Hospital Trustees.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 6374, 9 February 1892, Page 3

Hospital Trustees.

The Hospital Trustees met this afternoon. Present—Mr H. S. Tiffen (iv the chair), Hon. J. D. Ormond, M.L.C, MessrsM. R. Miller, Faulknor, Cohen, H. Williams, Carnell, Tauner, Swan, M.H.R., Rymer, and FitzHoy. VISITING COMMITTEE'S B-PORT. The Visiting Committee reported that at present there were no serious cases iv the hospital, and the patients, were progressing favorably. A. case occurred shortly after last meeting in which a patient who had left the hospital returned by the acting surgeon's request. She had a private ward, and was refused admittance till the previous ai:;ount incurred had beeu paid. This refusal was, in their opinion, wrong, and wrongly conveyed. The secretary's duty was to attend to this, but he deputed it tho head nurse, who being unwell, deputed it again to another nurse, aud the consequence of the curt refusal to the lady patient was great pain to her and regret on the part of the Trustees, who would take care that no such like case would occur again. The head nurse had no right to take or give any financial instruction whatever, as it was not her duty, and, as well known, the hospital gave the same welcome to those who could not afford to pay. Mr Carnell spoke very strongly on tho matter, and imputed curtain motives to

those in chargo for refusing admittance to the patient. Mr Swan considered Mr Caruell'a statements entirely unsupported. A charge of

that kind should not be brought up before the meeting unless he was prepared to stand by what he said. Mr Carnell was prepared to bring pioofs. Mr Cohen said the whole caHO necessitated careful enquiry, and if such remarks by hospiial employes were made as stated by Mr Carnell, then steps should be taken accordingly. Mr Williams said no sueb statement as alleged had come to the ears of the Visiting Committee. After a little further discussion, Mr Swan proposed, "That the Visiting Committee, \vi f li Messrs Cohen, Tiffen, and the mover, be appointed a committee to enquire and report upon a statement made by Mr Carnell. that one reason wh_ Mrs Irvine was refused admittance to the hospital was because she had been a barmaid." Seconded by Mr Fitzßoy and carried. MISCELLANEOUS. The Committee recommended Mr W. W. Fullbrook to the position of gardener, and Mr Widdas as porter.—Confirmed. Mr Carnell moved that the resolution passed at tbe Decomber meeting, voting a certain sum to Nurse Lees for services as assistant di3penser, be rescinded. — Mr Tanner seconded pro forma, to elicit discussion.—Mr Millt-r was disgusted with Mr Carnell, and considered the vote was perfectly justified, while Mr Carnell stated that he did not iuteud to burk. anything, however disagreeable.—Mr Swan said Nurse Lees was fully entitled to the vote, which was given in recognition of her services, while she did not receive the salary that was paid to nurses in a similar position in other towns in the colony.—Mr Williams coincided —The motion was lost.

Mr Carnell moved that the secretary be instructed to do his writing at rhe hospital, and not in town. —Mr Williams seconded pro forma. —Mr Swan said this was like Mr CaruellN previous matter, altogether frivolous. —Mr Carnell said he had his reasons, and gave notice of motion, at the request of tho meeting. It was made a direction to the secretary, on the motion of Mr Carnell, that the hospital bread, meat, &c., be weighed on delivery. titeps are to be taken to recover rents in arrear.. The Chairman was empowered to appoint a paid canvasser for hospital subscriptions. Accounts to the amount of £153 10s 9d, less patients' fee. (£63 7s), were passed for payment, and the meeting adjourned.

Clearing prices for millinery, mantles drt-s material, and clothing. Balance of Ch:ir>tmas fancy articles at greatly reduced prices. 'Neal and Close invite inspection.