13

A.—4

(1.) Letter from Dr. J. Craig, 2nd August. (2.) Letter from me, in reply. (3.) Letter from me to Dr. Caldwell. (4.) Letter from Dr. Caldwell, in reply. (5.) Letter from Drs. G. and W. Craig, 4th August. (6.) Letter from me, in reply. (7.) Letter from me to Dr. Caldwell. (8.) Letter from Dr. Caldwell, in reply. (9.) The report signed "J. E. Caldwell, M.D.," upon which Dr. Craig's protest is based. I have pointed out to Dr. Craig that the grave charge of " serious malpraxis " is one that should be brought, if at all, before the High Commissioner's Court, which should obtain impartial evidence on the application of persons feeling aggrieved. Dr. Caldwell came here when a medical practitioner was urgently needed. He was accredited by the Seventh Day Adventists' Society of Michigan, U.S.A., which professes to supply competent and qualified practitioners where they are so needed in these islands. When a hospital was built in Earotonga by the Government he was appointed to its charge, and continued when the hospital was handed over to the present Board. In January, 1897, he resigned, and the Board say (in their annual report) that on the Ist February he was again offered the appointment, but declined. Two months later Dr. G. Craig arrived from New Zealand, and was appointed to the charge. In his letter of the 2nd August Dr. Caldwell has given a description of the diplomas which he holds, and it is right to add that his personal character is high, and has never in the slightest degree been questioned. I have, &c, Fbedeeick Moss, British Eesident. His Excellency the Administrator of the Government, &c, New Zealand.

Enclosure No. 1. Sic— Earotonga, 2nd August, 1897. In the current issue of the Torea I observe a report from a person signing himself "J. E. Caldwell, M.D., Physician and Medical Superintendent of Hospital during time indicated," is embodied in Message No. 2 from the Cook Islands Parliament to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand. I would respectfully point out that registration is the only legal evidence of medical qualification under the British flag; that this person's name does not appear on a British register; and that consequently, by your despatches, you are aiding this unqualified person to pose as a medical man before the public of Earotonga and the Government of New Zealand. As it is important that there should be no misrepresentation in this matter, I shall esteem it a favour if you will include this letter in your next despatches. I have, &c, F. J. Moss, Esq., British Eesident. Geoege Ceaig, M.8., CM. (Edin.).

Enclosure No. 2. Sic, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 2nd August, 1897. I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of this date, which will, of course, be sent to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand, as requested. Your residence in Earotonga has been so short that you are probably not aware that the law as to registration does not apply to the Cook Islands. Dr. Caldwell has been in practice here for four years, and, as you are aware, was your predecessor as Medical Officer to the Hospital both under the Government and under the Board till his retirement, some two or three months before your arrival. The diplomas exhibited by him on his appointment were American. I have, &c, Fbedeeick J. Moss, Dr. George Craig, M.8., Earotonga. British Eesident.

Enclosure No. 3. Sib, — British Eesidency, Earotonga, 2nd August, 1897. In a letter which I have been asked to forward officially to His Excellency the Governor of New Zealand it is stated, among other things, that you are not registered as a qualified medical practitioner in any registry known to the law in British colonies. Of course, the position in the Cook Islands is different, and the law does not apply; but it would be satisfactory to state the nature of the diploma or diplomas which you hold, and which were exhibited on your appointment as Medical Officer of the Cook Islands Hospital. No record of them has been kept, and I should be obliged if you will let me know what they were. I have, &c, Fbedeeick Moss, Dr. Caldwell, Earotonga. British Eesident.