WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1923, Page 1

WESTLAND HOSPITAL BOARD

.MONDAY, JANUARY 15th

The Board met at 8.2 U p.m. Present

-Messrs J. .7. Breeze (Chairman). G. H. Blank. H. Monk. W. Jeffries and G. Davidson.

An apology for absence was made for Mr .Morel. The minutes were confirmed and outward correspondence approved. MOTION OF SYMPATHY.

The Chairman moved that the Board convey to Air Ritchie a letter of sympathy, and condolence in the bereavement that had overtaken him, expressing the deep* sympathy of members in the loss he had sustained. The motion was carried in silence. all members standing. T N WAT! D GOB R ESPONDENCE.

From Dr Vnlintine, Wellington, in

connection with loans to Hospifci 1 Board. Deceived ; Air Blank said lie was of opinion that posterity should pay for some 'if the permanent work now being carried out, and he moved that a loan ho obtained on terms of the letter. Seconded by Air Breeze, who said the people had been bled white for some time past, and he favored a loan being raised. Mr Jeffries supported the motion. The property of the Board was worth Full v £50.000, and it was not fair to ask the ratepayers to pay for all flic work, and to carry the whole of the burden.

Mr Monk supported a loan so that part of the cost could Ik* paid in the future. Mr Davidson supported and advised finding out what would bo required so that no loss would be ontailed and so relieving tin- taxpayers of the capita] expenditure, which was a very heavy one at the present time.

Tn roplx to a question Mr Bruce stated £5217 7s Id had been spent on the new building while the Board had still £5.800 in hand.

The Chairman stated that after expending the money in hand they would require about £5.000. The motion was agreed to. It was resolved that a committee of the whole Board be set up to consider the matter To meet Oil the 21st at 1.30 p.m. at the Hospital.

From Secretary of Health. Welling11>ii t<» ft up to £IOOO —Received.

From Department of Health. Westland. notifying representation on new Board, the same as at present.—Received. From Hospital Dociirf meat notifying that re*erve at Waiho had been vested ill the Board: and approving of proposal for- creel ion of a nurses cottage at YVailio. Received; The Chairman said they should now at once invite tenders for tile cottage. Mr Davidson olifecti A to any action beyond lor-

warding the correspondence to the \Ydlio Committee, until the sum <J £209 alrc’-dy promised, 1,0 paid into t In* Board’s account. Air Jeffries endorsed Air Davidson's attitude and moved t ii.it the correspondence In' sent on and tdr.it no wlion he taken until tlio amount promised was paid in. Seconded by Afr Davidson and curried. From Health Department asking for returns. Received and attend'd to. From Department of Ifoalih torwarding inspector's report of Board's office operations for the year. Received.

From Internal Affairs Department, Wellington stating they weio unable to grant a totalisator license for a ■sneeial taco mooing in aid of the Hospital funds.. Received.

From Wanganui Board suggesting reciprocity in treatment of patients from either districts.- ll 'ceivcd and agreed to. From Dora AI. Little on hehnli < f Matron Little, acknowledging letter of sympathy from the Board. Received. From Wellington Hospital Heard notifying maintenance charge against patient from this district.-Received. From Alaster Old Peoples Home replying to enquiry as to payments made.—Received.

From Otira Committee expressing opinion in favour of appointment of medical oflicer suggested, anrl stating the Committee were of opinion that the hospital should he continued as at present for another year and that then a permanent hospital should be installed. Received: ft, was resolved to offer the position to Dr Fast, of Dunedin, subject to approval by Minister, on the motion of the Chairman, -eronded by Mr Blank.

From W. D. Nolan. Okuru. in connection with patient from South district.— Received: left to Chairman to attend to in accordance with Board’s decision. From John Ritchie forwarding resignation as member of the Board.—Received and accepted with regret. The Chairman said his absence would be very much felt by the Roald. TTc had proved a very energetic member and he sincerely regretted his resignation. Afr Blank ssconded the motion for acceptance. which was agreed to, a letter of appreciation of past services to be sent to Air Ritchie. From Kumara. Borough Council forwarding £l7 Ids levies to date.—-Re-ceived. From TT. AT. Lynch, in connection with sections in South Revell Street. — Received. The Chairman moved that the horse ambulance be sent to AVaiho, subject to housing accommodation being arranged.— Seconded by Air Blank and carried. From Rev. Father Atadden. Greymonth, enquiring as to admission of a patient.—Received and replied to. A number of letters dealing with accounts for maintenance were received and dealt with. TENDERS FOR MEAT. Tenders for meat were received from Andrews Bros., E. E. James. J. D. T)uncan, Ziegler and Co. The lowest on the schedule supplied was that of Andrews Bros.- which was accepted. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. The medical superintendent reported

on Ist. December there were 22 patients in hospital admitted during month 11 males, 8 females. Total treated 41. Discharged cured 5 males 7 females; relieved 1 male, 1 female; died I male 2 female. Total discharged 17. 1 u hospital on 31st. December 16 males. 9 females—Total 25. Tn hospital for over 2 months 8 males, 3 females.— Received. GENERAL. The Chairman moved that hearty vote of thanks be accorded to all donors of Xmas favors for their very generous answer to the call for assistance. Seconded by Mr Davidson and carried. The House Committee reported in favor of a concrete storage tank, and an ice chest.—Received and adopted. Accounts amounting to £573 9s 6d wore passed for payment. The Treasurer reported—Receipts €964 os Id; payments £937 15s Id; debit balance £213 6s Bd.—Received. Air Davidson moved that further applications lie made to the Department for a grant of £BOO for the infections block. Seconded by Afr Jeffries and carried. Tfc was resolved that the next meeting be held on February 19th. The Board resolved into Committee to discuss with Air Allan (the Government ■Architect) matters affecting the work being carried out at the hospital.

The Board adjourned at 10.15 p.m