AUCKLAND HOSPITAL DOCTORS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 256, 27 July 1939, Page 13

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL DOCTORS

Offer To Forgo Salary Increase By Telegraph—Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 26. A statement that both Dr. C- RBurns, chief of the division of medicine, and Dr. J. M. Clarke, chief of the division of surgery, whose appointments were terminated by the Auckland Hospital Board on -Monday, were willing to continue for a further 12 months at their present salary of £l5OO, without seeking the increase of £5OO to which they were entitled after theli first years sei vice, was made by Dr. J. P. Hastings, a member of the board. Dr. Hastings had lodged notice of motion for the rescinding of the board’s resolution as the question of economy had been raised. "This generous attitude on tne part of the two doctors should be known,” Dr. Hastings said. “Without doubt, these two members of the profession, being men of the highest calibre, could make twice that amount in private practice.’’ Their offer to continue at £l5OO was what he could only term a noble gesture. The two officers of the board did not wish to make any statement, but he had their authority in announcing their willingness to continue at their present salary. Each had his heart in his work and was more interested in improving medical and surgical services in the hospital than in looking to bis individual gain. It was a matter of real significance, in view of what had been said about the necessity for economy, that they should be so'ready to make this sacrifice. “Patients in hospital are very keen that the services of the two executives should continue,” Dr. Hastings added. “It is realized that they have not spared themselves in any way and that they are available at any time. This feeling is also to be found among the resident staff, and. I understand, is shared by a number of visiting lionoraries. Before the board terminated the appointments no proper inquiry was made into the vital part the two officers are playing.”