WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1920, Page 1

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

MONDAY, March 29th

The Board held its monthly meeting at 8.15 p.m. Present —Messrs R. Wild (Chairman), J. J. Breeze, G. Davidson, L. Morel, E. A. Wells, T. R. Chestcrman.

Tlie Chairman gave a hearty welcome to Mr Breeze on his reappointment as a member. Endorsed by acclamation. Mr Breeze thanked members for the welcome.

An apology was made for the absence of Mr Cameron owing to illness. The minutes were read and confirmed and outward correspondence approved.

INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. In connection with the recommendation of the Finance' Committee the offer of the Kumara Borough Council made through the Town Clerk, tor regular payments of the < levy of the Board, together with regular instalments of arrears of levy, so as to wipe out the indebtedness to the Board before March 31st. 1921, was approved by the Board, on the motion of Messrs Wells and Chesterman.

From Dr Blackmore, Christchurch, notifying a shelter was available at the Cashmere Sanatorium. —Received. From Defence Department, Wellington notifying course for application for shelters if required for suffering soldiers.—Received; to be filed for reference. From Defence Department, notifying that only 21 ambulances were available for Boards, and that one would be provided therefrom. —Received. From Same asking particulars os to fees charge against services rendered soldiers.—Received and replied to. From Commissioner of Pensions asking for particulars of pensions paid to 'Epidemici recipients.—Received. From Public Works Department stating it was hoped to complete the plans For the new wing at Westland Hospital b v 2-sth inst— Received • it was stated these had not yet c ome to band. From Sister Palmer resigning her position as nurse at Westland Hospital. Received, and accepted with regret, and appreciation of past services. From Hospital Department notifying annual conference bad been further adjourned until Ist June. Received. From Wellington Board asking for information re Health inspectors—Received; replied to. From Miss Mol.ean, Inspector, enquiring salary offered for nurse Received; attended to. From Otira Committee forwarding £lB 15s 6d, and stating no applications were available for tlie position of matron. —Received. From Health Department notifying appointment of Dr Bathgate as medical officer at Otira— Received; The Chairman stated Dr Bathgate liad been in Hokitika that day, and bad taken up liis duties. There were a number of requirements of which Dr Bathgate was to supply the Board. Mr Davidson moved that the appointment be confirmed of Dr Bathgate, as medical officer at Otira at a salary of £SOO per annum with the right of private practice. Seconded by Mr Chesterman and carried. From Health Department notifying appointment of Mr B. F. Wilcox as inspector of soldier tubercular cases m this district. —Received. From Health Department Wellington notifying the Government Statistician estimated the population of the Boards district as £7,656, and the rateable value of £B4s,o4B.—Received; It was resolved to c all a meeting of the Board for 12th. April to fix the. levy for tlie year. From Health Office, Christchurch, notifying Dr Telford had been appointed district health Officer for Canterbury. —Received.

From R. J. Burrell, Kumara asking that enquiry be made into reports of illtreatment of ail inmate of the Old People’s Home, Kumara. —Received. The Chairman stated that on Sunday through tlio courtesy of Mr Davidson, members of the Board ka<T visited Kumara free of cost to the Board and made enquiry therein. .He had gatheicd from the correspondent and the mate of the old man affected that there was nothing in the charges, which had been caused mainly through the condition of the patient himself, who was not mentally strong with the result that lie was causing considerable trouble at the institution. Mr Davidson endorsed the report, stating that the master (Mr Batson) deserved great credit for the manner in which he was carrying on the business of the borne, which was in splendid order, and showed great care and attention. The Chairman stated that Dr feiclielinann had made an official visit before the Board, and had reported that there was nothing in the complaint to take action on, the patient of whom the complaint was made being somewhat weakminded. After discussion Mr Morel moved that the Board convey to the Master its appreciation of the kindly treatment given to the old people under his charge. Seconded by Mr Wells and carried. The Chairman reported a shortage of sugar for the institutions, especially at Kumara. Mr Wei Is kindly offered to supply a bag next day. From Master, Kumara Home asking for some necessaries and asking for the charge for maintenance outside of old age pensioners.—Received; The ice was fixed at 6/- per day. From Surgeon Superintendent Westland Hospital reporting on Ist February there were 33 patients. Admitted during month, 5 males 15 females Total treated 53. Discharged cured 3 males; relieved G males, 1 female; died 1 male. Total discharged 15. In hospital on 29tli. February, 34.—Received. From Park and Murdoch enclosing charges for summonses issued on behalf

of Board.—Received and passed for payment.

The Treasurer reported receipts £937 17s 3d, payments £905 8s Bd, debit balance £1052 lid.—Received.

The Hospital Committee reported having visited the institution, and recommended a number of matters be attended to; Matron Little was on holiday leave, Sister Palmer being in charge.-—‘Received and recommendations approved.

The Chairman stated that Matron Bowie of Otira who had been appointed District Nurse for South Westland would be relieved from duties at Otira, and be enabled to take-up her new duties as from April Ist.

After discussion it was resolved to increase the salary of Dr Teichehnann as Surgeon-Superintendent of Westland Hospital to £slso per annum. On the motion of Mr Morel, secondel by Mr Breeze, Mr R. Wild was elected Chairman of the Board on the unanimous vote of members, and briefly expressed liis thanks. Mr Wild was appointed delegate Io the conference of Charitable A'-l Boards at Wellington in June. •Accounts amounting to £1486 were passed for payment. It was resolved that the House Committee bo authorised to draw up a list of requirements for the several institutions for the year to be obtained through the Government department. Messrs Morel, Chesterman and Cameron were appointed a Reserves Committee to report on the best means of utilising the reserves of the Board. After dealing with several other matters the Board adjourned at 11.20. p.m