CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1934, 6 May 1880, Page 3

CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The ordinary meeting of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held on Wednesday afternoon, at four o’clock. There were present—Messrs Thompson (chairman), Montgomery, Booth, Hawkes, and the Mayor of Sydenham. The Hospital committee reported that during the last fortnight 31 patients had been admitted to the Hopital, and 28 discharged, leaving 83 patients remaining in the institution. During the same period 5 deaths had occurred.

The committee also reported (through Mr Booth) on the question of erecting a smoking room, complaints having been made by the house surgeon in reference to the patients smoking in the corridors. He pointed out that the timber from the old convalescent ward could be utilised in the construction of a building such as that suggested, which would afford accom nodation for twenty men.

Mr Hawkes said he would make the committee a present of a suitable stove for the room.

After discussion as to the cost, it was sug gested by Mr Hawkes that the proposed building bo erected, under the supervision of the hospital committee. The following resolution was ultimately passed—“ In order to prevent smoking in the corridors, the Hospital committee are authorised to utilise the old convalescent ward for the use of smokers during the winter. The following communication from the house steward was road : I have the honor to inform yon that, with a view to the improvement of the gardens and grounds, I would recommend that several poplars, willows, and other trees should be removed, particularly some that shade and are detrimental to tho kitchen garden ; also a number of poplars at tho west aide and three willows on the bank of the river to the Acclimatisation Gardens, and the removal of the latter would er-atly improve the general prospect. I have conferred with Mr Armstrong, who concurs with me that it is desirable to do as I suggest, and he has kindly offered to let mo have any young trees of a more choice kind to effect the desired improvement. When I have obtained your permission, I propose again *o seek the advice of Mr Armstrong as to which trees_ it is desirable to remove, and it will be requisite to obtain the services of the hard labor gang to effect the necessary work. The gang could at the same time clean the creek, as this is becoming foul and requires attention, and could also cut up tho timber which would be available from the above trees for firewood for use during the winter. R. T. Belt,, House Steward. Referred to the Hospital committee. A letter was read from Mr H. A. Bamford, in reference to the case of a prisoner named Amos James Tudball, and referred to the medical staff. A letter was received from Messrs Izard and Loughuan, enclosing a cheque for £6 13s 4d received by them from “ J.E.S.” on behalf of the Hospital. The secretary was instructed to write a suitable acknowledgment. A letter from the Government was received as to whether Christchurch or any other municipality had contributed any charitable aid to Lyttelton, Tho Board, after considering what the precise meaning of the question could bo, as applied to them, decided that they could only furnish information as to what they had done, and the secretary was instructed to reply accordingly. A letter was read from Dr. Coward, staling that he was anxious to discharge E. A, Wilder, a patient who was brought to the Sunnyside Asylum from Lyttelton, and who was quite well mentally, but totally blind of both eyes, consequently unable to earn his living; and the writer suggested that the Board might put him into the Old Men’s Home, or otherwise provide for him. It was resolved to send the man to the Ashburton Home.

The Orphanage committee reported that they had visited the institution on Thursday, April 22nd. All the children were mustered and inspected with the exception of three boys in the Hospital, who were reported by the medical officer as progressing favorably. The committee attached a special report from the medical officer in reference to the sanitary condition of the institution. The instructions of the committee re ventilation, &0., were being carried out. A further communication from the committee was received to the effect that they had under their consideration a letter from Dr. Macdonald recommending some mark of recognition to the master and matron for their extra services at Quail Island, but could see no reason to entertain the recommendation.

The report of the committee "as above was approved. A communication was read from Dr. Macdonald, acknowledging receipt of a letter from the Board, and replying to the effect that he should be pleased to furnish a weekly report as to the state of the orphanage. There had been four cases of diphtheria lately, but the patients were now convalescent, and there was no sign of a further outbreak. He was in the habit of visiting the institution, and could speak favorably of the master, the matron, and their staff. Being rather puzzled as to the cause of this second outbreak of sickness in the institution, he caused some of the flooring in the room where it occurred to be removed, and underneath found sufficient to account for it. The ground was quite soaked, and emitted a disagreeable and unhealthy smell. The rooms had not since been used. In this case the hospital had proved a great boon to the institution. Several matters of a routine character were then disposed of, after which the Board went into committee, and on resuming, adjourned.