HOSPITAL BOARD.

The Taranaki IP-spiia! .url ClvmUiblc .Md Tso'»rd met on WVluo-^ay. Present: Messrs. Bellringcr (chairman), Fintavson, Hare, Syme, I. Ba\ly, Docblil, :Ialou", Major, J. Elliot, and T. Elliot.

Declaration. — On Mr. Malone's motion, seconded by Mr. J. Elliot, it was resolved " That all outside patients received into iho hospital be requested to make a de duration, in form to be provided, as co tho locality previously resided in." Matron's Report. — Miss BUckloy reported: — "I beg to report that the number of patients in the hospital at this (Jato (December 8) is males 11, females 2. The staff consists of, in addition to myself, one nurse, one cook, one housemaid, ono washerwoman, one orderly or porter, and ono gardener or general assistant. Tho latter was procured from the Old Meu'a Refuge, and is very usefu 1 , and acts occasionally as night watchman. The services oE the housemaid are no longer required, and she has received a mouth's notice to that effect from the Secretary. Tho provisions are satisfactory, or are at once made so in case of complaint. The following articles arc required : 2 hand basins, 2 blauklead brushes, 1 doz basins, doz cups and saucers, 1 doz mugs, 1 doz plates." — The Secretary was authorised to procure the articles mentioned.

Ladies' Committee. — It was decidocl on Mr. J. Elliot's motion, seconded by Mr. Make '• That the resolution passed on the Bth February appointing a Ladies' Committee be rescinded." The following wa3 the division : Ayes, Messrs J. Elliot, Fialayson, Hare, Dockriil, T. Elliot, and Symo ; Noes, Messrs I Bayly, Major, Alalone, and Bellria»er.

Invitation to Ladies. — It was also decided, on the motion of Mr. iMajoii, seconded by Mr, Dockrill, ;< That the Board, notwithstanding the resolution passed with reference to tho Ladies' Committee, recognise tho benefits that have accrued to. the Hospital by reason of the existence of tho Ladies Committee, and invite the ladies of the Hospital District to visit the Hospital, and that the Board will at all times be pleased to consider any suggestions that they may at any time think proper to bring under the Board's notice ; that on the Chairman's order any of them ma}' have access to any part of the Hospital in his discretion." Medical Report. — Dr. O'Carroll wrote : "At a meeting of the medical staff, held this day (6th Dec.) the following resolution was paused — 'That the appointment of any Committee outside the Boaid is undesirable as tending to subvert the authority of the surgeon and the Board, who should, in their opinion, have the sole control and authority over the staff and working of the establishment. 1 " Letter from Mrs. Richmond. — The following letter was received :—": — " To the Chairman of the Hospital Board. — Sir, — I am requested to inform you that the Ladies' Visiting Committee, appointed by the late Board at the request ot the Indies of New Plymouth, propose to continue their work iv the hospital unless notified to the contrary. The Committee consider that aften ten months' stt.idy work and close observation of the management, they are bound to state that i' is their conviction that in an institution where so much that is peculiarly women's work has to be done, it is of the \cry greatest importance that the inspco'ion and supervision should also to a in-ont exLent be entrusted to women, otherwise, gravo abuses will surely creep in — abus.-s with »Yhich the past history of our ho~-j>it«tJ has made us painfully familiar. The Committee at 'he same time wish to give llitir testimony to the improvements introcl act d by the present management. — I am, sir, yours respectfully, E. Richmond, (,h iirman Ladies' Visiting Cummittee." Letter from Ministers. — The folio ,\ in n - letter was received : — "The Chairtna'i ami other members of the Taranaki Hot., k.u Board. Sirs, — We the undersigned ministers of religion in iNcw Plymouth, nn u-r-staiuling that the question of discontin un^ the services of the Ladies' Visiting Committee is to bo brought before tho Bou\l, beg to express our earnest hope that jou ivill not pass any such resolution, as we consider that their benevolent exertions for tho patients aud for the genoial good of tho HospiUl have been most valuable, and cannot fail to be so for the future. We are, gentlemeD, your obedient servants, Henry Govett, A. X. Cassidy, Thomas Sadler, William Leo, J. B. Finlay."

Seivling Patients to Gaol. — The Secretary of the North Canterbury Hospital Board wrote: — f lam directed by the North Canterbury Hospital Board to iuform }Oti that it has received an intimation from the Minister of Justice that from and after 3lßt March, 1887, persons remanded Irom the R.M. Court suffering from delirium tremons must receive the necessary curative treatment in the respective hospitals of tho colony. As this Board is clearly of opinion, for many reasons, that the ordinary hospitals are not tho proper places to which such cases should be sent, it would feel obliged if you would be good enough to communicate your views on tho matter to this Board." — On Mr. J. Elliot's motion, seconded by Mr. Syme, it was resolved, "That this Board is of opinion that no case of delirium tremens should be admitted to the hospital, Lut should, as hitherto, bo remanded to tho gaol, where proper apartments have been provided, and that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Canterbury." Sign Cheques, —On Mr. I. Bayly's motion, seconded by Mr. FINLAYSON, it was decided " That tho Chairman and Mr. Elliot bo appointed to si^n cheques, and if necessary muko banking sirr.in^cments." Plans.— Oa Mr. Belmungek's motion, seconded by Mr I. Bayia', it was resolved " That Mr. Sanderson be instructed to prepare plans, details and specifications for a hospital as near as possible iv accordance with the recommendation of the hospital medical staff at a cost not exceeding £2600, schedule to be attached to tonders; the plane, specifications, etc., to bo laid before tho next meeting at the Board." Finance Committee. — Tho chairman and Mr. Dockrill were appointed a Finance Committee. Accounts.— £49 lfii s>l was passod for charitable aid, and £128 Is 3J lor the hospital for ths month or! November. Ihe Board roso.

Tho High School breaks up on the 17th o£ this month, and the prizes are to be presented by the lion. Major Atkinaon. The following JLeudero were received by tho Education Board for tho Bell Block and Uuirangi school residences : — Bell Block: M. Jones, £'223 (accepted); G, Hall, £224 10s; J. Fowler, £237 10a; J. C. George, £245; G. Cliff, £252 7s Gi; W. 11. Scott, £254. lluir.in^i : G. Hall, £257 19s (accepted); HI. Jones, £248; J. Fowler, £257 10s; J. C. George, £2G5; G. Olift, £269 17s Gl; W. IS. Scott, £279. The Wanganui Bowling Club have written to Mi. Paul, President of tho New Plymouth Bowling Club, inviting the member* to be present at Wanganui on the day of opening the green there. In order to suit tho convenience of the New Plymouth visitois the date of the ceremony was left to them to fix. Mr. l'.tul and a number of: tho members of tho New Plymouth Club have consequently decided to leave for Wanganui next Wednesday afternoon. They will stay ;it Uuwer.i on tho Wednesduj 1 night, anil arrive in W.tnijantii on Thuitiday a r , midday. Thoy will remuiii in Waiuiiniii that aiternoon uud ' until Iho next afternoon, when they will J return by the Friday 'h through train, which leaves W»ugaaui ut 3 j?-w.