WAITAHUNA.

Otago Witness, Issue 527, 4 January 1862, Page 7

WAITAHUNA.

(From the Daily Times' Correspondent.) HOSPITA^ ACCOMMODATION FOR WAITAHUNA. V~3t mestif^v of several of our influential inhabitants, tenyened by>fh e Commissioner, Captain Baldwin, was held ia the Gai<l Receiving- Office on Friday evening last, for tifi^ghpobe of taking stops to provide (immediately) hospital acrommo.lation on Waitahuna. Captain Baldwin sraleJ that he had called the few gentlemen, who wpi-s then present together for the purpose of informing them that he had received an official letter from his Honor the Superintendent, intimating- that the sum of £500 ha<l been granted— to be equally divided between this place and Gabriel's —for the erection of hospitals; and that he had sought the present meeting's advice, as it was very important that immediate steps should be taken. He had no doubt they would all take an interest in the subject ; it was a thing that would strike home to them through their better feeling. He would not aw speak at any length, but lie should be very flii Ppy .to receive suggestions from any gentleman present. +i r^, Jones (Bank of New Zealand) was very happy tlint Gaptam Baldwin had drawn their attention to the subject. An hospital was, on the gold fields, the most desirable cf all institutions, and one that would meet with great support from the whole community. He had already spoken to several persons, and they nad assured him of their heartiest assistance on behalf of glicn a noble institution. > fltrt FitfciJairick said, that of all the ptib'ic buildings in Victoria, the hospitals were the most flourishing, and they were supported principally by voluntary contributions. Nearly every town in Victoria had its hospital, and in nearly all cases it was the best building in the town: ho would mention those of Castlemaine, Sandhurst, and Maryborough as proofs ; and, in conclusion, he would anbrd his heartiest support to this one. ' Dr. Samuels said an hospital was very much needed here. Since the 31st of October, he had professionally attended no less than eleven accidents — ten fractures and one dislocation. He was positive the miners would subscribe liberally to it. He attended a man named Fitzpatrick, who was severely injured through ffround falling on him; the man was very poor, but the miners around immediately subscribed £66 for him.

Captain Baldwin suggested that a provisional committee should be formed. •

This was agreed to; and it was proposed nnd Unanimously earned that Captain Baldwin should act BS chairman. The following are the names of the COttiuilttce and provisional officers -.—Chairman, Capt. Baldwin j treasurer, Mr. Borton, gold receiver ; lion, seo^ Mr. L. Broad; Messrs. Jones, Fitzpatrick, M'Queeu, Broad, Lembrick, Campbell. Luke, Simmons, and Dr. Samuels.

Mr. Simmons suggested that a public meeting-, convened by the chairman, should at once be held, as it was better to give the movement as much publicity as possible. This was agreed to, and the committee are to meet on Monday evening for the purpose of deciding on which day it is to be held. Mr. M'Qaeen thought the sooner they put in their subscr'ptions the better : he therefore would head the list with £5.

Other gentlemen present also put down their names as follows ;— Dr. Samuels, £6} Mr. Fitzpatrick, £0; Mr. Ross, £5 ; Mr. Lembrick, £2 25. ; Capt. Baldwin, £6; Mr. Simmons, £2 25. ; Mr. Broad, £2 25. ; Mr. Todd, £1. The secretary was requested to at once prepare and supply the committee with subscription lists. A vote ofthanks to the chairman was then passed, and the meeting terminated.