ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

Evening Post, Volume LXXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1913, Page 3

ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

•" ■'■ ♦ ■ "■ ENQUIRY AT AUCKLAND CONTINUED. (BY TBLBCJIAPH— PRESS ASSOCIATION.) AUCKLAND, 6th February. The enquiry into the administration of St. Helena -Hospital was continued to- ' day. The matron (Miss Ludwig) continued her evidence regarding . the case of the late Mrs. Chamberlain. When Mrs. Nicol commenced to cressexamine the matron in connection with the case of Mrs. Porch, Mr. Selwyn Mays voiced his disapproval of any action in the direction of a general examination of the case. The books of the homo (explained Mi.'Mays) contained descriptions of mental cases and cases involving contagious diseases. If the details of such cases AVere published,' it might lead to" complications. He argued that the books should be searched for details of such ca6es only as directly affected tho present enquiry. Mrs. Nicoi': Why don't you say that you are afraid of what I know of the contents of the bookB? It was explained by Mr. Mays that his remarks had not been directed towards Mrs. Nicol. He had, challenged Mr. Skelton's exploration of the books. Further (Mr. Mays stated), he would protest against the details oi other cases in the books being brought forward before Dr. Valitttino and Miss M'Lean had given their evidence. It was stated, by Mr. Skelton that his clients were not only concerned with the treatment of Mrs. Chamberlain in the home, but also desired to get the present St. Helens Hospital building condemned. He would like to thoroughly examine the books as, though he had only looked through nine "pages, he had discovered x some very valuable facts. The question of allowing the. books; to be examined was eventually adjourned, the Commissioner intimating that he would like to hear legal argument upon it. Mrs. Nicol continued her examination of the matron touching upon, the question of certain sanitary arrangements at the home. She concluded by remarking that, in hospitals like St. Helens, patients often suffered dire trouble through the neglect of sanitation. The Matron: I am being baited here by Mrs. Nicol. I have done no wrong, and I am not going to be bullied by her. I wish your Worship would prevent her from making rude remarks. The Commissioner : You ( will have to eiop it, Mrs. Nicol. Mrs, Nicol : But have I said anything? The Commissioner : I did not hear dearly what was, said, but, if you make offensive remarks, it must be put down. Mrs. Nicol asked if a portion of her evidence, stating that she did not suggest that the books' were destroyed in view of the enquiry, might be erased. The Commissioner duly noted the request, and, upon enquiring her reasons for making it, was informed that she might be able to bring evidence to show that the books were destroyed in connection with enquiry. The Commissioner; The -insinuation "is a very serious one, Mrs. Nicol 1 The enquiry was then adjourned.