A DOCTOR'S REGISTRATION

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 41, 16 February 1918, Page 8

A DOCTOR'S REGISTRATION

QUESTION OF "FAME AND GOOD

CHARACTER."

There was a further discussion in the Supreme Court to-day concerning the case of John Alexander M'Kinnon, of Christchurch, who is applying for an order directing tho Registrar-General to register his name under the provisions of the Medical Practitioners' Act. The matter was first before Mr. Justice Hosk. ing in October last, when it was shown that, acting under the direction of the Medical Board the Registrar-General had refused the registration. His Honour commented: "The board has apparently acted in the dark—in secret, although 1 am informed that it had before it certain charges of fraud in connection with the Customs Department before the applicant qualified." In a sworn affidavit Dr. M'Kinnon set out his qualifications, and asserted that all the requirements of the Act had been complied with by him. He was a man of "good fame and character." Hifi Honour reserved his decision on a preliminary point;-.and his judgment has not yet be delivered. In the.meantime additional points have been raised by Mr. C. P. Skerrett, K.C., who, with. Mr. W. J. Hunter, of Christchurch, ■ is representing the appellant. < There wa3 considerable argument to-day between his Honour, the Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) ftnd counsel ac to the position and the correct procedure. • His Honour enquiredl the nature pf the charge against the ■ appellant, and the Solicitor-General, representing the Registrar-General, , stated it briefly. M'Kinnon, he said, was formerly Customs clerk in Christchurch, and he was extradited from England for the -purpose of answering charges concerned with an elaborate Customs fraud. He was tried and acquitted. : His Honour: Well, the question is whether the acquittal settles a question of fam«>. Thai ia a question of law.

It; was finally decided that it would be better if the whole cause was fully review before the Full Court,' and his Honour made an order accordingly. Each side was ordered to prepare the necessary affidavits within three weeks, and an endeavour will be made to hear the case before the Easter vacation.