THAMES HOSPITAL BOARD

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4491, 13 November 1922, Page 1

THAMES HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The Thames Hospital Board met on Wednesday afternoon last: Present: Messrs W. E. Hale (chainman), -J. Rowe. W. J. Hail, G. Death, W. 0. Kennedy, D. Mackay, W. H. Baker, Hallyburton Johnstone, and P. E. Brenan. The Ohinemiuri County Council fori warded a copy of a letter sent to the Waihi Board, regarding hospital rates payable by residents on Wai,hi Plains, Waikino, Waitekauri, and the area on the Waihi side of Rahn Road. The amount levied was £227 9s Id, and the amount paid to date £l4l. The chairman said that the total was larger than he thought. The Board’s rate was 215 d, but the local bodies had to strike a higher rate owing to Crown and native land. Mr Kennedy said that it was Waihi’s contention that the Thames Board should hand over the amount raised in rates. The chairman said that the Board had the value of the counties’ as a whole but included in that were large areas, especially on the Plains, on which rates were not obtainable. It the Ohiiiemuri County Council collected £227, the Hospital Board would nor get that amount, but simply .the 2-s'l levied.

Mr Kennedy contended that £l4l had been paid by the taxpayers, whoever got it. The Waihi claim was reasonable.

Mr Hall said that the local bodies had to increase the levy to meet the loss on land that paid np rates and the cost of collection. Members said that information would be of value. ' ' NURSE AT PATETONGA.

The secretary of the committee appointed to make arrangements for the stationing of a nurse at Patetonga, wrote asking for information. The chairman reported that the nurse had* commenced work on November 1. He intended tp visi,t Patert tonga at an early date and meet the committee. Mr. Death said that some means of getting about the district must be provided, and the chairman said that that was a matter for the settlers. The Board was to pay a certain sum per annum. , Members said that those who re-

quired the services of the nurse would make the arrangements necessary for conveyance. REPORTS. The resident surgeon reported that during the month 45 male and 36 female patients had been admitted and 45 male and 25 female patients discharged, leaving 25 male and 22 female patients in the institution. Two of the nursing staff were ill. The engineer reported that the map chinery inspector 'had exajnined the plant and found it satisfactory. The fumace,-lining had been replaced. Trie coal supplied totalled 37 tons and the consumption 30 tons.

The superintendent of the District Homes reported that the conduct of the inmates was excellent. The farm was looking splendid, all sown crops being up. There was an abundance of feed. MISCELLANEOUS. A proposed set of rules was read and adopted. The payment of £3O to the Hauraki Benevolent Society was authorised. The Harbour Board wrote with regard to claims upon boards for hospital maintenance pf persons from other districts. Difficulty had been found in determining liability and disputes’ had arisen. Tile Board recommended the suspension Of the section governing the matter, and offered to enter into arrangements with the Thames Board for reciprocal treatment of patients,, from the respective districts.

It was decided, on the motion of the chairman, to reply supporting the suspension of Section 72 of the Act, but declining to enter into any reciprocal agreement. Messrs Kennedy and Johnstone were appointed a Homes Committee- ’ and Messrs Baker and Hall a hospital committee fbr the month. The junior nurses asked for late leave one night a week until 10.45 p.m., and an alteration of the uniform colour. Mr Kennedy said that more information should be obtained. The staff was a splendid one .and could be trusted,. I Messrs Hall and Baker opposed any alteration in the present rules either 1 with regard tp uniform or hours, j M Rowe moved in that direction. Messrs Mackay and Death moved as an amendment that th® matron | should be asked to report on the matter,- which was carried.