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first time saw this Officer under the influence of drink. If I
had interefered there would have been nothing to prove the
charge but his word against mine and if he had resisted my
authority, which he probably would have as he has always re-
-sented my interference in any of his cases, a disgraceful
scene might have been the outcome. I beg to assure His Excel-
-lency that I really and truly believed he would pull himself
together and conduct the case properly or if not that the
Sister would have sent for me. That this was not done was due
to the desire, unfortunately always displayed in these cases,
to shield the Officer if possible.
That I did not report the matter official-
-ly next morning was due, in like measure, to the desire, if
possible, not to ruin the career of so young a man and I
thought my serious reprimand would prevent him lapsing in the
future. I now know I was wrong and am deeply sorry for my
neglect of duty in this particular, a neglect which, I need
hardly say, will not again occur.
5.
That this is the first time I have been
connected with so serious a matter as drunkennes in a Medical
Officer and that the matter came upon me so suddenly that I
erred in settling the right course to pursue.
8.
I would most respectfully urge upon His
Excellency that throughout the case I have realised the
seriousness