“VERY FOOLISH LETTER”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20839, 22 September 1937, Page 6

“VERY FOOLISH LETTER”

ATTACK ON AUCKLAND HOSPITAL By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, September 21. “I regard this letter as a very foolish one, and I think it reflects very little credit on the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons,” said the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board (Rev. W. C, Wood) when a letter from the College was received at a meeting of the Board enclosing a resolution passed unanimously at the annual meeting in Wellington of the Dominion branch of the College. The resolution was as follows: This college of surgeons, at its annual meeting, affirms the views expressed by the president of the college with regard to appointments to the surgical staff of the Auckland hospital. It views with deep concern the resultant unrest of the medical staff of the hospital, and because of this the possibility of inefficiency developing in the surgical work of the institution.” Dr. Hastings said that the letter inferred the possibility of inefficiency at the Auckland hospital. Dr. Craven, medical superintendent, said that the team system, at the hospital was working well. The letter was received. A recommendation that the retiring age of members of the honorary staff should be 58 years was received from the Honorary Staff Committee.

Dr. Gunson said that the age suggested seemed very young, and the matter was deferred for consideration with the by-laws.