THE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9127, 11 June 1895, Page 5

THE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

Mondat, Joke 10.

The Commission of Inquiry into matters touching the working aud management of the Chmtchurch Hospital was resumed at 11 a-m., before Dr. Giles, at the Provincial Council Chambers, where there was a fairly large attendance of the publio, Mr Joynt said he had hoped to be able to confine the evidence regularly to the charges, 30 as to get through in something like a regular w.iy. He, however, found that it was utterly impossible to do ao, and would have to call the witnesses indiscriminately and take their evideuce generally. The first witness he would call was P. D. JacKson who deposed—l reside in Victoria street and am a fruiterer. I waa in the Ckristchurch Hospital in October last, and remained there for two weeks. I was in No. 6 ward—the accideut ward. Dr. Stewart, one of the Visiting Sbaff, attended to mc. The House Surgeon also attended to mc. There was an operation performed, I do not know who performed the operation. Dr. Stewart, aa well as Dr. Murray-Aynsley, was present at the operation. I remembar a patient named Keeley being preseut iv the ward at the time I was there. He ie now in the North Island. I remember the House Surgeon ordering that patieut to be placed on breai aud water. Dr. Murray-Aynsley and Dr. Stewart was attending to my foot at the time. The patient Kieley or Keeley was talking at the time, aud Dr. Aynsley said, " Put that man on bread and water." Tue ma.i waa not talking loudly. The house surgeon told Keeley to bs quiet and stop talkiug. Then, on hU continuing, he said, " Pu& him on bread and water." He wus in charge of Nurse ModJam. It was between 10 and 11 a.m. some one gave Keeley some pudding. Mr Joyut—A good Samaritan, I suppose ? Witness—l suppose so. There were two little boys, patients, that Dr. Ayusley ordered to be put to bed and kept on bread and water because they had been climbing a tree. I was always perfectly satisfied with the food and with Dr. Murray-Aynsle/s treatment of mc. By Mr Caygili—One night I was taken ill suddenly, aud the house-surgeon waa aent for. He staggered when he came into the ward. It was about the middle of the time I was in the Hospital. The housesurgeon came up to mc staggering, and smelt of drink. 1 do not say he waa drunk. It was at ten minutea to ope a.m. I wrote to the Board on the matter, The Commissioner —Do you propose to put in that letter? Mr Caygili—Yes, at a later period. Witness-—When Nurae Cameron's affair cropped up, someone iv the Hospital stated that I laid a charge against Nursa Cameron for being cruel, which was noo true. I thought that it waa time for mc to write to the Board. Dr. Murray-Aynsley, when I was an out patient some time in April, came to mc ana aaid "You have a charge against Nurse Cameron." I aaid '■* I haveu't; you have made a miatake." I asked him who told him, and he would not say. I went to the Hospital in consequence of a letter I received iron* Miss Maude, Mr Caygili put in the letter, which waa as follows; —"25th January. Dear Jackaon, —Kindly come down to the Hospital to Bee the doctor on important business." Witness —The letter was signed by Miss Maude. I went on the Monday into the matron's room. The doctor and matron were both there. The doctor read out from a roll of paper a charge I waa euppoaed to have made against Nurse Cameron, which I denied. I did "not write my letter till April. I did not hear anything further about Nurse Cameron. 1 wrote the letter to the .Board without anything further. By Mc Loughrey—Dr. Stewart and Dr. Aynsiey were attending to my foot at the time the man was talking. When Dr. Ayneley came to the ward at 1 a.m. Nurse Cameron went for him, I believe, at any rate, she came in with him. The doctor was dressed in his pyjamas and had slippers on. I remember my leg bleeding one time. The doctor did not come at that time, Mr Brown did. It would be about the middle of November when the doctor came in the morning. I did not say anything to anybody for five montha aa to the dootor'a state .■ (hat morning. I saw a good deal of the doctor and. never saw him bad . until that time. The food was good. The matron visited the wards every morning, but I do not know whether she visited the ward after the gas waa out. The gaa was put out at 8 p.m. By Dr. Aynsley—l do nob know whether the auree went for you or not. Dr. Aynsley aeked that the patient should be able to be re-examined aa spon as he got the case-book. What he wanted was to fix the date. The Commissioner aaid that all Dr. Aynsley could do ,was to examine the witness aa to his memory of the date. If he could give no evidence, then they must try to get the date some other way. By Mr Stringerrr-I wrote the letter to the Board of my own motion. Mr Stringer—Did any doctor come to see you before you wrote the letter P i The Witneaa-rrd do not see that it is necessary for mc to answer that question. i The Commissioner—You are here to tell ; the whole truth. It is nob for you to say what ia neceaaary or nob. Witness —Dr. Stewart used to come to see mc at my shop. He did not mention anything with regard to Dr. Aynsley. I did not write to the Board on account of Dr. Stewart's visit. He asked mc about Nurse Cameron. I cannot say what he asked mc. He might have asked mc a hundred and one things. The nurses seemed to work together well, and were very kind to mc. I waa not interviewed by Dr. Dβ Renzy prior to writing the lefeter. • '■ ' x By Mr Loughrey -r-Dc. Stewart came into my shop twice. He did not speak about the doctor. By Mr Joynt—l have a clear recollection of the night the doctor came to the ward. I waa perfectly dear, and could not sleep for pain. Mr Joynt—You could not have imagined what you have told us. Witness—No, not at all. Mr Stringer-^-You were not in delirium. Witness—No, not at all. I am a prohibitionist. . , Mr Loughrey—l hope a note will be made, of that answer. Witness--.Well, I am a. Salvationist, which includes prohibition and everything. I am not a member of the Prohibition League. By the Commissioner—The letter I wrote was in defence of Nurae Cameron. On the night when Dr. Aynstey came into the ward he put a piece of cotton wool under my heel. He did not take the splints off, but unbound them and put a piece of cotton wool, He did not do this aa nicely as he might have doce. He hurt mc a bit. Still, when he had done it, it eased mc a bit. Nurse Cameron waa night nurse at the time. Three or four of the nurees were in the ward during the day time. Mrs Grimsey, called by Mr Caygili— About July laat year my son, Edward i Strange, went into the Hospital for an operation. The operation waa performed and he came out. After being some time at home I had to call a doctor iv to him—-Dr. Brittin. In consequence of what ho told mc I took my boy to the Hospital next day, between 10 and 10.30 a.m. We had to wait till after twelve, as the doctor was out. I cannot tell the date, but it was the Monday after I saw Dr. Brittin on the Suaday. Dr. Murray-Ayneley told mc he could not attend to mc; I was to go on the right day. He said be would not attend t>o mc unless I came on the proper day, I asked him what waa the proper day. He said it was printed up all over the place. He then went away. I saw a warder in the corridor and he went and aaked the doctor to see mc. He then said that the doctor would see mc. I went into the doctor's room. Hβ was sitting on the table, and he said it was through aush as mc that the trouble wae raised in the Hospital. I eaid I did nob cause any trouble. He then got off the table and wrote a prescription. The boy was now in theAaylmp. I senfe the boy again to the Hospital on the Thursday. He met the matron in the corridor. The Commiseioner — This ia hearsay evidence. I don't see where we shall atop if I admit everything that somebody else said to some one. I see nothing special in the matter, Mr Caygili. Mr Caygili—The boy is not able to be produced. He is as one dead. Mr Joynt—The statement) of the boy ie very creditable to the matron, bnt it might bring out something as referring to the doctor. Mr GftygiU— l will put it ia another way.

Could you get the boy to go to the Hospital agviia. Witness—No, he seemed to be very frightened of Dr. A.ynsley. By Mr Joynt—The boy waa subjeot to fits. Ho had an accident to his head, and a piece of bone was removed. There was nothing so far aa I know put in place of the bone. There was no strap pub round his head. The boy went for a little medicine to the hospital on the Thursday when he worn alone. Hβ brought back the medicine and au order from Miss Maude for a strap. This was about three mouths after he came out of the Hospital. The boy was eighteen yeara of age. Hβ mot with the accident when he was % baby. Hβ had three tits some three years before going into the Hospital. He was much belter when he left the Hospital. When I weut to see the doctor in hid room I had been waiting two hours. After I tirst saw the doctor it was only about ten mituite3 before I was asked to go into the doctor's ruom. Hβ waa jus' sitting on the table doing nothing. There waa no one there with him. He spoke to mc in a harsh tone. He said if it wasn't for my troubles, and poople's like mine, he would not be required there. It was a pjty that the boy weut under the operation. By Mr Longhrey—The accident waa caused by the boy's father. I would rather not. say what was the c?uise. I visited the Hospital every week whilst the boy was there. He seemed to be very comfortable. By the Commissioner—The boy wanted mc to go to the Hospital with him, but J would not. The Commissioner intimated that any oi the witnesses who wished to see their evideuce must do so when it was typewritten from the Secretary's notes. Mr Joynt asked whether the Commis. sioner would certify to the expenses of each witness individually or at* the end of the inquiry. The Commissioner thought that it would be better to deal with each. Ei-uest Carmichaal, called by Mr Joyni—» I waa in the Christchurch Hospital last year. I weut in on 11th September, and remained teu weeks. Whilst 1 was there no one made suggestions to mc as to making charges against anyone. Mr Joynt—Did anyone pump you ? Mr Stringer—That ia rather leading. Witness—Nurse Pilliot aaked mc once what sort of a night I had had. I said I had a rough night. She then drew out of mc what I meant. I aaked Nurse Cameron to put my leg up in the splints. She said "Do it yourself; you have the use of your hands." I told this to Nurse Pilliet, I did not tell it by way of making a complaint againso Nnrse Cameron. I did not intend to make any charge against Nurse Cameron. I did not hear auy complaint against Nurse Cameron. I remember Greaves being in the Hospital. He waa in the same wurd with mc. I heard the doctor order Keeley on bread and water for talking in the ward whilst the doctor was there. Mr iioughrey said this was admitted bub would be explained. Witness—Two boya were ordered 00 bread on water. Keeley was talking in an ordinary tone to his aister. Tho doctor ordered him to stop, but he did not. Keeley was not speaking in a loud tone. Ido not kuow the cause of the two boys being pub on bread and water. By Mr Caygili—The operation wes per* formed at noon and I waa not visited by the doctor again. The matron did not come round every night, so far aa I know. She did not come every night at eight. She came regularly in the morning, but not at night. By Mr Loughrey— % was well pleased with the food and attendance. By Dr. Aynaley—l was ip great pain the night after the operation. I did not tell the night nurse. I could not tell whether you came to the ward ar not. By Mr Maude—l was in No. 10 bed in No. 6 ward. I went to sleep about 9 p.m. By Mr Stringer—There was a patiept named Stewart in the Hospital whilst J waa there. I did not ace anything of Nurse Cameron and Stewart being op very friendly terms. Stewart saw mc after I left* the Hospital, and asked mc to write a letter, speaking in favour of Bliss Cameron. That waa when the question of her dismiseal fronvthe Hospital waa being considered. By Dr. Murray-Aynaiey—The lights wore turned down at night. The No. 10 bed was at the far end, and you would have to walk the whole length of the ward. By Mr Joyut—l never knew the doctor to come into the ward iq the dark. By the Commissioner —Miss Piliiefc asked mc when. I told her I had had a rough night, whether she had done anything to mc. I understood her to mean whether she had dreased my leg. I said " No." It was afterwards that the charges were made. Francis O'Neill, called by Mr Caygili —I have been several times in the hospital, and have undergone five opera* tipna. AU the naraes having charge of mc were always kind. They were Sister Mediate, Nureea Cameron, Griffith, &c. I was put on fish diet part of the time. Sometimes it was very bad fish, and sometimes middling. I had sometimes to send back the fish becauae it was bad. The cooking was all right. This would be in July, 1893. I have seen mutton there with cancers in it. Sometimes the bread was good and sometimes it was new and doughy. The Commissioner—l don't see, Mr Caygill,' how the witness can answer specific questions like this, when there has been so long an interval. Mr Oaygill—The allegations oover a long apace back. We allege that the steward haa not done his duty in looking after the provisions. If we can show that bad fish, oancerous mutton, and bad bread were admitted in the Hospital, then we cay Wβ shall have proved the allegation* The Commissioner—That may be, but ib seems that to give evidence of what took place two years ago will nob help you much, Mr Caygili—We ehall show that the food at present is nob of good quality. The Commissioner —I have no wish to stop you if you lsad evidence of a later date. Mr Caygili—Under By-law 42 the steward has to supervise the food and see it is of good quality. Witness—l never saw the steward supervising the food. I remember a man nnmed Binley coming into the ward. He had met with an accident, and had bad his foot amputated. I remember Dr. MuirrayAnyaley coming into the ward. Hβ staggered aud fell over on to the patient's chest. There waa a light in the ward, The doctor spoke to the patient and asked.him what was the matter with his feet. He did not do anything to the patient. The doctor was the worse for drink. When he spoke he did bo in a very thick voice. I do not know whether be was sent for or came of his own accord. Mr Caygili—Have you ever Been toe doctor in a similar atate '! Witueas— Yea, many times. It waa at night time. I judged he waa the worse lor liquor the way he waited. The ward waa lighted. Mr Caygili—The unsteady walking would not be due to want of light. Witness—Oh, no. I have seen the doctor smoking cigarettes in the ward and a pipe in the corridor. This used to be hia habit commonly. We very seldom had vegetables at all. We might get one small potato and a dessert of caboage, &c. The doctor very seldom came round at) mealtimes. Mr Caygili—You are. not a prohibitionist? 1 . Witness—No. Mr Joynt—Don'fc you pJifcy him T Mr Caygili—Yea, very much. Witness —I did not have any Other patients did, and I b*ve had to fcaiw the bottlee back to Mr Miller, because there was not so much in them aa was ordered. Mr Miller treated mc very inaultingly on those occasions. On one mbrniog Sister Medlain "told mc to go down to Mr Miller and tell him that a bottle of stoat which had been ordered for a patient had not come. When I went down to the office and told him Nurse Medism'a menage, Miller said, " That will do. Go out of the office, I will send the etout when I am ready," By Mr Loughrey—Each time I have been in the hospital the food haa been bad. I never made any complaint to anyor.6* I have been out of the Hospital for two yeara, and when thie,enquiry came up I thought I ought to give evidence; I did not mention it to the matron or any of the officers. When Miaa Steele was matron she wns sent for to look at the meat, and she sent it back and sent up some cold meat for dinner* By Mr Joynt—The ttmee Xmirtk« docfctf*

the worse for drink was at night, late at night. It would be when he camo in to see the patients, 1 spoko about the matter of the doctor coming round intoxicated to Mr Brown, the dresser. I have done so more than once. The condition of the meat was represented to Miss Steele when she was matron. Two or three times Dr. Stewart and Dr. Aynsley came in at dinner time. On two or three occasions Dr. Stewart tasted tho soup. The soup was all right. By Mr Stringer—Nurse Cameron was on duty at the time when Dr. Ayneley fell over the patient. Nurse Cameron was the nurse always present on theee occasions, as she was the night nurse. It was not the practice for the nurse to go round the ward with the doctor or taking a caudle. It struck mc as a serious thing that the doctor should come into the ward drunk. I did not make any complaint. I said to Mr Brown when he was dressing my thigh, " Did you ese the doctor last night! He was pretty welltight." Ifirstspoketo Brown when Bowley came into the ward. Nobody spoke to mc about coming here to give evidence. I first saw it in the paper. Frederick John Montague, called by Mr Joynt—l was in the hospital at 'he end of February or beginning of March. 1 was workiDg on the survey. I fell off my horee and had my shoulder put out. I came to the hospital on the 6th March between 5 and 4 p.m. I saw Mr Brown, the dresser. The house surgeon aad another doctor visited mc next morning. No doctor saw ■nn till the next morning. They gave three prods to my arm and no notice was taken of my hip, my stomach, or my shoulder, which were injured. I was put ou milk diet all the time I was ia the hospital. I asked the doctors to give mc some beef tea or some toast, but they would not. I tried several times to get to see the house surgeon, but could not. I had at firat three halfpints of plain cold milk. After I had baen three days in the hospital I asked Nurse Medlam and other nurses to let mc see the doctor. He did not come to mc at all that day. I got up at eight o'clock that night and sat at the door of the dispensary, waiting to see ihe doctor. Brown ordered mo off to bed and said the doctor would see mc. I was simply starving and hunger added to the pain of my arm. Nothing had been done to my arm and it was very painful. When the doctor came he said, " Put some'rubbingstuff , on it." This did mc some good. One of the nurses relieved the j pain in tho stomach by putting fermentations " on it. Mr Joynt—When you loft at the end of five days, wero you better ? Witness—l was weaker than when I went in. I told Nurse Medlam that if I was not treated better than this I would leave the Hospital. She said I could do as I liked. I weut to see Mr Moor, the Chairman of the Hospital Board, and asked him to hold a Board ot Directors over the doctor. He saw Mr Miller later, and he said that the doctor had told him that if I had had any other diet but tho one he had prescribed it would have killed mc. I told Mr Moor that I had had a steak when I left the Hospital. 1 have been under four doctors since coming out of the Hospital. My arm ia paralysed. I only saw the doctor once in the morning and once in tho evening to see mc. I did not complain to him thac he was neglecting mc. By Mr Loughrey—l am not quite sure as to the date in March I went in to the Hospital. I will swear I was in the Hospital four days. I met the Seoretary as I went ont of the Hospital and told him I was leaving because I was starved. Mr Loughrey—Were you in the Avon Refuge? Witness—Yea, I was there. Mr Loughrey—Did they not turn you out for stopping out t Witness—Yes. Mr Loughrey—Are you there now 1 Witness—No. I told Mr Brown when I went into the Hospital that my stomach and arm was hurt. The doctor &flo was with the House Surgeon did no* see mc again. Mr Stringer—You had been drinking at * the time of the accident ? Witness—No, I had not. Mr Stringer—Then the accident waa not caused by drink ? Witness—No. 'At Stringer—You lave been to the Charitable Aid Department. Witness—Yes. Mr Stringer—Who sent yon ? Witness—l decline to say. You can get the information about it from the Charitable Aid Board. Mr Stringer—Did you see either Dr. Stewart or Dr. Deßenzy ? Witness—They saw mc on Monday last about my arm. I was sent to Dr. Stewart by another doctor, not Dr. Deßenzy. Dr. Stewart saw my arm. I did not say Dr. Stewart and Dr. Deßenzy sent mc to the Charitable Aid Board. I did not know that Dr. Stewart and Dr. Deßenzy were working up a case against the Hospital officials. I did not tell the Charitable Aid Board that Dre. Deßenzy and Stewart had told mc to remain in town. I said that as an enquiry was on I would remain to see the conclusion of it. Mr Loughrey—How ia it that you can go to firet-class doctors like Drs. Stewart and De Renzy when you have no means ? Witness—l went to them because they met mc in the Hospital and saw Dr. Hunt alao. Mr Loughrey—Oh you saw Dr. Hunt, did you ? Mr Joynt—Have you any objeotion ? Mr Loughrey—Oh, no. By Dr. Aynsley—l left Mr McClure's employment because I oould not cope with my work. By the Commissioner—l told Dr Aynsley that I had had a fall from my horse, and that I oould digest nothing. I did not .know till I came out of the Hospital that my shoulder was out. I was told by the dootors that it was out. James Clark, called by Mr Caygill—l went into the Hospital for an operation for fistula. I went in during Dr. Stewart's week for the purpose of getting Dr. Stewart's service. I went in on a Monday, and the operation was performed on Wednesday. Dr. Stewart was not there. The house-surgeon, the matron, and Nurse Medlam and others were there. I asked for Dr. Stewart, and the matron said the house-surgeon would operate. The operation was duly performed by tee house-surgeon, and was not a success. I bad to undergo a second operation whilst in the Hospital. I think this was the second week in the new year. The second operation was performed by Dr. Mearee. The house surgeon waa present and administered the ether. That operation was not successful. I have bad to-be operated upon privately since. That has not altogether been a success, but pretty nearly. It has been very much more successful than the others. By Mr Joynt—l am not sure whether the house surgeon was present when I asked for Dr. Stewart. There had been no consultation about my case. Mr Brown, the dresser, was present at the operation on both occasions. By Mr Loughrey—l was sixteen weeks in Ihe hospital and was in bed most of the time, 1 was well attended to by the nureea and had no fault to find with the food. By the Commissioner—Dr. Stewart did not, so far as I know, see mc at the hospital at all. By Dr. Ayneley—There was no medical , man present at the operations in the hospital. ' When I was operated on at home Drs. Prins and Thomas were present and Mr Brown. Ada Ellison, called by Mr Joynt—l was in the Hospital in September last year. I was ordered in by Dr. Murray-Aynsley, who was acting for Dr. Murdoch as medical man to the Charitable Aid Board. I was sent for instruments to be used, and more nourishment than I could get at home, Dr. Aynsley did not say that nourishment waa necessary in my own house, but afterwards he did so. I waa taken in a cab to the Hospital, as I was too weak to walk. I got there at 4.30 p.m. I was very poor at the time, my husband being an invalid. I had nothing at all from 4.30 p.m. till 7 a.m. next day. I was in Ward No. 2. Mr Joynt—That is what is known aa the Paupera , Ward. Mr Loughrey—That is not co. Dr. Aynsley—That is the convalescent ward. Mr Joynt—l was misinformed. . Witnew—l saw Dr. Aynsley next morning and he asked mc what I wonld like. I toad tome fish. I got some porridge and gwad and butter for breakfast land sago Pudding and soup for dinner. I had a cup of ua and some bread and butter at LA. £* Urne * T hat waeaU I got during the ■ * *•* thaw. I want in*. thaHospital

to have syringes used. Dr. Lomax-Smith told mc I ought to have them, bat they were never used. I suffered great pain. Dr. Aynsley knew what I was suffering from. I told Nurse Griffiths twice I wanted to see Dr. Lomax-Smitu. His name was on my bed card. I never saw him. I wae in the Hospital, aa you will see from this account, eleven days. The bill comes to £2 4s. Daring the eieven days the doctor came to see mc once or twice, asked mc how I was and went on. I was too weak to have an operation performed. When I told Dr. Aynsley that I wanted to go home, he told mc an opeiation would not do mc any good, but relieve mc. I nsed to get up at 5 a.m., and had to wash in a cold bathroom. The nurse would not allow mc to wash in the ward. All those in the ward had to get up at 5 a. ro. I had to make my own bed, though I was very weak indeed. I told the doctor I wished to be discharged. He said it I wanted to go I had better go. I was decidedly worse, both as to my complaint and as to weakness, when I went out than when I went in. I went to Dr. Murdoch after I came out. He has attended mc for the Charitable Aid Board and I am considerably better. I had not a sufficiency of food whilst in the ward. I never saw a drop of beef tea in the ward. I could not eat in the morning. All the food I got I have told you. I do not think the other inmates of the ward had sufficient food. I remember one girl who seemed not to have sufficient food. She complained about it, and asked her mistress to bring food in. Her nurse, I believe, was Rose Thompkins. I ouly knew Dr. Deamer and Dr. Thomas pass through the ward once or twice while I was there. Dr. Aynsley went through the ward every morning that was all. Dr. Aynsley never treated mc at all, and the discharge gave mc greit pain. I never matron at any time in the ward except in tho morning before the doctor* came. I went to see Mr R. H. Wood then, Chairman of tho Board to make a complaint as to my treatment. I told him that I had to complain of want of food and no medical attendance beyond medicine. Mr Wood said that I was suffering from contagious disease of the womb. Some four weeks after Dr. Murdoch and Miss Maude came to see mc. Mib3 Maude said I had made a complaint, and I said I had good reason. Miss Maude asked mc what nurse it was that had made mc get up in the morning, and I described her to Miss Maude. I told both Dr. Murdoch and Miss Maude that I went in to the Hospital for medical treatment, and never got it, and also that I had insufficient food. It was the night nurse that made mc get up. Miss Maude said that she did not want mc in the Hospital spying on her any more. She then left, and 1 have never seen her since. 1 was in the Hospital previously, four years ago. It was for the same complaint, but not quite so bad. On the previous occasion I got beef tea in the morning and milk in between meals. By Mr Caygill—lf I did not eat my breakfast I got nothing till twelve o'clock. I did not ask for anything. Mr Caygill—Why did you not ask for something ? Witness—l did not think that I was there to teach them what to do. I went in specially to be treated by Dr. Lomax-Smith and never saw him. I asked twice to see him, bub could not get him to come. I was treated by Dr. Murdoch directly I came out of the Hospital. By Mr Loughrey—l had fish for my dinner when I was in the Hospital four years ago. The fiah I had at that time was good. By Mr Maude—lt was about four or five weeks after I left the Hospital that Dr. Murdoch and Miss Mauda came to see mc, Miss Maude told mc that she could not; use syringes without the doctor's orders, and he . had not answered. I told Miss Maude that the ward was very shamefully treated. Mr Maude—Why should tne matron say anything about spying ? Witness—Because she had neglected her duty. By Dr. Aynsley—You placed an instrument in when you came to see mc for Dr. Murdoch. You did not make an examination. A lady was present at the time. You came to see mc with the instrument. Dr. Ayneley—Who was the lady? What was her name ? Witness—Yon may find out. The Commissioner—You must give mc the name. I warn you that you have come here to tell the whole truth, and are liable to a penalty. I am not going to be trifled with in this Commission. I shall make a note of your refueal to answer, but you will be asked the question again. Witness (to Dr. Aynsley)—Well, her name ie Mrs Mortlook. I never complained ot the want of treatment to you. I am sure that Dr. Lomax Smith was not in the ward. Before leaving, I told you that 1 was anxious about my husband breaking up my home. I did not want to be in the Hospital doing no good. By Mr Joynt—The instrument put in by Dr. Aynsley was taken out before I left the Hospital. Dr. Ayneley knew my complaint before I went into the Hospital. No instrument was used while I was in the Hospital. By the Commissioner—Mies Maude asked mc when I got my breakfast, and whether I washed in the ward, I told Miss Maude thas I had nothing through the night till the morning. Miss Maude took a note of what I said about the insufficient food, &c. No one came round the ward to see the food served. Only the nurses brought the food in. I had neither meat nor fish while I was in the Hospital. Albert Burt, called by Mr Caygill—l was in the Hospital recently from the beginning of this year till last Saturday week. I went into the Hospital in January last. The fish" served to the patients was generally pretty bad. Sometimes it was the cooking, sometimes the fish itself was bad. Some of the puddings were not sufficiently cooked. Up to the last fortnight I was chere eggs were not put into the puddings, but not before. Most of the fish, I believe, was conger eel. I was in No. 5 ward and had to get up at a quarter to seven. The general turning out was at 5 a.m. Breakfast would be served about 7.25 a.m. Sometimes they were sweeping when the food came round. Mr Caygill—The dust had not settled then. Witness—Except on the food. I spoke to the nurse about it. I had not heard others complain. I remember a man named Lennie being in the ward with mc. The House Surgeon told him he would have to lea\e. Lennie refused to go, and the Doctor, Warders Whitelaw and Hancock took him out by force, and put him in a cab. He fell on his back off the couch and refused to move. He was lifted up and taken out struggling and resisting all the time. Dr. Murray-Aynsley was there all the time. He was superintending. Warder Whitelaw went with Lennie in the cab. By Mr Joynt—l heard Dr. Aynsley tell Lennie to leave the Hospital. I did not hear any reason assigned. It was the second time Lennie had been there whilst I was in the Hospital. Linnie refused to go because he said he was not well. I do not know why Lennie was ordered to leave the Hospital. I was not told to leave the Hospital. I asked *o be discharged. Lennie was in bed all the time he was in the Hospital. He was an old man, and did not appear to give much trouble. None of the ! nuraes, so far as I heard, complained of him giving trouble. By Mr Loughrey—lt was only the fish that was bad. I had all that I required to eat and drink whilst I was there. The hourse surgeon attended to mc well. I never saw the house surgeon smoking in the wards. By Mr Maude—The matron used to inspect the food at dinner time. I complained to her about the fish, and she said that she would see to it. By Dr. Murray-Aynsley—l always got what I wanted. You attended to mc on every occasion, and the nurses treated mc very kindly. You got the battery for mc. I had nothing to complain about. By the Commissioner—l think Nurse Beveridge administered the battery. By Mr Loughrey—My treatment whilst in the ward—five months—did not differ from the others in the ward. I did not hear any complaints from the other inmates. Agnes McLaren, called by Mr Caygill—l was a probationer in the Hospital, and commenced duty in March, 1894, till July of the same year. I went np for examination at the end of three montha. The examination was partly written and partly viva voce. The practical examination was conducted by Dr. Murray • Ayn»ley and Siater Medlam. I was told by Sitter Median that I hod failed, and must go. X,

was on night duty. The house-surgeon on one night when going his usual rounds betweeu 9 p.m. and 10 p-tn., made a noise when coming into the ward, and spoke about pretending to drill some one. He was talking to the night nurse as to what he was going to make the Board do for him. His talk was in a much pleasanter tone than usual. Mr Caygill—Can you account for that in any way ? Witness—l thought he was under the influence of drink and I told two of the nurses about it. Sister Henry reproved mc for having said so. 1 think I was right in my conclusion. I have seen the house surgeon smoking cigarettes iv the corridor. He never smoked in the wards. Mr Caygill—Was anything said to you about your views ? Witness—The matron called mc out into the corridor. She said, " I believe your viewe are rather socialistic, Probationer McLaren?" I said "Ye 3, they are." She said, *' Well, those ideas won't do here. You had better not air your views, because, you know, the doctor and myself like to have you all, as it were, under military discipline." She said she would like U3 to stand when the doctor or herself came into the room, and to be respectful to those above us. I said I always was so, and she said " All right." Mr Caygill—Was there ever anything said about your non-attendance -at church ? Witness—No, not by the matron or the doctor. The bread was always stale and not much butter. The cabbage was not well cooked and there were slugs in it. The puddings were not well cooked. They were very thin and watery. By Mr Joynt—Dr. Murray-Aynsley set the six questions. I answered three of them. It was Sister Medlam that told mc I had failed and had better go. Mr Joynt—Had you been airing your Socialistic views ? Witness—Not particularly. I bad discussed tho question with the other nurses. Mr Joynt—Had you been boasting that you were a " straight-out Socialist?' Witness—No, not that I know of. Onco I spoke to one of the nurses in No. 4 pantry, and ouce in one of the sisters' bedrooms. Mr Joynt—You never discussed Socialism in the wards so that there was no fear of contaminating the patients. Witness—No. When there was a religious service in the wards, the nurses used to attend. Sister Medlam seemed pleased with mc when I left, and said I would do for an up-country hospital. ' We used to attend fire drill. I attended two operations. By Mr Loughrey—l attended the public indignation meeting re the Hospital, and walked home afterwards with oue ot the nurses. I did not tell any of the nurses that someone had sent to mc to ask mc to see Dr. Stewart. I walked home with three nurses. By Dr. Murray-Ayneley—We were taught our stations at the fire drill. I don't remember telling any of the nurses that I was nob ploughed fairly. I told the nurses that I knew that it) was not for my work that I was sent away. I thought it was on account of my opinions. This paper is in my handwriting. Dr. Murray-Aynsley, put in the examination papers of the witness and two other probationers examined at the same time. By Mr Maude—The matron never spoke to mc on religious matters. lam a Baptist. By Mr Stringer—The nurses did not seem opposed to each other in their work. By Mr Joynt—The nurses did not seem to be working against the matron and House Surgeon, nor conspire to upset the work of the hospital. I saw nothing of nurses trying to get other nurses to be insubordinate. The Commissioner—When you talked to the nurses about Socialism had your remarks an j thing to do with the management of the hospital? Witness—No. The Commissioner—There is nothing in Sooialism, so far as you understand it, subversive of discipline at the hospital ? Witness—No. I believe one of the nurses told Dr. Stewart I was a Socialist, and then the matron spoke to mc. Mr Joynt—Did you speak at the mass indignation meeting ? Witness—No.

Ellen TReade—l went into the Hospital as a patient in November, and left a week before Christmas. I was thera about five weeks, i was suffering from curvature of the spine. I was advised to use a plaster of Paris jacket. Dr. Murray-Aynsley advised mc to have it. I did not have it. Drs. Stewart and Murray-Ayneley attended mc in the Hospital. An {operation—cauterising— was performed by l>?. MurrayAynsley. The ether was administered by the matron.

Mr Maude—l admit that the matron administered anaesthetics.

Witness—l was no better after the operation. When I came out of the Hospital I first consulted Dr. Deainer, who ordered mc back to the Hospital and I went. No further operation was performed. I was in the Hospital the second time for twenty-one days. Dr. Deamer examined mc once. Dr. Murray-Aynsley never came near mc once during the twenty-one days. At the expiration of that time I was discharged. I told Dr. Murray-Aynsley that I was no better. I had an order to go into the Hospital for the third time. I went with Mrs Garrason to see Dr. MurrayAynsley, and he said he could only patch mc up, but would not be able to do mc any good. The plaster of Paris jacket was never used. I don't know why. Three doctors have examined mc since. I came out, and all of them say I ought to be in the Hospital under treatment. Whilst in the Hospital the head nurse gave mc medicine. When the House Surgeon operated on mc none of the staff were present. By Dr. Murray-Aynsley—You told mc, that my case was hopeless, and that my case was a special one not fitted for Hospital treatment.

By Mr Loughrey—l did not get much good. Some of the nurses were kind to mc. Sister Griffiths was not particularly kind to me* nor was Nurse Spring. By Mr Joynt—l had to get up in the morning, help the patients make their beds, and wash up the mugs. Mr Joynt said that hs feared there was now no more evidence ready for that day. There would be plenty of witnesses to come forward at the next day's sitting. Mr Loughrey asked the Commissioner if it would be convenient to open the defence on Friday. The Commissioner said that if the evidence occupied till then it would, perhaps, be convenient to fix a day to open the defence. He would fix Friday, as asked by Mr Loughrey. The Commission then adjourned at 4 p.m. until 10.30 a.m.