HOSPITAL COMMITTEE MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 313, 1 August 1868, Page 3

HOSPITAL COMMITTEE MEETING.

The usual weekly meeting was held on Wednesday when there were,present Dr Giles (chairman,) Messrs. Tyler, .Bailie, Powell, M'Farland, O'Conor, and Munro (hon sec.) The first business, after the minutes had been confirmed, arose out of an, intimation by the chairman that Mr Kynnersley, as representative of the Government declined to allow the sum

voted as a premium for the best design for a new hospital to be charged against the Government to the Hospital, A very warm discussion ensued on this veto on the part of Mr Kynnersley, during which that gentleman came into the room.

This altered the tone the discussion had taken to some degree, though it was rather strangely determined to continue it, before asking Mr Kynnersley whether the Government really intended to veto the amount or not. Mr Tyler subsequently moved that the Secretary write to Mr Kynnersley, asking for information on what principle the veto will be exercised, whether when a motion was passed or afterwards. Mr Powell seconded the resolution. Some further remarks were made by different members of the Committee. Mr Kynnersley said he perfectly agreed that the veto of the Goverueinent should he exercised with the greatest caution, for it would be absurd for the Government to ask the public to appoint a committee, and then step in and on any trivial occasion exercise their light of veto. When, however the committee heard the reasons that he had given to Dr Giles he thought they would see that there was no such intention iu the present case. The objection was not in reference to the £5, but to a great deal more than that. were only very few qualified architects in Westport or on the West Coast. Mr Lowe who had offered his gratuitous services was a qualified architect who had served his time under an eminent architect in Loudon, and if this resolution was adhered to Mr Lowe would not compete. His ouly objection was not to the payment of the £5, but that by offering it they would lose Mr Lowe's services. That gentleman on a variety of grounds, was the best man they could get, for not ouly would he superintend the work, but be always on the spot, and be able to consult with the surgeon as to any alterations or fittings he might require. On the part of the Government he would not insist on the veto if the Committee adhered to their resolution, but under these circumstances he wished to bring the subject forward for the reconsideration of the Committee.

The discussion was prolonged, after which Mr Tyler's motion was carried, many of the members stating that they voted for it, not in reference to this particular matter, but in order to ascertain a general principle. Mr Munro moved that the Building Committee be requested to retain office till the next meeting, and that they in the nvan time communicate with Mr Kynnersley on the subject. Mr O'Conor seconded the resolution. Mr Tyler moved an amendment tnat the resolution appointing a committee be rescinded. Dr Cotterell seconded the amendment, which on being put to the Committee was carried. Mr Tyler then moved that Messrs Harris, Bailey, Drs Cotterell and Giles be appointed a sub-committee to confer with Dr Thorpe and Mr Lowe, with a view to procuring plans for the erection of a Hospital, such plans to be submitted to a future meeting of this Committee for approval. Mr Munro seconded the resolution which was carried. Mr Bailey, on behalf of the Canvassiug Committee, reported that they had not been able to go round, in consequeuce of the bad weather of the past week, but would do so before the next meeting. Mr Harris, on behalf ef the Visiting Committee, said there were five patients in the Hospital. Since their last meetiug, one had been discharged and one admitted. The one admitted was a seaman on the Nightingale, and his full maintenance money would be paid by the owners of that vessel. As hon. Treasurer, he acknowledged the receipt of a subscription of £2 2s from Smith and M'Dowell, and £1617s from an Amateur concert at the Caledonian.

The thanks of the Committee were ordered to be given to the gentlemen forming the Amateur Concert Committee of the Caledonian, through Mr J. Braithwaite, their secretary. Mr Harris moved, that as the surgeon was bound to attend to the gaol as well as the hospital, and as this committed paid the salary that the Government should be requested to contribute to the amount of £5 per month or £6O per annum. Mr Tyler seconded the motion which was carried.

In reply to Mr Tyler it waa stated that there was only one warder, who received £3 per week and his food.

Some of the members suggested that this salary was insufficient, Every member spoke most highly of Mr Poole's services, and the sum was raised to £3 10s. without a dissentient voice.

Dr Cotterell gave notice of his resignation, in consequence of his being about to visit England. Some other unimportant business was transacted, after which the meeting adjourned.