HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 122, 18 May 1932, Page 8

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

The Waipawa Board USUAL MONTHLY MEETING IN WAIPUKURAU TO-DAY The monthly meeting of the Waipawa Hospital Board, held in Waipukurau to-day, was attended by Messrs W. H. Rathbone (chairman), R. A. Fraser (deputy-chairman), H. W. White, N. G. Hawthorn, T. P. Hunter, D. Eddy, L. Glenny, B. J. Atkins, and W. Matthews. Members Welcomed The secretary announced the result of the recent Hospital Board elections, showing that old country members had been returned unopposed and Mr. W. Matthews (Waipukurau County) elected, vice Mr. L. M. Monckton, who had not offered himself for re-election. The chairman offered congratulations to the old members who had been given renewed confidence, and cordially welcomed Mr. Matthews to the board's table. There was only one “fly in the ointment*’ —the board had a difficult financial year in front of it. They would need to go very carefully during the coming year. The estimates had not as yet been, received back from the Health Department, therefore could not be plac before members this day Chairman For 1932-33 Mr. Hawthorn proposed and Mr. Glenny seconded “That Mr. Rathbone be re-elected to the position of chairman." This was carried unanimously.

Mr. Rathbone expressed appreciation of the confidence reposed in him stating that he had occupied the post since 1925.

On the motion of Mr. Rathbone, seconded by Mr. Hunter, Mr. R. A. Fraser was re-elected as vice-chair-man. Mr. Fraser thanked the members for the honour done him, and paid a tribute to the chairman. Finance Committee

Messrs. Rathbone, Fraser, White, and Hunter were re-elected as the finance committee, on the motion of Mr. Eddy, seconded by Mr. AtkinS, they and Mr. Atkins to operate on the bank account.

General Correspondence

The Hospital Boards' Association wrote forwarding a circular letter in regard to voluntary contributions, etc. It was shown that the effect upon hospital finance by the reduction of 10 per cent, in the rate and 2 5 per cent, in the income exemption, in Old Age, also other pensions, had been pointed out during the passage of the National Expenditure AdjustBill.—Received.

The Hospital Boards’ Association wrote in regard to the observance of National Hospital Day.—Received. The Hospital Boards’ Association forwarded information in regard to accommodation for delegates to the annual conference.—Received. The Public Trustee forwarded an advice in regard to the trust for elderly unemployed under the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake Relief Act. —Received.

The Medical Officer of Health, Wellington, forwarded a list of beds vacant in departmental sanatoria. It was shown that there were more vacancies than usual.

Unemployment Relief

The Unemployment Board, Wellington, wrote in reply to a complaint forwarded by the board in respect of the position at Otane as to inadequate funds being available, under the No. 5 scheme. It was advised that there were not sufficient funds available for in-

creased assistance. The Chairman said that a married man had called and emphasised the need for an increased relief work allocation. There had been some little satisfaction from the representation made. The chairman said that it had been expected that a greater measure of relief would be available under the unemployment scheme. It was decided that the letter be filed. REPORTS DISCUSSED The first report considered was that of the Finance Committee, which dealt principally with fees, accounts and matters of relief. It was recommended that a total of £BOO in outstanding accounts bo placed in the hands of the official collector.

Subsequently a number of items wore deleted from the list as the result of

information supplied by members. The recommendation was adopted on the motion of Mr Hawthorn. The Chairman said that the applications for social aid were slowly growing.

The actions of the committee on the score of social welfare wore endorsed after full discussion.

In regard to the non-availability of the board’s estimates, now in rhe hands of the Health Department, the Chairman pointed to the inconvenience caused. The secretary stated that in the case of only one local body, the Waipukurau Borough Council, would there be an increase, this being due to added valuation returns. In regard to the fly trouble in the kitchen it was decided as desired by the cook that the screens erected at a considerable cost in response of a previous cook, be removed. In regard to the proposed readjustment of a noisy door it was agreed to refer the matter back to the engineer for attention. Visiting Committee’s Report. Further to the visiting committee’s report Mr Hawthorn held that unemployed labour could well be engaged on a scheme of land drainage at the hospital. He said that men were being paid by the Unemployment Board, and fed. After discussion it was agreed that the matter be left in abeyance for a time. It was resolved that Mr Matthews be appointed to the visiting committee for two months, in association with MiHawthorn for the first month, and Mr Atkins the second. Bequest for Protection “I am hoping the Board will consider putting some protection in the back kitchen corridor. Nearly every week the rain beats in very badly, making it very unpleasant and dangerous for the staff” wrote Matron Drummond to the Board. ' It was resolved that the matter be defered in the meantime. ' '