MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1929, Page 3

MEETINGS

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD. (Onr Own Correspondent.) ' HOKITIKA, February 12. The Westland Hospital Board met evening; present: Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman), G. Davidson, R. Meharry, A. B. Spiers, M. Keenan, T. W. Duff. Apologies were received for the absence of Messrs Jeffries and Heinz, and E. A. Wells. Dr. Valentine wrote re alteration to maternity home in Hokitika, and enclosing plans and specifications for ,same. Mr Duff considered that the matter should be held over indefinitely and until after appropriations are made for next year. , The Board had no money for such work. There was no guarantee that the premises will be kept on as a maternity home when the year is up. He moved in that direction, seconded by Mr Davidson, and supported by Mr Spiers, who said ■that in view of the fact that in time a maternity home will be established at the hospital, the Board was not justified in spending any more money on the building, as it was only a temporary home. Messrs Meharry and Wells also supported the motion, which was carried. The Chairman differed from the other members, saying the regulations should be complied with. It was resolved that the Board present at the Conference the regulation which states that vacancies of Doctor, Matron, Engineer and Secretary, must be advertised in the daily papers of the four centres. The use of the Board room was granted the Red Cross Society for lectures. Mr W. H. Evenden, Secretary Kuniara Medical Association, forwarded a list of members. The Grey Hospital Board enclosed statement of proportion of receipts from Timber Workers’ Union for quarter. —It was pointed out that names of men were on the list of timber workers which should not be there. It is felt that the agreement is not being carried out in the spirit of the letter.

A fortnight’s leave of absence was granted Dr. Baird, and the annual holiday was granted the secretary, Mr T. W T . Bruce. It was reported that Messrs Johnsen and Woolhouse were the successful tenderers for the supply of meat, and Messrs Duff and Davidson were appointed to sign the contract. Nurse L. W. Benyon, wrote resigning her position, having received an appointment at Greymouth.—The resignation was accepted with regret. The Surgeon Superintendent’s report showed: In Hospital at beginning of month 34, admitted during the month 46, total treated SO; discharged cured 41, died 5, remaining in hospital on February 28, 34. Mr Davidson, for the House Committee, reported several minor requirements at the hospital, which it was agreed to obtain. Accounts amounting to the sum of £340. 10/2 were, passed for payment. The Treasurer reported receipts amounting to £lBl5 9/3, expenditure £879 10/5, Or. balance £799 6/10. Mr Davidson referred to misleading statements that were being made on Cass Square to the effect that the Hospital does not need funds etc., the Board not having accepted an offer of a benefit evening from the merry-go-round proprietors. The Clerk (Mr Bruce) pointed out that the manager came to him with a roll of tickets and wanted him to find sellers and divide the proceeds fifty-fifty. The Sisters could not legally sell them and others would not undertake the work. Mr Duff said the contract with the Borough Council included a benefit for the hospital. There was no mention of dividing the proceeds fifty-fifty. Apparently the Board is expected to do all the advertising, and sell the tickets. It is evidently a benefit to the proprietor, the Hospital drawing the public. Mr Spiers said he had heard that the Board had turned down a “benefit.” After the explanation, he could see that the “benefit” was for the proprietor and not the Board. It was right that the public should know the true state of affairs.