The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1946 Local and General

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 54, 22 March 1946, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Beacon Published Tuesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 1946

Local and General

Victory Band Contest In the ‘B’ Grade Band Championships at Christchurch last Wednesday Bandsman P. Ward, of Whakatane came third with 84 points in the E Flat or double E Flat bass contest. Our warmest congratulations go to Peter Ward on ms perfoi’mance. Hospital Visiting Committee

At last week’s meeting of the Whakatane Hospital Board Messrs. Mitchell and McGougan were appointed the Visiting Committee for the coming month. The report for February showed that there were no complaints of any consequence during the month

Shortage of Nurses General Speaking of the shortage of nursing staff at the local Hospital Dr. Dawson informed the Board last week that the position was the same everywhere. Some hospitals had simply to close wards and limit their number of patients since the lifting of the manpower restrictions. He did not know when it would be possible to open the Children’s Ward under the present circumstances. In Wellington it had been necessary to close down 300 beds. Secretary on the Job

Discussing the position of secretary, at the last meeting of the Whakatane Hospital Board, Mr J. P. Caulfield said that with due respect to the secretary (Mr F. Prideaux) he maintained that in order to make for the proper running of the institution it was necessary to have the secretary actually working on the job. So many difficulties had cropped up as to whose responsibility certain undertakings were that the creation of an office for the secretary in the building would he was certain overcome most of their worries. As it was at present the secretary was in town and could not always be contacted and troubles and disputes occurred because there was no one to give a decision.

Bonito Caught at Ohiwa One of those rare fishes from the tropics was netted at Ohiwa recently by two local fishermen. This was a handsome blue bonito well known to the lagoons and island atolls in the Pacific. Of a deep indigo colour the fish is perfectly streamlined having recessed fins and a powerfully vaned tail. Its flesh which is red and may be eaten in steaks is described as delicious.

New Hospital Boiler In response to the suggestion from the County Council the Whakatane Hospital Board lost no time in contacting the War Assets Realisation Board with regard to the availability of a second hand boiler. However as none was available except perhaps coming to hand from the Pacific zone at some future date, the Board decided in view of the absence of objections to accept A. and G, Price’s tender of £1945 for manufacture and installation.

Hospital Figures At the meeting of the Whakatane Hospital Board last week the following figures were submitted by the acting Medical Superintendent, Dr. J. K. Briwn: Remaining in hospital on February 1, 116 (53 males and 63 females); admissions during month February 103 (29 and 74); discharges 138 (42 and 96); deaths 5 (3 and~2); remaining in at end of month 76 (37 and 39); births 29 (14 and 15); operations, major 2, minor 34. Daily average occupied bed 88.46.