WESTPORT HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

Westport Times, Volume III, Issue 539, 5 August 1869, Page 2

WESTPORT HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

This Committee met on Tuesday evening at the Court House. Present Dr Giles (Chairman,) Messrs Harris, Tyler, Whyte, Powell, Humphrey, Field, Eeid, and Munro (Hon. Secy.) Mr Harris expressed his belief that the miners on the Northern Terraces had not been sufficiently canvassed for subscriptions this year, and, with the view of affecting this more thoroughly, he moved that the services of MiGeorge Haskins should be accepted, to canvass that district at a remuneration of 10 per-cent., which resolution was agreed to. The Treasurer stated that the amount at present at the credit of the Committee in the Bank was £237 12s sd. This amount was irrespective of the Government subsidy duo. Mr Tyler desired to explain a misapprehension which might have caused some of the members of the Committee to vote at its last meeting for the transfer of the banking account from the Bank of New Zealand to the Bank of New South Wales. It had then been stated that no subscription had been received for two years from any of the Banks, with the exception of that from the Bank of New South Wales, but on reference to the Treasurer's book such was found not to be the case. ■ Notice of motion was thereafter given that the Bank account be kept as formerly at the Bank of New Zealand. Dr Giles remarked that a stricter supervision or some alteration should be made as to the mode of admitting patients. He believed that many were admitted to the benefits of the institution who were in possession of ample means to contribute towards its maintenance. He felt at some loss how to devise means to trace or check the evil, but he felt convinced that the Hospital had in many instances, during the past year, been made a mere convenience by patients who, were there no Hospital in existence, could and would afford to live at hotels. He observed that in England at the present day the subject of hospital relief was a matter of discussion by the Press, and that the practice of admitting patients without any inquiry ar to their ability to contribute to the

funds of the institution was condemned as very objectionable and con. trary to the meaning of the establish, ment of such institutions. After some further discussion on. the subject, a Sub-Committee was appointed, consisting of the Chairman, Mr Tyler, and Mr Munro, for the purpose of revising the Bye-Laws, and reporting upon any improvements wiiich might be deemed necessary to adopt for the better regulation of the institution. Mr Harris moved that the Secretary should be instructed to call for tenders for supplies, as the term of the present contracts had expired, and that a Sub-Committee consisting of Messrs Whyte, Powell, and the mover, draw up the necessary specifications, tenders to be opened at next meeting. The motion was agreed to. The Visitiusr Committee for the mouth of August, Messrs Keid, Bailie, and Harris, were appointed, and were authorised to procure a new stove, and lamps, and to have some alterations made to the present kitchen fire-place. The Committee then adjourned.