South Taranaki News

Taranaki Daily News, 18 October 1927, Page 2

South Taranaki News

(From Our Own Reporters.) i Telephone Ho. 2706, Hawera. P.O. Box 133, Hawera.

CARE OF THE SICK

HAWERA HOSPITAL MATTERS. . BOARD’S MONTHLY MEETING. The Hawera Hospital Board met yesterday. Present: Messrs. F. Gillanders (chairman), E. J. Gifford, M. C. Crighton, J. J. Meldon, E. A. Washer, J. S. McKay, A. L. Campbell, G. ■ W. Taylor and A. G. Larcom. The medical superintendent (Dr. J. Cairney) reporte’d that 68 patients remained in hospital from August, 85 had been admitted during September, while 73 had left, the total number remaining being 80. The daily average of occupied beds for September was 68.3 (equal to the record number), while the average‘for the six preceding months was 61.8 and for the same period last year 52.8. j There had been 33 X-ray cases, of which 19 were hospital and 14 private eases. In the physio therapeutic department I’2 cases remained from last month, 17 new aases had been admitted, and 1(1 had been discharged, leaving 13 still receiving treatment. ACCOMMODATION TAXED. Mr. Haggett advised that 68.3 was the highest daily average of occupied I beds in the records of the hospital. Two patients to each one of the nursing staff was the average aimed at as a | maximum, but the average now’ obtaining was 2.4.

The chairman said the staff had been unduly taxed and had had a strenuous time, intensified by sickness, and the board’s praise was due to the staff for the manner in which they had risen to the need.

Dr. Cairney said they had previously had 80 patients in one day, which was a record, and they had been very busy, but the peak had been reached when 111 patients had been in hospital on one day. This number had gradually sunk until at midnight on Sunday the number was 82. “We really haven’t had enough staff to go round. Fifty-eight patients should not be exceeded if an average of one nurse to two patients is to be maintained,” he said.

The matron (Miss E. M. Nutsey) reported that Nurses Mary Hicks and Avis Spence had both passed their preliminary examination with credit, au,d were recommended to be taken on the staff for training. Nurses Sorenson, Murdoch, Whisker, Morgan, Henwood and J. Hoddinott had commenced their course in invalid cookerv.

The matron of the Old People’s Home (Mrs. M. Laing) reported that there were 23 men in the home, all of whom were well. Three men were re-admitted on September 22. The farm manager (Mr H. J. Webber) reported that 435 gallons of milk had been supplied to the hospital and 60 gallons to the Old People's Home. It was decided to approach the Hawera County Council for metal to complete the reading to the hospital. The application of the Egmont A. and P. Association for use of a stretcher during the show was granted. . The resignation of Sister I. F. Piot-ro-.vska (masseuse) was accepted -vith regret.

PROVIDING FOR THE AGER. OLD PEOPLES’ HOMES SUGGESTED. “No doubt you will agree with the Inspector-General's statement that as a general principle it is not right that persons suffering from senile decay, many of whom have been hard-working, good citizens of the early pioneer type, should have to end their days in an institution whose function it is to care for the insane.” . "So wrote Mr. A. Keisenberg, secretary of the Hospital Boards’ Association, in introducing a i departmental circular recommending ' that senile decay eases (including delinquents) be committed to old people's homes.

“Whilst, perhaps, many of the cases referred to might not be distinctly cases for confinement in mental hospitals or prisons, they are undoubtedly less suitable for admission to old people’s homes. On the other hand, it is claimed that the feelings of the large number of ordinary inmates of old people’s homes are entitled te greater consideration in this matter.”

"The main point urged, however, is that, having regard to the mental and physical disabilities of these cases, their liability to suffer recurring attacks of insanity or tc commit criminal acts, the requisite observation, care and control cannot be exercised in old people's homes, and the admission of such cases would be a constant source of anxiety.” The association requested consideration of the suggestion that these cases be dealt with in a special institution which should be established. It was not suggested- that, the same institution should deal with these widely different classes of cases, but that the controlling authority might he one and the same. It was decided unanimously to support the association’s opinion. PAYMENT FOR HOSPITAL. * LONG TERM LOAN PROPOSED. In connection with the decision of the Hawera Hospital Board at the last meeting that Messrs. Gillanders and ; Winks proceed to Wellington and make overtures for the arrangement of a longer period in which to repay the board’s loan overdraft, the chairman reported yesterday that “on the whole, although we got no definite promise from either the Minister of Health (the j Hon. J. A. Yfoung) or the general manager of the bank, v.e are of opinion that both parties will be prepared to enter- | tain the proposal should we think it > necessary.” I The Minister had pointed out that as nothing could be done for the current year, it would be better to allow the present arrangement to continue until next March, when the department would be better able to judge the board’s requirements for 1928 ; 29. If by that time (the board considered it advisable to’ex-

tend the time of repaying the overdraft the Minister would be prepared to meet the board. It was gathered that there would be no great difficulty in getting his consent. DEPUTATION'S ENDEAVOURS. The Secretary of the Department of Health (Mr. Killick) pointed out that he expected the board’s maintenance levy for next year to drop by at least £3OOO and, taking into consideration this year’s capital reduction of £BOOO, the board might then be in a position to carry on without extending the time. He was of the opinion that the board should continue on the short loan until at least near the end of the financial year. Although the bank manager’s remarks were non-committal, it was gathered he would favourably consider the proposal, said Mr. Gillanders. The. Director-General of Health (Dr. T. H. A. Valintine), in reply to a letter from the board, stated that it appeared that after repaying £BOOO this year the' loan would stand, at approximately £70,000, and the board wished to repay £4OOO annually, which would mean authority would be needed to extend the term to 18 years from March 31, 1928. “A PLUCKY ATTEMPT.” ‘‘There is no doubt that your board has made a plucky attempt to wipe elf its indebtedness in as short a term as possible, -but as the term of the loan was agreed upon at a time when there was not so much depression in rural districts, and. owing also to the fact of the rate levy having increased annually since, the short term has apparently proved too great a burden on the ratepayers. “If you relieve the ratepayers ot £2ooo'a year in the levy it would, on the rateable capital value, reduce the levy by .046 d from ,295 d to .249 d. “As possibly things will be brighter again in the farming districts next year, and as you do not evidently propose to seek any relief from your levy this year, the question arises as to whether there is any necessity at present, and whether you should wait until next year when it might be found the demands on the ratepayers might be lighter. You might also consider whether or not to decide on a shorter extension of the loan, say, ■by raising £6OOO per annum by levy and subsidy—equivalent to extending the loan for I'2 years. “I am quite agreeable to recommend the consent of the Minister to any reasonable lightening of the burden, but would like to consider any points raised,” concluded the Director-General. Mr. Winks said the general manager of the bank had said he thought the loan had been far too steep a hurdle and that a greater portion of the burden should be cast on posterity. Further action was deferred until the end of the financial year. LONG STANDING DEBT. - TARANAKI HOSPITAL BOARD. HAWERA CONSIDERS SUING. The matter of securing payment by the Taranaki Hospital Board of £lB6 2s 3d, charges for treatment of urgent patients from the Taranaki Board's district in the Hawera hospital, was again the topic of much discussion by members of the Hawera Hospital Board yesterday. At the last meeting of the board a resolution had been passed authorising legal action unless satisfactory arrangement could be madb. The secretary (Mr. C. M. Haggett) advised that he had written explaining the position on October 1 and saying: "My board sincerely trusts you will not force it into taking drastic steps. It is prepared to confer with you with a view to settlement, t>ut wishes to make it clear that a squaring is insisted on at an early date.” No reply had been received. The board again considered Suing the Taranaki Board. Mr. Haggett: "You would have to prove every case. There are about 30 individual cases extending over some years. There would be the difficulty of calling witnesses, while the cost would' mean that more than the 10 per cent, would be lost.

Mr. Washer: I don’t wish to climb down, but I don’t think this suing between public bodies proper. A personal interview is preferable. Mr. Haggett: I would like to remind Mr. Washer that two years ago this board waited on the Taranaki Board and pressed for payment. The reply was: “Yes, we will pay when funds permit.” Nothing has liappeend. It was decided that the chairman and secretary should meet the Taranaki Board and request a settlement. HOSPITAL CHRISTMAS CHEER. NO SUBSIDIES PAYABLE. "With reference to the matter of subsidy on donations for Christmas cheer in hospitals, subsidy will not be paid upon amounts given for the purpose of providing extras for patients,” said the Director of: Health (Dr. T. H. A. Valintine) in a letter, to the Hawera Hospital Board. "You will readily understand that Government money should not be available for purposes for which ratepayers’ money would not be available. Generally speaking, the rule to be observed is that the public funds should be used only for the purpose of providing the necessary medical and nursing attention and adequate and appropriate diet for the patients. There are other avenues of expenditure, however, such as wireless, gramophones, the objects of which are quite admirable, if not essential, and might well be the subjects of appeals to the public for voluntary contributions.” LABOUR DAY SPORTS. •GOOD NOMINATIONS RECEIVED. Entries for the Hawera Amateur Athletic Club’s Labour Day sports-gather-ing originally closed on Saturday last; bitt'the time was extended until noon

yesterday. Very good nominations have been received. They are:— Running Events.

120 yards open.—E. G. Gimlett, J. A. Parkhurst (New Plymouth), D. Blair, H. Jackson, W. R. Bradley (Wanganui), G. Hawkins.

75 yards.—E. G. Gimlett, E. V. Solomon, A. E. Gilliver, F. E. Gilliver, R. Fraser, J. A. Parkhurst, C. F. Maitland (Wanganui), J. S. Medley (New Plymouth), D. Blair, W. R. Bradley (Wanganui), T. Parish (New Plymouth). 300 yards.E. V, Solomon, A. E. Gilliver, F. E. Gilliver, R. Fraser, J. A. Parkhurst, C. F. Maitland, D. Blair, G. H, Walker, W. R. Bradley. ♦ One mile. —H. K. Johnston (Wanganui), S. Savage, D. Blair, G. H. Walker. 120 yards hurdles.—A. Newall. Field Events.

Javelin.—S. Lay, A. E. Gilliver, L. Hunt, A. Newall. Hammer.—L. Hunt, R. Kelson. Discus.—R. Kelsen, L. Hunt. Shot.—L. Hunt, W. Better.. Junior javelin.—L. Wise, J. Reading.

Hop, step and jump.—A. E. Gilliver, F. E. Gilliver, J. 'S. Medley (New Plymouth), L. Hunt, S. Savage, A. Newall, S. Lay.

High jump.—E. G. Gimlett, A. E. Gilliver, F. E. Gilliver, J. S. Medley (New Plymouth), S. Savage, A. Newall. Half-mile walk. —F. E. Gilliver, D. Wills, R. Rumball, C. Griffin. Cycling Events. Half-mile cycle. —C. Ericsson (Wanganui), I. Ericsson (Wanganui), T. Leo, D Prouse, C. A. Rouse, J. Dykes, C Walker, T. Howell, H. Kelson, B. Cave (Wanganui), R. Rumball, R. Kelsen, C. Griffin, One mile cycle.—C. Ericsson, I. Ericsson, T. Leo, D. Prouse (Wanganui), J. Dykes. C. Walker, T. Howell, H. Kelsen, B. Cave (Wanganui), R. Rumball, R. Kelsen, C. Griffin. Two miles cycle. —J. Dykes, C. Walker, T. Howell, H. Kelsen, B. Cave, R. Rumball, C. Griffin. Half-mile cycle (under 17 years).—C. A. Rouse, J, Dykes, H. Jackson, A. Dykes, G. A. Kennedy. AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE. The committee of the Hawera Amateur Athletic Club met last night. Present: Messrs. W. A. Spragg (chairman), P. Allen, A. Grant, C. Dahl, H. A. McNae, M. R. Jones, G. Hostick, W. J. Woollett, L. Hunt, 8. Lay, A. 11. Guy, L. Marter, J. J. Goodwin, L. H. Clapham and D. G. H. Weir (secretary).

The secretary reported that he had written the Wellington A.A. Club to secure the attendance at the Hawera Club’s electric light carnival of some sprinters and hurdlers, with a view to making the programme attractive. He had offered to pay expenses but no reply had been received.

The chairman reported or. the annual meeting of the Wanganui-Taranaki Centre which he and the secretary had attended. Application had been made for the Centre championship to be held at Hawera on show night, but it had been found that the centre would require all proceeds and a guarantee of £lOO. It had been argufed that the Hawera track was not satisfactory for a championship meeting. Under those conditions he had retracted the application. It was most probable that after the Australasian championships, the New Zealand championships would be held in Wanganui and there would be no fear of financial consideration. In that event Hawera would be allotted the Wanganui-Taranaki championship meeting. It was also probable that Hawera would receive a visit from the Australian athletics in respect- of which only a small guarantee would be needed as the tour would be financed from the proceeds of the New Zealand championships. The chairman reported that a deputation had waited on the Egmont A. and P. Association and had been granted permission to repair the track. The bodies were to bear equally the cost of a week’s work. There seemed little doubt that the club could work in with, the society, which was anxious to combine on show night. It was a matter of terms.

The appointment of course officials was made as follows:—Referee, Mr. W. A. Spragg; club stewards, Messrs. H. A. McNae, Yearbury, A. E. Reid, R. Foy and H. M. Mills; finishing judges, Messrs. A. Grant, M. R. Jones. J. J. Goodwin, and H. L. Spratt; chief field judge, Mr. C. Dahl; field judges, Messrs. R. Foy, R. Allen and F. Guy; timekeepers, Messrs. G. Hostick, F. C. Foden, C. E. Falkner, and H. McCabe; walking judge, Mr. C. Falkner, clerk of course, Mr. ML J. Woollett; door and Press stewards, Messrs. Strachan and W’atts; official surveyor, Mr. J. 8. Murray; field-marshal, Mr. H. 8. Whittington; dressing-room steward, Mr. W. J. Woollett; starter: Mr. L. I. Marter; handicapper, Mr. L. H. Clapham, and Mr. A. L. Palmer (cycling); megaphonist, Mr. Stevens. MANAIA SCHOOL. MEETING OF COMMITTEE. ( From Our Own Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the Manaia School Committee was held on Saturday evening. Present: Messrs. Jas. Dahers (chairman). F. Chisnall, G. H. Edwards, J. Lawson, T. A. Bridge, and the headmaster. Before the ordinary business, Mrs.

Robinson, a delegate from Manaia of the W.C.T.U., waited on the committee in reference to money collected some time ago b y the W.C.T.U. to defray the coet of shelter sheds at Glen Road and Inaba. Mrs. Robinson reported that, acting, on leva! advice, she found it would be necessary for the committee to advertise a public meeting at which the matter could be put before the subscribers so that their consent to use the money for the purpose mentioned, could be obtained. This the committee decided to c' >.

Correspondence was received from Mrs. J. Young asking the committee’s co-op-eration in a shop day to be held in aid of the school funds. A circular was received from the Stratford Borough Council pointing out (he suitability of the recreation grounds for holding school picnics. A letter was received from the Taranaki Education Board advising the appointment of Mr. L. Sherson to succeed Miss Johnston in charge of High School pupils. The board also advised that £3B 15s capitation allowance for the past quarter had been placed to the committee’s credit. Advice was received that .unclaimed subsidies amounting to £39 2s lid were still available.

The headmaster’s report stated: The average primary school attendance for the period was 229, or 88 per cent. It was still low owing to the prevalence of mumps, measles and chicken-pox. The secondary roll was 19 and the average attendance had been 17.4. The replies from parents regarding inoculation against diphtheria had been received. Mr. Sherson, secondary assistant, commenced his duties on October 3, but was absent owing to illness for the next four days. Mr. Syme wished to have a tree-planting day on October 26 and would be glad of assistance. If funds permitted the school would like the town water supply carried into the garden.

Cricket and tennis material had been bought and a tennis rota has been drawn up so as to give all an even chance on the court.

Regarding the suggested water, supply to gardens, it was decided to connect with town supply. The secretary was instructed to issue invitations to Messrs. A. Lees and H. J. Eaves and menjbers of the Forestry Department to be present on Arbor Day. The chairman reported on the steps taken towards the preparation of a new playing and football ground, and advised that arrangements had been made to proceed with the work. It was left in the hands of the chair man and headmaster to supervise the work of repairing the playground and the installing of the water supply. GENERAL ITEMS. “You will find you will be obliged to levy a further rate on the ratepayers if this heavy expenditure is not curtailed,” said Mr. A. L. Campbell at the Hawera Hospital Board meeting yesterday when discussing the financial position.” The end of the financial year is not until March, and we are going at an alarming rate.” As a result of the recent cheese-mak-ers’ bail, organised by the staff of the Norinanby dairy factory, the proceeds to go to the Hawera hospital radio fund, Mr. A. J. Hopcroft/ handed £ll 3s 8d to the hospital yesterday. A. much appreciated programme .was rendered by the Hawera Municipal Band in High Street on Saturday evening. On Sunday’ afternoon the Methodist choir, under Mr. H. C. A. Fox, rendered a programme at the Old People’s Home “The hospital clocks will be put on together with the other clocks, I suppose?” inquired the chairman of the Hawera Hospital Board of the medical superintendent (Dr. John Cairney) yesterday, when the board discussed adjustments under daylight saving conditions. It was decided to commence board meetings at 10 o’clock as usual. PERSONAL ITEMS. Mr. Don Stewart, of Normanby, has been appointed judge of pigs at the forthcoming Marton Show, Mr. W. Brown left Hawera yesterday morning for Wellington, where he will take up a position with the legal staff at the Publie Trust Office. Many of his friends assembled at the station to bid him farewell. The matron of the Hawera Hospital (Miss E. M. Nutsey) acknowledges the following gifts: Flowers, Mrs. Pease, Mrs. Catran, Mokoia Girl Guides, and Mrs. Larcpni; papers, Mrs. W. G. Simpson and Miss Lysaght; eggs, Mr. Lareom; gramophone records, Hawera Municipal Band collection; radio fund, Hawera Pipe Band collection. Donations have been received I v the matron of the Old People’s Home as follows: Cakes, St. Mary’s; cake, Mrs. Clements, Normanby; cake, Miss Power; papers, Mrs. Sutton and Mrs. Travis; fruit, Messrs. Elliott and Sturrock. A social evening was given by the Salvation Army, and was much enjoyed.