HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2260, 30 June 1881, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

The usual meeting of the above was held at 4 p.m, yesterday. Present —Mr H. Thomson (chairman), the Mayor of Christchurch and the Mayor of Sydenham. The Hospital committee reported that during the past fortnight twenty-one patients were admitted into tho institution and forty discharged, leaving fifty-one patients in the institution. During the same period one death occurred. For tho corresponding period of last year fifty-six patients were in the institution. A letter was read from tho Borough Council of Sydenham thanking tho secretary for forwarding papers, A letter was read from the Colonial Secretary respecting tho admission of Mary Ann Sumner to the Sunnyside Asylum, who died the day after admission from the Orphan Asylum, pointing out that mere imbecility was not sufficient cause for incarceration in a Lunatic Asylum ; and also from Dr. Hacon. The Chairman said that Mr Sopp had called upon him with reference to the insanity of the girl, and he (the chairman) recommended Mr Sopp to consult with Dr. Macdonald on the subject. The letter of the Colonial Secretary said that they should not bring patients up before the Court like this, and also that she was suffering from inflammation of the lungs. The Mayor of Sydenham was afraid that the girl had been suffering from disease when she was thought to bo insane. He thought some inquiry should be made into the matter. On the motion of the Mayor of Sydenham, seconded hy the Mayor of Christchurch, the matter was referred to the Orphanage committee to report upon. The return from the Hospital cottage, Akaroa, was read, showing that there had been three patients admitted during the fortnight and one discharged, leaving two in the Hospital. A letter was read from Mr and Mrs Froggatt with reference to the caretaking of the Hospital cottage, Akaroa, offering certain terms with regard to the continuance of the engagement, viz., that the salary paid in future should be £l3O per annum and find themselves, A lengthy discussion ensued, and ultimately it was resolved that the caretaker’s account as regards etores ordered for the servant’s board be made up and forwarded to him for payment. A letter was read from Mr Acton, asking that a child, a cripple from birth, bo admitted to the Orphanage. The report of tho medical officer was to the effect that it was inadvisable to admit cripples to the Orphanage. It was resolved—“ That tho secretary make further inquiries into tho case, and report to the Orphanage committee.” A report was read as to the condition of tho Ashburton Home, Mr March stating that the condition of the homo was very bad, as the building was never built for the purpose to which it was now put. The master now recommended that chimneys should be built and other alterations carried out. Dr, Trevor also reported in favor of the alterations being made as suggested. Mr March suggested that the Minister for Public Works should be communicated with and asked to give permission for the alterations to be made. The Mayor of Christchurch thought that the alterations recont mended should be carried o«t. The Chairman thought that the Board which followed the present one would have to consider the question of building a homo. The Mayor of Christchurch pointed out that tho cost was small, and he would move—- “ That the Minister be communicated with for permission to make alterations as Bug. gested.” The Mayor of Sydenham seconded the mo. tion, which was carried. A report was read stating that there were forty-one inmates in the Ashburton Home now. The Mayor of Christchurch asked whether Peter Romulus had ever been in the Armagh street depot or the Ashburton Home. Mr March read extracts from the official documents showing that Romulus had been twice in the Armagh street depot, and once in the Ashburton Home. After the disposal of some charitable aid business the Board adjourned.