WAS IT VALID?

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1742, 6 May 1913, Page 6

WAS IT VALID?

HOSPITAL BOARD DISPUTE. A HURRIED MEETING. One of tho last official acts of the Wellington Hospital Hoard, whoso term of ollice was determined by tho recent elections, was to revoke, at a special meeting, its instruction to the Medical Superintendent (Dr. Hardwicko Smith)—at present abroad—to appoint a pathologist and two assistants for tho new Pathological Institute at present in course of erection in tho Hospital grounds. That special meeting was hurriedly convened at the instance of the Inspector-General of Hospitals (Dr. Vaiintine), -who submitted proposals for the stalling and carrying on of tho Pathological Institute, which meant a considerable saving of money to tho Hospital Board. The proposals were accepted, and Dr. Hardwicko Smith was cabied to in terms of the board's decision. Tho meeting was so hurriedly convened that certain members of the board received no notice to attend it, and when tho minutes camo up for cbnfirmation at the first meeting of tho new board j-esterday they were challenged by Mr. B. It. Gardener, "as a matter of principle," as 'ho explained. Mr. Gardener took strong exception to tho manlier in which tho special meeting had been convened. Ho for one had received no notice, and lie objected to such proceedings as being in flat contravention of the board's own standing orders. He maintained that everything that had been done at that spccial meeting was null and void, ns the convening of the meeting had been irregular. Ho did not disapprovo of what had been done, but it was conceivable that if such a method of proceeding woro allowed in future great harm might be done by tho few who might happen to attend the meeting, in the absence of several members who might not receive timely notice. This view was supported by Dr. F. W. Mackenzie and the ltev. H. Van Staveren. Mr. H. Baldwin admitted that there was ground for dissatisfaction, but according to the Act and its regulations the meetin? was perfectly in order. The chairman (the Kev. W. A. Evans) ruled that the meeting had been perfectly valid. It was quite clear that tho Inspector-General was within his rights, and if the board's by-laws were not in harmony with the Act and its regulations some readjustment would require to bo effected. Further discussion ensued, in tho middle of which Dr. Valintino entered tho room, and, on being apprised of tho situation, remarked pleasantly that he seemed to have arrived at the psychological moment. lie would be very sorry indeed, he said, to think that any soreness woulil be felt over the matter. As the.y were aware, lie had acted solely in tho board's interests, and in the circumstances it would have been quite impossible for him to have convened the meeting any earlier than he had doue. As to tho validity of his action ho assured them that his authority was clear on that point. Ho had power under the Act to convene a special meeting of the board, and had frequently done so in other districts. "Have you ever taken a legal opinion on that point?" asked Mr. D. M'Laren. "No," replied tho Inspector-General. "I never take these things if I can possibly help it," lie added jocularly. "Did you not approve of these?" inquired tlio Kev. H. Van Staveren holding up a copy of the board's rulo and regulations. "Yes," said Dr. Valintino. "Then don't you.consider that you are bound by them?" insisted Mr. Van Staveren, who thereupon stated his intention of moving that tho whole matter should be reconsidered at a special meeting to be called for that purpose. Mr. B. H. Gardener then questioned tho Inspector-General. "Having regard to the fact that certain members of this board received no notice to attend, do you consider that that spccial meeting was properly constituted?" "I consider that it was properly constituted," replied Dr. Vaiintine. "It appears to me," observed Miss Richmond, "that our Standing Orders aro for tho regulation of the board's business, not for tho business of the Inspector-Gen-erhl." The chairman, at this stage, determined the discussion by putting the question of confirming the minutes of the special meeting. The ayes had it, and Mr. Gardener called for a division, and thenames were called. "Mr. M'Ewan?" That gentleman demurred. "How can I say whether these minutes are correct if I wasn't at Jlie meeting?" he submitted. Eventually the division list was filled in. and tho question was approved. Jlr. Van Staveren then gave notice of motion to reconsider tho whole position,