QUESTION OF COSTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 63, 15 April 1946, Page 5

QUESTION OF COSTS

HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION SECRETARY’S SALARY INCREASED The method of administration of the Whakatane Hospital and the need for closer association of the secretary with the actual running of the institution, formed the main basis of a discussion by the Board on Thursday when it was finally agreed to grant the secretary’s application for a £135 rise in salary bringing it up to £BOO per annum.

My way of making comparisons with the outlay of other Boards in this direction a list of administrative costs as paid out by other hospitals in the same category in the Province was tabled when it was shown that in only one case (Taumarunui) was the secretary paid a lower figure than in Whakatane.

A recommendation from the Finance Committee that the application should be granted, was fully discussed, the chairman inviting comment.

Mi- Caulfield said that he considered it essential that the secretary should have his office in the hospital, itself in order to assure the smooth running of the institution. This he contended would overcome many of the difficulties and problems which the Board had had to deal with in the past. In moving that the increase be granted Mr Burt said he fully agreed with Mr Caulfield that the secretary should actually camp on the job. He had thought for years that the Board Room should also be in the hospital at the present time however there was no accommodation for either proposition unless there was a further outlay of capital expenditure. He favoured the granting of the rise but considered the other points should not be lost sight of.

Mr Buddie seconded and pointed out that although all members were agreed that the secretary should be 4f possible established in the building the Board was simply hamstrung, for lack of accommodation at the present juncture, though it would have to face up to it in the future. Messrs. Suckling, Mitchell and the chairman supported the : motion. Mr Caulfield said he made no secret of the fact that he considered the secretary well paid, and further, that of the Board made an effort it could find the necessary accommodation to install the ’secretary in the hospital. They could never hope for any real satisfaction until .this was done. He realised that everybody favoured the motion, so he could not hope to do a great deal. At the same time he had made enquiries and was of the opinion, that if-the job were tendered if or the Board could get it done for about £SOO. He did not oppose the rise in salary so much as the continuation of the existing system whereby the secretary had his offices in town. There was nothing personal in his attitude whatsoever, but he intended to keep the matter well before the Board.

The motion on being put to the meeting was carried with Mr Caulfield dissenting.