KNIGHT GETS IN HOT WATER

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3280, 25 February 1926, Page 9

KNIGHT GETS IN HOT WATER

SIR UNDO FERGUSON CRITICISES LAYMEN In Appointment of Hospital Doctors “GRAVE INDICTMENT OF BOARDS/’ SAYS CHAIR “No body of men In the world Is more Incompetent to judge the capabilities of a medical practitioner than laymen,” said Sir Undo Ferguson yesterday, at the Hospital Boards’ Conference at Dunedin, The president characterised Sir Undo's remarks as a grave Indictment against boards and the medical fraternity. [Per Press Association.] DUNEDIN, Last Night. At the Hospital Boards’ Conference to-day, considerable discussion was caused by Sir Llndo Ferguson, during the course of an address on hospital staffing, that no body of men in the world was more incompetent to judge the capabilities of a medical practitioner than laymen who sat on hospital boards. He considered that medical men wore the only ones capable of doing so. Most of the medical profession did not want honorariums but would willingly tender their services to such as could not afford to pay for them. Those Who could pay for hoslptal maintenance should be made to do so. He did riot wish to see the profession exploited. Mr. W. Wallace (Auckland), president of the conference, deeply resented these remarks, which he characterised as a grave ilndlctmertt against hospital boards and the British Medical Association. Mr. J. K: Hornblow (Palmerston North) said the Palmerston North Board did not appoint doctors to staff appointments, which were made through a board of medical practitioners. Sir Lindo Ferguson said he was glad to hear Palmerston North was so enlightened. He did not know it beforri, but thought no other board In New Zealand did so. This was contradicted from several quarters. . _ Mr. V. H. Potter (Auckland): I think, sir, you should have found that out before coming here, and I for one strongly resent such criticism. ‘ \. ..,