A SHARP EXCHANGE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 16, 13 October 1944, Page 5

A SHARP EXCHANGE

HOSPITAL BOARD 1 INTERLUDE WITHDRAWAL OF REMARK

One of the sharpest exchange® yet seen at the meeting of the Whakaiane Hospital Board! occurred yesterday when Mr H. C. McCready demanded and 1 finally received a withdrawal of the term 'broadcasting friend' used to describe by Mr* J. Mulliins* in; the course of his report on the visiting, committees findings during the past month.

Mr Mullins. had briefly given a very favourable report on behalf of himself and Mr J. P. Caul field who constituted the committee for the period. All patients liad appeared fully satisfied Avith the. treatment and many were high in their praise. From a conversation with the senior members of the stall' lie was. tain that they Avere just as anxious to establish harmony and satisfaction as the Board members" themselves . "I take this opportunity of congratulating the Doctor, Matron and staff on the high degree of satisfaction which pervails there todayj' said Mr Mullins. "I am not concerned AA'ith Avhat it might have, been in the past.. I Avant to add another thing for the benefit, of my broadcasting friend Mr McCready

and also to correct an erroneous impression which must have gone abroad —because I accept a majority ruling, present' a favourable report, or happen to agree with the chairman on some points, I am not. somersaulting or seeking popularity in any shape or form. I am merely do-> ing my duty as a board member, that is all I intend doing."

Mr Caulfield endorsed what had been said adding that Mr McCready had apparently attacked them at the County Council meeting.

"I take strong exception to the

term 'broadcasting friend'," said Mr McCready. "You're going to withdraw it or else I"]l go you personally (to' Mr Mullins). I'll say what I like at any meeting and I defy anyone of the somersauting troop to saj r its not true. I'm going to go very much further than this-. Then you'll have a real opportunity for a showdown. I tell you people are afraid to make complaints because, they are victimised if they do. One old lady told me recently of a thing which is a disgrace to the. outfit.

Mr Caulfield: As far as I can see—

Mr McCready: You keep out of this : —it doesn't concern- -you. Now the whole lot of you. TeK me where I have not said the truth on any occasion. Come on I challenge you all.

Mr Mullins: I'm sorry you feel like this. Just because I disagree with you it does' not mean that I make an open enemy of you. I respect your opinion but I certainly* .do not like, your manner and the. attitude you adozjt in expressing it.

Mr McCreacly was continuing with his challenge when Mr Mullins said that if it would assist towards a better of harmony he would withdraw.

The incident then closed