INCREASE GRANTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 136, 15 March 1940, Page 5

INCREASE GRANTED

MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT'S SALARY DECISION OF THE HOSPITAL BOARD At the meeting of the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board yesterday an application was received from the Medical Superintendent, Dr E. Tewsley Dawson, for an increase in salary. Dr Dawson retired while the matter was discussed. The Chairman said that the doctor had been in charge of the hospital for two years. His present salary was £750 and he was also provided with a free house. Mr Schofiekl thought that the Medical Superintendent was entitled to an increase as he had proved himself. A similar opinion was expressed by Mr F. J. Burt, who said that the doctor's work was increasing all the time. He moved that the salary be £800 per annlun. Mr A . F. McGougan said he knew that the ratepayers were up against it but it would be very unwise, for the sake of £50, to lose the services of the Medical Superintendent. The Board and the district, said Mr McGougan would go a long way before getting a man with the ability of Dr Dawson.. He did not increases at Uhc present time but in this instance it was justified. In expressing his accord, Mr L. Buddie said the doctor was always on call, there was no 40 hour wee'v. The ratepayers were interested in lhe retention of a man with whom all Ave re satisfied. Mr F. J. Savage thought that the doctor was well paid at present and said that the Board Avas not in a position to grant an increase, though personally there Avas no one who appreciated Dr Dawson's worth more than himself. The Chairman said, he had been in the hospital three or four times a week for the last two or three years and the more he visited the institution the more he heard the favourable comments on Dr Dawson, both as a doctor and a man. The Superintendent's Avork had increased tremendously since his appointment and there had been an increase of 25 per cent in the occupied beds in the last 12 months. He could not speak too highly of tiie doctor. !Mr C. A. Suckling spoke in the same strain and the motion was put to the meeting, being carried Avith Mr SaA*age as the only dissentient.