CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2207, 3 June 1908, Page 2

CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the Charitable. Aid Board was held in the Borough Council Chambers last evening. Present—The »Mayor (Air. W. D. Lysnar), Aiessrs AV. Pettie, Somervell, Whin-ray, (Sawyer, A. F. Alatthews, and G. Darton. One applicant for -relief, who was in attendance, and who said lie received .life injuries in a fire at Wharekopae, was sent to the Old Men’s Home until suitable light work can be found for -ham. The Inspector-General of Hospitals (Dr. Valintine) invited delegates to be sent to the Hospital Boards’ Conference to be held in Wellington in July. It mis decided that the Hospital Trustees’ delegates be empowered to represent the Hoard, and that a remit —“That all Charitable Aid Boards be elective,” be sent to the Conference. One woman applied for relief for herself and family, and as it ivas stated tin it a working sou was addicted Li drink and spent all liis earnings on liquor, it was decided to issue a. summons to make him maintain his mother. The Hospital Trustees asked the Board to provide the revenue to carry on the work of the Hospital for tho present year, and stated that- the estimated expenditure was £2OOO over that of last Year.

The Mayor said the estimated expenditure showed £3OO increase i:i salaries, and £9OO for additions to buildings. He did not think the Trustees should erect costly buildings without consulting the Board, lie would like to uoint out to the Trustees that economy should be practised. Greater effort should also be used in getting subscriptions and contributions from patients who could afford to pay. Air. .Al'anil- said the Trustees had initialed the idea of an “Hospital Saturday,”, and shown activity in collecting fees, and the Alavor’s remarks on those points were-quit© uncalled for.

Air. Puttie said the Beard merely desired an explanation for tho- increased expenditure. He would move that the estimates be confirmed. Air. Bright said the Trustees used every care to keep the expenditure as low as possible consistent with efficiency. The number of patients was increasing, and the general expansion made it necessary that the Hospital should be up-to-date. That could not he done without money,— and there was no need to cast any slight upon the administration of the institution. Air. A. F. Alatthews said the district was going ahead, and increased expenditure could not be avoided. Mr. Darton said the additions to the buildings were of great urgency. The estimates were endorsed, and 'he Board decided to strike the neccs- ■ a-v rate to find the money. The custodian at the Old A fen’s Home reported that 1-1 patients were inmates of the institution. The accounts were passed for payment, and the meeting closed.