WWESTLAND HOSPITSLS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD,

Hokitika Guardian, 27 July 1920, Page 4

WWESTLAND HOSPITSLS AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD,

MONDAY,, JULY 26th. ! The Hoax'd sat _at 8.25 o’clock. Present:—Messrs R. Wild (chair), Duff, Davidson, Breeze, Wells and Morel. Messrs Blank and Evans absence was apologised for. The minutes of the previous meetings were read and confirmed. The outward correspondence was approved. INWARD CORRESPONDENCE. From Dr Valentina stating he would endeavour to obtain a doctor for Ross oil the linos mentioned.—Received. The Chairman asked a direction from the Board as to what further action could bo taken. The matter was deferred to await response to further enquiries. From a former resident forwarding £25 in settlement of account and thanking Board for assitance.—Received. From another resident forwarding £1 10s for fees due.-‘-Received.

From J. Schilling, Waiko Gorge, reporting regarding medical requirements of the district, and notifying goods in hand.—-Received. The Chairman favoured the South Committee having similar authority to that exercised by the Otira Committee. Mr Duff questioned the advisability of sending another nurse south. The Secretary said the nurse had attended to lour cases, and one of these, said the Chairman, was worth all the meney the Board had paid. Enquiry for another nurse was now being made, t was resolved to supply particulars of the system of administration at Otira. From Dr Bathgate, asking for supplies; recommending extension of leave to sister.—Received. From H. T. Harley, resigning position as Secretary at Otira.—Received. From Ross Borough ©ouncil forwarding £l7 15s 6d forwarding contributions.—Received. From W. D. Nolan, Okuru, on the subject of the nurse’s duties in the south.- -Received. From Westland County Council notifying appointment of Mr T. W. Duff, vice Mr J. Cameron who has left the district.—Received and Mr Duff welcomed by the Chairman. Dr Teichelmann attended and stated that about a dozen bedsteads were require for the Old Men’s Home at Hokitika ; also other supplies for the operating theatre. It was resolved to enquire as to cost of articles. AVith regard to indigent cases of patients, the Chairman suggested the matter of payment should be left to the Medical Superintendent and the Secretary of the Women’s Benevolent Committee. Dr Teichelmann concurred with this course of action, which was adopted by the Board. From Secretaries Picton Hospital, Coromandel Hospital and others in reply to enquiries regarding hospital matters.—Received. From Miss MacLenn regretting a nurse was not immediately available for South Westland.—Received. The Chair man said when a satisfactory nurse was available, a house should luivo to be built. From Grey Hospital Committee asking the Board to support the appointment of an architect for hospital work. —Received. The Chairman said ajfc the late Conference in Wellington, the same question was broached, but Dr Valentine on behalf of the Government was not favourable. It was stated two officers would he appointed regarding details for institutions, and these would be available for small boards. Personally Mr Wild supported the Greymouth proposal. Mr Davidson moved quest he supported. Mr Breeze seconded. Mr Duff was opposed to any appointment of the nature proposed. Ho thought the Government should take over the control and have full charge of all buildings. The small boards would feel the benefit of such a proposal. The motion was lost on the voices. From State Fire Office, forwarding £■l,ooo, being fire risk for Otira hospital destroyed by fire.—Received with thanks. It was resolved to insure the furniture in the temporary hospital at Ottfra-Jfor £4OO. From Dr Valentine regretting the June Health Journal had not been issued owing to the shortage of paper. Received. From same regarding hospital accommodation at Otira.—Received. From same stating the plans for the Westland Hospital building had been prepared, estimated cost £13,800. The laundry would cost £I,BOO. —Received; tenders to be called as soon as possible. From Minister of Public Health, (through Mr Seddon M.P.), stating the question of establishing aSt Helen’s Home at Hokitika was under consideration.—Received. From Dr Valentine regarding hospital fees payable on behalf of soldiers, and asking for scale.—Received. From same stating the Public Works Department would proceed at once with the alterations to the temporary hospital at Otira, cost £Bso.—Received with thanks for prompt, attention. From Hospital Department agreeing to the Board’s annual levy, subject to any deficit being made good by a special levy.—Received. From J. Park asking for seal of Board to receipt for settlement of Supreme Court action for timber claim.- —Received and agreed to. Frmo Ross Borough Council, thanking the Board for placing N nrso Bowie’s services at the disposal of the town, and appreciating the nurse’s services.—Received. Front same regarding a maternity home iipr the district and stating a public meeting desired a doctor, in which case a maternity home couM he arranged for.—Received. Mr Davidson moved a doctor he advertised for Hess. Mr Morel seconded.—Carried. From Otira Committee in regard to compassionate allowance to house staff arising out of late tire, stating £76 is Gd had been collected locally.—Received Mr Breeze moved that the Board grant a subsidy of 10s in the £. Mr Webs seconded. —Carried. From Old Peoples’ Homo, forwarding particulars of supplies from Otira, draw ing attention to charity case, forward-

ing poisonous shrub which caused tlio death of a eow; forwarding accounts incurred.—Received, charity case referred t-® local correspondent at Kumara. GENERAL. From Finance Committee recommending accounts to the amount <f £1252 9s 5d for payments.—Received and approved. From House Committee repeating visit to institution. Tliere had been a. short delivery of firewood and it was ad-

visable to call for tenders for snlit firewood delivery according to measurement. Three of the nurses had passed their examination. The report vas approved, and congratulations extended to the Surgeon and nurses on their success.

From Treasurer reporting receipts :i”..l expenditure, and notifying hank overdraft £SBO. There was about, £9OO cutstanding for Government subsidies.—Received.

The Secretary reported regarding various administrative matters, including the removal of iron from some of the Board’s huts. It was resolved to notify the Police, and to take steps to soil unused huts. Some repairs to huts were authorised. As steps wore being taken to provide a doctor for Ross, it was not deemed advisable to let the residence there at present.

Mr Davidson suggested the tariff he increased. Flo moved the tariff at the Westland Hospital he increased fiorn 6s to 8s per day, to take effect from Ist August; charges to old age patients to he Is 8d per day. Mr Duff -eemuled. Carried. It, was agreed children ~n to 15 years ho charged half rates. Tlio Board rose at 10.30 o’clock.