WHANGAREI HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21458, 4 April 1933, Page 10

WHANGAREI HOSPITAL

SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY REVIEW OF POSITION DISCUSSION BY BOARD [I3Y TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WHANGAREI, Monday A request was made by tho medical superintendent, I)r. J. W. Hall, at tho last meeting of the Whangarei Hospital Board that his position as regards assistance, salary, work and responsibility be reviewed in comparison with boards of a similar size. The matter was deferred pending inforrriation on the subject from other hoards of similar size. This information was tabled at the board's meeting to-day by the secretary. It was shown that Dr. Hall's salary was £BO2 a year, plus a free house valued at £7B a year; the assistant superintendent received a salary of £342 a year, plus board and lodging valued at £52 a year; and a radiologist £IOO a year for part-time services. Mr. F. Higginson said that after looking through the figures supplied by other boards it seemed that Dr. Hall had the smallest salary and had only one assistant. The chairman, Mr. J. N. McCarroll, said the position as regards the superintendent had been eased considerably during the past two years with the appointment of an assistant and a radiologist. Tho chairman wanted everyone to know that there was perfect harmony between the board and Dr. Hall. Mr. J. A. S. Mackay said the present was not the time to increase salaries, but he thought the board had a particularly capable man and should do everything reasonable to keep him. Finally, on the motion of Mrs. J. Donaldson, the board passed a resolution that it considered the medical superintendent's position was as satisfactory as possible in view of the present times. A request was received from Mr. H. L. Haden, bacteriologist at the hospital, that the second 10 per cent cut in his. salary imposed when he was an employee at the hospital should be lifted. His services had been taken over by the board from April 1 at the request of the Government. Tho two 10 per cent salary cuts were general for tho civil service. The board decided to advise Mr. Haden that tho time was not opportune for an increase in salary. Tho board received requests from tho Ancient Order of Foresters and from the Whangarei United Friendly Societies committee that a rebate of 50 per cent be mado on fees charged to members being treated at the hospital, subject to a guarantee of a full membership. This would place them on an equal footing with the Hikurangi Medical Society. Tho rebate has in tho past been 45 per cent. The board acceded to tho jequest, subject to tho guarantees.