A DOCTOR SUED

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 41, 17 August 1916, Page 8

A DOCTOR SUED

ECHO OF LODGE DOCTOR'S

DISPUTE.

ALLEGATIONS OF BOYCOTT.

A case of more than ordinary interest to Friendly Societies was heard before Mr. TV. G. Riddelt, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when, the Trustees of the Wellington' United Friendly Societies' Medical Institute proceeded against Dr. Edward William Smythe, of Ngapnra, to'recover the sum of £125. It was set out. in the statement of claim that on 21st February, 1916, the plaintiffs engaged the defendant to act as medical officer to the Wellington United Friendly Societies' Institute for 1 a period of three years, at a salary of £500 per annum, payable quarterly from 21st February. The plaintiffs spent a considerable amount of money1 in furnishing a consulting room for defendant, who. commenced work on 13th March, 1916. On 17th March the defendant left Wellington, advising that he would not return, nor longer act as medical officer, and purported to determine, his engagement, but did not fulfil his obligations as set forth in the agreement. The defendant did net give three months' notice, nor had he paid three months' salary—namely £125—in lieu of notice. Mr. R. Kennedy appeared' for plaintiffs, while defendant did not appear or defend the action. Evidence was given by Charles S. S. . Kelly, secretary to the trustees, who stated that the lodge doctors had resigned on 31st December, 1915. As the result of an advertisement, Dr. Smythe approached the trustees. An interview took place, wherein it was explained to the defendant that the position was boycotted by the. British. Medical Association. The following day the agreement was signed, and members were notified of the appointment by circulars, at a cost of £23. Dr. Smythe commenced work on 13th March. When witness called on Dr. Smylhe one morning, he. (the doctor) said he had been rung up by a doctor as to his position, and the following day two doctors' called to see him. On 17th March, defendant told witness that owing Ito the representations of the Medical Association it had been made so hot for him that he was compelled to resign. The resignation was accordingly handed in. The result was that the society had to fall back on the old system of paying doctors' scale rates, and the sum thus paid out during the months of March, April, and May was £900. Corroborative evidence was given by J. J. L. Burke, one of the trustees of the society. The Magistrate gave judgment for plaintiffs for the amount claimed, with costs (£6 12s 6d).