HOSPITAL BOARD.

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 13, 3 October 1944, Page 4

HOSPITAL BOARD.

time. Complaints could be given direct to these visiting members at any time. This is by no means a new idea.

Sir t —l have been looking back on the Hospital Board report of Thursday 5 July 14, 194.4, and am astounded at Mr Buddie's attitude and apparent desire to dominate both the thoughts and actions of other members of the Board. The reflection of course is not only confined to him for his: attitude but also' to other members who acquiesed at the. exp'eitse of their individual op in* ions and self respect.

Tliese other members have unr doubtedly displayed their weakness of chartacter by subjugating their individualism at the obvious command of Mr Buddie who as chairman has undoubtedly the desire but certainly not the right to do so. He is reported to have said that if he could feel assured of a substantial majority in the carrying out of the present, building programme and the general maintenance of the hospital services he would feel it his duty to accept chairmanship. What <m exposure of Mr Buddie's knowledge of. the rules and conduct of debate. If state, again that he has no right whatsoever to make his acceptance of chairman conditional.

The chairman has no powers except those which directly concern the running of the meeting—such as procedure, standing orders, dispatch of firmness where necessary and keeping the subject under discussion reasonably to the point. I may add that as well a$ members being required to know their attitude towards the it is also most .necesary that the chairman understands his duty towards members which is not in any way according to his own whims and fancies. Mr Buddie has in this case far exceeded his duties and it was up to the board members to challenge his ruling.

I realise of course that all members with the exception of Mr Mc,Cready were only 'too willing to come under Mr Buddie's wing and be popular. What a price for popularity.

In keeping with the above remarks is the apparent somersaulting of members of the board in their opinions. They went to the poll on a certain policy and now that they are elected they go in reverse to the people's trust. Mr McGougan seems to have done a 'double flip' on this matter. Surely their consciences must be pricking them or they must be a complete blank. Perhaps these members have no respect for the peoples desire. Yours etc^ J. DITCHFIELD. P.S. I should like to suggest a much les cumbersome idea than the complaints committee. Why not issue an official visiting card to each, board member permitting him of her, for the duration of their ofto visit the hospital at any