DUNSTAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 489, 1 September 1871, Page 2

DUNSTAN DISTRICT HOSPITAL.

The adjourned meeting of the Committee of the Dunstan District Hospi al, was held in the Committee ro on, Town Hail, C ydc; on Monday evening last, to r ceivc the report of the Retrenchment Committee. Present.—V. Pyke Esq., Presi cut, in the chair, an I Messrs fladetfc, F.iche, Holt, Marshall, Parks, Bock, Griniley, Wolsford, Cambridge, Naylor, A. Christophers, Treasurer, and R. Barlow, Secretary. The Secretary read the report asfoil >ws:— Report of Committee appointo 1 to inquire into the best means of lowering the annual expenditureowing to the Government subsidy being reduced. Your Committee having considered the ways .and means of tbo hospital, estimate that be receipts for the e"sui g year will be about one third less than hi herto, or 1250/. made no as follows, pis : —Subscriptions, &c., 550?., Governin' -nt subsidy 550/, and paying pa’ients 150/ An increase is expected from the latter source. As your Committee are of opinion that mote than ■ho amount collected last year can, aid should be obtai ed. Your < b mmitteo’s recommeo.’ations are co sequently framed with a view of 'educing the expenditure from 1,800/. to 1,200/. This your Committe consider can bo effected by discontinuing to treat chronic cases, a careful and iconomical use of rations, &c., and a strict observance of dietary scales, and by enforcing rule 61, which will obvi te the engagement of special wenlsmen, and a re-

duction of salaries, under this heading a re. duction of 229/. is proposed. A saving may also bo effected in the expenditure for buildings and furnishings, as the institution appears to be well supplied with every convenience an I requiremo ,t necessary for its conduct. Your Committe have therefore to recommend : Ist.—That salaries be reduced as under. Resident Surgeon to 325/,, War.lsm-m and Matron to 75/., Secretary and Collector to 50/, And that three months notice of such reduction I e given to the office s and servants named, from the Ist of September 1871. 2. —That the Resident Surgeon he held responsible for the economical expenditure of stores, medical comforts, and all supplies, and that ho hold possession of the keys of the store-room 3. —That proper dietary scales be strictly adhered to 4. That no supplies of any kind be oh- ■ taine 1 or supplied except by or on the written order of the Resident Surgeon. 5. —Thfvt grea er economy be exercised in the use of fuc, lamps light, &.c. 6 —That chronic cases he refused admittance, and that patients discovered to he suffering therefrom be espatchcd with all convenient spee i to Dunedin Hospital, 7. —That lists of subscribers and s' b scriptious be in future published with the annual report, instead of being advertise 1 monthly. 8. bat a form be prepare 1, which will render patients legally liable for the ayment of thirty shillings per week for maintenance, and that unless in cases of severe accident, no patient te admitted until he has signed such form. 9. That the Surgeon furnish the Seoret ry with weekly reports of patients admitted, so that due enquiry may le made into the cir umstancis of such patients with the view of compelling payment for maintenance from those who are pecuniarily able to re-iuiburse the Tnsitution. 10. —That rule 51 of the Rules of the Institution bs rigidly enforced, and that patients neglect'ng or efusing to conform thereto, bs discharged by the Resident 11. —Taat rule 61 bs amended by the insertion of the words “ or contagious” hot weai the words “infectious” and “disease.” It is with much reluctance that your committee have consented to reoom uend the icduction ofsalari-s, which, in your Committee’s opinion arc not now more than adequate for the proper payment of the officers and servants of the institution. Your Commi tee after due inquiry' have arrived at the conclusion that ■ y the exesrcise of strict economy and careful supervision, the expenses may he so reduced as to ren er any reduction of salaries unnecessary. And, if by readily and zealously carrying out this view, the officers and servants of the institution should succeed in effecting the requisite saving. Your Committee recommend that all salaries be restored to the I present rates. Signed for and on behalf of the Sub-corn-j mittee, R. Barlow, Secretary. The President said the better course to pursue, would be to receive the report, alter which to consider each clause of the re] orb separately. Resolved.—That- the report, be received. Mr G.indley -aid he must obj ct to the item, Resident Surgeon 325/. in the first clause ; and would propose, that the amount be 250/. In support of his amendment, he referred to the decisions arrive 1 at, and suggested by other similar instiiutions. Mr. J. Holt seconded the ameiidm nt. Messrs. H izlatt and Christophers spoke in favo of the original motion. Mr. Weis ford said he hid listened attentively to the report, an 1 it was a question with him, if thed’esi ent Surgeon was fit-to carry out the suggestions embodied in it; and would ask if the committee had confidence in Doctor Burrows, The President said it was not the question of man. imt salary, that wa< und r con Adoration, and lie would ask the committee to sick to the point at issue. The amount 325/. was agreed to by the sub-committee, as being un er the crippled circumstances of the institution, fair and reasonable, but, in comparison wish other insti utions it was co siderably I ss. Mr. Holt sai 1 ho hj id seconded the amendment on the question of man : as regards the salary he did not consider it too mu.h, if the finances of the institution could afford it. Mr. Hazlett said lie must again express hims If in favor of the original sum. The snb-committ-e had c refully studied bo ways and means of the, institution, and they see their way cleir to con luet it wirh the proposed re notions, if that assista ,ce is giv- n by the officers a id servants. After some fur her discussion tho amenlment was lost. Re arding the item, ‘War’sunn an I Matron,’ Mr. Cliri tophers explained the reduction had been made on account of the present War Is.nan an 1 Matron having a . child. 1 The following amendment was vontually carric —Tha' the Sa’a y for Wardsman and Matron be 75/., or 90/, without encumbrance Mr. Cambridg’ said os to the reduction to 50/. for tho Secretary and C dleo‘or, ho did not ernsi c that was sufficient to perform the duties The present Secretary and Collector had be n very hid fa'i.ildo in his exertions for the tienefit of the Institution, and he did not see that with the reduction the same am mint of wo k os heretofore ami 1 de do ie. Mr. Pat L e'-son promo eJ as an a non ment that the item • | he 75/. The origi a’ amount of 50/. was ev ntuatly carded. Claus -a from 2to 11 were carried withou . i discussion.' • i Mr. Grindley said the information con-

tained in some'of the clauses surprised him. Regarding the keys of the store-room being kept hy tho Surgeon, he always understood that was always the case, he remembered at the time of Dr. Burrows’ appointment, j tho keys w’ere handed to him j The President said the latter clauses of the report were for the Resident Surgeon’s guidance, and it was fir the Committee to see they were adhered to. The report as amended was carried. Mr. Patterson proposed a vote of thanks be accorded ! he sub-committee for the able report prepare I hy them, seconded by Mr. Marshall, and carried. Mr. Paft'Tson proposed a vote of thanks be accorded the sub-committee for the able report prepared by them, seconded by Mr. Mar-hall and carried Mr. Hazlett said ns the duties of the Visiting Committee would henceforth be more ardu us, be would propose the number be extended to four. Carried. The Secretary was instructed to apply to Doctor Hulme, the surgeon of the Dunedin Hospital, for a copy of the dietary scale used. The resignation of Mr M'Quillan and wife Wardsman and Matron was read and received. Resolve', —That the resignation be received, a id that dvr-rtisements be inserted in the local journal, inviting applications for the situations. A vote of thanks to the chair conc'uded the meeting. ANCIENT ORD R OF FORESTERS. Court Star of the Dunstan. The Brethren of the above Society, in accordance with the usual cus’ora of the Or'er. celebrated the anniversary of the Court by a supper at Brother oox’s Port Pbi'lip Hotel, Clyde, on Wednesday eve - inc last. H"rotofo e the annual celebration has been held in November, and usually a Foresters’ Ball has been given ; but, on this occasion, doubtless for good and sufficient reasons, the event was fixed f r the actual anni ersary of the establishment of tho Court, and arrangements wer ma 'e for a simper only, possibly to the d sappointment cf many of the fair sex, to whom, even the anticipation of a lively dance, affords enjoyment. If such is the case, it is to be hoped that their liege lords and admirers will yet arrange for a quiet quadrille party for t cir special gratification. The supper, under the careful catering of Mr. and Mrs. Cox, was, of course, a success. The dainty dishes set before 'he guests were well serve I, and comprised an abundance and variety of the good things of life, refl cting like credi upon the taste and liberality of the host an I hostess, and the resources of their establishment. The chair was occupie 1 by the Chief Ranger, Brother Bankhead, and P.C. 1!. | Brother Barlow and Brother Holt acted as | vico-chaiiman and croupier. ' After the assembled guests had fully enjnye 1 the repast, the tables we e cleared, and tho usual oval and patriotic toasts were ; duly propose ' and responded to. The first toast of the evening, “The Queen,” was proposed by the chairman, and loyally received. Mr. Christophers next cave the toast of “Forestry,” a teas he felt very great pleasure in proposing, as he fully understood the advantages of tho Society as a meins of promoting good-fellowship and friendly reding, and affording valuable assistance to members and widows and orphans when most sorely needed. .Mr In <s, as Secretary to “Court Star of Dunstin,” responded, giving a resmni of the progress of the “Court Star of the Duns’an” since its formation, font which it appears 1 that, since the opening nigh , in August, 1863, sixty-three members had been initiated, of whom thirty-four still remain on the roll. Of the re aindor, the majority have joined other Courts on leaving the district, very few having ever speeded from the ranks of the order. Only one Er ther 1-as died, and bu two wives of Brethren. The revenue of the Court, accruing chiefly from members’ contributions) has been about 523/., and the expenditure about 309/. The present accmulated funds and current account of the Society amount to 123/., of which 100/ has been invested at a good rate of interest. In addition to this, a sum has been set apart as the nuolon- of a Widow and Ornlrns’ Fund, from which the Court will be enabled to give a donation to the survivors f a deceased Brother, in addition to the stipulated benefits provided for by the ordinary rules. The present annual i come of the Court was about 80/. and the estimate I expenditure for the current year 65 1. 15s. The Court has recently adopted and registered (under tho i revisions of the “ Friendly Sooie ies’ Act”) a code of bye-laws, which, in addition to the powers conferred by the General Laws of the Order, empower the Trustees an I (ifficers of the Court to exorcise fuller control over the v business of the Society. Mr. Tyrrell then sang “Kitty Tyrrcl,” a cl Mr. Johnson amused the company with his favorite song of “Pa dy’a Dr am.” '* , Mr. Ings proposed “Kindred Societies,” associating with the toast tho name of Mr. James Hazlett. Mr. Hazlett. In response, said it was a source of extreme gratification to witness the hearty co-operation of Frie dly Societies. At Clyde, the Masonic Craft and the Foresters might fairly claim to be kindred societies in tho true sense .of the, word, having always worked harmoniously together. The Foresters had certain; set rules and r gelations, which controlled their good deeds, whie tho influence of Masonry was felt rather than seen Yet each was prompted by the same ohari'able spirit, and promoted me geo 1 purpose—the benefit of fellow men. (Applause.) Mr M'Co inochie sang Bonnie Prince Charlie,’ 1 and Mr. Grindluy followed with “Merry Row.” Mr. Beck proposed the toast, “ Prosperity

to the Dunstan District,’’coupled with the name of Mr. Benjamin Naylor. In Mr. Naylor’s unavoidable absence the toast was suitably 4 a01.n m Edged by Mr. j Johnson. Mr. Hughes then gave an original recitation which was well received. Mr. A. Dalziel sang “ The March of the Cameron Men”. P.C. li. Brother Ilastie proposed tho toast of “our worthy Warden”,x and in doing so mentioned the fact that it was the third anniversary of Mr. Fyke's arrival on the Dunstan to assume the responsible duties he had so well fulfilled He, Mr. Ilastie, expressed his regret, shared in by all pres nt; that sudden illness had prevented Mr. Pyke fulfilling his intention of being present, and ca'led on the company to drink the health of their Warden, as agood neighbor and true friend to the district in full bumpers. Drank enthusiastically, with musical honours. Mr. Hazlett returned th nkson behalf of Mr. Pyke, and cordially endorsed the sen'im mts of respect and esteem expressed by Mr. Ilastie. Mr. Barlow sang “ The Old Mousqnetaire” Mr M'Conunchie followed with “The Bonnie wo s ofCraigi - ee”. Mr. Auckland propose I the “Guests of tire Evening ” Drank with musical honour a id responded to hy Brother Peter Koenig of the C urtb’oy 1 Oak, Bannockburn, who in a neat spe ch, expressed his agreeable surprise at seeing such a numerous gathering of the brotherhood, and in wishing prosperity to all Forests s, and to the Dunstan Court in particular, sine heerely hoped that many mo e opi;or unities might he given them for meeting in friendly association and enjoyment like the present. Mr. Holdm’s song of “Live and LetLive,’’ was well received, and Mr. Tom Hughes then fairly convulsed ihe company by a “ Nnn ib'e Tale”. Brother Dalziel sang the Sco'ch ditty of “My Ain Conntrie”. P.C.R Bro her Cambridge in ahnmorous speech proposed “The Ladies,” and raised the risible faculties of his listeners by admitting that “ hough bound to ono, he still loved them all.” ToMr. Christophers was deputedthe honor of returning thanks on behalf of the fairs' x. Induing so e lamented his misfortune in being a single man. A misfortune in smach as on that account be said be was always selected to return banks on tbeirbehalf, aunty which he thought would more properly devolve on those who were favored wl hj better opportunities for appreciating their many good qnal ties. Applause,—an t audible female laughter from the next room. R'uni, “Here’s a health to all good lasses.” Broiher Hawthorns proposed 'he health i f the “ Mayor and Town Council of Clode ” Responded to by .Mr. Hazlett, who said he aocep'ed the flattering compliment paid to himself and fellow Councillors as a welcome proof that they held a goo.i pin e in public csti ration Mr. Chris ophors p oposed the health of the Pres nt Chief Ranger of Court Star of Dunstan. The toast was suitably acknowledged by the Chairman, Brother Ilastie proposed the health of P.C. Ran er. Brother Nelson as one of the founders of Forestry at C yde, and still an earnest worker for the benefit of die order. Mr. Barlow propo ed The Press.,’ Mr, G. Fache replied briefly, Then followed the health of the !‘Hnst and Hostess’’proposed by Brother Tyrrell. Brother Cox responded, expressing his pleasure at scein so many friends met for enjoyment, am! his sine re hope that 'hey iidzh' i e spared to hold m ny more such friendly gatherings; and that the general prosp rity of ‘ Ivdo might rapidly increase. 9he “National An 1 hem” then followed, and many of the guests retired. The vest prolonged the festivities for an hour or so, and then dispersed well satisfied with their evening’s entertainment.