GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1121, 14 September 1880, Page 2

GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

A Meeting of the Gisborne Hospital Committee was held last evening, the Venerable Archdeacon Williams in the Chair. After the minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed, the correspondence was read, the principal subjects being Mrs. Mary Mitchell's acceptance of the reappoihtment as Matron and nurse of the Hospital, and Dr. Pollen's refusal to accept a salary in connection with his appointment as Medical Officer. With respect to the first, Mrs. Mitchell requested that in the future three months' notice be given on either side of the termination of engagement ; but it was decided by the Committee that the arrangement remain as heretofore, viz., one month's notice. Respecting Dr. Pollen's declination of appointment, he stated that while thanking the Committee for their courtesy in electing him, and that while willlingly accepting the office, he must decline acceptiug the salary, as a salary as being totally inadequate. He felt sure that it was offered on account of the uncertain amount of funds which would be at the disposal of the Committee, and he thought that his acceptance of it would establish a precedent unfair to his professional brethren.

With reference to the procuring of drugs, Dr. Pollen considered it was only right and fair that this matter should be left to the Surgeon's discretion, as he alone was the responsible person. The letter was ordered to be recorded as read and accepted.

There were two applications for the use of the Hospital grounds neither of which were entertained, the Committee having resolved after discussion, the following motion: — " That the Visiting Committee be authorised to make immediate arrangements, if possible, for the utilization and improvement of the Hospital grounds, and that offers for the same be invited by advertisment.

It was ascertained that there are at present four patients in the Hospital, one of whom had been left behind off a a vessel arriving in Gisborne.

Mr. Johnston stated he would enquire into the particulars of this case, as the Government had lately issued circulars to officers in charge of the various ports drawing their attention to fact of seamen being landed, and made a charge on the charitable institutions of the Colony. If he found such was the case he would represent the matter to the proper quarter, and take action under the Merchant Shipping Act.

The Treasurer presented a statement of the financial condition of the institution, which showed a liability of £59 10s Id, in excess of subscriptions, and expected Government subsidy. An entertainment was projected, with the view of supplementing the Hospital funds, to be held about the end of the month. It was left to the Secretary and Visiting Committee to arrange programme, and to impress the service of all local talent who would be willing to contribute to so worthy an object. The months accounts passed for payment amounted to £57 Is. 3d.

The Dimedin cricket season opens on October 9, and the City Council have agreed to close the Oval to outdoor games in the meanisme, so that the ground may be got into fit order. The football season closes in Saturday next with the Interprovincial match. Tn Wellington the fashionable drimk is whisky and lime-juice. In Sydney beer and syrup is the "fancy drink-"