Hospital Board.

Manawatu Herald, 4 November 1899, Page 2

Hospital Board.

The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Thursday morning. Present— Messrs W. Park (chairman), J. G. Wilson, Aisher, Taylor, Kendall, and Hammond.

CORRESPONDENCE.

From Mr E. Goodbehere, apologising for absence from meeting. — Accepted. From Manawajtu County Council, to the effect that the balance of the levy due would be paid early in the month.

From the Kiwitea County Council, enclosing cheque for £89 10s nd, amount of the second instalment of levy due by the Council. From Mr P. Neylon, Foxton, enclosing part payment of the account contracted by his son while an inmate of the hospital, and expressing pleasure at the excellent treatment his boy had received. , : ■ From Mr John Davey, applying for charitable aid. The letter was received, and the Board approved of the Secretary's action in having refused Davey assistance. From Dr McGregor, asking for full information regarding the expenditure of an amount of £93 6s 6d in the Foxton district.

The chairman stateJ that he had waited upon Dr McGregor and Mr Warfourton (Government Auditor) in Wellington and explained to them that the money had been raised in Foxton for charitable aid purposes and handed over to the Board unconditionally. Dr McGregor stated that the money was raised for a special object, and subsidy had been wrongly paid on the amount, Consequently it would have to be deducted. The chairman said, as the outcome of his conversation with Dr McGregor, he was. referred to the auditor. The .Department had not stated officially in writing that the amount would be deducted, and he was hopeful that this course would not be taken. Mr Wilson suggested that in the event of the amount being deducted Parliament should be petitioned in reference to the matter. From the Auditor- General returning the Board's balance-sheet to year ending March 31st, 1899, having certified same as correct. — Received. The Board decided not to comply with a request by the police to pay an account of £2 2s, medical expenses incurred in connection with a family at Ashurst. It was further resolved, on the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr^ Kendall, that this Board does not* recognise the right of constables to call in medical aid on behalf of the Board in any case without tlie sanction either of the Executive Committee or •the Secretary in cases of urgency. Before the minutes were confirmed, Mr Wilson stated that he was absent Srom the last meeting of the Board, and he asked the chairman to explain the resolution carried in reference to the suggested change in the represention to allow Foxton a representative. The chairman stated that Foxton, Halcombe aad Feildiug being grouped had the privilege of electing one member. Feilding, however, was able to out-vote Foxton, and the latter could not receive representation on the Board. The suggestion had, however, been made that the Manawatu County Council shoufcLelect one member of the Board among themselves, and select another representative in Foxton. j Mr Wilsou said this virtually meant j that his Council would have to agree to losing one of its representatives, and ' speaking for Mr Hammond and him..

self they certaiuly would not agree to the request. He did not think his Council would give way, especially considering its importance and the large amount (£2OB per annum) it paid. He of course sympathised with Foxton and would like that town to have a representative on the Board if it could be done by other means. If a letter was sent to Dr McGregor concerning the matter as suggested by the Board, he desired that intimation should be conveyed to that gentleman that the Manawatu County desired to retain its present representation. After discussion it was decided, on the motion of Mr Wilson, seconded by Mr Hammond, That the communication to be sent to Dr McGregor by the Board re representation include a recommendation in favour of giving Foxton special representation upon the Board in the form of an additional member, and not to take representation from any of the local bodies. It was agreed that when the above communication is sent to Dr McGregor he be reminded that four years ago a resolution was carried by the Board in favor of each district having a representative of its own.

Accounts amounting to £112 10s iod were passed for payment, and the Board then adjourned. — Manawatu Times.