While, therefore, we congratulate Miss Arnaboldi on the result of the inquiry, we hope that the cases are rate in which the necessity will arise for her action to be taken as a precedent. Nothing could be more unsatisfactory than for the nurses to be regarded as spies upon the medical staff: It would be destructive of all proper discipline, and would very justly be resented by all the members of the medical profession. With regard to the case before us, the fault lies in the system. •On this point there is unanimity of opinion between medical men and the general public. We have dealt with this aspect of the case before, and would merely accentuate it by adding that the only hope of working the Hospital satisfactorily is to abolish the present system, which makes demands upon the Medical Superintendent such as no man can meet. The sooner the Board and the medical profession compose their differences the better. There were difficulties in the old regime, but no one can deny that the present system is unsatisfactory to the public, discreditable to the Board, injurious to the medical profession, and disastrous to the unfortunate patients.

Mr Charles Leconte, Judge of the Court of Tahiti, attended at the Police Court this morning. He was introduced to the R.M., Dr. Giles, by Mr Stoney, and remained an interested spectator during the sitting of the Court.

Complaint having been made of overcrowding at the Choral Hall by placing chairs in the exit from the gallery, the, Town Clerk has communicated with the police authorities, requesting them to enforce the by-law which deals with overcrowding at public meetings. Mr Ewington, as agent for the trustees, has, ib appears, taken precautions against overcrowding of the Choral Hall, and has issued instructions to the caretaker to that effect, but crowded audiences generally succeed in overcoming such scruples, and Mr Ewington has suggested that the by law should be amended so as to inflict punishment on persons who block up the aisles.

The attention of Sergeant Gamble, In-1 spector of Factories, has. been called by the operative bootmakers to the alleged working of some of the young people in the boot trade for more than eight hours a day. Sergeant Gamble states, however, that he has no authority to prevent! their being so worked, provided that they are nob worked more than four houra and ahalf ab a stretch.

An old pioneer settler of. Pokeno, Mr John Wright, died lasb Monday and was buried on Thursday. afternoon. A large procession attended the funeral. The Rev. F. Findlay- read the- service- At the grave, —(Pokeno correspondent),

-■ ; — -'. : i -.-. •■stt:. ..*.. ' A commi-nication has been re a long resident in Auckland, Commissary General 'Hamley, C.8., who no doubt will be remembered by many. General Hamley was tbe. senior officer in charge at Forb Britomart, and barrack master in Auckland for many years. He was the founder of the Hamley (ran Club, and the originator of the swimming baths at the breakwater, etc. He is now the secretary of the Junior Conservative Club in London, and has sent a prospectus' and forms of application for membership, with list of members, etc., which may be seen at this office. This Club will afford great advantages to colonists visiting England. Although itpolitical club designed to ' promote . tha. objects of the Conservative Party, it is inintended to maintain its social ■ prestige.'The Club House, of which a long lease remains unexpired, has been in the sam» hands many years; is situated in Albs-marle-streeto, Piccadilly, near the principal West End Theatres, arid within easy dis->' tance of Charing-Cross and Victoria Railway Stations., At present the Club.will b» conducted on the proprietary system, so that members shall not be liable lor any debti or obligations :incurred by or on behalf of the proprietary, or for anything except annual subscription and entrance fee (if any), until such time B3 the members feel justified in assuming the control and management themselves.. The annual subscription will be one guinea, without* any entrance fee, and members will have everything the same as in other clubs; where the entrance foe varies from £20 to £50, and the annual subscription from £3 to £10. This • club has bedrooms also, - from 2s 6d to sk, which can be had for the night or the week, and week after week, when there is nc pressure or much demand by/ other members. The Club has now 3,770 members, and is rapidly increasing that number. A wire from Gisborne to-day states thab yesterday a large meeting of natives waa held there to consider the dismissal o, the five.Native Land Court Judges. ParateneNgata, an influential chief, said the dismissals were a great blow to the Maoris.. Major Mair and Messrs Puckey and Wilson-, were thorough Maori scholars, and had., finished an immense number of cases. Judg* Clendon was also a Maori scholar, and understood their customs and rights: to the land.. Previous to their appointment as Judges they did good service to the colony and, helped to make peace between the Europeans and Maoris, including the Kingtribes of the Waikato. He asked why did the Government dismiss these men, and retain recently appointed judges who did nob. understand a word of Maori, and did nobunderstand the old Maori customs as to rights of land. No interpreter could possibly translate some of their expressions into English, so that a non-speaking Maori judge could nob get tbe meaning of them. Tbe Government was taking light f rem their eyes, and preventing them laying their cases before the-Court. The trouble Lfd come upon them as suddenly as tbe eruption of Tarawera. The Maoris, be said, would object to lay their, cases before non-Maori-speaking Judges. Objection was also tautento the Governmenb fixing - the sittings of the Court instead of the Chief Judge, as that would be putting fire into the hand, of the Native Minister to burn the balance* of their lands. They were, anxious to gefe their land subdivided, but .would not now be able to do so as long as they.lived. Tha dismissal of Maori-speaking Judges would cause great trouble to natives and Europeans. Other speakers followed in thai same strain- Ultimately it was resolved to petition the Government on the subject. . _

News came to Whangarei on Saturday last that Mr Donald McLeod, of Waipu, was dead. His death, writes our correspondent, must have been sudden, for only a few days previously he was abbutiin }i_6 ordinary health. Mr McLeod w__'tea_ly the first pioneer of the North American settlers or Nova Scotians to these ba'vii_£ emigrated from Halifax to South Australia at an early date probably before or about 1850, and upon his representation the first ship, "the Margaret,-left'Home for South Australia, in. the first instance ; they afterwards sailed for Port Phillip then, now Victoria, and came on to New Zealand, S etti_rig. ultimately at VVaipU. Mr McLeod was at T .ached ioi many \ years to 'the leading jonrHals. of Australia, arid New Zealand,, being a ripe scholar, and splendid' writer. He was the son of tho late Rev. Nprmaa McLeod, ofWaipti.

Last evening the social party and dance, to farewell the ship Leading Wind on her first voyage from Auckland, been postponed from Friday niglj&.was-heldi on board the vessel at the Railway Wharf. The night was a delightful one, and the affair proved very enjoyable. A largo number of guests attended on the invitation of Captain Savory and the other owners of the ship, and a very pleasant evening was spent in dancing on the poop and games of various sorts, besidas. which an impromptu musical programme was gone through. Tbe ship's poop, which, was covered in 'by a canvas awning, was prettily lit up with coloured lanterns. After supper the party, gathered on deck arid wished Captain Savor£ a safe and plea* sant voyage and all sorts of good fortune, to which the "skipper" cordially responded. Tbe party broke up about midr night. The Leading Wind is to sail hence for Puget Sound in ballast about Saturday next, and should be back in Melbourne about five months hence. It is a rather singular coincidence that yesterday, on the same day as the festivities on the ship, a " crowner's quest" shouhl have been held in Auckland into the origin of the' noted fire which brought about tha transference of the Leading Wind from tha American to the British flag. As mighb have been expected, .the jury could return no verdict but an open one, which virtually amounted to the non-committal deliverance of " found burnt." The Whangarei High School' is about fco be re-opened under the management of Mr R. D. Duxtisld, M.A., Dublin University, also New Zealand (ad eundtm).- He is «v gentleman who has had considerable ex? perience in scholastic work. Up to. the time of his leaving Home he was engaged in the higher education, and was filling tha position of senior assistant in the county school, North Cambridgeshire. . Very shortly alter his arrival in -Hus^colony -he received au appointment in .the Wanganui Collegiate School to beach science and drawing, along with the upper form subjects, which position he vacated after holding it. a year to further: an arrangement that was being made to secure the services of a chaplain. Since the beginning of 1889 he bas been in the employ of the Auckland Education Board. He was also for aboub a year intimately connected with tha Ihames School of Mines, during which: time he taught the mathematical subjects, and studied assaying, practical chemistry* and surveying. The essay - entitled " Sir George Grey, K.C.B. Is He a Great Man ?" written by Dr; Laishley for *) The Household Almanac," has been revised and reprinted in pamphlet form. No doubt many who have not had an opportunity of reading this in-teresting-paper will be glad to get it in this cheap and handy form. The Pokeno School Committee held ? lengthy meeting on Saturday last, It Motion presiding. Amongst other bus* ness they recorded their votd for Me Buckhurst to occupy the seat on,tbe Jioaro of Education vacated by Mr D. Goldie. j Mr Chaa. Vosb; bho well-known ventriloquist, has. sub-leased the Opera' House, anoj , opens.on Saturday night nexb with bu "Plantation Pastime."., ;...</.;* ' ; The extraordinary..demand;>-Q*^ ras »«| Nat.han'B Teas has necessitated. l*rg« aa "; dition. to. the working Btaff.^oW-flV.ry^ ■ whwe a* 2s. and is 6d.-( ADV *»]|

■St. George's Rowing Club fives were pulled on Saturday afternoon last. In the first heat the crews stroked by Pennalligan, Busby and Buchanan, and Busby's crew won. In the second heat Harington's crew beat that stroked by Jervis. Harington's and Busby's then met in the final, and the former won after a slashing Tace. The names of the winning crew are : C. Harington .(stroke), F. Hull (4), R. Johnston (3), A. Carmicheal (2), W. Rainger (1), and W. Frater (ateer bar).

The return crickeb match between the New Zealand and South British Insurance Offices takes place on Thursday next (St. George's Day), on the Domain Cricket Ground, commencing ab 10.30 a.m. sharp. Tha following are the respective teams :— New Zealand . Brassey.Brabazon, Burtton, Harvey, Lawry, Marshall, Mason, Minnitt, Paton, Rigby, Wiseman. South British : Batger, Jackson, Kekwick, Kenderdine, Nicol, Russell, Shortt, Simms, Spoouer, Sullivan, Townshend.

Tho following are the handicaps for the 5 milas Bicycle Road Race for Saturday next, 25th:—Short, Dickson, and Lecky, ticratch ; Nicholson, 15secs ; Selby, 45sees ; Dacre, lmin 30secs ; Firth, lmin 45*<ecB : Aicken, Kiseling, Gilbert, 2min ; Hammond, 2min 30sec ; Waters, Fleming, Harrison, Winks, 2min 45secs; Boulton, Harris, Rendall, Hill, and Hulme, 3min ; Bright, 3min 45secs ; Watkin, 4min ; Taylor, smin ; Mooro, stnin. Acceptances are beiore Saturday.

Mr Edward Clay, J.P., held an inquest at tho Sir George Grey Hotel, Tairua, to inquire into the cause of the death ot John Gilbert, which wa3 mentioned in a previous issuo. The evidence showed that deceased had been ill, and was taken to tho hotel, where he received every attention, bub •death supervened. The immediate cause was heart disease, and tho jury returned a verdict accordingly. Deceased was a native -of the Cape de Verde Islands.

The usual meeting of the members of the Federated Butchers' Union took place last night in the Trades Assembly Rooms, Upper Queen-street. Matters conuected ■with the trade were dealt with, but nothing ©f public interest was done.

The following nominations have been received for the £10 Sheffield Haudicap to be run next Saturday:—A. B. Craig, H. JM. Simson, J. Simson, J. W. Askew, T. Wells, D. Soniers, T. Williams, E. Collins, J. Linden, S. Murphy, F. Murphy, S. Goodman, K. Keehan, C. E. Carter, S. Roberts, J. Frost, J. Miles, W. Brierl.y, W. Cuuimine. J. McDermotb, A. Bailey, W. Donald, Scanding, Al. Roberts. J. AluKean, E. Sandall, J. Healy, W. Purdie, T. Robinson, C. Madigan, J. Nicholson. A few .abhors are expected by post.

The Obahuhu Mubual Improvement Asso-c.a-ion held a successful meeting in the mutual-room lasb night. Being near the anniversary of Shakspere's birthday (23rd April), the evening was devoted to the honour of the "Sweet swan of Avcn." After a few preliminary remarks by Mr Luke the Rev. F. Gould read an essay on Shakspere from "Emerson's Representative Men." The song from tho " lempeat," •'Full Fathom Five," was then given by Mr C. Macdonald, and was followed by an excellent rendering of bhe btial scene from the "Merchanb of Venice" by members. The programme was bben completed as follows :—Song from Venus and A.donis, " Bid Me Discourse,'' Miss Harding; reading, ■"Bacon Versus Shakspere." Mr J. Muir ; Ariel's song from bhe "Tempest," " Where the Bee Sucks," Mm Armstrong; duet from "Midsummer Night's Dream," "I Know a .Bank," Mrs Warren and Miss McK.enzie.

In consequence of the peculiar verdict Tet.irned by tho jury in the case of Moses Chambers, who died suddenly at Epsom IM Friday, the police further communitbe coroner, Dr. Phil son. Pnitti sontleman stated that there was no need for further action in the matter, as he'was satisfied from the evidence adduced thab death resulted from nabural causes.

Tho following will represenb the South Franklin Mounted Infantry in their match -with the Ponsonby Naval Artillery, which is to be fired at Pukekohe on Saturday nexb :—Lieuteuant Bilkey, Sergeant-Major Walton, Sergeant McDonald Sergeant Lucas, Corporal Harris, Corporal Pearman, Corporal Adams, Volunteers Pilgrim, J. Adams, and W. Adams.

Nominations for the Mount Albert Licensing Committee were received to-day by Mr S Brooking, Returning Officer, as follows : —Thomas Allen, Richard Beck, Andrew C. Caughey, J. W. James, and J. R. Walters. Five being the required numbei- these candidates have been declared duly elected. A local option poll will lake place on the _>9tfa instant, to determine whether or not the number of licenses in the district may i.c increased. The anniversary soiree of the Alexandrastreet Primibive Methodist Church will be held this evening. The soiree is also intended to take the form of an introduction bo the Rev. J. Guy, who has recently succeeded the Rev. A. J- Smith in the pastorate of the church. The rev. gentleman is no stranger to Auckland, having filled the pulpit of tbe Frank!.o Road Church some years ago. He has jusb semoved trom Invereargill after a fire yeara uastofate of prosperity to the churen there. Addresses will be delivered by Revs. Chew, Gilmore, Woodward, and others. The Band of Hope meeting held in the United Methodist Free Church schoolroom, Pitt and Vincent streets, last night, was very successful, notwithstanding the disappointment felt by the absence of the genbleman who was to have lectured on -" Electricity " (with experiments). A very ■.appropriate" programme was provided and aicely carried out. Amongst the best isems were the following :-The song, "The Teetotal Pledge," by Mr Bouakill, 'Miss Tattersail's pathetic and excellentlyrendered recitation, the quartette by the Misses Tudehope and Hill and Messrs Bouskill and Dent, and, lastly, the song by the choir, " Glory to God in the Highest. This week's "Graphic" is a specially interesting number, containing engravings ,of the places Visited by the Governor during his recent visit in Maoiiland The lad.es will be charmed with the three beautiful photo engravings of the Countess of Onslow and her two little daughters. This number is of- such an attractive character that friends in Greab Britain would be delighted to see it. The lakes' correspondence column is filled with society gossip in Jts Duresb aspect The full description of the Northern ,Club ball, and the dresses worn by the ladies, make the issue a specialty. The mail closes on Saturday next. An interesbing race took place on Saturday on the Freezing Company's grounds, Otahuhu. The event was a quarter-mile between members of the Otahuhu F.C. The first prize being was a medal and the second a footballer' costume. There was a good sbarb made, and a good race resulted, the winner being Alfred Brady, James Donovan second, with T. Wilson a good .third. The Otahuhu Football Club has reformed for the coming season, and elected ; their officers : T. Wilson being captain and Robert Absolum secretary and treasurer. Mr Levi Coupland, who is leaving for Welliaeton, has instructed Messrs Wilson ™d Clayton to sell the whole of his superior X-ehold furniture and a piano by RomSdb and Co.. The sale Will begin at eleven o'clock to-morrow at his residence, Manukau Road, Paruell. A really reliable Ideally-manufactured Waterproof coat can now be procured ab Smith and Caughey-, merchant tailors clothiers, etc. Should any of uwse coats Sbe Lbd to bo absolutely wat*-proof, ihoy undertake to give a near ™f£ change if returned withfn threa months pm. date of purchase.-.Ap™ J