Burke Manuscript

Burke Manuscript: Page 170

Transcript

One of the earliest dentists was Dr Cattlin. He had lived in Akaroa previously. Then practiced in an old time residence opposite Dick Taylor’s brewery in Kilmore St. In those days in winter time fire wood was sometimes up to 6 a cord, the roads being deluged in mud. Result, some neighbours helped themselves. Mr Cattlin’s remedy was boring a hole with an augur [sic] in a nice handy nuggety block and putting in a moderate charge of gunpowder. Result. That nice block first taken, fine winter fire and a little explosion – no more of Cattlin’s timber stolen.

Dr Marshall, was a medico in the sixties, living in a building where now stands Whitcombe & Tombs. He was somewhat eccentric. Laughable and abrupt. He once had a fad for Māori skulls, and with a confidential assistant disturbed some Māori graves - at night. He got a fright and a run for it, that he never afterwards forgot. Old Tom Goodyer, the Hansom cab man, got bilious with prosperity and so many “dog noses” the Dr gave him some doses. Something went wrong. The Dr had to see him. “You had the medicine, pay for it” “But, Dr. I didn’t take your physic.” “That’s your fault.” “I couldn’t swallow it”. “Do you want physic to drink like gin?” “Well, no, Doctor, but you might make it a bit tasty. Besides it was too ropy.” “Ropy! What do you mean?” asked the astounded beak. “Well, your Worship, you might as well have swallowed live worms and they smelt rotten at that!” The Doctor roared.

Dr Patrick, on arriving went into partnership with Dr Marshall, but they were both, well, rather irascible, and they had a jolly row. Dr Marshall went to the North Island.

Dr M. sixties