HOSPITAL AMD CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Colonist, Volume L, Issue 12159, 6 February 1908, Page 2

HOSPITAL AMD CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

" The ordinary monthly meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held last evening. Present — Messrs G. Maomahon (chairman), J. D. Beuke, E. S. Hoult, T. A. Field, Thorpe, H. Everett and A. A. Grace. An apology was reeeirea for the absence of Mr Robinson. The secretary reported a credit balance of £864. Accounts amounting to £252 6b Bd, on account of the Hospital, and £173 8s 5d for charitable aid, were passed for payment./ The Hospital returns showed 61 names on the list— l 2in the 23 patients having beey- received during January. During' the month 12 patients were discharged as cufed, 4as relieved, and 3 died, leaving 52 patients in the institution on the 31st January. Messrs J. H. Cock, A. T. MKginnity, O. W. Hanby, F. W. Hamilton, and G. M. Rout waited upon the Board as a deputation to urge tha necessity for improvements at the Old Peope's Home until a new ! building oould be provided. Mr Cock said a number of representative citizens had met that day

and had inspected the Home. They had no" criticisms to make* on, the general.ds&nliness of the buildings. The rooras; were well kept Those occupied by the men were too email for much furniture, and a bathroom wag wanted. It should be on the ground floor, and there were sufficient empty bedrooms to admit of two being knocked into one, aad a bath installed It would be some time before a new building would be ready. and in the meantime improvements should be effeoted. Uetter sanitary arrangements were also required. It seemed to tbem that a matron alone could not deal with all the cases tbat cani9 up in the home, such ns intoxicated and uncleanly men. They thought also that the rations could be served on a better systt-m than they were at present. It seem (d to some of them that some of the- material contained in the present >t! tiding which was too good (•!•• be thrown away, might be utilised in reconstruction. They 'lid not wish to toucb upon U:a vexed question of site, upon wl!i>:ii they bad not conferred. They <:i! not wish to encroach ih any way upon the functions of the. Board* I. at merely to point out some improver.! -.its to the building that were iin:..' ative to their mind, even if they t'.wr £50 or so of the Board's funds* I fit meant an extra tax he woul:! ! ■"! quite willing to pay his share of f--.Q levy. M< Maginnity said they camo feeling Unit lue Board would welcome any suggestions from the ciitzens. They did not came in'any dictatorial way. He endorsed the summary of the requirements made by Mr Cock. He also emphasised the need for a master as well as a matron. Mr Rout also spoke to a similar effect. The Chairman thanked the deputation for the interest it had shown in the matter. As they knew it had been hoped to have the new building erected much sooner. They did not wish to spend a great deal of money on the old building, while funds were wanted for the erection of a new dne. The matter of utilising material from the old building would of course be considered. Mr Maginnity suggested that if temporary accommodation were required during Jthe alterations, the Toi Toi- Valley school, a large building, might be procurable, as it was not at present in use. He had no doubt the Education Board would be glad to assist the Board. Mr Grace asked Mr Coak if the material in the present home could be sold. Personally he would not be in favour of utilising it in the new buildiDg. Mr Cock said it was to avoid the loss of a sale tbat he had made his suggestion. There were others better able to answer the question than he was. After some further disiussion the deputation thanked the Board and witherew. The Chairman stated that several of the matters '-mentioned by the deputation had already been referred to the Town Commttee. Consideration of other matters brought forward was deferred. It was decided to clear noxious weeds from the Hospital frontage, to which attention was called by tbe Inspector. Mr A. R. Griffin, architect, wrote, pointing put the cause of the large estimate for the new home, owing to accommodation provided. It would be possible to simplify the exterior , and cheapen the building. Consideration of this letter was deferred. A letter from Mr A. T. Wilcox regarding his lease was held over for the present. Several letters relating to Hospital and Old People's Home missions and fees were dealt with. The report of the Relieving Officer regarding a complaint against the keeper of one of the Board's homes was read. It was of a satisfactory^ nature, the Officer considering . there was no ground for complaint. Mr Hoult, who also investigated the matter, said the children were comfortable, and very well, cared for. The Relieing Officer also reported that repairs were required at one of the cottages in town. The matter was referred to the Town Committee, with power to act. Applications for the secretaryship of the Board were then, considered. Six applications were received, and on a ballot Mr S. Blomtieid was elected, this decision being unanimously confirmed on a vote being taken. For the position of matron of the Old People's Home,, two applications were received, and for the positions of master and matron there were eight applicants. On the motion of Mr Hoult, seconded by Mr Grace, it was decided that a master and matron be appointed, and on a ballot Mr and Mrs Frank Li ley, .of Nelson, were appointed. Other business wag transacted, and tne Board adjourned at 11.20 p.m. until 7 o'clock this evening.