LOCAL AND GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 19917, 13 July 1928, Page 2

LOCAL AND GENERAL

The fortnightly meeting of Court Pride of tho Leith was held on Wednesday last, when there was a largo attendance of members. Official visits were received from Courts Robin Hood. Little John, King . Edward’s Pride, Woodland’s P.ride, and Queen of Green Island. Court Pride of Gore was represented by Bro. M'Murtrie. ' The Visitors’ Toast was responded to by P.C.R. Bro. Forgie (Court Robin Hood), C.R. Bro. J. Goodlet (Court Little John), S.C.R. Sister Fraser (Court King 'Edward’s Pride), S.W. Sister E. Jr Queen (Court Woodland’s Pride), C.T. Bro. H. H. Richmond (Court Queen of Green Island), and Bro. M'Murtrie (for Court Pride of Gore). Special addresses on the welfare of the order were given by P.C.R. Bro. T. F. M'Natty and P.D.C.R. Bro. W. Sinclair. Eight candidates were admitted prior to the close of the meeting. Competitions for the members resulted:—Nail driving tor sisters. Sister M'Phail 1, Sister E. M'Queen 2. Hat trimming for brothers, Bro. S. Ilarborno 1, Bro. W. K. Dallas 2. Enthusiasm still remains at a high level in the court, and the total membership now stands at 868

A meeting of tho Otago Historical Association was held at tho University last evening, when there was a good attendance. Dr J. R. Elder was in the chair Mr Basil H. Howard spoke on some of the place names of Stewart Island, and traced its history from the time when it was first sighted by Captain Cook until the close of the ’sixties. Ho touched on many of the difficulties that had confronted writers on Stewart island affairs. The lecturer was listened to with great interest, and at tho close Mr J. M. Gallaway proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker for his excellent address. Dr Elder, referring to the growth of the association, *>au) that, although it had only recently been formed, the membership was now in the vicinity of fifty.

At the meeting ot the Milton Borough Council on Wednesday night (our correspondent advises) discussion occurred on a Palmerston North Council letter urging concerted action in re revision of the system of hospital finance. It gave an opportunity to Cr J. G. Stewart (known in private life as Dr J. G. Stewart) to restate an old and also a very present grievance and complaint against the methods and practices of the South Otago Hospital Board. Cr J. G. Stewart said “ That the present method of administration of hospitals should be revised, as there was considerable duplication of extensive equipment, aud also duplication of highly paid medical staffs in cases ot small adjacent boards, such as occurred in South Otago and Otago. In spite of this great increase of expense the smaller districts could not give as efficient service as could be given at the larger metropolitan hospitals. Under the present method of representation in the district the larger body had complete control of the revenue, and could use it entirely for its own needs. The smaller boroughs, having only one voice upon the board, could not get their local requirements fully considered. For example, in South Otago the ratepayers were obliged to accept the - services of a one-man hospital, when they were in the vicinity of a hospital with a staff of thirty specialists, some of whom were ranked among the word’s best.” After, a somewhat lengthy discussion the Borough Council decided to support the recommendation of the Palmerston North Borough Council.