WOMEN AS DOCTORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15354, 16 July 1913, Page 8

WOMEN AS DOCTORS.

HOSPITAL APPOINTMENT.

DR. ELEANOR BAKER.

ANIMATED BOARD DEBATE.

An animated discussion took place at the meeting of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board last evening, when the question of appointing a junior resident medical officer came up for consideration. At one or two stages a' storm seemed imminent, but matters calmed, down and the discussion ended with a few humorous exchanges.

The chairman (Mr. J. M. Mennie) at the outset explained that tho board had agreed to appoint a fifth junior resident, and had asked tho dean of the Dunedin University to recommend a student of the college. Dr. Spedding had been recommended by the dean. A side issue had been raised as to the appointment of lady doctors to the hospital. He had no objection to a lady doctor, but he pointed out that Dr. Eleanor Baker, who had applied for tho position, had already been in practice for 12 years. The custom had been to appoint a student, who had just passed his examination, to the position. The junior resident officer had often to do work quite unfitted for a woman. A woman could not do the same work.

Mr. M. J. C'ovle: If she is appointed she will have to do the same work.

Dr. Florence Keller: Quite right. Proceeding, the chairman pointed out that the matron at the hospital had stated there was no accommodation for a lady doctor. He suggested that Dr. Spedding should bo appointed to tho position of fifthresident officer, as it would not be well to appoint the lady applicant as a result of a side wind. It was not advisable, and he could not recommend it. He moved that the board authorise the appointment of Dr. Spedding to the position of junior medical officer.

Mr. L 7 J. IJagnall seconded the motion

Superintendent's Attitude.

Mr. P. J. Nerhenv wanted to know what explantion Dr. Maguirc had to make in regard to the statement the latter was alleged to have made to the effect that the matron was against the appointment of a lady doctor. Mr. Coyle: Dr. Maguiro did not say that the matron objected to the appointment of a lady doctor, but had stated that the matron had said there was no accommodation for a lady doctor. Dr. Keller said that Dr. Maguire had made the statement alleged, and moreover had stated that the matron would not eat at the same table as the lady doctor. "I replied," said Dr. Keller, " that the doctor's meals could be served privately." Mr. Mackay: That statement from Dr. Keller must not go forth unchallenged. Dr. Keller: It is quite tru» Mr. Mackay: Mr. Chairman, I must ask you to protect me from interruption. Proceeding, Mr. .Maclcay said that ho for one did not hear Dr. Maguire say that the matron would not eat with a. lady doctor if appointed. Dr. Keller : He said it to me, anyway. Dr. Maguire : On my professional reputation, 1 deny making any such statement.

A Ballot Asked For.

Mr. Nerheny moved an amendment, to the effect that the names of Drs. Spedding and Eleanor Baker should go to a ballot-. The Chairman: I cannot take the amendment.

Mr. Nerheny, heatedly, took exception to the chairman's decision.

Mr. Wallace seconded the amendment, and Mr. D. Teed asked the chairman to withdraw his objection to it. A few passages then took place between the chairman and Mr. Nerheny, the latter asserting that the " side wind" spoken of was entirely duo to the chairman. Mr. Bagnall said that false issues had been raised in connection with the contemplated appointment. He had not heard Dr. Maguire raise any objection to a lady doctor. To say that. Dr. Maguire had objected to the principle of appointing a lady doctor was a downright misstatement.

Dr. Keller Talks of Love. After further discussion, Dr. Keller strongly urged the claims of Dr. Eleanor Baker for the position. The latter had qualified from the Dunedin University, and was quite capable of doing the work required of her. '' I consider lam a New Zealander," declared Dr. Keller, "as I am . working for the good of the people here. I expect my bones to bleach here, unless I am hounded out by some of my medical friends. (Laughter. I predict that the only trouble, if Dr. Baker is appointed, will be that all the staff will fall in love with her."

The Chairman: That would be a happy ending to all our troubles. (Laughter.) Dr. Keller : The matron of the hospital is a charming woman, and I am sure that she and Dr. Baker will get on happily tozether.

Mr. Mackav : Unless someone bolts with them. (Laughter.) "Dr. Keller : Whoever bolts with them will get two fine women. (Laughter and applause.) Eventually the chairman withdrew his motion, and it was agreed to take a voto by show of hands a« to whether Dr. Snedding or Dr. Baker should be appointed. The meeting decided in favour of the ladv doctor by seven votes to four, those voting in the minority being the chairman. and Messrs. Mackay, Dye, and Bagnall.