HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 11604, 19 March 1901, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held at the Hospital Buildings yesterday afternoon, Mr. A. Bruce (chairman) presiding. There were also present: Messrs. John Bollard, M.H.R., John Court, John Gordon, Thos. Allen, A. P. Friend, J. G. Garland, and Jas. Jamieson.

Returns from Schools: When the returns from the various children's institutions were laid on the table, Mr. Gordon asked if it was the intention of the Board to inspect the schools, in order that they might be in a position, when tho financial year closed, to place before the public a statement showing the condition of the children and the homes. On his motion it >vas decided that two days before the end of March should be set apart for visiting. l *'" Friendly Societies' Members' Fees: A letter was read from the secretary of tho Auckland Friendly Societies' Conference, asking the Board to receive a deputation to discuss the question of the granting the same scale of fees to branch societies as to the conference. Mr. Jamieson said he saw no reason why tho branch societies should not be treated on the same footing as the conference members. After a brief discussion the secretary was instructed to write asking the conference to send a specific statement of the points on which tho deputation wished to meet the Board.

Ellerslie Reserve: The Public Trustee, writing with regard to the negotiations being carried on by the Agricultural Association -to secure a portion of the Ellerslie reserve for the purposes of a- show ground, stated that the Hospital Reserves Act, 1883, gave him power to lease tho land to the association, provided they wore prepared to submit a. fair offer for lease. He would bo prepared to have the necessary steps taken, but advised that as a Bill dealing with the matter would probably be introduced during the coming session of Parliament, the Board should await the fate of the measure before going further. Consideration of the communication was deferred to next meeting, when a motion by Mr. Gordon, , dealing with the reserve question, . will come up for discussion. ' ■■ : ' .:=■';

Maternity Ward: Pursuant to notice given, Mr. G. J. Garland moved, " That in the opinion of this Board the'time has arrived when it is desirable to establish a maternity ward in connection with the Auckland Hospital." In speaking to the motion, Mr. Garland referred to the necessity for the training of the hospital nurses in midwifery, so that they would bo in a position to attend to country cases. A ward could be attached to the institution, and could be made selfsupporting to a large extent, as country people would bo glad to avail themselves of an institution where the fees were reasonable. It was also only right and proper that the nurses should be thoroughly instructed in midwifery, as it would greatly enhance their sphere of usefulness.- Mr. Bollard seconded, pointing out that for years past he had advocated the establishment" of such a ward in connection with the hospital. No nurse's training was complete without a practical knowledge of midwifery, as it required that practical knowledge to allow of their being of service to the wives of settlers in the country districts in cases of confinement. Mr. Friend opposed the motion, contending that if a maternity ward was provided it would be made a "dumping ground" for cases throughout the North Island, and in many instances difficulty would bo experienced in collecting fees. He moved as an amendment, "That the question be referred to the honorary medical staff for advice as to ihf» practicability or otherwise of establishing a maternity ward in connection with the Auckland Hospital." Mr. Court supported the motion, holding that the Board should do all in then power to assist struggling country people. Mr. Jamieson strongly opposed the ward, supporting Mr. Friend in the contention that it would become a " dumping ground" for such cases, particularly for illegitimate children. Mr. Allen opposed the motion, and Mr. Gordon thought they should be most careful in approaching the matter, advising that further information should, be obtained before the Board should proceed with the establishment of such an institution. The Chairman said he would like to see a ward started for the benefit of country people, but wished to see the Board go carefully in the matter, as he.' thought that it would involve a large expenditure. Mi. Garland replied, and on the matter being submitted to the vote, Mr. Friend's amendment was adopted. Finance: The statement of accounts showed a credit balance at date of £1081 16s 6dHonorary Medical Staff: Before proceed ing to the election of the honorary medical staff a letter was read from Dr. Erson stating that he did not seek re-election, believing that the positions should not be occupied by a few members of the profession to the exclusion of others. It was decided to thank Dr. Erson for his past services. Th' election resulted as under:—Honorary physicians, Drs. Bedford, McDowell, and Pentreath: hon. surgeons, Drs. Williams, Scott and Marsack; hon. ophthalmic surgeon, Dr. Lowe: hon. pathologist and bacteriologist, Dr. Alice Woodward; hon. dental surgeon, Mr. G. Warren; hon. masseuse, Miss Frost.