HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 34, 10 February 1891, Page 5

HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

THE SECOND COMMISSION.

ANOTHER ADJOURNMENT.

At 11 o clock bo-day the second Commissio-. appointed by His Excellency the Governor to inquire into the charges mada by Miss Arnaboldi against Dr. Collins wibh regard bo treatmenb of pabients in the Auckland District Hospital, opened at the Ministers' room in the Customs House. There were present: The Commissioners, Sir George Maurice O'Rorke, and Baron Rudolph Yon Mirbach, M.D. 3 Mr W. L. Ress, representing Miss Arnaboldi ; Mr Theo. Cooper, on behalf of Dr. Collins; Mr J. O'Meagher, on behalf of the son of John Berry, deceased ; and Mr T. Cotter on behalf of the friends of Duncan McKenzie, deceased. Amongst bhose in attendance were also Mr Charles Atkin (Chairman of the Charit* able Aid Board), Mr Peter Dignan, Drs. Philson, Collins and King, Messrs Lusk, J. M. McLachlan, R. J. Duncan and others. Sir G. M. O'Rorke read the commission authorising Dr. Mirbach and himself to inquire into charges made by Miss M. D. Arnaboldi against Dr. Floyd Collins for alleged neglect in connection with twa patients named respectively John Berry and Duncan McKenzie. The commission gives full power to bhe gentlemen appointed. Ib reads: " Whereas certain charges have been made by M. D. Arnaboldi, a probationary nurse in the Auckland Hospital, against Floyd Collins, M.R.C.S., and Medical Superintendent of the said Hospital, alleging thab the said Floyd Collins was guilty of neglecb in the case of a patient named John Berry, and of neglecb and unskilful treabmenb in the case of a patienb, Duncan McKenzie, lately admitted to the said Hospital, and whereas the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board have requesbed thab an inquiry should be held inbo bhe said charges, and ib is considered advisable bhabbhesepresenbsshould now issue." Further on the Commissioners are empowered to inquire into the truth or otherwise of the charges, and into all matters incidental thereto, or required for the full elucidation of such charges, also to examine all books, papers, and documents, and to have before them and examine on oath or otherwise, as may be allowed by law, all witnesses and other persons judged to be capable of affording any information upon the subject of the inquiry. The final clause reads, " And I do further require you wibhin bhirby days from bhe date of these presents, or as much sooner as cart conveniently be done (using all diligence), to certify bo me under jour hands and seals your several opinions touching the premises." Mr Rees, when asked by the Commissioners to proceed, said he was there in answer to the notice received yesterday, but he should not be prepared to go on, aa he required at leasb a day's adjournment bo nobify his wibnesses to attend. Mr Cooper said he also should require an adjournment on Friday, as he was engaged in an argumenb in Banco ab the Supreme Court before Mr Justice Conolly. He suggested that the Commission should sib da Thursday, Saburday and nexb Tuesday. Monday would necessitate another adjournment, as both Mr Cotter and himself were engaged in the Civil Sittings ab the Supreme Court. SirG. M. O'Rorke said he would have to leave Auckland on Friday week in order to attend the University Senate at Dunedin. After seme desultory conversation it vraS decided to adjourn until 10 o'clock tomorrow morning, also thab the Commission would nob sib eibher on Friday os next Monday. ««.»»> •__■, ; Mr O'Meagher pointed out that the room was too sma.Uv • _nd suggested thai, the large room in the Harbour Board build* ings would be more suitable. Mr Dignan volunteered to try and get the use of that room, and immediately went off to see the Chairman of the Harbour Board. He returned in a few momenta and informed the Commissioners that the room would be at their disposal. It waa accordingly agreed that the nexb sitbing" should be in the large room at the Harbour Board buildings at 10 o'clock on Thursday morning, lb is evident that the inquiry will lasb a number of days, judging by the witnesses summoned. Mr Cooper notified this morning thab he should call Drs. Philson, J. H. Hooper, Daldy, Head Nurse Baker, and Nurses Dixon, Jones, and Beetham. Mr O'Meagher said he would call Messrs Roberb Patterson, of Chelsea, and William Berry, son of deceased. Mr Cotter asked that Dr. Bell of Whangarei should be summoned. Mr Rees intimated thab he should supply a list of witnesses required by Miss Arnaboldi.