KUMARA HOSPITAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8944, 19 December 1907, Page 5

KUMARA HOSPITAL.

TRUSTEES AND DR VALENTINE

STORMY PASSAGE AT ARMS

(By 'Teleara.nii —Press Association.)

HOKITIKA, Last Night

In the course of au interview with the Kumara Hospital Trustees, last night, Dr Valiutine, Inspector-General of Hospitals, had a stormy passage-at-arms

The Inspector asked the question whether the surgeon who superintended the institution was using the hospital for private practice. The Chairman replied that an enquiry had been held, but the matron refused to give auy evidence on the subject. Dr Valiutine stated that there was strong reason to believe that such was the case, and the position did not reflect much ou the intelligence of the trustees.

The latter remark was strongly resented by the trustees as a body, and some heated speeches were made. In reply to one speaker, Dr Valintiue said he would not deuy beiug hostile to the Kumara Hospital, ancl as he had other things to inquire into he would not sit and listen to further recriminations. The Inspector then rose aud politely wished the trustees "good night," and retired to a chorus of "ta tas," and 'boo-hoos" from the trustees.

The Mayor of Kumara (Mr Murdoch) who is a member of the Board, made a speech regretting the sensational scene, and calling on the people to prepare for the battle which will now be necessary to fight for the existence of the hospital, which has been ably maintained by the trustees for the past thirty years. On Mr Murdoch's motion, it was resolved that Dr Valintine's reference to the trustees be viewed as a gross insult, and be reported to the Minister of Hospitals, also that a public meeting be called for next Monday night to oppose any effort to close the Kumara Hospital, and if necesasry to send a deputation to Wellington to interview the Premier and the Hon. G. Fowlds.

The meeting of the trustees also carried a vote of confidence in Dr Morkane, surgeon superintendent.