DILATORY OFFICIALDOM

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4425, 3 August 1901, Page 5

DILATORY OFFICIALDOM

DR JAMES EXCUSES HIMSELF. HIS FACTS CHALLENGED. Dr James, Health Officer, has reported to the Chief Health Officer as follows in regard to his neglect to admit the s.s Monowai to pratique at a reasonable hour on Thursday morning;—“l have the honour to report that on going off to inspect the s.s. Monowai this morning I found-that the visiting flag was not hoisted in accordance with section 117, Public Health Act, 1900. I drew the master’s attention to this immediately on going on board. At the end of my inspection, finding that the flag was not yet hoisted, I instructed the master to do so. The master admitted that he was aware of the regulation, but that somebody had told him that it had been abolished. I told him that it was my duty to report the matter. I have also to report that the master informed me that a person named refused to come up for inspection with the other passengers, saying that he would not come up for any doctor. I inquired whether the passenger was prevented from coming by illness, and on being answered in the negative I informed the master that unless this passenger complied with the regulations I should have to leave the vessel without granting pratique. After waiting a considerable time longer I came away, informing the master that the ship must remain at anchor, and that the blue flag must be kept’flying, I waited-for this man from 15 to 20 minutes. I must complain that the master seemed to treat tho whole matter with indifference, and did not appear to me to be disposed to render very much assistance. Will you kindly instruct me what steps I am to take? —I have etc., Philip James, P.H.0.”

The evidence of the captain and officers of the Monowai and several independent witnesses is that tho passenger referred to did not absolutely refuse to get up for inspection, though - he demurred at being roused at what he considered to be an unreasonable hour. The general testimony is, also, that from tho time the purser gave evidence to the doctor that the passenger was in the bathroom until the latter appeared on deck was not over six or seven minutes. But Dr James was evidently in that condition of impatience which makes minutes s ee m like hours.

The opinion in shipping circles is that Dr James should he given the assistance of a young practitioner to take the more irksome portion of the duties of Health Officer off his hands. It is stated that the Government contemplates making some new arrangements in connection with the Health Department calculated to obviate delays and unplaasantness such as occurred in connection with the Monowai.