CHARITABLE AID MATTERS.

West Coast Times, 14 June 1912, Page 2

CHARITABLE AID MATTERS.

CONFERENCE OF CONTRIBUTORY BODIES. The Conference met at 11.30 yesterday morning. Present; —Messrs G. A. Perry (Mayor) IT. M. Coulson, A. D. Crawford (Representing the Hokitika Borough Council)'; Messrs B. Ward, H. Norman and T. W. Bruce (Westland County Council); Messrs T. J. McGuigan, A. Clifton (Charitable Aid Board); Mr. J. A. Murdoch (Kumara Borough); Mr. IT. Osmors (Ross Borough). Mr Crawford moved: — “That the Conference, no matter

how few or how many of its meetings be so conducted, that no expense in any shape or form, bo charged direct-. Iy or indirectly against tho Charitable Aid Board or its funds.” Seconded by Mr. Clifton and carried unanimously. ‘Mr. Kennedy wrote stating that he was unable to ho present on account of business affairs.—Received. Mr. Murdoch stated that ho had drafted a number of resolutions. He

thought it better that ho should read them through, and if the Conference thought fit, they could, of course, amend them. He remarked that in regard to the travelling expenses ho was the first to state at the meeting of the County Council on Tuesday that he was prepared to attend the Conference at his own expense. Mr Murdoch then road the following resolutions:—■ “That'the meetings of the Board bo field every alternate month instead of monthly, as at present.” “ That the amount of travelling expenses allowed the chairman, consequent, upon the reduced number of meetings bo fixed at, say, £SO per annum ; the amount not to include travelling expenses allowed for Board “ That all salaries over £IOO be reduced 10 per cent.” “That the Government bo requested to amend the Act so that all Boards would bo compelled to publish their balance sheets and that a cop\ bo supplied to the contributing bodies.”

“ That in all cases where committees are assisting in tho management of institutions, they bo asked to observe uto strictest economy in ordering supplies, and that all supplies necessary bo obtained in the cheapest market, and that all accounts for supplies delivered to hospital?,- bo certified to by tho medical superintendent or matron.”

"That all accounts- for treatment in the various hospitals bo collected when the debtors are in a position to pay, and after the Finance Committee of the Board be requested to' Bra w'up a list for next meeting showing the names of the defaulters."

Mr Bruce discussed several of the resolutions, and spoke at length in regard to the general administration. Ho remarked that the principal leakage occurred at the Westland and Kumara Hospitals where there wore too many servants engaged. He instanced South Westland as being a heavy source of expense.

Mr. Bruce continued at some length and ultimately moved that the conference divide into committees, one a Receipts Committee, to consist of Messrs Coulson, Ward, Osmers', Clifton and the chairman and. an Expenditure Committee, Messru Murdoch, Norman, Crawford, McGuigau and the mover to act in that capacity. The motion was seconded by Mr. Crawford and after Messrs Ward, Clifton and tho chairman had spoken the conference adjourned at 1 p.m. AFTERNOON SITTING, The Conference resumed at 2.30 p.m.. Tho Chariman moved an amendment that the Conference proceed to examine tho expenditure of the Board and defer dealing with tho matter of receipts meantime. This was seconded by Mr. Osmers and carried.

The question of the price of milk supplied to the Kumara and Westland Hospitals was discussed. Mr. Bruce pointed out that the Kumara hospital used only half tljo amount of milk which was required at tho Westland Hospital, yet more was expended by the former institution. It was pointed out that milk was dearer in Kumara than in tho Hokitika district. ses bo drawn by members of the Board in connection with visits to the Hospital.

A desultry discussion then ensued and it was untimately resolved to adjourn till Thursday July 11th. And it was resolved that in. addition to typing the resolution tabled, the secretary prepare a list of expenses under separate headings and others matters relative thereto for the consideration of members. Tho Conference then rose.