HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2507, 20 April 1882, Page 3

HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

On Wtdnejday last a meeting was held. Present—Mr H. Thomsen (chairman), the Hon. B. C. J. Stevens,, the Mayor’ of Lyttel-

ton, Mr J. G. Hawkes, and Dr Trumbull. The Mayor of Sydenham sent a message of apology for his unavoidable absence. The hospital committee reported that daring the fortnight ending 15th inst., nineteen patients werir admitted, twenty-sight were discharged, and four died, leaving sixty patients now ia the institution. In the corresponding period last year there were seventy-one patients. Tenders had been called for painting the hospital, Jr:., tenders to be in by 23th inst., and the committee suggested they should be empowerjd to accept a tender for the work, as the Board would not meet again until 3rd May. Resolved—“ That the Board authorise the committee to accept the most suitable tender.”

A reply from the Colonial Secretary’s office was read regarding the request for the chairman of the Hospital staff to be appointed a member of the Board during his term of office, to the effect that, there being already two medical man on the Board, the Qorerment did not think it expedient to add to the number.

Ketolved—“ That a copy of this reply bo sent to the chairman of me ttaff.” Another letter was read from the Colonial Secretary’s office, stating that he had authorised the painting of the Christchurch Hospital, adding that the Government would give half the cost of the additional building required, the total expense of the latter not to exceed £IOOO. £L'he "additional building ” refers to the new kitchen, servants’ hall, Ac] Resolved—“ That the discussion touching Government’s offer as to the additional building be deferred until next meeting.” A third letter from the Colonial Secretary’s office was read, stating that the admission to the orphanage of children from outside the provincial district of Canterbury was a question which the Government left the Board to settle, as the Government would not in any way wish to interfere to enforce the reception of children not in the Canterbury district, In this connection a letter from his Lordship the Primate was read, asking for the admission of seven children from Boss,

Keaolvr.d to inform hia Lordship that at preaent the accommodation at the orphanage was sufficient only to cope with the requirements of the district. The clerk to the Ashburton County Council wrote, inetiuoted by the chairman of the Ashburton County Hospital and charitable aid committee, that it was the intention of the Ashburton county and borough to take over in their own hands, from Slat March last, the administration of their own charitable aid as well as their own hospital. Of this the Government had been advised on March 9tb. The clerk accordingly requested a list of persons receiving charitable aid in the Ashburton county and borough. The Secretary stated that the number of charitable aid oases at Ashburton was three. The Chairman remarked that the only fair way was to look at the respective populations.

Mr Stevens said this was the old question of domiciles, which was continually cropping up, and would have to be settled sooner or

Mr Hawkca suggested that no action be taken pending the probable action of the Lsgislaiure. After tome further discussion it was resolved, on Mr Hawkes’ motion, seconded by the Mayor of Lyttelton—“ That, with reference to the intention of Ashburton county and borough to administer their own charitable aid, the Board request the Government to sanction no change in present arrangement* until the Legislature shall have dealt with the general question of hospital and charitable aid.”

The Secretary wag instructed to telegraph to the Government the purport of the foregoing motion.

An application from a male nuree for increase of salary was read. Matter referred to the house committee to report on. It web reported that there was one patient in the Akaroa hospital.

Dr. Macdonald, Lyttelton, reported that during the quarter ending the 31st of March the state of health at tho orphanage was good, speaking generally. About the middle of tho quarter several of the children suffered from acute tonsilitis, probably caused by the then variable weather.

It was reported that there were thirty-four inmates in the Ashburton Home, two having been admitted and one having died since the previous report was submitted.