Porters Living In “Hovel”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 13, 16 January 1948, Page 5

Porters Living In “Hovel”

Hospital Board Agrees To Provide New Hut Forceful comment in the monthly report of the Matron, Miss K. Miller, influenced the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board to take definite action yesterday to provide better accommodation for porters at the district hospital. One new hut, to accommodate two men, is to be provided immediately.

“I have only once been in a worse hovel in my life,” wrote the Matron, Miss Miller, referring to the porters’ quarters in her monthly report to the Board yesterday. She urged the necessity for immediate action. Mr A. F. McGougan, when the report was under discussion, said conditions in which the porters were living were disgraceful and should not be allowed to continue. The matron had also referred to overcrowding of the domestic staff quarters and, in regard to both matters, pointed out that the institution should be setting an example so far as hygiene "was concerned.

Anticipating a building programme that would include decent permanent accommodation for domestic staff and porters, Messrs McGougan and J. Caulfield suggested temporary huts on skids, which would make their disposal easier when the time for it came. On Mr L. Buddie’s motion, seconded by Mr McGougan, the Board decided on the immediate purchase of a hut on skids, built in sections, and not smaller than 12ft. by 10ft. Final arrangements were left to the works committee with power to act. This matter of temporary accommodation has been under consideration for some months and the latest quote the Board has on record is £ll3 for. a 10ft. x 12ft. hut.

Alteration Proposals Proposals for alterations to the men’s ward at the District Hospital and the provision of accommodation for bicycles were referred to the house and works committees for investigation and report. The Board’s architect is to be consulted if available, and suggestions are to be sought from the medical superintendent and the matron.

Month’s Statistics The medical superintendent’s statistical report for December said there were 144 patients admitted during the month and 159 discharged. ' 'There were 29 births and 8 deaths. Six major and 42 minor operations were carried out during, the month. Patients in the institution at December 31. totalled 78, and the daily average throughout the month was 92.03.