INDIGNANT TRUSTEES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13625, 19 December 1907, Page 5

INDIGNANT TRUSTEES.

SCENE AT HOSPITAL BOARD MEETING. "A GROSS INSULT." [BT TELEGRAPH. —r-RESS ASSOCIATION'.] Hoxitika, Wednesday. Is the course of an interview with the Kumar* Hospital trustees hint night, Dr. Valintine, Inspector-General of Hospitals, had a stormy passage. The inspector asked whether the surgeon superintending the institution was using the hospital for private practice. The chairman replied that an inquiry had been held, but the matron refused to give any evidence on the subject. Dr. Valintine stated that he had strong reasons to believe such was the case, and the position did not reflect much on the intelligence of th« trustees. The latter remark was strongly resented by the trustees as a body, and some heated speeches weir made. Dr. Valintine then retired, stating that he would not .stay to listen to further recriminations. The Mayor of Kuinara (Mr. Murdoch), who is a member of the Hoard, made a speech regretting the scene and calling on the people to prepare for the battle which it would now be necessary to light for the existence of the. hospital, which had been afely maintained by the trustees for the past 30 years. On Mr. Murdoch's motion it was resolved that Dr. Valintine's reference to the trustees be viewed as a gross insult, and that it be reported to the Minister for Hospitals, also that a. public meeting be called for next Monday night 'to oppose any effort to close Kumara Hospital, and, if necessary, to send a deputation to Wellington to interview the Prime Minister and the Hon. G. Fowlds.

The meeting of trustees also carried a vote of confidence in Dr. Morkene, surgeon superintendent.