NO CONTROL BY POLITICIANS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17836, 3 May 1926, Page 5

NO CONTROL BY POLITICIANS.

MINISTER DENIES CHARGES LAID TO HOSPITAL BOARDS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 3. In the course of his remarks at the opening of a home for nurses- at Auck-

land Infirmary, the Hon J. A. Young said: “Our Hospital Board system has been described as being politically controlled. It is under public control by elective boards under Departmental supervision and assistance. It is a true expression of our democratic free institution.”

There were able men in the Department whose advice the Minister valued. He declared that he would not be beyond seeking outside assistance if that given by the Departmental officers did not satisfy him. “The political' control suggestion is all nonsense,” Mr Young declared. It had been suggested by the British Medical Association and he would probably have something more to say in this connection this week.

Mr Young said he stood for wellmanaged institutions with entry for all at all times. He welcomed the advice of the medical profession and others interested in hospital administration. Referring briefly to the question of

honorary staffs the Minister said that he was not going to interfere with hospital boards as to whether they should have honorary or stipendiary staffs, lie had never attacked the honorary system. If a board felt it was better served with either one of the two systems he was prepared to leave the question to the Board itself. Tie bad been accused of not knowing his job. of being a sort of demagogue, Mr Young added, but he was prepared to accept all criticism, provided it was fair. lie felt confident that the misunderstanding with the British Medi-

cal Association would be set right. All must work in unison. If they were going to quarrel the hospitals must suffer. He issued a plea that all interested in the question should come and reason together so that the best service could be given in the interests of humanity.