HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11540, 27 November 1900, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, held at the offices, High-street, yesterday afternoon, was attended by Messrs. A. Bruce (chairmen), A. P. Friend, J. Jameson," -}'. Warren, J. E. Taylor, J. Bollard, M.H.R., and R. Salmon.

' Deaths at. the Costley Home: The Women's Democratic Union wrote suggesting that the Board consider the advisability of inserting an obituary notice in the > daily papers immediately on the death of inmates of the Costley Home, as some of the old people might have friends other than those known officially to the Board. It was agreed to inform, the union that the Board at one time did advertise the deaths, but discontinued the practice as it was considered inadvisable. ■ Hospital Patients: Dr. Inglis reported that the number of patients in the hospital at last return was 84 males and 34 females, the admissions had been 50 and 22; deaths, seven; discharged, 29 and 20; remaining at date, 90 males 43 females. Gift of Toys: Mrs. Wooton, the Lady Superintendent, reported that she had! received a parcel of dolls and toys for the children's wards, from Mesdames Bates, J. C. Macky, and E. Wood, of Devonport. The Board passed a vote of thanks to the donors. Sanitation in the Main Hospital: Dr. Bedford, hon. medical superintendent, reported that everything was satisfactory at the hospital except the sanitation of the main building,"which remained as bad as ever. Everything possible was done to keep things clean, but the fittings were bad. Mr. Bollard asked if the present state of affairs was dangerous to nurses and patients. Dr. Bedford explained that sewage escaped from one of the pipes in the lavatories on the basement. The smell was really offensive, and was dangerous to the health of the people brought into contact with it. On the upper floor the conveniences needed more modern fittings. Mr. Bollard moved! that the work be attended to at once. The Chairman said to put the whole matter right would cost some hundreds of pounds, and he was of opinion that they should leave the new Board to deal with the matter. Several of the other members also thought that the new Board! should deal with the question. Finally the Board agreed to adopt Mr. Bollard's motion in the following amended form : —"That the-archi-tect bring up a report oil the sanitation of the main building at the Board's next meeting." Mr. Bollard said that would show the new Board that the matter had been undler consideration. Tenders : Four tenders were received for the supply of 60 flax mattresses, 60 flax pillows, and 60 kapok pillows. Some of the tenderers submitted several samples, and the tenders were referred to the chairman and secretary, with power to accept the lowest. Finance: The statement of accounts for the month of October, presented! by Mr. H. N. Garland, showed that the debit balance was £1457 17s 6d. The secretary reported that the contributions of 10 local bodies were still unpaid, and the Board resolved to communicate with the defaulters and ask for payment within three weeks. Jovial Pensioners: The Costley Home Committee regretted! to have to report that some of the old men were in the habit of returning to the Home on leave days in a. state of intoxication. The committee bad stopped the allowance of Is pocket money paid out of their old age pensions and also stopped their fortnightly leave. The action of the committee was endorsed.

Donation to the Costley Home : Mr. Moss, manager of the Costley Home, reported that the Auckland Agricultural Association, had) made a gift to the Costley Home of 601b of prize butter; also of.bread and cake. The Board decided to acknowledge the donations with thanks.