An Hospital Squabble.

Southland Times, Issue 8091, 20 August 1885, Page 2

An Hospital Squabble.

[By Telegraph,]

Wellington, Aug. 19.

The hospital difficulty is now settled. It appears that four or five days ago it was leported to the Colonial Secretary that the institution was disorganised, and Mr Buckley sent for Dr Chilton, the medical officer, and informed him that it would be necessary for him to resign bis position, at whioh Dr Chilton expressed surprise, and asked for 48 hours to consider the matter, This was agreed to, but, after the time had elapsed, nothing was heard from the doctor. Yesterday, Miss Marsden, the matron, called oa Dr Grabham, Inspector of Hos» pitals, and reported- that there was general disorder at the institution, and that owing to Dr Ohilton'a behaviour she or he would have to leave. She also reported that the Doctor's conduct w&i so bad that two of the female patients. had got up late at night and left the Hospital, and that others were also talking of leaving, The Colonial Sjcretary thereupon At once relieved Dr Ohilton from his charge of the Hospital, aud Dt- Lavingp, of the Asylum, was placed in temporary charge. Yesterday BOtne of the nurses sent a letter to the Colonial Secretary to the effect that the whole of the trouble bad been caused by Miss Marsden's falsehoods. Their action was, after con - aideration, taken as one of insubordination, and Dr Levinge was advised to dismiss the nurses who had attached their names to the letter. This course was adopted, and the nurses were turned out last eight. Subsequently they waited on the Premier, who, in the absence of the Colonial Secretary, instructed Dr Levinge to allow them to remain at the hospital over night. This morning these nurses left the hospital, and others are being engaged. The men servants attached to the hospital are also protesting against the action taken with reference to Dr Cbilton. Bach of them received a month's notice, 0. Dudley, steward of the Hospital, has received a month's salary in lieu of notice, and a new appointment, will be made. Dr Chilton has applied for an enquiry into the affair, and the Colonial Secretary has agreed to the request provided the enquiry is a j public one. It is understood that Dr Kenny, of tho b.s. Tainui, will ba appointed to the temporary charge of the Hospital till a permanent medical officer is appointed.