S.C. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2468, 23 February 1893, Page 4

S.C. HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held at Timaru on Tuesday. Present—Messrs J. Jackson (chairman), R. H. Rhodes, Graham, Sherratt, and J. M. Barker. An apology was received from Mr Talbot. The chairman stated that there was not much to do. Everything was moving along smoothly and satisfactorily. There was no unusual strain upon their funds, and casual charitable aid was less than this time last year. There were one or two families which would be a drain upon them, but the charitable aid was less than for some time. The finances at the present time were iu a satisfactory condition. There was £1759 12s 3d in the bank, accounts to pay £336 Os lid, leaving £1423 lis 9d to credit; a better position he believed than this time last year. There were five patients who had been in the hospital beyond the time allotted by by-law 53, their terms being respectively, 382, 223, 92, 73, and 67 days. A letter from Dr Lovegrove, senior member of the medical staff, stated that the staff were willing to abide by the decision of the board and accept £25 per annum each, as remuneration for their services at the hospital. Some correspondence was read concerning the refusal of the Colonial Secretary to pay the subsidy, £l7 10s, on the Russell bequest dividend, which has been paid for some years. The Law Officers had given their opinion that income derived from bequests is not subsidisable, though direct bequests are. •—lt was resolved to communicate with three other hospital and charitable aid boards who are also recipients of dividends from the same bequest, asking their cooperation in protesting against the refusal of the subsidy, and demanding its payment as heretofore.

The secretary stated that he had sent out a number of accounts to late hospital patients, but so far no money had been received.

The resolution passed at a previous meeting that £25 be spent on a shelter shed was rescinded, and £4O directed to be put on the estimates for the purpose. A letter was read from Mr E. Richardson, enclosing cheque for £2 12s 9d, fines paid by shearers. It was decided to place a sum on the estimates for new fence on Queen street. A number of letters relating to charitable aid cases in the country were read.

The board ratified the action of Mr Talbot in arranging for the boarding out of a motherless infant at 5s a week for a few months, until the father got a little over his difficulties. Mr Graham asked for an increase on the 50 rations allowed to a Waimate woman with four illegitimate children, the woman being now sick. —Allowance to be increased by one-fifth for the present. Two charitable aid cases in which women (deserted wives) were recklessly adding to the population and to the liabilities of the board, were discussed in pretty strong language, and it was remarked that this class occasioned the heaviest drain upon the charitable aid funds.

Accounts were passed for payment and the meeting terminated.