HOSPITAL BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 June 1921, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD

MEETING THAT FAILED. There was difficulty and delay in getting a quorum at the special meeting of the Grey Hospital Board last evening. The object of the meeting was the revision of the by laws, as suggested by Mr. K. Skoglund at a previous meeting. It was considerably after seventhirty when the meeting began, those present being Messrs J. W. Hannan (Chairman), F. Williams, K. Skoglund, W. H. Parfitt, J. Irvine, and Rev. T. N. Cuttie. At the request of the Chairman Mr. Skoglund outlined his scheme for the revision of the by laws, stating that each clause should be taken separately and carefully. Mr. Williams asked if Mr Skoglund intended to let the meeting take the form of a school lesson. “Yes, if you like,” replied Mr. Skoglund. Mr. Cuttie moved that the business be transacted in committee. This was seconded bv Mr. Irvine. Mr. Skoglund protested against such a course, considering that the general public should know exactly what the Board was doing in regard to the Hospital. He favoured an amendment that the discussion should be taken in open Board but was told by the Chairman that such was unnecessary as ho (Mr. Skoglund) could vote against the motive. Mr. Parfitt supported tho motion and feared the Board would be kept sitting all night. If they went into committee the business would later be placed before the whole Board. Io go into committee was nothing. . 3 “If to go into committee is nothing ’ replied Mr. Williams, “why go into committee? It is always looked upon with certain suspicion.” Tho public had a right to know what was going on and with this in view, and many other things which he would not mention, he opposed the motion. They might take it for granted that anything they decided on in committee would bo confirmed later. Mr. Cuttie said it was not really fair that the by laws should bo discussed with the reporters present. The members could not, as it were, speak bv the book. Mr. Skoglund said members were not at the meeting to discuss private business, but public matters in the interests of the ratepayers. “If we are afraid of tho public that sent us here there is only one thing we should do,” said Mr. “Williams. The motion was put and carried : for Messrs Cuttie, Irvine, Parfitt; against, Messrs Skoglund and W il-

“Mr Chairman as a protest. I leave the'meeting.” said Mr. Skoglund. “Well that settles it. Me haven t a quorum now.” said tho chairman., “I’m sick and tired of this secrecy, said Nir. Williams. . Members ponfinued talking as tin j rose. Mr. ’Williams shook hands v-r • Nir. Skoglund. remarkin'-': ‘I m will) you for once. Skoglund.”