A HOSPITAL FUNCTION

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7024, 12 January 1910, Page 9

A HOSPITAL FUNCTION

. STATEMENTS BY A TRUSTED. ALLEGED EXTRAVAGANCES. Tho expenditure of donations totalling .£ll6 185 for Christmas cheer at Wellington hospital. was calk'd into question by one of tho Hospital Trustees, Mr L !• Moore, at yesterday’s mooting. He was not satisfied with (lie manner in whie> tho donations for Uie Christmas celebration* had been expended. He heard it staled that extravagant 1 presents wore made out-;ide, but: those who Acre in* viled were shabbily treated, for the refreshments were not mi (lie i out U> go round. Ho luid‘ heard these things, and with a view to preventing a recurrence, ho moved that tho expenditure be investigated by Messrs London, Nash, the chairman, and* the mover. Mr Nash stated that he was present at tho function, but sow nothing extravagant on the Christmas tree; hardly anything worth more than sixpence. Mr Smith pointed out that no proof f of the allegations hud been brought forward. The Hon. C. M. Luke regretted Mr Mooro was not at the function. Invitations were went to all tho trustees and subscribers, and had Sir Moore been there ho would not h*avo seen anything extravagant. He did not think, either, that it could be said that valuable presents wont outside. The money was used ! to buy xn*oß<mi*i of clothing where the ' patients needed it, and little luxuries, such as tobacco, were also bought- while the largo proportion of the money went in purchasing toys for the children. Every child got one or more presents. He remembered that in ‘addressing those present lie mentioned that there wei’e reand the matron remarked, “If there’s sufficient to go round.” As a matter of-fact, 7 there was more than sufficient, Mr Mooro said his information came from several ladies, who* were prepared to make statements. He heard Unit presents were taken out to friends of the o moors. The Hon. C. M. Luke: I will soebnd tho motion because it is necessary that such serious statements should 'be • investigated, but I am sure the allegations will be exploded like so much wind t Mr Smith asked whether Mr Moore e did. not think it advisable to get tho a ladies to make affidavits, because people might say anything but would not be prepared to swear to it. Air Moore replied that he knew of six people who went away from the function because ot what was stated about the refreshments. 4 ■?, eople '?!“ wto a hospital I function in that spirit do not deserve consideration. ,'nm,*frJ 110Uoal to up a committee of inquiry aas agreed to.