WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1922, Page 1

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

MONDAY, FEB. “7th. <

The Board met at 8 p.m., having ■adjourned from the previous. Thursday, -owing to the absence of a quorum. There were present .MesSrs J. J'. Breeze (Chairman), G. Davidson, I/.' H. Morel,. H. Monk, and J) Ritchie. ■ Apology for absence was made for Messrs Chinn, Searle, Blank and Burrell.

The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE REFUSED. The Chairman moved that leave of absence be granted Mr Searle. Mr, Davidson moved that leave he refused Mr Searle. He thought that- as Mr Searle lived so far away that he was unable to attend and when he did the expense was heavy,so that he thought it would be advisable for the County Cmmeil to appoint another member.— Seconded by Mr Ritchie and carried. Becoming the motion it was agreed to, Messrs Davidson, Ritchie and Monk reporting. It was stated that Mr supporting. It was stated that Mr Searle had missed three meetings, hut bis seat would not become, vacant till be had missed four. It was resolved to convey to Mr Burrell the Board’s sympathy in his i I ness. IN WAR D COER KSPONDENCE.

From Health- Department, Wellington, in connection with subsidy asked for and congratulating Board on the generosity of its donors.—Received. prom Health Department, Wellington, in connection .with a claim for subsidy that had been paid,, whereas il should not have received subsidy.— ■Received.

From Same, [minting out requirement of Audit Department.—Received. From Government Auditor, in connection with statement of accounts.— Received. The Secretary reported hehad drawn up the list of assets required by the Auditor and these would be presented on his next visit. From Health Department, Wellington. forwarding plans and specifications for new wing and administrative quarters.—Received,

From Same, re treating apparatus foi old wing, not included in contract for new wing.—Received. Tt was resolved to refer the matter to the town members to deal with. From Same, notifying the Superannuation Ibll for hospital employees, had been postponed till next seseion. —Received. Mr Davidson expressed approval of the measure which he felt was only a fair recognition ot the sendees rendered by the nursing staff. From Same, notifying that medical officer for Kmnnra- was ’lining advertised for.- Received. The Chairman stated that arangements had been made for Dr Baird to visit Kumara in case rf emergency. He also stated that Dr Brough had notified that he would visit Kumara to inspect the requirements.

From Same, asking for start- cl estimates for capital requirements for next year.—Received. Tt was resolved to fix the amount at £6OO (Westland Hospital, water £2OO, and clearing £SO, Smith -Westland cottage £3OO, Kumara buildings £SO).

From Dr Telford, Chnsfcb.i’ich influenza.--Received. From Railway Depart n e"t f' mouth, forwarding lease of land at Ho Ho.—Received. The Sen o'" >•

stated they had two leases over th same area. Left to Secretary to den with.

From A. W. Peebles, Ross, stating a medical association had been formed in Ross on terms ns suggested bv the Board.— Received. It was resolved to forward a copy of the Board’s minutes of the meeting, with the statement that tlie Board would carry out the arrangements made. From A. Williams, cook. Kumara resigning position.—Received and accepted and left to Master and Matron to attend to. From Otago Board, asking assistance in protesting at increased fee for audit - Received; the Board resolved to strongly support the protest. From Department of Lands, stating the records show Backhand road was still mi alienated.- Received. From Wailio Committee, report of meeting (al ready published).—Received. From Nurse Gunn, Waiho, reporting on visit made during period, enquiring as to when hoi annual leave would he available. —Received. Tlie Chairman stated lie find given instructions for leave to be taken immediately.

Mr Ritchie said he wished to reply to the press statements by Nurse Gunn. He wished to admit that in his letter only receipts were mentioned not including outstanding accounts of earnings. Tie had no animosity against the nurse, whom lie recognised as o»e ■f the best in South Westland. He thought an apology was due to him from the lady for some of the statements made. He thought the house should he put in order and that then the nurse would have no reason for not living in the house. He protested also against the statements of the Wai'ho Committee unfounded and if the Board thought fit lie would retire in favour of a better man. The Chairman said he thought Mr Ritchie took too much notice of the criticism. He was quite satisfied with Mr Ritchie’s action. and would move The Board was fully satisfied with the conduct of Mr Ritchie as a member of the Board and endorsed his actions thereon. Mr Davidson seconded. He admired Mr Ritchie for the straightfoiword manner in which he carried out his ''.•■ties on the Board. He h.enrli’v proved of Mr Ritchie’s actions and his own views were in accord with the attitude taken by Mr Ritchje in reference to South Westland matters. He thought the press reports were very fair and full. They could not

expect letters to be published in full. It -■ would require all the available space for their meetings alone.

The motion was agreed to

From A. Hamilton, Sister, Westland Hospital, resigning position.—Received and accepted with regret, Mr Davidson paying ij, fine tribute to her valued sendees.

From J .Green, Tatare, stating area of land available for home at Wailio. Received.

> 4 From Dr Greenwood, thanking Board for consideration given during stay in Kumara.—Received.

From Otira Committee, enclosing £37 15» voluntary contributions.—Received.

From Buffer Board, asking for particulars of district nurse in South Westland.—Received and replied to. A number of matters affecting patients and their accounts were dealt with.

Consideration of the insurances of the- Board were considered and agreed

From M. Androwes, typist, applying for increase of salary, after two years’ service.—Received. It was ro. solved to take no action.

The House Committee reported matters satisfactory at hospital; to thank Mr Morel for two loads of ha v for cows.—Received. A hearty vote of thanxs was passed to Mr , Morel. An offer to graze two cows during winter by Mr W. Diedrich was accepted with thanks.

It was resolved that in future the use of separate wards he charged at 12s per day

Tt was resolved that the gardener’s salary be £2 per week from April Ist. The Treasurer reported receipts £1499 2s, payment £1036 Is 2d. liabilities £1357 13s 4d—Received. Accounts amounting to £677 6s were passed for payment.

The,Secretary submitted outstanding accounts and requested they be wrii ten off, amounting to £2785 3s lOd ; for the purposes of the balance sheet. This was agreed to' and the Board rose at 11.30 p.m.