HOSPITAL BOARD.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5737, 3 December 1896, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD.

ANNUAL MEETING. The statutory annual meeting of the Hospital Board was held yesterday afternoon, in the Board room, Christchurch Hospital; present— Messrs E. D. Thomas (chairman), W. Dunlop, E. Westenra, J.A. Caygill, C. M. Gray, H. W. Peryman, J. Hamilton, J. Dobson aud Drs Stewart and Hunt. An apology for absence was received from Mr E. H. Wood. The Chairman stated that the accounts in connection with the Hyman Marks Ward were : — Total estimated COBt of ward, exclusive of furniture, -69601 2s 8d; total amount at present obtainable for same from, all sources, .£8850; total of above amount already received on account £4660 9s lld ; total amount paid to date on foundation and building contracts, -62356 ißs 7d. Tlie Chairman, in reviewing the work done t y the Board during the past year, referred to the cordial and uniform courtesy he had experienced from members during his term of office. The thanks of the Board were specially due to the ladies' Visiting Association for the continuance of their voluntary services, and the assistance they had given in every way to the patients. The thanks of the Board were also due to the members of the honorary medical and surgical staff, who had been most assiduous in their attention to the patients under their charge. The ordinary stall' of the hospital was in a high state of efficiency, and the whole internal working harmonious and satisfactory. The establishment of many private hospitals and nursing homes in and near Christchurch had practically shut out pay_kg patients from the hospital, which now sewned to be regarded both by the public^and the. medical profession as available only for really charitable purposes. This view was strongly supported by the. fact that during the current financial year the sum received for maintenance of inmates only amounted to £357 15s 2d. With regard to the position of the Hyman Marks Ward, it was confidently expected that the new building would be open for the accommodation of patients within the next twelve months. In concluding, Mr Thomas said " This Board, shortly after assuming office, found that the tenders exceeded by £1500 . at the least, the amount available, even after the receipt of a bequest of £500, under the will of the late Mr James Stark, and the subsidy thereon. They therefore hesitated to proceed. The trustees of the Hyman Marks estate, however, generously came to their assistance, with an additional voluntary donation of £500, which earned a further subsidy of £600 from the Government. The Board then accepted the lowest tenders for the work. A sum of about £750 will require to be provided out of ordinary revenue, or otherwise, to balance the account. The tenders, however, include cost of heating the wards, baths and many other items which can properly be charged to ordinary revenue. It is anticipated that there will be a surplus in hand in March next, when the current year's accounts have been closed, which surplus can be applied in part payment of the deficiency, and that any remaining deficiency, and also the cost of furnishing and providing necessary fittings for the new wards will not greatly increase the levy on local bodies for the ensuing year. It is anticipated that when the new wards are opened all requirements, so far as buildings are concerned, will be satisfied for some years to come." Mr C. M. Gray, in moving the adoption of the report, said that the Board had got over its troublous times, and was now in calnier waters. The motion, which included a vote of thanks to the Chairman, was seconded by Mr H. W. Peryman and carried unanimously. The Chairman then declared the new Board duly constituted, and invited nominations for the position of chairman for the ensuing year. On the motion of Mr E. Westenra, seconded by Mr W. Dunlop, and supported by Messrs J. A. Caygill and C. M. Gray, Mr E. D. Thomas was unanimously reelected chairman. Mr Thomas suitably thanked the Board for his re-election. The standing orders Avere then formally adopted. The following then elected as a House Committee: — Messrs Westenra, Peryman, Gray, Hamilton, Caygill, Moor and Dr Stewart. On the motion of Mr C. M. Gray, seconded by Mr W. Dunlop, the House Committee, with the addition of Mr Wallace, was constituted a Finance Committee. Messrs E. Westenra and C. M. Gray were authorised to sign cheques in conjunction with the Chairman. It -was resolved to call for applications for the honorary staff on the usual terms. The Board then rose.