THE BEAR GARDEN.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1524, 21 August 1912, Page 4

THE BEAR GARDEN.

AUCKLANB HOSPITAL. BOARD MEETING BROKEN UP.' MEMBERS QUIT ROOM'. (By Tolcsraph.—Fres« Association.! ' Auckland, August 20. A most painful scene took place at h meeting of tho Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board this evening, and terminated, uftcr hot words, by four of tho members leaving the meeting, amid intense excitement. Tho facts leading up to the trouble were that tWs results ol' tho recent nurses' examinations could not bs completed because the data of tho practical work of the nurses, officially supplied by tlio lady superintendent, was missing. At a previous meeting of tlio board, it was stated by a member that tho data was there, but had not l>een supplied. It 1 was then moved and carried: 'That tho late lady superintendent (Miss Griffiths) should bo asked to report on tho practical work of the nurses." After three weeks' investigation, Miss Griffiths handed in a sheet of foolscap, with tho marks which she had allotted to the first, second, and third-year nurses. During that three weeks the nurses' register was also handed over to tho lato lady superintendent, and, when it was returned to tlie present acting lady superintendent, tho later found that it contained entries which, it is alleged, were not there when it left her hands. Some of the entries, it is also alleged, were incorrect. Tho Medical Committee, in their report, drew tho attention of tho board to theso statements, and it was tho consideration of. this matter that led up to the scene. Tho chairman (Mr. li, Schofield) set matters moving by referring to Clause 4 of tho committee's report drawing attention to remark!) alleged to have boon mado in tho register by the lato lauy superintendent after she had passed out of tho board's employ. "I rule Clause 4, out of order," said tho chairman. Ho explained that the chairman of the Medical Committee hnd no right to exnmino the register, as it was a confidential docu. meat. The remarks had not been inserted as alleged in the register. Dr. Pabst rose to make a statement. Thd chairman: Please sit down. I have ruled! the clause out of order. Dr. Pabst: I want.to speak on a question of fact. I — At this stago considerable disorder prevailed, several of the members speaking together. Dr. Pabst was explaining that the board had recognised his right, as chairman of the Medical Committee, to examino tho register, when,ho was interrupted. ■ Mr. Potter: Is it recorded in the minutes? Dr. Pabst: It has always boon enforced by Mr. Nerhony and Mr. Potter that such an obvious thing is never recorded on the minutes. Messrs. Nerhony and Potter, both reiterated denials. Mr. Mackay here roa? to speak timid much commotion. The chairman: Will you sit down, Mr, Mackay? Mr. Mackay: No, I will not sit dawn whilo you are making statements absolutely contrary to fact. The chairman appealed to the board for protection, and requested Mr. Mackay to withdraw his remarks. Several members (excitedly): "Withdraw! Withdraw I" Mr. Mackay: I will withdraw, but reservedly. ' I will ask that the register - 1 bo produced. I Mr. M. J. Coyle: I do not think that 1 anvono should stop members from looking at tho register. It was possible that libellous statements were contained in tho book, -o . , , Dr.. Pabst rose again.to speak, Tho chairman (vigorously thumping the table, and speaking in a high-pitched / - voice): Sit down! ■ Dr. Pabst: What am Ito do? . . Mr..Nerhcny: The best thing you can do is to resign. Mr. Mackay recorded liis protest against tho way, in which tho doctor was being , I treated.' ~ , Mr. Dye: I have seen tho register, and. the chairman's statement .is not correct..!. . . Dr. Pabst: An entry was made in tu« • > book after the matron left. . 1 , Mr. Nerheuylshouting): You are on- , tirolv out, Sir! i Mr. Mackay then expressed surprise at , the chairman's attitude, and will) Messrs. i Ellisdon, Covle, and Dye, and Dr. Pabst , be left tho meeting, Mr. Potter expressing surprise at Mr. Mackay's attitude, as ! the members and the choirman of tlio . Medical Committee departed through the ; door. ■ ~ 1 The meeting then broke up, a 6 there wtu no quorum. ■