HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 10832, 16 August 1898, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board met yesterday at the hospital. There were present: Messrs. J. Stiehbury (chairman), G. M. Reed, J. E. Taylor, J. Jamieson, J. Becroft-, aud A. Bruce.

Out Patients: The medical officer of the Auckland dispensary reported that 38 newcases came under treatment during the past month. The average daily attendance at the dispensary was 10, and the average number of daily visits made was three. Of prescriptions 406 had been issued. Bronchial complaints and influenza had been prevalent. There were two deaths.

Place of Worship: A communication was received from the Key. W. E. Gillam, vicar of Ellerslie-cum-Epsom, who asked whether the Board would be good enough to receive a deputation of clergymen representing the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, auu Wesleyan denominations,' to request that a suitable place of worship might be erected by the Board for the use of the inmates oi the Costley Home. The chairman's action in fixing the hearing of the deputation fur next meeting was confirmed. Costley Wards: The secretary read several letters received in response to circulars distributed soliciting contributions towards furnishing cots for tho Costley wards, now in course of erection. Messrs. Seeguer, Langgutli, and Co., forwarded £5 ss; Mr. J. tiniest Moore, Mount Eden, forwarded £2; Mr. Arthur if. Myers, £10 10s; Messrs. L. I), and N. Alfred Nathan, £10; Mr. j. Moss, Costley Home, £1 Is; and the West End Rowing Club promised £10. Messrs. Nathan asked that their cot might be called "The David Nathan Cot," in memory of their late father, and the cot endowed by the West End Rowing Club is to be named after the club. On ttie motion of the chairman, seconded by Mr. Bruce, it was decided to place oil record the Board's thanks to donors. A letter was lead from the secretary of Lodge Ara, 548, I.C. (Mr, Adam Brock), stating that in 1892 the members of the lodge voted the sum of £100, to commemorate the jubilee of the lodge, but at that date no plan was formulated to appropriate the fund, and so preserve the memory of the lodge. At last meeting, however, Brother G. A. Gribbin, the W.M., brought the matter up, and proposed that the sum be donated towards providing 10 cots in the Costley wards. Mr. Brock submitted the proposition to the Board, and asked if it were agreeable to accept the amount. He would also be glad to know whether, iu the event of the lodge subscribing the whole of the money sufficient to provide cots for one ward in the new hospital, the Board would allow such ward to be named after the lodge. The Chairman thought it a very noble gift. The money had been given without restriction, and he thought the gift should be acknowledged by allowing the W.iJ. of the lodge, for the time being, to nominate a patient. Of course, the Board could not reserve the ward, or restrict patients from going in, but lie thought the proposal lie had made would give the lodge a, greater interest in the ward. On his motion, seconded by Mr. Bruce, it was agreed, " That a vote of thanks for the noble donation be forwarded to the Lodge Ara, 1.C., and that in the event of the members increasing their gift to the extent of supplying all the cote and accessories required for a full ward, the ward be called 'the Ara Lodge Ward,' and the W.M. of the lodge for the time being have the privilege of nominating a patient for that ward, subject to the regulations of the hospital." Mr. Stiehbury mentioned that 31 donations for cots had been received, and he had received promises of five others. Tenders are to be called for the supply of cots and bedsteads required for the wards. Magdalene Homes: The Charitable Aid Committee recommended that the following reply bo sent to the letter'received from the inspector of hospitals, regarding the establishment 'jf reformatories for women " That the Board is of opinion that the resolution passed at a meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, Duncdin branch, is a step in the right direction, and is of opinion that a Magdalene Home should be instituted in each of the four chief towns of New Zealand; the same j to be Government institutions, and under [ the same rules as such homes ill England." The recommendation was adopted. Hospital Fees: Some discussion arose as to the scope of tlio resolution passed at the Board's last meeting, baring reference to the payment of half fees by members of the Friendly Societies' Conference, who might become patients of the hospital., On tho motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Becroft, it was resolved, "That the resolution of the Board, adopted on August 3, 1898, authorising the acceptance of half fees, for hospital treatment from members of friendly societies, recommended by the Friendly Societies' Conference, be made applicable to members of all friendly benefit societies within the Auckland Hospital district which are willing to similarly guarantee payment of half fees for all their membars entering the hospital." Resignation: The resignation of Nurse Clayton was received and accepted. X Rays: The Board resolved to purchase nr. X rays apparatus from Dr. Haines for £23 15s, on the recommendation of Dr. 0. I'. Baldwin, the medical superintendent.