THE HOSPITAL BOARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CI, Issue 11898, 23 May 1899, Page 4

THE HOSPITAL BOARD.

Mr C. M. Gray will- probaiuy faofc-re-ceive much sympathy from> the public in his quarrel with Ms colleagues -on the Hospital Board. He hasmot fcEe%haippy kn&cfc of winning popularity in the discharge of his official duties. There4jan.be no question, however, that he was treated with very scant courtesy at-ihe meeting of the Board yesterday afternoon. He was perhaps unwise in seeking to rescind the motion affecting himself passed at a pre•vious meeting, bukiuus- indiscretion; was no excuse for the kind of opposition he encountered. His list of public services—which he w ; as compelled, by the way, to recite for himself —ought to have secured him better treatment. The new. Chairman, in particular, seems to have set all' tin amenitifis of debate aside in his desire t« i defeat the purpose of his predecessor. Hi would not even allow Mr Gray to'speaS in support of his motion until it-lad bees seconded by another member of'the Board, This is a ruling which may produce somt very curious;- consequences if it should b( insisted upon throughout Mr Douglass'* term of office. Some of tibe members wlu tacitly supported it yesterday may be lesj complacent when it is applied to themselves. In any ease it is a very seriom . matter to-find the members of an importam public body assisting their chairman is gagging one of their number who happem to have incurred their aiuineeityi .If thij is a sample of the .kind of thing that is tt prevail under Mr Douglass's presidency 'W«i can hardly share the hope that thei met&oG I of conducting the business of the Board will be improved by his efevationwto tht chair.