Hospital Board.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVI, Issue 89, 19 April 1904, Page 2

Hospital Board.

The Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board met yesterday, Present : Messrs J. Mapkuy, McDonald, K. I'igott, Andrews, Brown, Liardet, Gray, Cliff, Iline. In the absence of Mr Cock, Mr Mackay war. voted to'the chair. The action of the chairman in graining outdoor relief was approvproved. The letter from Miss Lawson, the acting matron, re damage at the hospital, was referred to the chairman. The report of the custodian at the Old People's Home was received. During the past month two males had been admitted and one discharged. There were now 35 inmates—3d male ami two female. Health and discipline were good. A case of typhoid had -been removed to the hospital. An order was made for the admission of a'u olid soldier to the home. The matter of the Egmont County contriWutioii was mentioned, and 'discussion deferred for a month. Contributions were received from : —Clifton County Council, £33 18s 2d (two months) ; Egmotit County Council, £4O 5s ; Stratford County Council, £45 10s 4d ; Stratford Borough Council, £8 7s Cd. Mr W. Cave wrote suggesting a site on the lvaitaki ramges for a consumptive sanatorium.—Received. The acting matron reported that during the month there had,been 33 admissions to the hospital, 15 discharges, and 29 remained in the institution. Eight operations had been perlormed. In the isolation ward a window and two chimney-pots had been danrugvd during the late gale Ur. Vali'iitine, I'ii|iJi C Health Of-lK-er, and Dr. consulting surgvon, waited on'the Hoard with regard to the erection' of a sanatorium for the treatment of consumptives. They favoured an annex to the New Plymouth Hospital in preference to the establishment of a sanatorium on the mountuin-side which, they stated, was an expensive project.

The chairman favoured the idea and moved that the Board call a public meeting to deal with the sn'bOect. .He had a strong impression himself that with the advancement of science it would soon lie possible to eradicate consumption. He thought, however, that it would bo inadvisable to encourage an influx of consumptive patients to New Plymouth.

Mr Gray objected to the system of advertising New Zealand as a place that was adapted for the treatment of consumptives. He knew that many people came here just for that reason, ami being in only moderate circumstances were soon compelled to exist on charity. Dr. Valintine agreed, and made a suggestion that the £IOO charged on such people might be raised in order to prevent the influx which was undoubtedly prevalent now. It would be unfair to prohibit their entry altogether, for he knew of cases where people of means had come here in search of health—and found it.

Dr. Lcuthani had no doubt, that the matter would be warmly supported, and from £2OO to £3OO subscribed. In answer to Mr Andrews Br. Yulintine stated that the cost of maintenance of consumptive patients was about the same as that of any other patient. The chairman moved that the Hoard co-operate with the Health Department and call a public meeting in New I'lymouth and other centres il' desired for the purpose of considering the question of erecting an annex at the New Plymouth hospital for the treatment of consumptives or of a sanatorium on another site. Mr Brown seconded Mr Cray moved an amendment to erase the last clause, but there was 110 seconder. In answer to Mr Mine the chairman said that what Dr. Valintine really wanted was for the Board to pay the cost of hiring a hall. Dr. Valintine: No, not a bit. I'll pay the hall-hire like a shot. The motion was carried, Mr Gray alone dissenting. At his request, Mr Gray's objection was recorded in the minutes. On the motion of Messrs Liardet and Andrews the date of the meeting was left to the House Committee to arrange. llr. Valintine announced his intention of attending. The chairman thanked Dr. Val'intine (or his lucid explanation. In replying Dr. Valintine said he had this matter grciuflly at heart, as had also Dr. Lent hum and Ihe remaining medical men in the district. He was satisfied that a great deal could be done here, and hoped that Taranuki would lead the way in this matter.

Accounts were passed for payment -.—Hospital £129 16s Id, Charitable Aid £lO4 8s sd.

The secretary was instructed to request the sergeant of police to look into a reported case of starvation of a wife, whilst the husband was reported to be sleek and tut, yet without contributing to the maintenance of his family. The Board rose.