HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 9

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The regular meeting of the Otago Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held on the 2nd; present—Messrs J. H. Walker (chairman), Wilkinson, Tapper, Talbovs, Clark, Ewing, Cumming, Driver, Knight, Larnach, Myers, Hamel, and Templeton. Mr Blackie sent an apology for absence. Intimations were received of the accept: ance of the following appointments:—Mr James Robertson, co-optative member of the Tuapeka Hospital Committee; Mrs Don, Mrs Chrictensen, Mrs Gordon Mrs Mowat. Mrs Sundstrum, and Sister Laura, members of the Ladies' Benevolent Advisory Committee. The St. John Ambulance Association wrote applying for a donation on account of heavy transport expenses during the past year, and asking that the same be considerably increased. Mr F. W. Platts wroto concerning an accident at Port Chalmers. Dr Hodges had sent a message for splints and bandages, but it had been found that there were none in stock at the hospital.—The Matron of the hospital at Port Chalmers wrote that she had assisted Dr Hodges to render first laid, and ho had used the wood and bandages which she had taken with her. He had not isked for splints, but used two boards and a towel. The writer had splints padded ready at the time of the accident. —Received. The Inspector general of Hospitals wrote that it appeared from the return supplied that many patents were admitted to the Pleasant Valley Sanatorium who were too far gone in the disease to be likely to derive benefit 'from admission. He pointed out. the need for more careful selection of patients for admission by the medical superintendent; in fact, that officer should be given a free hand in regard to admitting patients.—Cr Clark pointed out that what the Inspector now urged was in conflict with the previous course of action he had advised. The medical"superintendent was given a free hand.—Dr Falconer, medical superintendent, explained the position. -Mr Ilamel said it seemed to him that the matter tailed for % very full reply from the department, and the letter was referred to the Sanatorium Committee for report. The Medical Superintendent wrote enclosing the resignation of Mr W. Stewart, dispenser at the Dunedm Hospital.—Mr Stewart to be thanked for his past services and the matter referred to the Hospital Committee, with pover to act. The Inspector-general of Hospitals wrote asking the board to postpone action in regard to enlarging the Forth Street "Ma ternity Home at present.—Received. Donations of honeycomb from J. and J. A Callander, and several boxes of fish from the SeaclifE Mental Hospital, were acknowledged with thanks. Mr M. Fraer reported that the money collected during April from various sources amounted to £213 6s 2d.—Received. .The Secretary reported the receipt of dc nations to the extent of £lO 13s towards the funds of the Board.—Donors to bo thanked. The Valuation Department forwarded details as to the rateable capital values as at 31st March. —The Chairman mentioned that tho figures for the city last year were £7,883,576, and that this year they were £7,964,100. For Otago thoy were last year £19,297,931, this year they were £10,608,900, or an increase of about £3oo,ooo.—Received. The Benevolent Committee reported, aanong other matters, that 25 coses for relief had been dealt with, at a weekly cost of £7 10s 6d. Casual cases for relief amounting to £8 10s had been approved. During tho fortnight ended 27th April six persons had been admitted to and one discharged from the Benevolent Institution, and there were at present 119 males and 60 females remaining in the institution. Letters of thanks had been sent to tho following for their donations to Otago Benevolent Institution :—SeaclifE Mental Hospital, throe boxes of fish; Penrose and Co., one parcel of neckwear; and the Salvation Army, one parcel of clothing.—Adopted. The Sanatorium Committee's report contained nothing of importance.—Mr Myers, in moving its adoption, referred .to the Garden Pete. Ho said the ladies of Palmerston and Waikouaiti were working hard to promote the success of the fete, and the board might look forward to net" l ting a substantial sum.—Mr Wilkinson asked for information concerning the poultry farm. —Mr Myers replied that the farm wa<* a model ono--probably the best in Otago. Next year no hoped they would bo ablo to supply cgg» not only to tho institution, but to outlying places. They had from 300 to 400 hens out there, which would be a means of profit to the board. — The report was adopted. Tho Finance Committee reported ihat

the offer of Messrs Alex. Harris and Co. to sell property at Sawyers' Bay as a site for a secondary hospital had been declined. Pay-sheets and accounts had been passed for payment amounting to £l3fti Bs. The credit balance of the various accounts of the board as on the 29th ultimo were as follow:—General account £914 4s sd, building account £1829 14s Bd, Campbell interest account £338 9s 9-i, Hospital Saturday account £844 17s 9d, laboratory account £296 15s 3d; —total, £4024 Is lOd.—Adopted. ? The Hospital Committee intimated that the honorary medical staff having reported defects in the of the new operating theatre, the archi£ects hod been authorised to obtain prices for necessary improvements, and report thereon. It had been resolved that tho new pavilion at the Dunedin Hospital be officially opened on the next visit of the Inspector-general tc the city.—Adopted.