HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 18 December 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.] HOKITIKA, Dec. 17. The Gael arrived to-day at 1 p.m. from Okuru and Jackson Bay with a number .of passengers from the Public Works camp at the Bay and Haast. After discharge the vessel will proceed to Bruce Bay in ballast to load timber, being due t<> return to Hokitika on Monday, and after discharge will be laid up for a fortnight for Christmas and New Tear holidays. Mr. G. Gilchrist presided at a meeting of the Rehabilitation Board yesterday afternoon, there being also present, Mrs. G. A. Perry,. Miss Matson. Messrs T. W. Duff. H. Dimmick, and E. W. Heenan. One farm proposition was not recommended. One house property was approved One furniture loan was recommended. A proposition for a party of four men to enter the fishing in-dustry-was considered, and it. was decided that it be placed before the authorities.

The Hospital Board last, evening considered a complaint by Mr. J. H. Jackson, aged 79. that ai j a hospital patient he had not received proper treatment from the Board’s Medical Superintendent. Dr. D. A. Arnott. Mr Jackson ("whose medical adviser, Dr. G. Andrea was present, as also Dr. Arnott) was questioned as to a statement he was reported to have made to the chairman and secretary of tne Board, that patients sent into the hospital by Dr. Andrea had been deliberately neglected. Mr. Jackson said that he had not wished to convey that impression, and had no knowledge of cases of deliberate: neglect. Following a discussion, Dr. Arnott and Dr. Andrea agreed that the treatment Mr. Jackson had received while in hospital was the correct and onlv one he should have been given. The chairman, Mr. E. W. Heenan, stated that at a previous meeting when Dr. Andrea was present, he had informed him that he was entitled to visit his patients at the Hospital at any time to examine and question them. The responsibility for treatment to patients in hospital lay with the Medical Superintendent. The Board, having heard the evidence, unanimously, decided that the patient had received, every necessary treatment while an inmate of the hospital, and expressed complete satisfaction with the manner in which the Medical Superintendent was carrying out his duties. Mr. Jackson thanked the Board for their inquiry into his complaint, stating he was fully satisfied with the Uncling, and expressed his goodwill towards Dr. Arnott. At the Harbour Board’s monthly meeting yesterday there were present Messrs M. H. Houston (chairman), H. Harvev, F. Freitas, H. G. Park and P. Renton. The signalman, Mr. G. Howe, reported that as a result of the recent flood the channel over the bar had improved. It was carrying from 10 to 12 feet of water, and was straight and easy ot navigation. The signalman also reported that the north training wall from the signal station to the benzine depot was showing signs of weakening. The chairman said it was apparent that the training wall was getting into a ba'd state and something would have to be done to safeguard the town. Repairs were beyond the Board’s resources. With co-opdration of the Borough Council the position could be explained to the Minister of Marine, Hon. J. Brien. It was decided to ask the Minister to have protection works included in the rehabilitation programme. The question of retaining the signalman at award wages was considered in view of the revenup being inadequate with only one ship using the port. It was decided that the chairman, Mr. Park, and the secretary (Mr. E. W. Heenan), consult the' Shipping Company, to see if an arrangement could be arrived at. The chairman said that the retention of the Signalman during the oast year had onjy been possible with the heln of the watching subsidy, which had now been withdrawn. The Air Department, advised of permission tn erect leading beacons at the airport under special conditions set out. South Island progress Association forwarded copies of minutes. Accounts amounting to £354 9s 9d wore passed lor payment. Receipts for the period amounted to £l9 Bs. The credit balance at the bank is £420 5s Id. At the Hospital Board's ordinary meeting there were present Messrs F. W. Heenan Cchairmah), W. A. Jamieson. T. P. <O’N°il, J. Richards, J A.. Murdoch. F. Freitas. A. K. Elcock, and T. W. Duff. The Auditor

General returned the balance sheet duly certified. The hank overdrait was fixed at £5,000 for the* present Quarter. Mr. Turk (engineer) was granted one month’s leave as from February 28. The Department of Health advised that the Board could revert to the tender system for any constructional work. .The Board received advice of the retirement of Dr. Telford as Medical Officer of Health for the district, and placed on record its appreciation of his service to the Board during his term and expressed good wishes for his welfare in retirement. The Department of Health asked the Board to consider the employment of ex-servicemen and women as masueurs and radiographers. Mr. Algar of the Westland Dairy Company addressed the Board on the ..advantages of.the E'co milking plant. It was decided to hold over purchase of a plant until a new shed is completed, lenders were received as follows tor painting of the Nurses’ Home from Scott and Co. and J. R. Lawerence. The lowest that of J. R. Lawerence was accepted.' The chairman was empowered to arrange for milk supply to the maternity; home. It was stated that the usual Christmas festivities would be held at the hospital, and members were invited to attend when the Mavor and Mayoress. (Mr. and Mrs. Elcock) ,would make an official visit on Christmas morning. It was reported that ±l5O worth of produce had been sold iro m the farm during November. 'the Medical Superintendent renorted 136 patients were treated during the past month, there having been 68 admitted and the same number remaining on November .30. The Matron recommended ttrt Staff Nurses Worthington and McLenaghen be appointed Sisters, and reported the resignation of Nurse Breeze. During November the highest number of occupied beds was 67, the lowest 53. and the average 60. The number of operations was 14, Xray(s 43, massage and physiotheraphy • treatments 216.