HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID CONFERENCE.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1528, 10 January 1879, Page 2

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID CONFERENCE.

According to announcement, the conference re hospital and charitable aid, consisting of delegates from Municipalities, County Councils, and Road Boards, took place at hclf-pnst fen o'clock this morning in the Council Chambers. There was allo«(ther thirteen delegates prceent, viz , the Majors of Christchurc 1 ), Sydenham, Ljttejt'm, Ash-bin-ton, and Kaiupoi, the Hon, John Hall and Dr. Turnbull representing the Selwyn County Council, Messrs Q-rigg and Buun.d.ers of tEo Ajhburtoa County Couudlj

Mr Charters of the Sydenham Borough Council, and Mr Higgins of the Ashley C«unty Council. Mr H. Thomson, chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, was also present, and, after some discussion, was induced to take the chair.

The following resolution, moved by the Hon. John Hall, and seconded by Dr. Turnbull, was agreed to unanimously—" That this meeting recognises the great advantage of local management of hospital and charitable institutions, but is of opinion that it cannot be effectively provided for without legislative provision for the purpose." The next resolution by Mr Hall was lost, viz—" That pending such legislation, and as a temporary measure, this meeting recommends the Boroughs and Counties of North Canterbury to accept the management now offered to them by the Government, if, upon further explanation, the Government proposals are found to be likely to work satisfactory." The following amendment by Mr John Grigg was carried by seven votes to six, the chairman not voting:—" That, pending legislation by Parliament, it is undesirable to undertake any temporary management of the Hospital and Charitable Aid institutions as requested by the Colonial Secretary, and this meeting desires to express its disapproval of the voluntary aid principle, as expressed in that letter."

The following resolution was then moved by the Mayor of Ohristchurch, but, after some discussion, was withdrawn—" That in the opinion of this meeting the Customs revenue, contributed equally by all classes of the community, is the most desirable source from which to take the necessary funds for the support of the Hospital and Charitable Aid."

A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close.