HOSPITAL WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 302, 17 September 1936, Page 15

HOSPITAL WORKERS

Forty-hour Week WANGANUI NOTES Dominion Special Service. Wanganui, September 16. The following recommendations were adopted at to-day's meeting of the Wanganui Hospital Board, over which the chairman, Mr. W. E. Broderick presided : That the visiting time be on Thursday evenings from 7 to 7.30 o'clock and that the number pf visitors to each patient be limited to two (close relatives only). That the conditions of a 40-hour week be observed where applicable, power to be given the managing secretary, medical superintendent and matron to appoint more staff to meet the conditions which arise. That the spirit of the 40-hour week be observed as far as possible l throughout the hospital. That all employees. coming under awards receive award rates of pay. Diphtheria at Hospital. The medical superintendent, Dr. H. L. Widdowson, reported at to-day's meeting of the Wanganui Hospital Board that an outbreak of diphtheria had occurred in the children’s ward, but 'fortunately it was of a mild type. There had .been no deaths during last week. Two babies and two nurses from . the Karitane Hospital had been admitted suffering from dipntherja, and in addition one of the hospital nurses had contracted it. The total number of these patients to date was 19.

Hospital Expenses. When the monthly accounts of the Wanganui Hospital Board were being reviewed to-day the chairman of the board said that at the end of the year there would be an overdraft of between £7OOO and £BOOO. This was caused through increased costs following the new legislation. He considered that if the board’s finances did not improve a higher rate would have to be levied.

“May I quote the words of the Prime Minister, 'There is nothing to fear,’ ” remarked Mr. W. J. Rogers. "Yes, the sky is the limit, but when they get there I’m afraid there’ll be no limit at all,” said Mr. A. S. Coleman, who considered a small committee should go into these matters to determine the board’s position. He thought the board should observe caution.

"I have been instilling that into our officers,” said Mr. W. E. Broderick chairman. "Personally I don’t think there is any laxity.” “When Wanganui’s figures for charitable aid are compared with others’ the comparison is very alarming,” said Mr. Coleman. An assurance was given by Mr. Broderick that every endeavour was being made to keep expenses down. He felt sure that every ease assisted was a deserving one. Women’s Golf.

The final round of golf for the Belmont Cup was played thin afternoon and resulted in a win for Mrs. Harvey with an aggregate score of 233. Next in order were Mrs. Power 239, Miss T. Strouts 245, and Mrs. Haggitt 247. Entries for the Wanganui women’s provincial tournament close on Saturday.

Police-Press Rugby Match. The Wanganu) Football Association has decided, in view of the special interest taken in the Police-Press Rugby match next Saturday, not to play any senior Soccer matches. This action is appreciated by the Police-Press committee, which is making a special effort for next Saturday. After the match a dance will be held. Clothes and the Man.

A Wanganui car dealer is regretting that he took more notice of the clothes a man wore than of the man uimself, who was one of the better known and wealthier Maoris of the district. The Maori was a prospective buyer, and entered the showroom to examine a certain make of car. No one took much notice of him, even when he asked the price of the vehicle. The Maori is reported to have said, “I would like to buy that car,” but the dealer, after a casual look, replied to the effect that he did not think he could sell it. The buyer left. Next day, a dealer from Palmerston North visited Wanganui, and clinched a sale.

Interesting Vessel. An interesting yiistor to New Zealand waters is the British single-screw turbine steamer Auretta, which anchored off the bar last night and was berthed at Castlecliff this morning. She is a vessel of 4a64 tons gross, and 2776 tons net, and has capacity for 9100 tons of cargo. She commenced to discharge 4500 tons of phosphates frojn Ocean Island this morning, and is expected to clear the port after the week-end for Westport, for bunkers. The bridge of the; vessel is of unusual design, being semi-circular in shape to lessen wind resistance. She is the first vessel to come to Wanganui thus designed. Her engine is of the triple expansion steam type. Patent rolling hatch beams, masts of the "Samson” type, and many other novel features have been introduced into the,vessel, which is said to be one of the most economical to run of its kind. It was built a year ago in England, not far from where the Mauretania was broken up. Some of the mahogany panels ing the saloon came from the Mauretania. The vessel’s first port of call in New Zealand was Auckland, where she discharged pjjosphates. Heavy weather, and seas described as mountainous to “The Dominion” this morning, delayed her arrival at Wanganui. “It was so rough that the chart would not stay on the chart table,” said Mr. A. Gray, third officer. Captain H. Chappell has charge of the ship, with Mr. J. W. Jones (chief officer), Mr. D. E. Whitfore (second), and Mr. A. Gray (third). Mr. Gray’s father was responsible for many of the patents and new developments on the ship. Mr. W. Gillespie is the chief engineer, with Mr. J. Waller (second), Mr. G. Suddards (third) and Mr. A. Jones (fourth). There is a crew of 35, all British subjects, including 10 Somalis.