MEETINGS

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 April 1934, Page 10

MEETINGS

KUMARA BOROUGH COUNCIL. [OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The Mayor (Mr H. Hamer) presided over the meeting of the Kumara 1 Borough Council. There were present: Crs Gilbert, Inglis, Keating, McDonald, McEnaney, Murphy, Peever, and Reedy. The Mayor referred to the bereavement recently sustained by Cr Keating and asked the Councillors to express their sympathy by standing in silence. Cr Keating briefly returned thanks. The Department of Health wrote asking that an appointment be made with the Health Officer to discuss the matter of a Borough Health Inspector. It was decided to fix such appointment for April 26. G. Hunt applied for tease of 50 acres adjoining Beach Road. Cr McDonald moved that same be granted during the pleasure of the Council, at a rental of £1 per annum. Rev. Father Seward wrote regarding non supply of water, and requested that water connection be removed.

The Audit Office wrote pointing out discrepancies an the Borough’s list of valuations as compared with the Valuation Roll. Cr Keating moved that the Valuation Department be approached for a re-valuation of the Borough at an early date. —Carried. The Main Highways Board, No. 12 district, advised that the Board would Visit Kumara on April 27, at 12.30 p.m. and would receive any deputations. The Mayor and Crs Murphy, Inglis, Reedy and Peever were appointed to meet the Board. The Kumara V.F.B. wrote offering £5 towards the cost of putting in a branch pipe to the Brigade’s practice ground. Cr Keating said that it might be possible to secure secondhand pipes from the Grey Borough Council. It was moved that the enquiry be made and also quotes for new pipes secured.

W. Hayes applied for leave to mow the Recreation Ground. Cr Reedy moved that permission be given subject Co the job being done to the satisfaction of the Chairman of Reserves.

R. C. Alldridge wrote asking that attention be given to the culvert outside his residence, which needed lowering. Cr McEnaney moved that the matter be brought to the notice of the Highways Board with a view to obtaining a. grant for the work. The Mayor said that speed limit signboards had been erected and suggested that the attention of the local constable be drawn to vehicles speeding through the Borough. The arrangements for the Anzac Day service were left in the hands of Cr Peever.

Tlie Mayor said that something should be done to finalise the electric light matter. Circulars had been sent to every housendlder, but apparently there was some objection to signing up the forms, although there was a general desire for the light to come in.

Cr Peever said that apparently nothing would be done until a personal canvass was made of the town. The majority of the people wanted the light but would not take the trouble to inform the Council of the. fact. The Mayor, with Crs Keating, Reedy and

Peever were appointed to undertake the necessary canvass at an early date. The reports of the Public Works, Cemetery and Reserves Committees were received. Cr Inglis was appointed Traffic Inspecetor in the place of Mr J. McFarlane, who had resigned. Cr Inglis moved that Council meetings commence in future at 7.30 p.m. sharp. REVISION OF BY-LAWS. Mr Peever moved that a committee be set up to go into the matter of the Borough’s by-laws with a view to revision. He said that there were no copies now available of the by-laws framed in 1902. Those by-laws were not being observed. For example, at present anybody was allowed to erect building of any description without a permit. They did not always add to the beauty of the township and sometimes added to the fire risk. Cr Murphy seconded. The following committee was appointed: Crs Peever, Murphy, Inglis, and Keating. Cr Peever moved that the present appointment of Borough Inspector be terminated as from April 1, 1934, the duties hitherto carried out by the Inspector, with the exception of those connected with wandering stock, to be carried out by the Town Clerk. He said that there was not the slightest doubt that the present arrangement was unsatisfactory. Stock was continually on the streets both day and

night. Apart from that he considered the money paid for the amount of work entailed, was far too high. Cr Gilbert seconded. He said that the Borough was not getting value for money. He supported the motion because it would mean a definite saving to the ratepayers. The money paid to the Inspector was money thrown away because they still had the wandering stock. The duties claimed to come under the head of Inspector could quite well be done in his capacity as Town Clerk. He was con-

vinced that money was not being spent to the best advantage. The Town Clerk was already overpaid for the work he had to do. The Councillors would see that for themselves. I They had only to look at the number | of letters he had to reply to and the entries he had to make in the books. Cr McEnaney said that he was not in favour of £3O being wasted, but he was not in favour of cutting the Town Clerk’s salary. The Mayor said that he had been receiving complaints very frequently recently about the nuisance of wandering stock. The Council had agreed to give the Inspector a further trial, but if found unsatisfactory, would make other arrangements. It was his opinion that the position was very unsatisfactory. He did not wish to influence Councillors in any way; the matter was entirely in their hands to remedy or otherwise.

The Town Clerk said that he could not keep the stock off the roads as he should, because he was obstructed in his duties by the attiude of the Council in not standing behind him when prosecutions were made. The Mayor said that in only one instance was there any interference when there undoubtedly was an element of extreme hardship. Cr Reedy said that if the present Inspector of Nuisances was dismissed, it would be necessary to appoint somebody else to deal with the wandering stock. Jt had been suggested that the day .labour man be appoint-

ed. Were they going to ask him to include in his ordinary duties the additional duties of Inspector? It would not be a fair thing. He was opposed to the cutting of the salary. Cr Peever said that if the motion before them was passed, a further motion would be submitted which would provide for the oversight of til 2 wandering stock. Cr Murphy said that the duties of the Inspector were not being carried out properly or fairly. The Inspector had eyes for only one part of the town. Certain stock could remain on the streets for months. He said that all should receive the same treatment. He called for a division on the motion. The Mayor, Crs Peever, Gilbert, and Murphy voted for the motion, and Crs Inglis, Keating, McEnaney, McDonald and Reedy against. Ssr.>“: WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD [OUE OWN CORRESPONDENT.] HOKITIKA, April 17. The monthly meeting of the Westland Hospital Board was held last evening; present: Messrs. W. Jeffries (Chairman), Rev. H. J. W. Knights, W. A. Jamieson, M. McGavin, R. Meharry, W. H. Evenden, M. Keenan, E. W. Heenan, T. W. Duff. An apology was made for the absence of Mr. G. Davidson who is an inmate of the hospital. Letters were received from the Cashmere Sanatorium reporting on patients from this district, each making progress.

The Valuation. Department wrote, giving the capital value of each contributing local district: —Westland local district: — County £’’817,034, Hokitika Borough £390,955, Kumara Borough £24,528, Ross Borough £19,801; total £1,252,318. Mr. Jamieson said he could not understand why there was any variation in the rating valuation, as no re-valuation had taken place. The Chairman pointed out that some revaluation had taken place up the Arahura Valley, where the land was formerly covered with timber, which had been removed, was revalued, and the value reduced accordingly. Mr. Rolls (Otira) wrote asking what procedure was necessary to form a medical association for Otira and Arthurs Pass.—lt was stated the Chairman had replied that it was first necessary to ascertain the amount the residents were prepared to contribute. The Druids’ Lodge wrote requesting a renewal of the agreement between the Lodge and the Board. —The Chairman pointed out that the records showed 1 that £l2O had been received from the Lodge as fees, which normally should be £516, which meant that the Board by the agreement lost £443. It was bad business on the part of the Board. On the motion of Mr. Duff it was resolved to ask the Lodge if it could not make a better offer to the Board. Mr. Jamieson expressed surprise at the small amount received.

Mr. Knights asked if the amount was for the full membership?

The Chairman replied that it was not, but only for those who cared to make use of the scheme. It should be “all in, all out.” The South Westland Medical Association wrote stating that all the doctors who in turn had accepted’ the position had withdrawn, and asked'

the Board to hold the matter in abeyance.

Dr. Ashby wrote stating that he was now prepared to accept the South Westland position. The Chairman said that Dr. Ashby was one of those who had formerly accepted the position and then refused it, putting the secretary to no little inconvenience. The Board had received seven petitions, aggregating 366 signatures, asking that Sister Gunn be appointed district nurse. Mr. Keenan said he had always advocated the appointment of a doctor for South Westland, and considered one should be appointed that night.

Mr. Heenan referred to the coming of the deputation who guaranteed the subscriptions.- South Westland was being industrialised and a doctor should be appointed. If Dr. Ashby was prepared to accept, they should appoint him. Mr. Meharry said the Board had done all in its power lor South Westland. He moved that Nurse Gunn be appointed. The roads were good, and with cars and flying machines, there was no need of a doctor down there. There was no seconded to Mr. Meharry’s motion.

5 Mr. Duff said the Board had been , dealing with the Association. He . moved that the Board forward to the , Association the petition, also Dr. . Ashby’s offer, for them to consider, . and if no decision is arrived at in > one month, the Board proceed to appoint a district nurse. > Mr. McGavin considered the Board' , should appoint Dr. Ashby. The Chairman again pointed out the request of the Association to hold > the matter in abeyance. If an ap- ■ pointment was made the Board would i be coming into conflict with the Association. Mr. Knights seconded Mr. Duff’s motion. Mr. Jamieson said he had been in favour of the appointment of a doctor, but as the doctors had already turned' the position down he might do so again. A< thing stood he now favoured the appointment of a district nurse. The Chairman agreed with Mr. Jamieson. This doctor had already been appointed and withdrawn. The motion should be worded so that the south people would get a fair run. The matter had given the Board considerable anxiety for years. The motion was put and carried unanimously. . The Nurses’ and Midwives’ Association wrote stating that Miss Lambie’s report showed the Hospital was short staffed and was not complying with the request to have nurses trained in midwifery. The Chairman pointed out that Nurse Lambie had visited the hospital at a time when the hospital was crowded. The staff now exceeded the number suggested by Miss Lambie; also nurses had been sent to the Christchurch hospital for six months’ training in midwifery. As it was four months since Miss Lambie visited Hokitika, the report did not carry much weight. The hospital now had one nurse to every two beds. ‘ The secretary stated that he did ( not feel called, upon to report to the f Nursed and Midwives’ Association the hospital doings. = The Hospital Boards’ Association wrote asking the Board to review cer- r tain salaries where hardship had been created by cuts.—lt was resolved to leave the matter over till Mr. Davidson is able to attend; also the

matter relating to the wages of the domestic staff, which was brought forward by the Visiting Committee. The Matron reported another busy month, the highqx number of patients for any one day being 59, and the lowest 40. No. of operations 29; X-ray examinations 15, with 13 patients. The Black Hand orchestra visited the hospital, giving concert. Miss Ada Lynn sang several songs. Donations were received from Mrs Petei' Graham and Mrs Currie. Nurse' McKaskell left on March 30, on holiday till April 25, when she leaves her position. Nurses Gillespie and Henderson are also on holiday. The report included a long list of requisites. The Surgeon-Superintendent’s re-

port stated: Patients in hospital on March 1, 57; admitted during March, 40; total treated during month, 97; discharged cured, 47; discharged, relieved, 5; died 3; remaining in hospital on March 31, 41; number of patients who have received indoor treatment for two .months and upward, 13. A matter in the Matron’s report regarding a revision of scale of wages of domestic staff was deferred for a full meeting of the Board. The tender of C. Renton for lighting the women’s cottage was accepted.

On the motion of the Chairman, the Board expressed its sympathy with Mr. Davidson in his illness, and wished him a speedy recovery. The Chairman reviewed the year’s work, as follows: — . No. of Patients, 1933/34, 555, increase 124; No. of operations, 318, in crease 68; No. of X-rays, 259, increase 49; No. of occupied beds, 49.8, increase 11.6; No. of staff (permanent), 38, increase, 4. In addition to the perman-, ent staff the Board have had to employ relieving nurses throughout the year. Receipts:—Patients’fees £2908 12/10, increase £760; charitable aid recoveries £928/12/6, increase £394; voluntary contributions £243/10/3; increase £25. The total receipts at £9727/3/2, show an excess over expenditure at £8576/13/-,: of £ll5O 10/2 being an increase in receipts of £lO2O on last year’s figures. In the Old People’s Home, we have 17 men and 4 women as against 13 men last year. In budgeting for the coming year, after providing for a capital expenditure of £5OO for alterations to the building, and a liberal provision made for the replacement of hospital equipment, etc., the estimates as framed will result in a reduction of Local Authorities Levy by £77/10/1, and Government subsidy of £258 18/9. The Chairman congratulated the secretary on his work and the Board on its position. The members congratulated the : Chairman and secretary (Mr. F. Me- 1 Cabe) on their work, the Chairman 1 acknowledging the tribute. 1