MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1932, Page 3

MEETINGS

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD [OTTn OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, April 12. The monthly meeting of the Westland Hospital Board was held last •evening. Present: Messrs. J. J. Breeze (chairman), G. Davidson, R. Meharry, W. Jeffries, W. H. Evenden, ;M. Keenan, H. Wells, T. W. Duff. \ Several letters dealing with the suggested change, in- hospital' administration, were read. The Department of Health- wrote advising regarding annual overdraft. —On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Duff, it was resolved that the Board apply for an overdraft of £6OO. The Chairman submitted his- annual report, which showed that 461 patients were treated as compared with' 613 last year. The financial position shows a credit balance of £3, and' on the financial side an advance of £4OO on account of the year’s, subsidy, which means an actual deficit of £397 to start the year with. The estimates were based on last year’s expenditures and’ were as low as possible. There was also to be considered the 10’ per cent, reduction in maintenance subsidies of £2BO, on last year’s subsidy of £2,791. Supplies amounting to £l5O are urgently .necessary, while certain minor repairs need attention.

Mr. Jeffries asked if some means could not be evolved to make up the deficiency of £7OO. It was not wise to ask contributing bodies for greater levies, Which would mean increased; rates, which would be very unpopular at present. It was pointed out that two vacancies had occurred by probationers leaving, which are not to? be filled. This will mean a saving of £2OO.

Mr. Davidson (Chairman House Committee) said he could not see where the expenditure could be reduced, or where they could raise money tq make' up the deficiency. The Chairman suggested increasing the maintenance fees. Mr. Keenan objected to such a course owing to- the decreased earnings of the people. In answer to Mr. Jeffries, the Secretary. stated that fees to the amount of £2,289 16/8 were collected during last year, including previous year arrears, The year 1931 was £2,402 and in 1930, £2,488. Mr. Jeffries said there was a gradual decline, and the Board should endeavour to find some way of making up the deficiency. It was suggested that a man on the farm be dispensed with. Mr. R. Meharry considered that the local bodies should be asked to increase their levies. He saw no other way out of it. Mr. Jeffries moved that the report presented be approved and that the levy on local bodies be the same as last year. He would be sorry to see a motion to increase the levy. Mr. Keenan seconded. He said the County was fortunate in getting 82 per cent, of the rates in. Mr. Davidson suggested a conference with the local bodies for he was sure there would be a deficit at the end of the year. The laundry fees from the Mental Hospital would be lost to them. The only course he saw was an increase in the levy. The Secretary pointed out that the value of property in the Westland County had increased by £65,747 ovei’ last year; the Hokitika Borough increased by £1,100; the Kumara Borough decreased and the Ross Borough the same.

Mr. Davidson suggested that the expenses of Dr. Mclntyre’s visit be cut out.

The motion that the report be opproved was passed. Mr. Davidson moved and Mr. Keenan seconded that the Canterbury Board be informed that this Board could not see its way to continue to pay for the visits of Dr. Mclntyre, and request that Hokitika be cut out of the circuit. It was pointed out that an agreement had been entered into and must be honoured.

It waS then suggested that the cost be paid on a patient basis, Hokitika last year supplying, only 6 out of 180 patients. Nurse Grant wrote resigning her (share of the Maternity Home. —Accepted. ; Mr. Keenan brought forward the [matter of doctors’ fees at the Maternity Home. Mr. Jeffries expressed surprise that there was no scale of Tees, seeing the Home is subsidised by the Board. It was resolved that the Board obtain a scale of fees from neighbouring institutions; Tenders for bread were v received from Moynihan and Co., C. w Pfahlert, Alex. Spence and F. Preston. It was resolved that the tender of Moynihan and Co. be accepted.