HOSPITAL COMMITTEE

Kumara Times, Issue 2573, 3 December 1884, Page 2

HOSPITAL COMMITTEE

The ordinary meeting of the Hospital Committee was held in the Town Hall last evening; present all the members, viz., Mr Burger (in the chair), Messrs Nicholas, Hannah, Ziegler, Hope, Watson, Wooldridge, Campbell, Nicholson, Payne, T. Jones, Metcalfe, and Rudkin.

The minutes of the previous ordinary meeting were read and confirmed.

The minutes of special meeting held on the 25th ultimo were read.

Attention was called by the Chairman to the omission of an amendment from the minutes, to the effect that Mr Watson asked leave to amend his motion to read that Dr. Monckton be requested to hand in his resignation. Some discussion ensued, Mr Campbell asserting that an amendment was made by Mr Hannah “ That Dr. Monckton be requested to send in his resignation by next meeting.” This was why he voted against the motion asking the doctor to resign, Mr Hannah and several members of Committee denied this. The minutes were then amended in the direction pointed out by the Chairman, and adopted.

The only outward correspondence was the notice of dismissal sent by the Secretary to the Medical Superintendent, which was read and approved of.

In answer to Mr Nicholas, the Secretary stated that the reason Dr. Monckton had not sooner received no. tice was first, that he (the Secretary) was away at the time of the meeting, and, secondly, that the notice could only take effect at the Ist of the calendar month.

The Wardsman’s Report for the month of November was read and received. It showed that the total number of in-patients treated during the month was 16, of which number four were discharged cured, one died, and 11 remained in the Hospital. John Dixon, James Miles, William Hurran, and Joseph Montague were discharged cured ; Jane Hardy died; whilst F. Andrews, A. Carlstrom, W. Bain, J. Isbister, S. Hughston, W. K, Chisholm, M. Herlihy, W. Bezance, W. Talbot, Mary Angus and Susan Wells were still in the Hospital. In reference to finances and in answer to questions, The Secretary stated that he had no report to bring up. He could not find the list of subscribers in Seddon street from whom Mr Ziegler and he had collected subscriptions some months ago, and, in consequence, the Government auditor refused to attest to the accounts, and the local auditors could not proceed to certify to, the balance-sheet. He (the Secretary) stated that although the list could not be found, the names and amounts had been transferred to his books, and the moneys had been paid into the bank. He intended to resign the secretaryship. The manager of the Bank had also informed him that unless some arrangement was made, he could not permit any further overdraft. The present overdraft was about £34. In answer to Mr Nicholson, The Secretary, stated that there was I £l2-1 now duo from the Government, J

It was then resolved that the Secretary make out a duplicate list of town subscribers and get the same initialed by subscribers certifying as to the correctness of the amounts.

Mr Ziegler said as one who went round with Mr Spyer to collect, he would be glad to assist the Secretary. What moneys he received he handed in, but he could not now recollect all the subscribers. He would be willing to go round with the Secretary and find out what subscribers had given. Mr Campbell advocated publishing the list, and moved that when certified to it be published in the Kumara Times. The public had a right to some recognition of their subscriptions. Mr Ziegler seconded the motion, which was put and carried on the voices.

It was resolved, on the motion of the Chairman seconded by Mr Wooldridge, that the Treasurer (Mr Campbell) aud Mr Nicholson be empowered to make arrangements with the Bank for the payment of accounts. On the motion of Mr Nicholson, it was resolved that six receipt books of 50 leaves each, be printed ; the Secretary to procure same.

Mr Campbell handed in the following notice of motion—" That the resolution passed at the last special meeting giving Dr. Monckton three months’ notice be rescinded, the same bein'* illegal.” °

Mr Hope : How was it illegal ? The Chairman :—Nevermind; it is a notice of motion, and cannot be discussed now.

It was resolved, on the motion of Mr Nicholson, seconded by Mr Jones, that the account for bedsteads be passed for payment, but that in future all goods not contracted for nor urgently required be ordered through the general Committee.

Accounts to the amount of £69 Is 6d were then passed for payment. Receipts were handed in—By Mr Ziegler, £2 15s; by Mr Rudkin, £1 ; Visitors to Hospital, 7s; and at the previous special meeting, by Mr Campbell, from E. Bohan, for maintenance, £3.

The Secretary (Mr L. J. Spyer) tendered his resignation, which was received ; and it was resolved that applications for ihe office be called ; same to be in at the next regular meeting of the Committee. The sa'ary was fixed at £25 per annum. This concluded the business of the meeting.