WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1918, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

TUESDAY, AUG. 27th. The Board met afc 7.30 p.m.- Pregent.—Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman), G. H. Blank, L. Morel, G. Davidson, H. Williams, J. A. Murdoch, F. Roberts. An apology was made for the absence of Mr. Cameron. '['he minutes were read and confirmed, and outward correspondence approved. Mr. Blank tendered his sincere thanks to members of the Board, for the expression of sympathy with him passed at the last meeting of the Board. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Hospital Department, Wellington, circulars re several matters. — Received. From D. J. Evans acknowledging with appreciation the Board’s motion of sympathy.—Received. From Dr. Chcsson, Christchurch in reference to nuisances at Woodstock and Arahura.—Received. From A. Dinnio, Otira, forwarding £l2 4s (Id from workers at Otira. —Received. From * Resident Engineer, Greymouth. stating there were no copies of extension plans of hospital, and stating the cost of brick buildings was now fully twice as much as previous to the war.—Received. From Grey Board, notifying condition of a resident of Westland district. Received; no action taken. From Hospital Department, making enquiries as to duration of requirement of locum tenens for Dr Toichelmann.—Received and answer approved. From resident of Hokitika applying for admission to Cashmere sanatorium —Received and attended to.

From- resident, Hokitika, asking for assistance to enable treatment at a sanatorium. —Received; left to Mr. Blank to deal with. „ From Otira Committee, notifying selection of Mr. Jackson as secretary —Received and appointment made at £26 per year. From Kumars Home Master, reporting one admission during July and 39 remaining on 31st. Stating the water supply was now installed and he believed the supply was th * best in any hospital on the Coast; referring to a number of matters requiring attention and making a number of recommendations; stating £l9 6s 3d had been forwarded. —Received and approved. From Kum.ora Borough Council forwarding £SO levy.—Received. In reply to Mr. Williams the Secretary stated there was still a: balance of £3O 13s •Id due. A DEPUTATION. A deputation consisting of Messrs Evenden, Butler and Mulvihill was introduced by Mr. Roberts: who stated that they wished to ask for assistance on behalf of the lodges at Kumara in obtaining tbe services of T)r. Ale Brearly to make weekly visits to Kumara.

Mr. Evenden stated that since Dr. Fleming had left the district they had obtained the services of Dr Mcßrearty, but the latter did not fool inclined to continue without he obtained a further subsidy. If the Board were prepared to line! a subsidy they could manage to continue the services of the medical officer. Mr. Mulvihill stated in support that it was felt that if a subsidy of £IOO was obtained, Dr. Mcßrearty would continue to make regular visits. Mr. Butler asked the Board to do anything that was in their power to assist tlie three lodges interested in any possible way. Air. Roberts supported the request of the deputation. Mr. Blank felt the Board should subsidise the Doctor to visit Kumara. The Lodges had his sympathy and lie hoped their request would be favorably met.

Mr. -Murdoch moved that tlu* wishes of the deputation he acceded to and that the Board he prepared to pay a fee of £2 ‘2s for Dr Mcßrearty attending Kuinara Home once a week, on Sundays, and that details of the treatment of patients at the Home he arranged by Drs Teichelmann and .Mel!real ty; the arrangement to be made for twelve' months. The Chairman felt that the Board had no power to make any such arrangement. Mr Blank seconded the motion. Mr Williams moved an amendment that the matter he held over till next meeting, as a question of increasing the expenditure was involved, and two members were away. Mr -Morel seconded the amendment. The Chairman would vote against the motion. The amendment was put and carried. Becoming the motion iL was agreed to. The deputation thanked members for their attention and withdrew. REPORTS. From Westland Hospital Committee stating that the hot-water system had been inspected and found very faulty, and making recommendations, stating some requirements and assistance in the gardens were needed.—Received.

From Finance Committee recommending payment of accounts amounting to £4OB 13s Id.—Received and adopted. The Chairman of Finance, (Mr. Williams) stated the. Bank balance was in credit, something of a record. From Treasurer reporting receipts £.1009 7s Bd, payments £1072 3s lOd. Credit balance £8 10s Id. —Received. From Surgeon Superintendent Westland Hospital reporting on 30th June there were 41 patients; admitted during July, 10 males. G females; total treated 38 males, 19 females—s 7. Discharged cured: (i males, 3 females; relieved 3; died 2 males, 0 females. Total discharged 11 males, 9 females —20 In hospital on July 31st, *29 males, 10 females —37; inhospital for over 2 months : 13 males, 3 females—l 6 ceived. The report of the Building Committee in connection with the interview with the Defence Minister was received and approved and the Chairman was authorised to make the necessary enquiries in connection with obtaining of plans for the completion of the hospital buildings. The Secretary was instructed to make enquiries of the status of an honorary surgeon to a hospital in other centres. A number of other matters were dealt with and the Board rose at 9.40 p.m.