NAPIER HOSPITAL.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3890, 8 January 1884, Page 3

NAPIER HOSPITAL.

Tho folio-wing- is in. continuation of our yesterday's report: — ANNUAL RETORT. Tho following annual report on tho condifciod and cii'oumstances of tho hospital, by Dr. E. Menzies, Surgeon-Superintendent, was then road:—This Provincial Hospital has now entered upon its fourth year of existence, and under tho direction and supervision of our energetic and far-seeing Committee has attained the capabilities to meet, pari passu, tho requirements of tho increasing population and importance of the Hawko's Bay district. _ A new wing commensurate with the original male ward has been erected, giving the hospital a more imposing and symmetrical appearance from the sea front; and, with the now children's ward, will give accommodation to at least 25 additional patients. It would be out of place in a medical report to describo iv detail these new buildings; suffice it to say that all the most scientific hygienic improvements have been adopted in their construction, and that they are now being furnished. The entire druinagc of tho hospital has been carefully examined and completed, and arrangements made, by convenient reservoirs (emptied bi-n-eckly), to prevent their being choked by grease and extraneous matter. They have been efficiently trapped at various points, and as the supply of water is now ample (being laid on from tho municipal reservoir) thoy aro flushed once a week under competent supervision. The risk of firo has been reduced to a minimum by the erection of stand-pipes and mains at various points of the grounds. Tho gardens have been during the year much improved and beautified by flower beds and walks, and now form n great attraction for visitors, as well as agreeable promenades for the patients. Witli tho exception of the addition of a resident night nurse, the permanent staff of the hospital remains as last year. The medical statistics for the year arc as follows (further details will be given for printing) : —Comparative cases treated: Ist January, 1882, to Ist January, 1883, 308; Ist January, 1883, to Ist January, 1884, 333. The increase for tho period has been 25, whilst tho doorcase under the head of fever is notable, being 30 against 51. lam under the impression that the hygromctric conditions of tho atmosphere at present warrant the opinion that cases of that disease will still further diminish in this year, and perhaps the sanitary precautions now in force in town will eventually stamp out low fever in Napier. The death rate appears at first sight large, but we have had altogether many more cases of diseases in which there has only been a fatal termination to be looked for.

Mr Miller moved, seconded by Mr Knowlcs, that the report bo adopted and ordered to be printed.—Carried. ELECTION OF NEW COMMITTEE. On the motion of Mr Miller, seconded by Mr Knowles, it was resolved to convey the thanks of the Committee to Captain Bower for having previously acted as returning officer, and to request him to do so again. The sum of £3 3s was voted as an honorarium for past services. HETIKEMENT OF Mil J. A. SMITH. The Chairman said ho had been informed that Mr J. A. Smith, in consequence of increasing years and infirmities, had resolved to retire from the Committee. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Miller, ifc was decided to formally pass a rosoluion placing on record tho Committee's appreciation of Mr Smith's past services and their regret at losing them. The resolution was unanimously carried. THE GAIUUSON IJAND. Mr Knowlcs moved that the thanks of tho committee be forwarded to the members of tho Garrison Band, for their recent Sunday sacred concert on behalf of the funds of the hospital. In moving the resolution Mr Knowles suggested that the hand would confer a pleasure upon tho public and a benefit upon the hospital if the coucort were repeated, and that in that case it woidd bo the duty of the Committee to actively co-operate, particularly in the matter of collecting contributions. The motion was seconded by Dr. Spencer, and carried unanimously. MISCELLANEOUS. Discussions took place on the attitudo of tho Borough Council in refusing to act as agents for the Government in advancing money for charitablo aid purposes, and on the question of initiating a Hospital Sunday. Vouchers to the amount of £242 wero passed for payment, and tho Committee adjourned.