GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 179, 10 July 1884, Page 2

GISBORNE HOSPITAL.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the above Institution took place at the school-room last night, when there were seventeen present. On the motion of Captain Chrisp, seconded by Mr. E. K. Brown, the Von. Archdeacon Williams was voted to the chair. The Chairman—Gentlemen, I think I shall be expressing the feeling of all when I say I am somewhat disappointed at thj small attendance that there is on this occasion, and those who were here on the occasion of last year’s meeting remember that those benches in front of me were very full. I was in hopes that wc should have had something of the same kind to-night as a testimony that the interest in the Hospital is not in any way falling off in the community generally, but, however, I suppose with this small attendance we can go on with the business of the meeting. I will call upon the Secretary to read the minutes of last year’s meeting. The Secretary then read the minutes of the last annual meeting, which were duly confirmed. He also read the officers’ reports for the year, as follows: — The Eighth Annual Report of the Committee of Management of the Poverty Bay Hospital. Your committee, in presenting to the subscribers the eighth annual report, have to express their hearty thanks to all those who by their contributions have assisted in placing the affairs of the institution on a vary satisfactory financial basis. Beginning the year with a deficit of £57 6s. 3d,, they have been enabled by the means placed at their disposal, to discharge all accounts current for the period and to wind up the year with a credit balance of £3B 12s. Id. This result is apart from the investment of the £6OO, which sum as you are aware comprises donations of £2OO and £lOO respectively from Mr. Percival Barker and Mr. Allan McDonald, together with a correspeding amount of subsidy from the Government. In terms of the grants your committee have invested the money so obtained on freehold security at 10 per cent, interest. This permanent annual accession to the funds byway of interest, will obviously be of material advantage in the future. In connection with this matter your committee desire especially to place on record their sense of the obligation conferred upon them, and on the community, by the above named donors. Exclusive of these large donations, the receipts from general subscriptions are quite equal to the average of the last two years. The . special efforts made during the year to obtain the necessary means were highly successful. Allusion is made to the Volunteer Ball, held in September last, and to the annual Fete held on St. Andrew’s Day. On both these occasions effective aid was rendered by numerous ladies and gentlemen, and the efforts of your committee were generously supported by. the patronage of the public. Mention also is made of the assistance given by the residents of Ormond, tiie proceeds of the sports held there being handed to the treasurer. From these indirect sources a considerable portion of revenue has been derived. Your committee, however, would now suggest that in addition to the methods of supplying funds just related, that a proper system, of canvassing for subscriptions should be devised and carried out, more especially as regards the country districts, the residents of which should be equally as interested as the inhabitants of Gisborne in the prosperity of the institution. Hitherto the town subscriptions have bulked the largest, while the majority of patients admitted to the Hospital have arrived from the country. This is" not mentioned in disparagement, but rather with the view of remedying, if possible, the existing state of matters, as there is every reason to believe that if appealed to periodically the responses would be most liberal, Having this object in view your committee would recommond that the “ ticket system ” similar to that which obtains in Napier, the Thames goldfields and other places be adopted. Employers of labor or their managers, both in town and country, might be induced to explain the system to their employees, to distribute the annual tickets and forwred the contributions. Briefly explained as it is worked in Napier, subscribers of £1 annually receive a ticket which entitles them if sick to receive all the benefits of the Hospital free of cost for twelve months from the date o( subscription. Other concessions are made to larger subscribers. There is a stipulation to the above that persons when sick wanting a ticket will not be supplied, but are admitted in the usual way as paying patients. The committee feel that this is a matter of importance to the future welfare of the institution, and they would strongly urge upon their successors the advisability of dealing with it. From the Treasurer’s report you will gain all the necessary information as to the details of receipts and expenditure. The falling off in the receipts from patients’ fees calls for special remark, the amount received this •year being £72 17s. Bd. as against £125 4s. Gd. for the year preceding. This is a matter with which your committee have repeatedly attempted to deal, but so far without anj' assurance of success. The general expenditure for the year under review, exclusive of liabilities now outstanding amounted to £921 9s. 9d., as against £853 Ils. sd. for the previous year, bring an increase of £67 15s. 4d.; but as against this the liability of £57 Gs. 3d. entailed at the beginning of the period has been wiped off, and a larger expense than usual had boon incurred for incidental improvements such, as furnishing and painting the Hospital. A very complete set of surgical instruments have been imported direct from the makers and will always be available in the treatment of surgical cases. Bearing these facts in mind tb.e expenditure will compare favourably with that incurred last year there bring no appreciable increase in the amounts of the ordinary item:-. The number of patients admitted during the year have been 66, being a decrease as compared with previous year. The fullest information on this head will be found in the report submitted by the Medical Officer. With respect to the cost of maiiitainance your committee recently made an enquiry, the result of which was I hat it was ascertained, that during the nine months ending March 31<t, 1884, there was a large increase in the rate jicr patient as compared with the average of the proceeding year. It was found difficult to account for tlic large diiihrence as shown in the report; but immediate steps were taken to check the excessive expenditure, and now that such wide attention has been given to the subject, and a strickter control having been kept, it is confidently hoped that an improvement will be effected. Indeed it might be stated that already there are evidences of a change for the better. The hospital grounds have been partially improved, though it must be admitted that in . all respects the committee have not been able i

to complete their designs. It is recommended that during th* 3 ensuin?' year a kitchen garden be laid out, ev in the-igii a little expense for iabor be incurred at thn start. It is also suggested that a cow be kept on the grounds for the supply of milk to the patients. It is apparent that there would be a considerable saving were these views carried out. Your committee desire publicly to acknowledge the gift of a choice lot of ornamental trees from Sir George Grey, who has promised a further supply if required. The fever ward, which has been so long vacant, has been let to a tenant as a dwellinghouse, on the understanding that it shall bo vacated at reasonable notice. In May last Mr. and Mrs. Chrisp, who have hold the offices of wardsman and matron for the past three years, tendered their resignation. They have been succeeded by Mr. and Mrs. Benfield, who, up to the present, have given satisfaction. In submitting this resume of the manner in which they have performed the duties entrusted to them, your committee would direct special attention to the objects of the institution, and would appeal to ail classes of the community to extend it their support. Taking the past as an index of the future they confidently rely on this. Looking at the rapid strides in population and general prosperity which Poverty Buy has made of late, your committee believe that with judicious management the sphere of usefulness of the Hospital, as well as the resources at its disposal will very materially increase. H. McKay, Hon. Sec. And. Graham, Chairman. Treasurer’s Report, Mr. Chairman, —I have the honor to lay before you my eighth annual report on the financial affairs of the Poverty Bay Hospital. liecei/its.— During the past twelve months I have received in the shape of donations and subscriptions £7OB Is. 7d., as subsidies from Government £756 6s. 10d., making a total oi £1,464 Bs. 5d., of which £6OO has been invested in morgages bearing 10 per cent, interest. In fees from patients I have received only £72 17s. Bd., against £125 4s. Gd. last year, being a decrease of £52 6s. 101. The only other item received was £B, interest on fixed deposit. Expenditure.— The amount that has been paid in salaries during the past year is £272 2d., against £265 13s. for the previous year, an increase of £6 95.; but for a welldeserved bonus of £25 granted to the Secretary, the decrease under this head would have been £lB Ils. For rations, coal and firewood £277 14s. 2d. has been paid, an increase on the previous year of £l9 I’Js. 9d. For repairs and furniture, including painting in two coats the whole of the buildings, fencing off the vegetable garden, and enclosing the Hospital with a close-paled hard-wood fence, £122 16s. lOd. has been paid, against £97 7s. 6d. The amount paid for medicine and medical comforts comes to £134 18s. 6d., an increase on previous year of £3 16s. 6d. Printing, advertising, and stationery cost £l5 18s. 3d. Incidental expenses for the year amounted to £23 18s. 6d.; under this heading are charged the following Stamps, telegrams, chimney sweep, fish, Borough contractor (a heavy item), casting, freight, dog-tax, &e. The burial expenses were £26 ss. Insurance, £lO ss. 9d. Surgical instruments, £37 10s.

General Remarks.— Tiic main buildings and contents are insured for £1,200, this I think might be increased, the rate is only 13s. Gd. per cent., the fever ward is insured for £350, and is a present bringing in a rental of 15s. per week. The financial propects of the institution are brightening, we started the year £57 6s. 3d. to the bad, and finish £3B 12s. Id. to the good. We possess an annuity of £6O, and have a rental of 15s. per week. A stricter system of chocking the outgoing tide has been initiated, the incoming tide wants more backing up, the subscriptions will only in a few cases come in without being asked for, the fees, except in pauper cases, should be insisted on, and more care in admitting patients, accidents always excepted, should be exercised and a proper understanding come to with the Government re admitting lunatics, they are the most expensive patients we have, and I am sorry to say for the fund, we have had more this year than usual, the admission of persons suffering from D. T’s. is discouraging to subscribers, and those who devote so much of their valuable time to the institution. Furnishing I hope will be a heavy expense as soon as possible, and some better arrangement made about supplying and dispensing medicines.—l have the honor &c., E. K. Brown, Hon. Treasurer. Medical Officer’s Report.

Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen, —I have much pleasure in submitting my Eighth Annual Report to the subscribers to the Poverty Bay Hospital. Since the Ist of July, 1883, 6G indoor patients have been under treatment in our wards—of these, 50 were males and 16 females. These numbers are somewhat less than the previous year—a fact to be accounted for, I consider, by the absencj of any epidemic in the district and by the decrease in the number of typhoid fever cases. It is to be hoped that this decrease of typhoid fever will be permanent, as a few years ago the number of cases in proportion to the population was most excessive. Typhoid fever is a type of a class of diseases called by modern authorities “ preventive,” and by strict attention to sanitary laws ought to be almost unknown in a small township like Gisborne. However, three of the eight typhoid fever cases treated in the Hospital during the past year hailed from the country districts and the subjects were in each case bushmen by occupation. The origin of the disease was distinctly traceable to the unhealthy situation of their camps, and to the drinking of swamp water. Three deaths occurred during the year—two from pulmonary consumption and one (a native) from typhoid fever. The majority of the cases under treatment were of an ordinary nature, and do not call for any special remark. Two cases of acute mania were temporarily treated in our wards pending the arrival of a steamer to convey them to the Auckland Lunatic Asylum. These patients gave us a considerable amount of trouble, as we had no conveniences for their treatment. Similar cases could, however, be treated in connexion with the Hospital if the Government would erect and subsidize a

special ward for the purpose. Doing this would, I consider, extend the usefulness of our institution, and might to be the means of saving some unfortunate patients from the obvious ill effects of becoming inmates of one of our large lunatic asylums.

Three major operations were performed in the hospital during the year. Two of these were completely successful; the other—a case of cancer, succumbed some time after being discharged. Since our last meeting the committee have, at my request, supplied the hospital with a very useful case of operating instruments. These will form the nucleus of

a complete set which, in process of time the growth of the institution will dor land. Mr. and Mrs. Chrisp, the wardsman and matron, resigned their situations a few weeks ago. From their long residence in the hospi-tal-some three years:—they had Income thoroughly conversant with the routine and

work of the institution; and their services will, in consequence, be missed for some time to come. Mrs. Benfield, the new has had considerable experience in the management of ths sick, and so far has performed her duties satisfactorily. Surgeon. Mr. Lewis--I beg to move the adoption of the general report. Mr. Joyce—l second that. The Chairman—l should like to remark, before this motion is put, that on the whole the annual general report is most satisfactory. Anybody who has had anything to do with the management of matters like this is perfectly aware that it is a difficult undertaking. 1 think tlic public generally are pretty well satisfied with the working of the institution, though undoubtedly there is room for improvement. The Committee have reallv tried their best to have every thing carried out on the best principles. The motion was then put and carried. The Treasurer now road the balance-sheet for the past year, which will be published in a future issue. Captain Chrisp—l bog to move the adoption of the Treasurer’s Report and Balance-sheet, in which I think many of the items speak very favourably, and show how well the Institution has been supported. I cannot allow this opportunity to pass without,

making special mention of the liberal way in which those gentlemen, Messrs. Barker and McDonald, have subscribed towards the iusti* tut ion. I have much pleasure in moving the adoption of the report. Mr. Fryer—l will second that,—Carried. Captain Chrisp—l beg to move the adoption of the medical officer’s report. Mr. Lewis f beg to second that—Curried. The Chairman—The next business will be the election of a committee for the ensuing year. Captain Chrisp—l should like to state, b. fore the election of another committee takes place, that this meeting should pass a vote of thanks to the on‘going committee. I have much pleasure in moving that a most cordial vote of thanks be accorded to the late committee for the way in which they have carried out their duties for the past year. Mr. F. Skeet—l will second that motion. The Chairman concurred with the mover’s remarks, and put the motion to the meeting, which was carried, one being against it. Mr. Brown—l beg to propose our worthy Chairman, as a member of the committee for the ensuing year. I was sorry indeed that he went off it last year, but he explained fully the reason, that he had no time at his disposal to attend to the duties required as a committeeman. I hope he will have had sufficient rest now, and will be able to take the position I propose. Mr. Nolan seconded. The following gentlemen were now proposed and seconded as committeemen for the coming year Venerable Archdeacon Williams, Messrs. E. K. Brown, A. Graham, H. Lewis, J. W. Nolan, G. Matthewson, Wm. Adair, Dr. Innes, J. Booth, W. O. Skeet, J, Baldwin, H. McKay, and E. P. Joyce. Out of those, the Chairman, and Messrs. Lewis and Joyce, declined to accept the office, leaving only ten nominated. Mr. A. Graham—l would like to ask whether the secretary must necessarily be a member of the committee ? Dr. Pollen—l don’t think there is anything having reference to that in the rules. I may point out that our treasurer is not a member' of the committee, and I do not know that it Irt necessary to have the secretary a member of it. The Chairman—There is nothing in the rules which has reference to the appointment of a secretary at all. It is open to this ing to make so far an alteration in the systen which has hitherto been pursued, and to direct that there shall be a committee who shall appoint a secretary. In the first instance the funds were very low, and it was decided that one of the members of the committee should act as secretary, and it was understood that it would be an unpaid office, and so with the case of treasurer. If this meeting should decide to pass a resolution to that effect, I think that that would be binding. Up to this time the secretary has always been a member of the committee. Mr. Graham—He has been appointed a member by the committee. The Chairman—Yes. Mr. Nolan—The committee has the power of appointing a secretary, and it has the power of saying whether he is entitled to pay or not. I don’t think it is necessary for the committee now to appoint a secretary. If they think he is entitled to something it is entirely in the committee’s hands.

Mr. Adair—l would like to ask Mr. McKay if elected as secretary, would he act without payment ? Mr. McKay—l shall act as I have done in the past. On Mr. Nolan’s motion, Messrs. Lewis, and Piesse, were appointed scrutineers in the election of committeemen.

The Chairman—With regard to myself acting on the committee, I am much obliged to Mr. E. K. Brown of the mention he has made of me, but I must again decline accepting the position. It is not that I require a period of rest, but simply because I find that having other work to do, and having a great increase of work, and no prospect of its becoming less, I must request to be allowed to withdraw my name from the list.

Mr. Nolan—Having withdrawn your name< Sir, I would propose this, that you be an e.t officio member of the committee. I think you have power of being an ex oj/lcio member from your position as a clergyman, and the interest you take in the institution. I think you have a right to be elected that way, and you can leave it to yourself whether to attend the meetings or not.

Mr. Piesse — I would support the last speaker. You have been connected with the hospital business for many years, and I should be very sorry to see your name withdrawn from the list of committeemen, and I would ask you to allow yourself to be nominated. We have looked upon you as a permanent member.

Dr. Pollen—l think this is a separate ro* solution altogether. Dy the rules of the Hospital we have already ex officio members appointed. I think this is a motion for A new rule, and might come on afterwards. The Chairman—l think it is out of order. We have got this distinct work before us and that had better be proceeded with. The election of committeemen by ballot was then proceeded with, and the undermentioned gentlemen were duly elected to act for the coming year : —Messrs. E. K. Brown, A. Graham, J. W. Nolan, G. Matthewson, W; Adair, J. Booth, and H. McKay.

Mr. A. Graham proposed, and Mr. Adeane seconded, that Dr. Pollen act as medical officer for the ensuing twelve months.— Carried.

Mr. E. K. Brown proposed, seconded by Captain Chrisp, that Mr. Piesse be auditor.— Carried.

Dr. Pollen—l would like to ask the treasurer how this new system of five shillings voting is working, and whether he has got more subscriptions by it or not ? The Treasurer—The subscriptions during the past year have fallen off considerably, and there is certainly no more five shilling voters thia year than the last. Some jjerflonß that have given more last year gave the five shillings only, taking advantage of the reduction.

The Chairman—l see from last yearns report, the amount under the heading of subscriptions is £452 12s. lid. This year it is £7OB. If you subtract the £3OO given by Messrs. Barker and McDonald, that leaves £4OB. Then on the other hand there are some sources of income which the committee ought to have availed themselves of, for instance, collections in the churches, &c. The year ending June 30th, 1882, subscriptions amounted to £319, and that of 1881 to £276 19s. 3d. Therefore, on the whole there seems to be a steady advance, though the amount is rather less this year than last. Mr. Matthewson—The deficiency can be accounted for owing to the hardness of the times. There has been no pressing necessity for money, consequently no exertion has been made.

A vote of thanks for the chairman was now put and carried, and this terminated the meetings proceedings.