THE CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11888, 11 May 1899, Page 4

THE CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL.

The trial of strength between the Chairman of the Hospital Board and the House Surgeon, which has been impending for soma months, has resulted in a signal triumph for the latter gentleman. At yesterday's meeting of the Board Mr Gray and Dr Fox made exhaustive statements in respect to the differences that have grown up between them, and the members unanimously decided in favour of the doctor. They expressed themselves as thoroughly satisfied with the House Surgeon's explanation, and asked the Chairman to resign his position This is, as Mr Gray frankly recognised himself a "severe judgment." 4-ne issue, however, was a plain one. It was, as one o* the members put it, whether Dr Fox shouM leave the hospital or Mr Gray should leave the chair. The relations between these two gentlemen had become so strajjned that it was impossible for them to work together any longer. It is unnecessary to review the circumstances that had gradually led up to this unfortunate position. . It wiil be sufficient to say that there were faults, on both sides. If the Chairman was occasionally a littfe indiscreet, the House burgeon was sometimes unnecessarily agressive. The point of public interest just now is the probable effect of the doctor's victory upon the management of the hospital. Dv Fox, from the very day of his appointment down" to the present time, has displayed a slrcvno'e distaste to restraint of any kind. His successful appeal to the Board against th-j attitude of th© Chairman is not likely to make him more tolerant of interference. But it is most important that the respective powers of the Board and the House Surgeon should be clearly defined. Dr Fox has shown hiciself to be in many ways admirably qualified for the position he fills. He is enthusiastic, skilful and painstaking, and Christchurch is extremely fortunate in having a man

of his high professional standing at the head of one of its most important public institutions. But he seems,a little disposed to ignore both the Board and the Honorary Staff. If he bad'his way, he would probably dispense with these features,of the hospital system altogether. But, while they are retained, it is clearly his duty, to submit to their authority. /They are parts of the system, and cannot be set aside by any medical ■ officer who feels inclined to manage the hospital without their assistance. If reporti speaks truly, Dr Fox has not always treated the members of the Honorary Staff with the deference they have a right to expect. Iri fact,. some of the remarks he addressed to the Board yesterday morning betrayed ani easy unconcern about the visits of these gentlemen which was not exactly becoming in a member of their own profession. But, in spite of some defects, of this kind, Dr Fox is a very valuable public officer, and wetrust that no exaggerated notion of his own . authority will imperil his connection with the local! hospital