JEWELLERY OF DEAD PATIENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 September 1936, Page 3

JEWELLERY OF DEAD PATIENT

KEPT FOR 28 YEARS RETURNED TO RELATIVES (United Press Association) INVERCARGILL, 17th September. The publicity which has been given to allegations that the hospital boards in New Zealand have sold jewellery belonging to patients who died in the institutions had a sequel at a meeting of the Southland Hospital Board today when a letter was received from a North Island resident as follows: — “On reading the remarks made at a meeting of your board I noticed that a collection of jewellery. is in your possession, any I hope that a ring belonging to my father, who died in your hospital as far as I can remember 25 years ago, may be returned to me. My mother told me that my father wore the ring when he died, but she missed it from his finger afterward, and on inquiries at the office was told that it was kept to help pay his maintenance. If it is in your collection I would be very pleased to have it.”

The secretary, Mr T. Pryde, produced the ring and with it a silver watch and chain. The latter had a locket attached and this contained a photograph and lock of hair. The label carried the date 15th April, 1908.

A Member: “That means it has been kept for 28 years. That will let Dr. McMillan see we don’t sell our patients’ jewellery.” It was decided to return the ring and watch and chain to the applicant.