WAIPIATA SANATORIUM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20087, 2 May 1927, Page 14

WAIPIATA SANATORIUM.

MEETING OF COMMITTEE. A meeting of the Waipiata Sanatorium Committee was attended by Messrs J. Matheson (chairman), A. Fraser, J. Gumming, J. Ritchie, J. Horrell, E. Morgan, James Bruce, E. M'Donaid, and Dr M'Lcan (representing the Department of Health). Leave of absence was granted to Mr F. W. Watt, Ashburton, and the standing orders suspended to permit of Mr Bruco acting in bis stead. Before proceeding with the business, the Chairman reported that owing to his removal from Timaru, the Rev. T. W. Potts was not now a member of the South Canterbury Hospital Board, and had, therefore, automatically severed his connection with the committee, the South Canterbury Board having appointed Mr E. M'Donaid as its representative in his stead. The chairman referred to the loyal and enthusiastic service that Mr Potts had rendered to the committee in furtherance of the Waipiata Sanatorium since its establishment, and moved that a letter expressive of the committec’o appreciation be sent to Mr Potts. This was seconded by Mr Ritchie and carried unanimously. The chairman, at the same time, took the opportunity of welcoming Mr M'Donaid, chairman of the South Canterbury Hospital Board, to a seat on the committee. CORRESPONDENCE.

The Director-general of Health wrote forwarding the Minister's approval of the committee s estimated expenditure for the ensuing year. Ho also wrote regarding the provision of extra patients accommodation at the institution, stating that the department’s technical inspector would visit Waipiata to confer with the medicaj superintendent during the month. The communications were received, and as the department’s inspector had not yet visited the institution, the secretary was directed to wire to Dr Valintine pointing out the necessity of the work being undertaken at the earliest possible moment. The Director-general of Health also acknowledged receipt of the committee’s letter with reference to the condition of some of the patients in the institution.—Received. The Hon. J. A. Young, Minister of Health, acknowledged receipt of the committee’s letter asking for a grant of £2500 towards further capital expenditure, and stated that the request would have bis careful consideration.—Received, the committee recommending that each of the associated boards should obtain the assistance of Its district members of Parliament in support of the request. The secretary of the Hospital Boards’ Association wrote asking for a copy of the associated boards' agreements in connection with the establishment of the Waipiata Sanatorium, and further information regarding the working of this institution, which had already been supplied by the secretary.—Noted and secretary’s action approved. The district traffic manager, Dunedin, acknowledged receipt of the committee’s letter about all passenger grains stopping at Waipiata railway station, and stating that the matter was being arranged.— Received. The medical superintendent. Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmor, forwarded particulars of a meat cooling apparatus in use at his institution.—Received. MEDICAL REPORT. Dr A. Kidd, medical superintendent, advised that seven patients were admitted in March, 11 discharged, while 76 remained in the institution on April 1. Ho also submitted a report on the condition of the patients, showing that, with the exception of eight, all were doing well or improving. Ho submitted the weather report for the month, and particulars of his visit to Ashburton, Timaru, Wairaate, Oamarn, and Invercargill, and patients examined at these different centres. —The report was 'adopted, and his requisition for sundry requirements granted. The Chairman reported that ho had visited the sanatorium and, at the suggestion of the medical superintendent and_ matron had made certain recommendations in connection with the administration, which were approved by the committee.

The secretary submitted his report on the bed state of the institution, showing that the following patients were in the institution; South Canterbury, 25; Southland, 24; Ashburton, 14; Waitaki, 6; South Otago, 5; Maniototo, 3; Vincent, 1; Wallace, 1 ; private patient, 1. Of the six patients discharged since the last meeting, three went out with the disease arrested, one disease quiescent, and two improved. He also submitted a waiting list of 37 patients, who had been examined and recommended as suitable for treatment in the institution.—Received. FARM WORK. The farm manager submitted a report on the purchases and sales for the month and a statement of milk and mutton supplied to the institution.—Received. In this connection, Mr Morgan, on behalf of the Farm Committee, reported having visited the institution, and detailed certain work for which he had given instructions to be carried out. In connection with the milking herd and the near approach of the cold weather, some discussion took place as to the advisability of proceeding with the erection of a cow byre at once or making other arrangements for keeping up the milk supply for the winter. It was finally decided that the Farm Committee be authorised to proceed at once with the erection of a cow byre at as reasonable a cost as possible. Owing to the resignation of the gardener, the Farm Committee was also authorised to appoint another in his stead.

The treasurer reported that the bank balance at date was £1597 Is 6d. Accounts and salaries totalling £2031 18s 6d wer e passed for payment, including progress payment of £I3OO to Messra Love Bros., contractors, for the present additions to the staff quarters. It was decided to hold the next meeting of the committee in Dunedin on Tuesday, May 31.