PUBLIC MEETING LAST NIGHT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume I, Issue 71, 2 May 1879, Page 2

PUBLIC MEETING LAST NIGHT.

« A public meeting was held at the Foxton itlienfPUin last evenings to take steps to obtidn a riiedical man for Foxton. Bdlween 30 and 40 people were present, including all the influential men in the place. After some rlplay, Mr G. Russell wad voted to the chair. The Chairman explained that the meeting had been called to take steps in selfdefence, as Dr Rdckstrow had refused to practice among3t a ntimber of the people. Mr T. Easlon proposed—" That in the opinion of this nteetiiig Br Rockstrow has forfeited all claim td tile siippdrt of the. residents of Foxlon, by refusing to attend in several cases of accident and illness." Seconded by Mr Torr, Mr J. T. Stewart said Dr Rockstrow had always attended hi 9 family, and had given satisfaction. He hoped ho wouid continue practice ; if so, there would be rid need for any other gentleman. It was difficult to get a doctor. They were trying for two years before they got Dp Rockstrow. Mr A. Easton said Dr Rockstrow had refused ten days before to even give him a gargle for his child, which was almost dead at the time. Mr Bowe said his partner, P. Matigdn, was almost killed a few days ago by a fall from a horse, but though twice appealed to, Dr Rockstrow refused td see him. Mr M'Gorley fully corroborated Mr Bowe. He s lid the Doctor waved his hand, and refused to go when he asked him. Mr Tori' said a few weeks ago his wife had broken a bloodvessel, and Dr Rock* strow, when aaked to see her, told him to send to Palmerston for a doctor. Mr Ptti'cell said when his boy broke his leg, he had to take him dn a horse to Dr Rookstrow's, as he refused to gd td the boy. Mr VVhyte thought it an insult on the part of Mr Stewart, after the blank refusal the people had, to suggest they should ask Dr Rockstrow to practice again. Mr Flower thought Dr Rockstrow should be asked why he had refused to attend td the cases mentioned. Dr Rockstrow explained that he had not heard of Mangan uutill 24 hours after the accident [Mr McGorley denied this], wheu he heard Dr Hewson had been sont for. Mr Easton knew why he wduld not attend his family. He told Mr ! orr he wished to compel the people to get another doctor by refusing to practise. Mr Purcell's boy was attended to better through coming td his surgery, where he had the instruments. Statements had been m£fde that Foxton people got his Government-* appointments. This was untrue. Mr Forgot him the Coronersaip.Rev Mr Duncan that of Native Medical Officer, and the Begistrarsbip came direct from Wellington. Practice here was small, and not more than a dozen families had paid him what they owed. He therefore gave up practice in Foxton,as it did not pay, and meant to keep to the cduntry districts. Mr Thynne said Mr Rockslrow held alibis appointments from the will, wish and desire of the people of Poxton, as they were kept open till a medical man settled here. He himself was coroner, and wrote to Mr Fox asking him to change it to Mr Rockstrow. The resolution was then put to the meet* ing and carried ; only three voted against it. Dr Reckstrow said if the peeple of Foxton had ceased to have confidence in him, he also had lost confidence in them. Mr T. Bowe then proposed— " That a committee be appointed to obtain promises df a guarantee td induce a qualified medical man td Bettle in Foxton." The resolution was seconded by Mr Easton. Mr Thynne supported the resolution. He took nd exceptidn to: Mr Rockstrow's qualifications, although he had no diploma. But they must have a medical man in the place, who would attend everybody, and not a few friends. A petition had been got up. and he had told the ladies who brought it they were selfish, because though Mr Rockstrow wdulil attend them, he would not attend numbers of others equally willing td pay him. He had not given up practice, as he was acting now for a few friends. Whatever assistance Government could give, they had a right to expect by handing Mr Bockstraw's appointments td a medical man who might settle in the place. Several instances were related td prove Dr Rockstrow was still practising. The resolution was carried unanimously. The following Committee was appointed, with power to add : — Messrs Thynne, Whyte, Liddell, Torr. Purcell, A. Easton. T. Easton, Bowe, McPherson, Cdley, W. Robinson, and Jt. Ruasell. Mr Uowe proposed the following resolution : — " That it is desirable efforts be made to get the Government to promise thai the appointments of Coroner, Native Medical Officer, and Government Insurance Examiner, will be conferred upon any legallyqualified medical man, who may settle in Fdxton." Seconded by Mr A. Easton, and carried unanimously. Mr Thynne proposed — " That in the opinion of this meeting it is inexplicable upon what grounds any agitation for retaining the services of Mr Rockstrow can be made after his public expression of opinion that he has lost confidence in the inhabitants of the place." Seconded by Mr Whyte. Dr Rockstrow asked what agitation was there ? He meant he had lost confidence in the willingness of the people td pay. The Chairman replied he had seen a petitidn. Mr Thynne said he had been waited dn regarding it. . The resdlution was carried unanimously. The meeting closed with the customary vdte of thanks. A committee meeting was then held, ar which iMr W. Robinson was appointed Secretary. The guarantee list was opened, and £72 subscribed by the committee.