MATRON'S CLAIM

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 82, 7 April 1938, Page 10

MATRON'S CLAIM

CASE FOR DEFENCE

EVIDENCE CONTINUED

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, This Day.

The hearing of the claim by Isabella i Jane Paddock, formerly matron of the j Waihi Hospital, against Dr. Archibald Jenkins, its medical superintendent, for £475 for alleged libel and slander, was continued in the Supreme Court today. . In answer to further questions by Mr. ■Fitzherbert (for the plain tiff),. Dr. Jenkins said he had stuck up for the matron when she had trouble with the sisters at the hospital, also when she had been attacked by certain members of the board at board meetings. He had tried to get her another position before she left the hospital.

"I am on the rail, or really I don't know where I am. I was dismissed instantly from my position for not reporting a member of the staff for doing something about which I had made full inquiries and which I found had not been done, but here, for reporting the matron and doing my duty, I am sued for libel," said witness.

Edith Black, formerly senior sister at the Waihi Hospital, said that from her experience of the hospital she did not consider the plaintiff was a careful matron but did not think that she was an excitable woman. It was because of the matron that witness resigned, together with her sister. May lilack. Witness said that they could not "stick it" any longer. She admitted that in conversation with another sister she had referred to the matron as a fool but she later apologised. In her apology she stated that she meant the matron was a fool because she was too easy with the staff.

Frederick Ward, formerly chairman of the Waihi Hospital Board, gave evidence before lunch.

The further hearing of the action was adjourned until tomorrow morning.