CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1368, 4 July 1878, Page 3

CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

A mooting of the Charitable Aid Board was held this morning in the City Council Chamber. It had been announced that the time for the meeting would bo 9.30, and at that time Dr, Turnbull and Mr Montgomery were present. Tho hour for the meeting had, however, been postponed till 10.30, in order to allow of a full attendance. The following were then present: —The Mayor of Christchurch (in the chair), tho Mayor of Sydenham, Mr Montgomery, Mr J. E. Brown, Dr. Turnbull, and Mr March. The Chairman explained to Dr. Turnbull what had been done at the last meeting, and stated that lie had waited upon Mr Hall relative to his sitting on the Board. That gentleman had informed him that he was not very well, and as he lived out of town and was going away in a few weeks he must decline to bo on the Board. He considered, however, that Government had taken a right step in adopting the course now being pursued. The Mayor of Sydenham asked if Mr Hall had suggested any member in his place. Mr Ma’ ob said ther* was a large expenditure in connection with the County of Selwyn. Several members remarked that Dr. Turnbull had a seat in the County Council. Dr. Turnbull said that he understood the Board still to adhere to the opinion that legislation on the subject was necessary. Mr Montgomery suggested that as those present had not changed their mind they should not go away from the words of their previous telegrams sent to Government. Tho Chairman, after reading tho telegrams referred to, said the Government had not accepted the terms mentioned in them. Mr Montgomery believed that all the members had come to a clear understanding that the Board was to be nominated merely for the expending of certain moneys for a limited time. If tho time was to extend over a lengthened period he should refuse to accept the appointment. He had understood that Mr Brown held the same opinion. Mr Brown assented, -

Mr Montgomery continued—Mr Brown and himself were of opinion that they could do some service on the Board whilst they remained in Christchurch, and could at the same time obtain an amount of information which would be of use to them in the House. Mr Brown said that the point he wished to be cleared up tl e previous day was what amount of funds Government would give the Board. Those present had refused to have simply the disbursement of an amount equal to the payments made last year. If Government had sufficient confidence in them to appoint them to the Board, it should allow them to expend whatever amount was found to bo necessary. Mr Montgomery quite agreed with that. Mr Brown thought it was quite clear that Government intended to curry on the charities by drawing on the consolidated funds with the assistance of a Board, upon the members of which would devolve the dispensing of the aid. As to the question of policy referred to in the Colonial Secretary’s telegram, lie did not consider it a matter for consideration at present. As a member of the Board, ho could not go into a question which would affect him iu the House. The Mayor of Sydenham had understood that the members objected to bo appointed permanently. Dr. Turnbull thought that under the altered circumstances the Board could send a telegram, stating that those present consented to oct for a limited period. Mr Brown considered that, the providing the Beard with sufficient funds was of so vital a. consequence that he would decline to act upon any other conditions. Mr Montgomery agreed with this. The twelfth of the expenditure of last year might hav e been already contracted for by Mr March or the Hospital, and if more aid were now required this Board would be unable to grant it, however pressing the necessity. The Board must ho in a position to afford relief in eases of crying neeessiiy, and to admit to the Hospital. They could nob otherwise enter upou their duties. The Mayor of Sydenham ashed Dr. Turnbull whai conditions, as to expenditure, were made with the medical staff when they took over the management of the Hospital ? Dr. Turnbull said there was no limitation. The Mayor of Sydenham thought some of the members wsre raising a bug-bear, which had no existence. The Government would not limit the Board any more than the medical staff, and he could nob see why it should be taken for granted that they would objecting to legislation. The Chairman said the Board had the Government telegrams limiting the Board’s funds and objects to legislation. Mr Montgomery said the Government wished to limit the Board’s expenditure to the amount that was spent last year. The Board might or might not require more than that amount, but certainly during the winter months would require more than the average expenditure for the whole year. He, and he believed the whole Boai-d, objected to be placed in a different position from that occupied by the present management. The Mayor of Sydenham was inclined to think that Government asked them to step into the same position.

Tho Chairman dissented from this view. Dr. Turnbull had just told them that there was no restriction upon the medical staff, whilst Government put one upon tho Board. The Mayor of Sydenham again asked Dr. Turnbull if the medical staff had no responsibility as to expenditure. Dr. Turnbull replied that they had none. Mr Brown pointed out the distinction made, and declared that he would not take the appointment under such circumstances. The members had not run after Government, or asked to be appointed; Government had asked them. The Mayor of Sydenham then supposed that they had nothing to do but to reiterate their previous telegram. Mr Brown said that was what he would propose —that the very same words should be again used. After some further conversational discussion, it was unanimously agreed to send the following telegram to the Government: — At a meeting held this day (present—the Mayors of Christchurch and Sydenham, Messrs Montgomery and Brown and Dr. Turnbull), it was resolved that tho above-named persons are willing to accept office as a board of management for Hospital and charitable aid upon the terms stated iu telegram of July Ist. Tho Chairman said ho would telegraph an explanation of tho Hon. John Hall’s declining to act. Tho Board then adjourned till half-past nine tho n>'xh morning.