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Grand I in no way interfered with this Superintendent's Official duties. I consider that private practice that necessitates attendance frequently at the patient's private houses, a considerable distance from the Hospital, and the teacher's time liable to be called out night and day, must necessarily interfere with the duties of one who is continually representing in his official letters that he is so over-worked and has insufficient time to attend to his numerous duties, and has made repeated applications for extra medical assistance in the Hospital.
With regard to my personally availing myself of the Superintendent's skill and experience, I have repeatedly acknowledged, officially, that I was in Hospital in 1875 with a severe attack of Typhoid Fever, and am indebted to his skill and care that I am yet alive, for which reason I have passed over many things I ought to have taken more notice of. But if this is to interfere with the performance of my duties as the head of the Medical Department of this Colony, and I am to be subjected to the receipt of letters which appear to me insubordinate and contemptuous to a degree, I shall feel considerable difficulty in performing the duties which the Government require of me.
With regard to Dr. Murray's last letter, dated the 2nd instant, it remains unanswered, and I enclose it for His Excellency the Governor's consideration and decision.
I very much regret the necessity of bringing these matters to the attention of the Government, and as regards myself, I court the fullest enquiry into the matter.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
Wm. B.C. Rales,
Colonial Surgeon.
To W. Marsh,
Colonial Secretary.
No.78
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Dated 22nd January 1880.
I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. of the 3rd of January, forwarding copies of correspondence between yourself and Dr. Murray on the matter of the latter engaging in private practice, and I am to inform you that His Excellency sees no reason for modifying the decision given by Sir Arthur Kennedy, which was communicated to Dr. Murray in March 1873, on the question then before him, a decision with which His Excellency's view of the matter seems to be in accordance. You will communicate the contents of this letter to Dr. Murray.