ASHBURTON NEWS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20329, 12 June 1934, Page 3

ASHBURTON NEWS.

Statement on Hospital Board’s Work.

(Special to the ** Star.”) ASHBURTON, June 11. The chairman of the Ashburton Hospital Board. Mr W. G. Gallagher, made the following statement at the conclusion of his term at the meeting of the board to-day:— “It is a great pleasure to be able to advise that the board’s position is sound,” said Mr Gallagher. “As members know, during the past two years I have kept closely in touch with this

very important aspect of our administration. At no time have we been

overdrawn, and during the first two months of the present year we have met our obligations without drawing either subsidy or levy. The board’s position, has not been due to heavy rating, and, as a matter of fact, when it comes to hospital taxation, we are, and have been for some time past, the lightest-rated district in the South Island. We have, however, built up our position along other lines, by carefully watching expenditure and diligent attention to fees collection.

“ Bearing in mind the prevailing need, we have, during the past two years, really exceeded our legally defined duty so far as providing measures of assistance to unemployed men is concerned. The big weekly distribution we are making is a much-needed humanitarian work. As members know. I have often said it was the board’s desire to see that no family and no little children go short of food in our midst. Our arrangements this year are adequate.” A request from the Ministers’ Association to conduct evening prayers at S p.m. on Sunday evenings was granted. Nurse X. T. Compaigne, lessee of the Methven Hospital, submitted a financial statement and report regarding the past year’s operations. Members eulogised the good work that was being done by the lessee of the Methven institution, and complimented her on the efficient manner in which the hospital was being conducted. Mr W. G. Gallagher was re-elected chairman for the ensuing year. Mr W. Bry'ant w r as nominated for the position, and on a show of hands the voting was equal. A draw was then made from a hat, and Mr Gallagher was successful. It was decided to appoint Mr W. Bryant deputy-chairman. It was decided, on the motion of Mr Oakley, seconded by Mr C. Campion, to increase the chairman’s honorarium from £SO to £7O per annum. Petition in Bankruptcy. A petition in bankruptcy has been filed by Robert Farlow Sim, a taxi proprietor, of Ashburton, and a meeting of creditors will be held on Monday next.