WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 May 1920, Page 4

WESTLAND HOSPITALS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD.

MONDAY, MAY 24th. 'The Board met at 8 p.m. -.Present— Messrs R. Wild, (Chairman), J. J. Breeze, J. Cameron, G. H. Blank, L. Morel, T. R. Cliestcrman, and G. Davidson. The minutes were coniirmod and outward correspondence approved. IN WARD CORRESPONDENCE From Healtii Department, Wellington asking particulars re epidemic accounts —Received. From Nurse Bowie, Wuilio Gorge stating a live loomed, cottago and live acres ol land can be obtained at £1 pur week, and sending lists ol requirements to furnish the bunding.—Received. From ,1. Schilling, Wailio Gorge Com. rnittee, i enclosing £32 15s and giving particulars of cottage available for nurse, and stating they had not been advised of the arrival of the nurse.—Received. The Chairman said the only matter of moment was as to the question of the supplying, of furniture for the residence. Mr Cameron would not support any proposal to provide fumv ture. Mr Ghestermarr quite agreed it was time tlio line was drawn and the expenditure was kept down. Mr Morel asked if the Board built a cottage hospitai there would it not be necessary to furnish it, and so the l'urnituro now asked for could be utilised. Mr Davidson suggested that the South committee bo asked to furnish tlio building. It was now some nine months since the Board had made its offer to the Soutli people and they were very slow in taking advantage of it. It was for the Soutli people to h<jlp themselves if they wished to retain the nurse.

Mr Blank thought enquiries should be made as to the possibility of the purchase of the cottage offered for rental. Mr Morel said he was not satisfied with the location of the present place under offer as it would be on this side of the Tatare river. Mr Breeze thought the Board should acquire a place !of their own and .until then the nurse should board out. Mr Cameron would like to see a trial of the nurse for three months. The Chairman said as a temporary location he agreed to the suggested rental-

Mr Davidson moved that the Board find the furniture if the South commit, tee find half the cost. Seconded by Mr Cameron. The Chairman moved an amendment that the Board provide tho furniture, provided the southern people find one third of tlio cost of same. Seconded by Mr Blank. The Chairman stated that if the South people found one third, that with subsidy would amount to’ about 70 per cent, and the Board would have to liud under 30 per cent. The amendment was agreed to and becoming the substantive motion was agreed. The Chairman moved that in 1 the event of the Committee accepting the terms, the Board accept the rental as submitted. Seconded by Mr Blank and carried. The purchase of the furniture was referred to the Chairman and Chairman of the House Committee. It was resolved to return the cheque forty £32 15s with the notification that the Board could not pay moneys into a private account. Mr Breeze asked that particulars be sent of the course for the formation of a medical association for the district. This was agreed to.

It was resolved to inform the writer of the letter that the Board would purchase the four acre section when the committee found the £2OO promised. From Otago Board notifying that the' fees for maintenance had been raised to 7s (id per day.—Received. From Health Department asking for return of outstanding subsidy claims. — Received; The Secretary stated. that £1365 10s 5d was outstanding on 31st March. From Health Department, Wellington, stating the ambulances had not yet arrived—Received; further enquiries to bo made. From Health Department, Wellington, asking wliat sort of tents were required and that one third of the cost would be charged for upkeep.—Received. From Park and Murdoch notifying tho taking over of the contract with Kanieri Power Ltd., by R. E. Cranston.—Received. From R. A. Cropper, asking for an increase of half-penny per quart for the four winter months in connection with milk supply of Westlaad Hospital. - ceived and agreed to. From Base Records Office, Wellington in connection with accounts lor treatment of soldiers.—Received ; secretary to reply.

From Master, Old Peoples’ Home, Kumara, reporting for month: Two patients were discharged during the month, and asking for supply of blankets etc.—Received; to be supplied.

From Otira Committee, notifying election of Mr Hartley as Secretary; enclosing £23 14s.—Received and appointment confirmed. It - was resolved to draw attention of the Committee to the increased cost and to ask that the Arthur’s Pass workers he asked to cooperate with the Otira people.

A list of outstanding accounts was laid on the table. Consideration was deferred till next meeting. The House Committee (Mr Davidson )reported nothing of moment to report. Miss Nicholson had presented an invalid chair.

Sister Palmer terminated her service with the institution last evening.—Received ; a hearty vote was passed to Miss Nicholson for her gift. Salary for three weeks was passed to Nurse Pal-, mcr in lieu of leave due.

From Finance Committee recommending payment of accounts amounting to , £930 9s 10d.—-Received and adopted. Mr Blank moved that the consent of the Board bo obtained before ordering goods outside of the usual necessities. Seconded by Mr Davidson and carried. From Treasurer reporting receipts, £762 10s 7d; payments, £1233 Is lid; overdraft £1475 6s 2d; outstanding cheques £26 5s od.—Received.

From Secretary Kumara Racing Club forwarding £63 7s 6d, voluntary contribution from Kumara Racing Club. — Received. A hearty vote of thanks was passed for tho substantial donation. The Chairman moved that the solicitors ho requested to furnish their account, prior to tho Board taking out a further bjiteh of summonses. Seconded by Mr Breeze and carried. The tender of Mr M. Murphy for supply of meat at Kumara Home was received. It was resolved to return tiio tender, the tenderer to be dealt with at current market rates.

Mr Davidson moved that Mr Blank ho asked to organise entertainments in aid of the building fund. Soconded by Mr Breeze and carried. The Chairman moved that Mr Breeze b 6 asked to arrange a hospital ball in Hokitika, Mr Hutchison in Kanieri, and Mr Batson in Kumara. Seconded by Mr Morel and carried. Tlio Chairman moved that the Board communicate with Mr Peebles and notify that the Board has under consideration the. opening of a nwernity home in Ross Hospital, aiid asking iii.oi to organise a committee and advise the Board. Seconded Uiy Mr Davidson and carried. A general discussion ensued L* which the necessity of steps being taken to have a maternity homo established in Hokitika.

Mr Breeze moved that a committee life set up consisting of the Chairman, Messrs Morel, Davidson and Blank to report at next meeting. Seconded by Mr Cameron and carried. The Board rose at 10.15 p.mj