To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume II, Issue 82, 2 May 1846, Page 3

To the Editor of the New Zealand Spectator.

Sir, —ln my letter of last week, I called attention to a sum of money expended " for medicine and attendance supplied natives" —'this I supposed to be exclusive. Sincethen, Dr. Fitzgerald has made some remarks in the Independent, and it is to those remarks T would now advert. He informs us of other duties that devolve upon him, of which I was perfectly ignorant, besides those of attending the natives. I live near the jail, and not having seen him there at any time, I infer, his duties in connexion with it cannot be very onerous. The gentleman himself admits most fully the defective and imperfect state of the department to which he belongs, by the statements he has made. He points out that they, the white population, are at his will and caprice, and can only obtain that by favour to which they are entitled by right. What I most ardently wish to see is an institution, the management of which shall be Tested in trustees, or if under Government control subject to such regulations that any deserving person can obtain medical relief. If these remarks have elicited a desire to the promoting of the cause of humanity, by tending to produce a reformation in the medical department, or have been conducive of good, as I believe they have, even though it be the appending of a ward for the use of the Pakehas to the contemplated Maori hospital, I shall feel amply repaid, notwithstanding the odium to which I know I have exposed myself. In conclusion, to place the most favourable and charitable construction on the ma.tter, we must believe what the gentleman tells Jus, viz., that he has discharged these several duties to the beat of his ability. I am, Sir, Tour obedient Servant, -"% James May. Wellington, April 30,. 1846.