29

H.—22a

Mr. Milligan suggested that a resolution be passed to the effect that if the Government did not adopt the recommendation of the Conference, they be recommended to adopt the provision in the Municipal Corporations Act that had been mentioned. Mr. Gallaway (Dunedin) suggested that the resolution read as follows : " That the Board may appoint committees, not necessarily from its own members, to carry out the functions of the Board; and may delegate to each committee such of its powers as may be deemed expedient." Mr. Milligan said that was precisely the provision contained in the Municipal Corporations Act. He begged to withdraw his proposal in favour of Mr. Callaway's amendment. Mr. Norris said he agreed to accept Mr. Gallaway's amendment. Mr. Gallaway's amendment was adopted. Government Control. The Chairman said he dealt with the question of Government control in his address the previous day. He would not, therefore, weary the Conference with any arguments that might be adduced with respect to giving the Government more control with regard to the extension of buildings and the control of appointments. He would ask Mr. Wilson to move a resolution on this subject that he had tabled the previous day. Mr. J. G. AVilson said he was glad the Chairman had given him that opportunity to move the resolution, because, while he quite realised that the Government had a large stake in the matter of hospitals, the nominees of a person were rarely as good appointments as those elected by the people themselves. If the Conference adopted his resolution, a trial could be made in the direction he suggested. He thought it was quite right that the Government should have some say in the matter. If the resolution were adopted, the Inspector-General would have a legal right to attend the meetings of Boards. That would give the Government some control, and it would be of assistance to the Boards. The Inspector-General would not be able to attend many meetings; but there might be occasions when he might desire to attend meetings, and when his attendance would be of very great service to the Board. He was sure that any recommendation the Inspector-General made to the Board would receive the fullest consideration. Members of Boards did not like the power of veto proposed to be given in the Bill. The Inspector-General ought to have some assured position as far as the Boards were concerned. At the present time he could go to the Boards as a visitor. He could go through the hospitals, but he was practically a visitor. He ought to have some further power which would enable him to have some say in the conduct of the business of the Board. It could be seen how the suggestion worked. If it was not found to be satisfactory it could be altered. His proposal would be more acceptable to the Boards than the Government having the power of veto. He moved, " That the Inspector-General shall be ex officio a member of all Boards in the Dominion." Mr. Williams seconded the motion. Mr. Horrell hardly thought it would be right to appoint the Inspector-General a member of all Boards. If that were done, the Inspector-General would be both Inspector-General and a member of a Board, and he would be virtually inspecting his own work. The Inspector-General's duty was that of inspection. Mr. Carson (Wanganui) asked the Chairman if the Government was likely to accept such an appointment in lieu of the power of veto. The Chairman said he did not think the Government would. Mr. Wilson said that in that case he would not press the motion. Mr. J. P. Luke (Wellington) moved, " That as long as the Government contribute the same amount of subsidy as at present, they be represented by one or more members on each Board." He thought that would be better than Mr. AVilson's resolution. He thought that very few members of the Conference would accept the power of veto on the part of the Government in respect to the administration of local affairs. Mr. Davis thought it was only right when the Government contributed so largely that they should have special representation. Mr. Tapley (Dunedin) said he was in favour of Mr. Luke's motion, but he thought the number of members to be nominated by the Government should be limited. The Chairman said he wanted it to be thoroughly understood that as far as he knew there was not one medical man who had been appointed as a resident stipendiary surgeon of our hospitals that would not meet with approval at the present time. He thought that for the most part the appointments had been excellent. Now and then, however, appointments were made which were not altogether satisfactory; but they were very few. In the past some unsuitable appointments had been made, and he certainly thought the Minister ought to have the right of veto in this matter. It would be his duty as Inspector-General to advise the Minister. They might be quite sure that the power of veto would not be exercised except on very good grounds. The power of veto would be very cautiously exercised. With regard to the appointment of matron, Miss McLean was likely to know more as to the qualifications of nurses suitable for appointment as matron than any member of a Board would know. Miss McLean kept a register of qualified nurses. He had endeavoured to show in his address how a system could be adopted by which nepotism and abuse could be avoided. He certainly thought occasions did arise when the power of veto should be possessed by the Department. Mr. McMahon (Nelson) said he would like to hear some good reason given why the Government should be represented on the Boards. Mr. R. C. Kirk (Wellington) suggested that it would be better to adopt a resolution to the effect that no appointment of medical officer or matron should be made until the expiration _of, say, twenty-one days after the Minister had been notified of the intention to make such appoint-