HOSPITAL LAM VISITORS' COMMITTEE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5688, 6 October 1896, Page 2

HOSPITAL LAM VISITORS' COMMITTEE.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of this committee was held in the board-room, at the Hospital, at 3 p.m. yesterday; present — Mrs Julius (in the chair), Mesdames Fenwick, Elnislie, Otterson, Stratz, Dunning, Guise, Mollett and Hacon and Misses Gresson, Johnston, Moir, Turner and Tripp (honorary secretary). Apologies were received from Mrs Heaton Rhodes, Hon Mrs' Parker and Mrs R. D. Thomas. The report and balance-sheet were read and adopted. The former stated inter alia that the object of the committee was to provide comforts for patients, so as to bring a little brightness into their, lives while in hospital, and to relieve needy and deserving cases when leaving. Tho duties of members were to subscribe not less than five shillings yearly, to try to get subscriptions outside the Association, to assist in getting up the Christmas treat, and to provide music for the weekly concerts. The committee hoped more ladies would come forward to help as regular visitors, who would undertake at least ono ward, on one day in each week, and also assist in providing music for the first and second Fridays in each month. Mrs BevanBrown had kindly undertaken the third Friday, and Mrs Russell, Miss Shand and Miss Vincent the fourth. If people/only realised what a delight these concerts were to the patients, there would be no lack of offers of help. For many mouths Miss Northcote had come to play and sing every Friday to the intense delight of an appreciative and grateful audience. Her departure from Christchurch had caused great regret. The increase in the funds at the disposal of the committee and the corresponding increase iv useful work done and aid supplied were largely due to the successful fete held in the hospital grounds, which realised .£ll9 9s 6d. The success of the fete was largely due to the untiring zeal and energy of the late matron, Miss Maude, who had always taken a keen interest in the work of tho Lady Visitors'. Association. The .committee had also .to thank the Riugarooma Minstrels for a concert, and tho Rev Haskett-Smith for a lecture, the proceeds from which had materially helped their fund. They were also grateful for the first instalment of interest from, the Hyruan Marks Destitute Patients' Fund, which the Trustees were at present administering through their Association. Since June, 1394, there had been no Fund for Relief of Destitute Patients, save that raised through the Hospital Lady Visitors' Association ; but now owing to the provision made by the late Hyman Marks there would no longer be any necessity for getting up fetes or concerts, although as that provision was restricted to the relief of destitute patients leaving the hospital, the Association would still require subscriptions from its members and friends to carry on the duty of providing comforts for those in the hospital. Much could still be done in the purchase of comfortable chairs, the supply of warm and suitable clothing, and in adding as much as possible to the comfort and amusement of the patients. The balance-sheet showed a total income for the year of .£337 12s 2d, and total expenditure of .£204 5s 9d, leaving a credit balance of .£133 6s sd. Of tho expenditure, ,£IOO 13s Cd had been utilised in sending convalescent patients to the Rhodes Home, Simmer and New Brighton ; and in providing shelter for destitute men who had no homes, thus giving them a chance of procuring employment. About 125 persons had also been assisted in the matter of medical appliances, fares paid and clothing supplied. The working expenses of the Association for the past year were as follow: — Stamps and stationery 245, advertising 10s, expenses of fete .£24 ISs Cd, expended on patients .£177 13s 3d. Total expenditure .£204 5s 9d. The balance-sheet was audited by Mr Walter Ollivier. All the officers were re-elected. Donations of clothing (especially for men) will be thankfully received by the Matron or by any member of Committee.