H.—22a

23

You denied having said anything of the kind?—l denied having used the words in the way attributed to me. At the Hospital Board meeting you made no explanation as to the use of the term "damned shambles"?—No, I did not. Until yesterday, did you make any explanation of the term such as you gave the Commission, which took all the sting out of it?— Yes, I did. Who to?—To several people. Name one person ?—To my solicitor. Other than to your solicitor, have you made the explanation until yesterday?—l think I have. Can you say to any one you have?—l have spoken to several persons about it. When you had such a simple explanation, why did you not give that to the Board? —The matter was not gone into officially. Y~ou say what Mr. Garland stated is untrue?— That is so. Can you suggest any reason why he should make an inaccurate statement like that?—l cannot surmise what is in Mr. Garland's mind. Can you suggest any interests he had at that time?—l cannot surmise what is in his mind. - Did you tell any members of the medical profession that Dr. Collins was converting the operating-theatre into a "septic shambles," or used words similar? —I have no recollection of doing so. You have heard several doctors say you have?--No, not several; only one doctor, and he said I made the statement while a guest at his house. Is it untrue?—l have no recollection of making the statement whatever. You were at the Hospital on the Friday, and had an interview with Dr. Collins?—Yes. He sent for you?— Yes. And you went to his room?— Yes. He said, " Neil, is it true that you are trying to set the staff against me," &c?— Yes. Then, in your own words, "you advanced towards him. What did you do that for?—l was angry, and one's impulse is in that direction when in that frame of mind. Matters were somewhat heated ?—Yes. Did you come to blows?—l expect we should have done so. In the same interview you told him he was being watched by dozens of unfriendly eyes. Who did you refer to?— 1 knew that the general opinion of the medical men in Auckland was unfavourable to the Hospital work, and Dr. Collins said to me himself, "That woman" [referring to the matron] " is trying to set the nurses against me, but [ will have her out in six months." Were your eyes unfriendly ?- -My eyes were not unfriendly. You were not referring to yourself as unfriendly?—No; we were friendly at that time. I had no trouble with Dr. Collins previous to that. Up to that time you were satisfied with him?—We were friendly. T never told him straight to his face or had a " row " with him. Up to this time were you on friendly terms with Dr. Collins?— We had had no trouble. On the surface you appeared to be friendly?—l do not know what you mean. Apparently you were friendly?—l say we had had no disturbance. Were you acting in a friendly way to him outside the Hospital prior to this " row "?—I do not remember. Were you discussing him outside?—l have no recollection of being on unfriendly terms with him. At the inquiry held by the Board, which you attended by invitation, there was a scene between you and Dr. Collins?—What scene do you refer to? Did you say to Dr. Collins, " Don't point your finger like that at me ' r ?—We had a few words. You had some hot words?— Yes. You gave the Chairman the lie direct about the "shambles" statement?— Yes; and I will do it again. You still complain that you were dismissed by the Board?—Of course I do. Can you suggest how the Hospital could be carried on with Dr. Collins as Senior Medical Officer, and you on the honorary staff, with the unfriendly feeling existing between you?— After hearing the statements made at the Board meeting I was very angry. You charge the Board with acting wrongly in dismissing you. What should the Board have done under the circumstances? Dismissed you or Dr. Collins?—Dr. Collins had handed in his resignation, and then afterwards persuaded the Chairman to suspend me. The Chairman had no risrht to be dominated by the Senior Medical Officer. How should the Board have acted, then?— The Board should not have taken the matter as hostile criticism, but should have inquired fairly and properly into it. Up to the time of the operation there was no suspicion of unpleasantness between us, although I was accredited with telling Mr. Garland, on the 19th May, that Dr. Collins was converting the theatre into a " damned shambles." What caused the suspension?— Because I got the honorary staff to pass a resolution in regard to the emergency work. Do you know when Dr. Collins heard of the "shambles" statement?—T believe he knew right off—that was in regard to the honorary staff, hut not in reference to Mr. Garland's allegation. What else could the Board have" done but dismiss you?— They could have asked Mr. Garland what possessed him to keep the secret in his