43

H.—22a

The resolution, " That the subsidies continue as at present," was carried nem. con. Mr. Norris's resolution —viz., "That this meeting considers that if the Government reduces the subsidy on outdoor relief they should take over the cost of the maintenance of all children committed to industrial schools" —was then put to the Conference. Mr. Bagnall (Auckland) thought that matter should be left to the Government. That was a matter the Government ought to take the responsibility of. Members of the Conference could, not tell how it was going to affect their districts. It was a matter of policy which should be left to the Government to decide. The Chairman said that if the subsidies were reduced, it would mean that the local authorities would have to find £11,000 a year more —11 per cent. more. Outdoor relief last year cost £38,000. If the Government subsidy were reduced, and the children taken over, that would be £16,000, and it would mean that the local authorities would have to find another £11,000; but they would be relieved of the responsibility of the children. That was practically what it meant. He was sure the reduction could be made without hardship to any one. Mr. Carson said that if the resolution were carried it would be a suggestion to the Government to reduce the subsidy. The Conference passed on to other business. Industrial Schools. Mr. Bagnall (Auckland) thought there ought to be some provision by which a Magistrate could not commit a child to an industrial school unless the Board first refused to make any provision for it. He moved, " That it be a recommendation of the Conference that a Magistrate should not be empowered to commit to an industrial school any children of indigent parents until the Board failed to make provision for them." The resolution was agreed to. Sale of Land. On the motion of Mr. Rutherford, seconded by Mr. Bellringer, it was agreed, " That power be given to Boards, subject to the Minister's approval, to sell any portion of land found to be unsuitable for charitable-aid purposes, the proceeds of such sale to be only applied to the acquisition of other lands for hospital and charitable-aid purposes." Mr. Tapper (Dunedin) submitted the following resolution : " That Charitable Aid Boards have more power to protect women and children." Mr. Bain (Invercargill) thought the Government should, on satisfactory evidence being given in the Magistrate's Court that the case was genuine, take action to bring back deserting husbands. The Chairman said he would take both Mr. Tapper's and Mr. Bain's resolutions as expressing the opinion of the Conference. Mr. Stevenson (Dunedin) brought up the question of persons being sent to hospitals who were able to pay for their attendance and maintenance. Dr. Batchelor (Dunedin) thought if hospital Trustees had power to charge for medical and other attendance it would have a good effect. The Chairman said he would take it as a recommendation of the Conference that the word " maintenance " should be more clearly defined in the Act. The Chairman. , Mr. Gallaway (Dunedin) moved the following resolution : " That this Conference places on record its high appreciation of the services rendered by the Inspector-General of Hospitals, Dr. Valentine, in the conduct of its business as associated with the consideration of the very complex questions of hospital and charitable aid. We desire to say that his comprehensive grasp of all details connected with the administration of this great Department of State has materially assisted the Conference in the findings which we believe, if incorporated in an Act and placed on the statute-book, will go a long way to solve many of the difficulties that now confront those who have the administration of these important departments. We desire, further, to add that, in our opinion, the urbanity of manner, mingled with a degree of firmness, displayed by the Chairman has been conducive materially to the success of the Conference." The resolution was carried with acclamation. The Chairman thanked the Conference for the resolution.