ANNUAL MEETING.

Press, Volume L, Issue 14956, 1 May 1914, Page 2

ANNUAL MEETING.

THE CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS.

The annual meeting of the North Canterbury Hospital Board was held yesterday, Mr F. Horrell presiding. There were also present:—Messrs J. H. Dawson. T. D. Boag, H. B. Sorensen, G. Scott, D. McMillan, W. A. Cooper, W. W. Tanner, \V. McMillan, J. Ashley, A! H. Turnbull, 0. Bradley, It. Moore, J. D. Hall, Dr. Fenwick, and Alesdanies Wilson and Christie. The cnairman, in the course of his annual auuross, said tnat wnen the Hoard came into omce in April, 11U0, it was round tnat tne wnoie hospital system required to ho jilted from a condition or despair and dciapiuatiou into wnieh it hau fallen. Lnuer tne Act of ii>6s, there were no means of providing for capital expenditure, except by voluntary subscriptions, with tne resuit that tne needs 01 the community had been neglected. New Departments had to be established to keep pace with the advances of meuical and surgical ecience, and the' requirements of a population which had nearly doubied itself in the preceding 125 years. The resuit was that a very heavy burden lias been placed on the taxpayers, which had been borne with cheerful resignation. This year should see the end of tho very necessary programme of rapid ex|>ansion. The expenditure on capital account during the four years up to tho present amounted to about £84,800, whilst a further expenditure of £16,000 was contemplated in tho present year, making a total of £101.400. Of that amount the local bodies found £39,008, a similar sum being obtained lroni subsidy, tho balance being made up of voluntary contributions and subsidy. The policy of- the Board with regard to orphan or destitute children was of great importance and he was pleased to be able to say that tho present committee- was anxious to so equip them as to give them a chance of attaining any position in life to which they might aspire. Ho hoped the policy" of turning all boys into labourers and "all girls into domestic servants was a thing of the past. There wero so many avenues of employment open to such boys and girls as had ability that he was suro tho Board's wards should Wave an equal chance with others. THE YEAR'S REQUIREMENTS. The Financo Committee estimated tho requirements for tho year as follow : —Capital £16,006, maintenance £41,417,. total £58.023. Tho proportions to be paid by tho contributing local authorities and the Government would bo: —Local bodies: capital £8303. maintenance £21,104 4s Id; subsidy: Capital £&303. maintenance £20,31215s lid; total, £58,023. It was decided to reduce the maintenance levy by £1250, making that levy £19,854, and the total lew £28,157 The secretary was instructed to apply to the various local bodies for their contributions.