CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6] — Page 747

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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