SC HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2368, 11 June 1892, Page 3

SC HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

A special and ordinary meeeting of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held on Wednesday. Present —Messrs J. Jackson (chairman), W. M. Moore, J. M. Barker, J. Talbot F. R. Gillingham, D. McLaren, G. H. Graham, and A. Sherratt. The chairman explained that the meeting had been called at the request of four members —Messrs Moore, Barker, Talbot, and Sherratt —to discuss a motion moved by Mr Moore—“ That the resolution passed by the board (in September last) agreeing to a separation of the Wainiate hospital district from the present district with the boundary at the Otaio be now rescinded. - ’ Ordinary business might afterwards be taken to save another meeting next He would make no remarks on the subject at present, except to express a hope that the discussion would bo conducted temperately, and that they would decide wisely, for the greatest good for the greatest number. Mr Talbot seconded the motion.

Mr Graham opposed the motion, speaking as a member of this board and not as a representative of Waimate. He considered Waimate made a very liberal concession in agreeing to .accept the Otaio as the boundary. Mr McLaren moved as an amendment, that the resolution be only altered, by substituting the Pareora for the Otaio as the boundary. Mr Graham seconded this.

Messrs Barker and Gillingham supported the motion, being opposed altogether to separation. On the amendment being put only the mover and seconder voted for it, and it was lost. Mr McLaren then moved a further amendment—“ That Mr Moore’s motion bo held over until information is obtained of the rateable values of the several ridings in each county.” This amendment, seconded by Mr Graham, was discussed and lost. Mr Moore’s motion to rescind was then put, and carried by 5 to 1, Mr McLaren not voting. Mr Talbot then moved, and Mr Barker seconded against the proposed separation of the Wairnate County from the South Canterbury Hospital district, and in support of this protest would point out that the Wairnate County does not under present arrangements suffer any disadvantage apart from the rest of the district. The Wairnate Hospital trustees have full control of the management and expenditure of their hospital, and the conditions upon which the \\ aimate Hospital was incorporated as a separate institution, viz., the annual of £IOO, need uot 1)e continued. That the >Y minute County is not at present heavier rated than the rest of the district, and should not ask t»r expect to get off With lighter taxation. That in view of the possibility of hospital and charitable aid costs falling at some future time wholly or in part on local rates, it might then be found desirable in the interests of economy to discontinue the keeping up of the Wairnate Hospital, the Timarn Hospital being centrally situated for the whole of South Canterbury. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Government and to members of Parliament for South Canterbury, asking the latter to support the protest, and that should they not be able to prevent sepai’ation they will insist that the boundary line between the districts shall be faixdy adjxxsted.” This gave rise to a long discussion, during which it was proposed as an amendment by Mr Iffooro, and sepoxxded by Ivji- McLaren “ That further discussion be postponed till the next ordinary meeting, June 21st, and that xxi the ixxeantime information be furnished to nxembora showing the rateable value of all contributory bodies; also the separate rateable value and the boundaries of the ridings in Wairnate County.” The amexxdnxent was lost by 4 to 3, and Mr Talbot’s motion was carried by the reverse vote.

It was agreed that the secretary should obtain the information contemplated by the amendment and send copies to members.

Ordinary business was then dealt with. Accounts amounting to £575 5s 2d for charitable aid, and £242 for the hospitals, Wpre passed for payment. Tenders were ordered to be called for charitable aid supplies, and a committee appointed to receive and deal with them on the 2Gth iust,