DESTITUTE PATIENTS' RELIEF FUND.

Press, Volume XLIII, Issue 6554, 24 September 1886, Page 3

DESTITUTE PATIENTS' RELIEF FUND.

Aα adiouxned meeting of the Committee of ike above Fund was held yesterday afternoon. Present—Dr. Symes (Chairman), the Mayor of Christohurch, Drs. Bakewell, Townend, and Stewart. After the minutes had been read, a discussion ensued on their wording regarding the decision of tbe Committee to the deputation from the Hospital Board. The minutes were eventually confirmed, with the exception of the clause dealing with the reply to the above-mentioned deputation. The Matob handed in a cheque for £4 93 10i from the defunct Fox Terrier Club.

It was decided to thank the Secretary for the donation.

I Upon the question of investing the fund, it was moved by Drs. Stswabt and WxsTxzrKt—"That the Chairman and Mayor should be empowered to examine the proposed securities and invest £500 on mortgage," and the Chairman and Mayor were appointed trustees, provided it can be legally arranged. The Chaikkan said that the Chrietcburch Amateur Operatic Society had offered to give a performance of " Madame Favart," upon certain conditions which were named, in aid of patients in the Bhodes Convalescent Home.

After the proposals had been explained, Dr.iBiiJTTiLL moved that the cfivrehould be reepectfolly declined on the terms suggested. He was opposed to the Committee risking any of tbe fund money in this way. The MAToa agreed that the Committee had no right to lend the money as asked, and be would like Dr. Bakewell to alter his motion, stating that the Committee could cot use the fund in the way sag. geeted. Dr. Bakewblt, then mcvad—" That the Committee had no power to pledge the Destitute Patients' .Relief Fond for the purpose proposed."

Dr. TowNiND, who seconded the motion, which was carried, stated that he would be personally responsible for a certain amount in common with others.

The Chaibhan asked for guarantors, but received no response.

Dr. Stmbs undertook to incur the responsibility of the performance, provided he was appointed trustee of any profits that might arise, and had power to distribute the money as he thought fit, as lonp as that money was expended on hospital patiente in the Convalescent Home. He asked the Committee to give him that power. After Bomediscussion of tie matter, during which the Mayor and Dr. Townend retired, it was resolved—" That this Committee sees no objection to Dr. Symes undertaking the pecuniary responsibility of the performance of "Madame Favart," nor to his becoming sole trustee in bis private capacity f<r the profits derivable therefrom."

The Chairman stated that Mus Bhodes had contributed £20 for expenditure on the Convalescent Home. He proposed that the Committee should supplement the amount for the erection of the summer house.

The consideration of the matter was deferred.

After passing several accounts the Committee adjourned.