A CHALLENGE TO MR STEPHEN.

Inangahua Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1256, 9 April 1883, Page 2

A CHALLENGE TO MR STEPHEN.

« The following letter appears in the Lyttelton Times : — Sir — I have a " bunion./' which is "the plague of my life." A bunion is an enlargement of the joint between the great toe and the foot. I have severe pains in this joint at times, and I am very anxious for relief. The disease is curable, but the exigencies of medical practice will not permit me to undergo the necessary treatment This is a grand chance for Mr Stephen. I will place myself under his care, and give him 20 guineas for the cure. Our present Governor said the other day, quoting from the late Lord Beaconsfield, that something was a mere " flea bite." Now to a man who thinks nothing of adding five inches to the length of a thigh bone, providing muscles, vessels, and nerves off-hand, the curing of a bunion will be, in the elegant language of Sir William Jervois, a mere "flea bite." Should Mr Stephen consider a bunion beneath his notice, I am, unfortunately, in a position to introduce to him a very near relative, who is" more gvcviously afflicted. I have a sou who

is partially paralysed. If cure were possible this lad would Hot be a sufferer to-day. I beg Mr Stephen to cure this; youth, and I will make over to him (Mr Stephen), for his; sole use and benefit, one thousand pounds' worth of unencumbered freehold property. I Will also give him a certificate asstrongly worded as Mr Stephen can. possibly desire, anxH will 1 pay for its. insertion in all the leading, newspapers; in the Australian Colonies ; and a certificate from me will be worth, alt he has in his certificate- book, as I am an old settler,, and a welLknown, medical practitioner- The testimony of a medical man will, in the estimation of the public, •' overweigha whole theatreof others." — I am, &c. r S. A. Patrick