STIMULANTS IN HOSPITALS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11395, 12 April 1899, Page 5

STIMULANTS IN HOSPITALS.

(Per Unitkd Press Associatioh.)

AUCKLAND, April 11.

At a meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board Dr Baldwin, the medical superintendent of the hospital, submitted a comparative statement of the simulants supplied at the hospital for the four years ending March 31, 1899. Dr Baldwin added that the year 1097-8 was an extraordinary one for the small amount used. As regards the present year, he could only say none had been issued except on Uie requisition of those in charge of cases. The statement showed that the following number of prescriptions had been issued : —■ 1895-96: Port, 2333 ; sherry, 10; brandy, 3859i; whisky, 319£ ; ale, 36; champagne, 21. 1896-97: Port, 2224; sherry, 19 (for cooking) ; gin, 34; brandy, 3906; whisky, 577^; ale, 59; champagne, 22. 1897-98: Port, 1045; gin, 135 ; brandy, 2795i ;■ whisky, 449; ' ale. 108; champagne, 37. 18rf8-99 : Port, 7456|;" sherry, •40'; gin, 44; brandy, 7715; whisky, 1590; ale, 322 ; chainpajfne, 22; claret," 8. Mr J. K. Taylor, who tabled the motion seeking information, said the table did not convey what he wanted to know, the reason for an increase of something like 200 per cent, in the use of stimulants during 1898-99 over the preceding year. Dr Baldwin said he could not account for the increase. Mr Taylor then suggested that the honorary medical staff should be asked if they could furnish the board with information.