AND HE WASN’T A VET AT ALL!

Northern Advocate, 7 January 1938, Page 5

AND HE WASN’T A VET AT ALL!

[Special To “ Northern Advocate ”1 AUCKLAND. This Day.

Although he used the letters “M.R.C.V.S.” and “D.0.H.” after his name, Andrew Smith, aged 29, was not a real veterinary surgeon. When he appeared in the Police Court on summons to-day, the.police labelled him “a fraud and a real take-down.”

Smith pleaded guilty to a charge that, no November 1,- not being a registered veterinary surgeon, he used in connection with his calling the initials “M.R.C.V.5.,” which might reasonably cause any person to believe that he was a veterinary surgeon.

Detective-Sergeant McHugh told Mr F. K. Hunt, S.M.! that Smith was a married man living apart from his wife. A native of England, he came here about 12 years ago, during which time he followed various occupations. During the past few months he represented himself to be a fully qualified veterinary surgeon. He was known as “Dr. Smith.” His Treatment.

“A struggling farmer, Mrs Edwards, of Henderson, heard of this ‘Dr. Smith,’l” said Mr McHugh, “and got him to examine her stock, as several ,of her cows were sick and dying. “Smith took out eight bottles of medicine and gave it to the sick cows. Altogether, he made three visits to Mrs Edwards’ farm, and on the second visit he decided to vaccinate the cows. He also made up some more medicine cocktail, which he said would build up the cows. On the third visit, Smith decided to kill the first cow that he attended in order to put it out of its misery. Another cow died, so he took specimens of blood, flesh and stomach, stating that he would have an analysis made.” Same University as Duke.

The Detective-Sergeant pointed out that Smith told Mrs Edwards he was a fuliy qualified veterinary surgeon, and also that he attended the same university as the Duke of Windsor, and carried out post-mortem examinations at the Auckland Public Hospital. Mrs Edwards paid Smith the sum of £5 and £B, but did not receive receipts from him. “It will be noticed on the report of the alleged analysis that the accused calls himself ‘A. Smith, M.R.C.V.S., and D.O.H.’ I don't know what the letters D.O.H. stand for/’ Mr Hunt: Don't Often Heal, perhaps. (Laughter.) Smith, who did not utter a word except to say “guilty,” was allowed a week in which to repay the money. “A very cruel kind of fraud it was, as it prevented the unfortunate woman from obtaining expert attention,” said the magistrate.