HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 7996, 14 October 1887, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The Board met on Wednesday. Present : Messrs. Bellriager (cbairmau), I. Bayly, J. Elliot, Finlayson, Price, Dockrill, Malone, Syme, Major, and Smith. Amendment. — A letter from the Premier's office was read, stating that the Inspector, to whom the by-laws for the management of tho New Plymouth Hospital was referred, made no objections to them, except that sec. 8 should bo amended so as to include medical graduates of the New Zealand University. — Mr. Major gave notice of motion to the effect of amending sec. 8 as indicated. Hawera. — A letter from the Hawera County Council intimated that the enclosed was a cheque for £118 9a 6d, being tbreo months' contribution to July 31et. The County's share of contribution for furnishing the hospital was, the letter stated, held in abeyance for the present. Circular. — A circular was received from the Premier's office, stating that in future declarations accompanying claims for subsidy were to be made in the form (enclosed), as no other would be regarded as sufficient authority for payment of subsidy. Charleston. — A letter was read from the Charleston Hospital Board, in reply to a letter from the Board. It was stated that they did not manage charitable aid matters. The number of patients treated for tho year ending March 31 was sixteen. The BtafE consisted of a surgeon at £12 10s per month, and a warder at £1 10s per week and found. A copy of their regulations was enclosed. Greymouth.—A letter from the Qreymouth Hospital Board was read, in reply to a letter from the Board asking for information. It stated that the number of beds occupied in their hospital during the year ran from 33 to 44, and for three months past it had never been under 40. The staff consists of medical officer (nonresident), £250 per year; superintendent and dispenser, £250 per year; day wardsman, £3 per week; night wardstnan, £120 per annum; cook (male), £2 2s per week; gardener, £1 per week; matron (virtually only female nurse), £1 10s per week; laundreso, £1 8s per week. The secretary's and treasurer's appointments were both honorary. The superintendent, matron, and gardener only reside on the premises; the two wardsmen (married men) get their own meals in the hospital while on duty, and the cook and laundress (both martied) were entitled to the same. Gislorne. — Information relative to the Gisborne hospital was also received from the Board there. Clifton.— The Clifton County Council forwarded a cheque for £5 6s Bd, as contribr tion for the hospital and charitable aid for September. Waipuku. — Oh Blanchard, of Waipuka, wrote on behalf of a Mrs. Carter, who owed the hospual £6 9s, asking that the Board would forego the amount, as Mrs. Carter was in poor circumstances. — After a long discussion, in which some wanted to have the amount written off, others that Mrs. Carter should make the application herself, and others that the matter Bhould be deferred so as the Secretary could report upon it. — It was finally decided by resolution to adopt this last course. Memo. — A memo from the Public Works Department was read in reference to supplying the unemployed in New Plymouth with labor. It simply stated the matter would be placed before the Cabinet (which is now defunct), No Action.— As regards a letter held over at last meeting from E. Hopkinson. of Tikorangi, in reference to supplying his daughter, Mrs. Copeatake, with help and charging the same to her husband, from whom she is separated , a repert from the Sergeant of Police at Waitara waß re.d. A memo was also received from the Inspector of Police Btating that it was a matter in which Mrs. Copestake and her father should take steps. — The matter was left as it stood. Architect's Report. — The Architect reported that the balance of the contract money, £100, would be due to the contractor on the 20th inst., the expiration of the maintenance term. — The balance of contract sum was to be paid to the contractor on receipt of the Architect's certificate, A Request. — John James wrote, stating that he was unable to continue the payment of £3 5s per quarter for bis daughter's maintenance in tho Blind Asylum, Melbourne. He said he bad no means to support her, should the authorities send her back to New Zealand, he hoped the Board would see their way clear to keep her in a place where proper attention was given to mortals so afflicted. — The Secretary was requested to make enquiries, and report at the nexc meeting. Donor. — The donor of £50, to build an extra ward for femules at the hospital, was to be informed that the tsrms of her gift have been carried out by the erection of ample accommodation for females in the new hospital. The amount was to be transferred to the new building account. Another donation. — As regards the donation of Mr. J. Bassett and his employes, of of £37 Bs. 4d., lying at the Savings' Bank, it was decided to transfer it to the furnishing account, to be expended in the terms of Mr. T.King's letter of April 16, 1887. New Hospital. — The House Committee was to be instructed to furnish the Board with a list of what is required to furnish the new hospital, to render it available for patients and staff. On the 26th instant, when the Board meets again, the report or! the House Committee will be considered, and steps taken to call for tenders for the furnishing of the building. Rates. — Mrs. Keddy wanted the Bourd to pay her harbor rate amounting lo Is. 3d. The Board referred the matter to tho Harbor Board. Accounts. — Accounts : Hospital, £178 2b. Id., and charitable aid, £72 95., were passed for payment. Tho Board adjourned.