CROMWELL HOSPITAL.

Dunstan Times, Issue 672, 5 March 1875, Page 3

CROMWELL HOSPITAL.

The first meeting of the newly elected Hospital Committee was held in tho Town Hail on Thursday, the 25th inst. There were present—Messrs Starkey, Marsh, Arndt, J. Taylor, W. Taylor, Goodger, Solomon, Gudgeon, Dawkins (chair), and the Secretary. M r Marsh thought that tho first business of tho evening was the election of President, and he would therefore propose Mr James Dawkins for that post, who, he doubted not, would fill it with credit, not, only to himself and the Committee, but to the satisfaction of tho subscribers. Mr J. Taylor had great pleasure in seconding tho same. Carried unanimously. Mr Dawkins returned thanks, and assured them that he would perform his duties to the best of his ability. Mr Gudgeon proposed, and Mr Marsh seconded, the election of George W. Goodger as Vice-President J for the ensuing 12 months. Carried. Mr Marsh would suggest the advisability of electing a Treasurer, as it was not improbable that large sums of money would eventually be forthcoming. Mr Starkey would like to know the nature of his duties, as the Secretary generally had to act as Collector. The Secretary thought that he (Treasurer) could only he regarded as a sort of continuous auditor. Mr Starkey was of opinion that the Treasurer should countersign all cheques and orders for’payment. Mr Arndt had much pleasure in proposing Mr Gudgeon as Treasurer. Seconded by Mr W. Taylor, and carried. Mr Goodger begged to propose Mr Coldough as Secretary. The Chairman thought that the salary should be stated, and also the manner of payment. Mr Gudgeon beh'eved in payingHhe Secretary well, as during the first twelve months he would be kept pretty busy, and a good servant could not, in his opinion, be paid too well. Mr Starkey thought that his remuneration should be fixed and paid as a salary, without commission on the sums received or collected by him. Mr Marsh regretted the absence of any rules, although the Secretary was at the last meeting directed to procure the same, as they were almost indispensably’ requisite for their guidance. The Secretary : I procured a copy of the Naseby Hospital rules, but lent them to Mr Jenour. Search was then made for Mr Jenour, but no rules were produced. Mr Marsh had heard considerable dissatisfaction expressed at the percentage they had hitherto been paying the Secretary. It did seem somewhat unreasonable to expect that a percentage should be paid o.n sums collected iu the town, and which entailed but very little trouble in the getting of them in. Mr James Taylor was in favor of a fixed salary, and he would propose “That tho sum of LSO per annum be paid to the Secretary and Collector.” Mr Goodger thought the salary not unreasonable, and he would give the motion his warmest support. It was suggested that the travelling expenses of the Collector should be paid. MrStarkey thought that tho final «ppointment of the Secretary should be deferred till the rules of other hospitals were in the possession of members. He should liked to have seen the Ordinance, and until it was forthcoming it would be most injudicious to proceed with the appointment of a Secretary. He would therefore move as an amendment, “That tho appointment of Secretary he delayed.” Mr Marsh would second it. The Secretary had kept his books in a very creditable style and had done his work well, but he thought that LSO per annum with travelling expenses was coming it rather too strong. Their liabilities would be very heavy. In looking through the minute book he found that there had only been thirteen meetings in the year, which would give the Secretary close on L 4 each night for his attendance, and if they met fortnightly it would amount to nearly L2 for each night’s attendance. In the face of this" he could not conscientiously support the expending of such a large amount, even if by so doing they were deprived of MiOolclough’s services.- They had to deal with public monies, although he would not advocate a sringy niggardly economy, it was their duty to exercise a wise discretion in the outlaying of the funds.—(Hear, hoar.) The amendment was then put to the meeting and declared carried. Mr Starkey proposed, and Mr Gudgeon seconded, “That applications be received up to the Ist of April next from qualified surgeons for appointment to Hospital. Salary to bo L 250 per annum with private practice within a radius of 50 miles.” Carried. It was also resolved on the motion of Mr Goodger, seconded by Mr Starkey, that an advertisement be inserted in the papers for a married couple (without incumbrance), to act as wardsman and matron. Salary to be L9O per annum, and applications to close on the Ist April next. A discussion then ensued as to what journals the advertisement should be inserted, and it was finally agreed that for surgeon the advertisement should appear in the Now Zealand Times, Wellington, Otago Daily Times, and Cromwell Argus ; and for wardsman and matron, Wakatip Mail, Dunstan Times, Daily Times, mid Cromwell Argus. Mr Starkey proposed that a snb-oom-raittee, consist,ingbl Messrs Arndt, Marsh, Gudgeon, and the mover, be appointed to draw up bye-laws, and report to the next meeting. Seconded by Mr W. Taylor and carried. Mr Marsh would suggest thht the Secretary be instructed to write to Dr Douglas, asking information respecting the furniture used in Queenstown Hospital

Mr Goodgor could not see tho necessity for so doing. They had largo places themselves, and he thought they wore quite able to choose tho materials. It was then arranged that tho names of tho applicants for tho respective appointments of surgeon, wardsman, and macron should not bo opened by any one till tho first of April next. A report from tho Building Committee was brought up, and its consideration deferred. After a vote of thanks to tho Chair the meeting closed.