THE "SPECIAL" AND THE DOCTOR.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume I, Issue 15, 2 June 1880, Page 4

THE "SPECIAL" AND THE DOCTOR.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR. Sik, — I am indebted to some unknown friend for sending me a copy of your valuable paper, containing Dr. Keating's last effusion. I plead guilty to having mixed up the case of Whitney with that of Wallace ; but where complaints of neglect were of such every-day occurrence, this is not to be wondered at. Besides, it was the system I attacked, not Dr. Keating. By the way, the worthy doctor does not make it quite clear whether Whitney recovered because he (the doctor) did not attend him, or Wallace died becausee he did attend him. However, as Dr. Keating has taken time by the forelock and resigned, it is immaterial. During the four or five months that I was with the Constabulary on the plains, I never to my knowledge saw the medical officer-in- charge, and, therefore, do not know whether to be flattered or otherwise by the circumstance that on one occasion Dr. Keating was mistaken for your correspondent and maltreated. But I can as-sui-e him that I always regarded the in- | suits offered me by the Pakeha-Maori I roughs, bullies, and public house loaf ers of Taranaki as high compliments. I am sure the respectable settlers of Taranaki, from whom (however we might differ in opinion) I invariably met with extreme courtesy, will understand that I only refer to a class — a class more nearly approaching to the " white trash" of the Southern States of America than any other I have met with in the colonies. It may be some comfort to Dr. Keating to know that, after having taken the advice of Mr. H. R. Parrington, solicitor, to the effect that his first letter was highly libellous, I abandoned all idea of taking proceedings on learning that the issue would be submitted to the arbitrament of a New Plymouth jury. I would infinitely prefer to be " sat upon" by a coroner's jury at once. Hoping to find that, when I next visit Hawera, that your capitallyconducted journal may have exercised a civilising influence, — I am, &c, S. Croumbie Brown. Wellington, May 28.