STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1918, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent) I (All communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention] HOSPITAL BOARD. Stratford, July 0. The monthtly meeting of the Hospital and Oharitable Aid .Board was held this morning. Present: Messrs J. M'AUister (chairman), E. Walter, J. O'Neill, C. D. Sole, R MIL Morison, E. W. Hancock, and F. J. Mackay. MATERNITY WARD. The committee set up to consider the advisability of providing a maternity ward in connection with the hospital reported having waited on Mr. Healey, architect, and then adjourned to consider the question of securing private property One site had been offered, and the committee consulted the medical superintendent thereon, but he strongly urged them not to recommend any private house, for it would cause endless trouble. The board went into committee to consider the matter, Dr. Steven being also present. After a full discussion, it was decided that, in view of the financial stringency, the matter would be left in abeyance during the currency of the war. i HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. H. K. Cattley, secretary Taranaki Hospital Benefit Association, wrote that the association had been going hack, and appealed to the board to accept a 25 per cent, reduction on accounts. The New Plymouth Hospital had met the association in this respect, with the right to make further claims if desirable. The secretary read out a list of members of the association'and their obligations to the board. Mr. Walter said the list included some men who were well able to meet these claims. I Mr Sole: The Taranaki board had already given one reduction, and the present 25 per cent, was the second occasion- The position was such that if the board did not meet them, the association would hava to go into voluntary liquidation. Mr Walter asked if the Stratford board bad not already made a reduction. The chairman said this had been done in one individual case. The association had got into an unfortunate position, and were endeavorig to make the best they could of the matter. Mr. Sole said that when the association was formed the liabilities were unlimited; now these had been placed at £3O. Mr Mackay asked if the Government did not subsidise the,se payments Mr Sole: No, the lodges carried the liability of members at the front, and when these men returned and were discharged from jhe forces they could claim on their lodge for sick pay and other privileges. The chairman said the association was doing its best, and the board might well follow New Plymouth's example. He moved—"That the association's application for a rdbate of 25 per cent, be granted" « Mr. Morison seconded the- motion, which was carried-

Mr. A. Gray, health inspector, notified that since last month one case of phthisis and two caseß of scarlet fever in the borough and several cases of diphtheria in the county had been attended to, patients removed to the hospital, and premises disinfectedNurse Old, Whangamomona Medical Association, reported six cases during the month, and forwarded fees collected for same. GENERAL. Kaponga can always be relied upon to do things in proper style, and the welcome Eome to returned soldiers and farewell to Private M. Power last Thursday was quite in keeping with previous functions of this character. In presenting Private Power with a small memento of the occasion, Mr. A. H. Guy, chairman, expressed appreciation of the work done at the front by the Kaponga lads, unfortunately many of whom bad fallen. He trusted that Private Power would be fortunate in the days to come, and, in due course, would_ be welcomed home. Private T. Bagshaw responded on behalf of his comrades. At the Midhirst Hall on Thursday evening, the Stratford branch of the Resumed Soldiers' Association are holding a social evening, the proceeds going towards a fund the branch is raising to form a club at which all returned men, visitors or permanent, will be welcome. Given the public patronage, the club will become an established fact, hence the request that residents in and around Midhirst are requested to note Thursday's social Despite the very bad weather prevailing on Saturday, the Douglas ladies eontrolling the Ladies' Patriotic Rooms had a very good day- The Mart takings were £9 2s 3d, and the tea rooms £7 12s 3d. Next Saturday the Rowan ladies are assisting, and, with fine weather, hops to establish a record day- There will be poultry and cakes, vegetables and sweets, so that all patrons can rely on having their wants supplied. The Oddfellows' (brethren held a social last evening. In the card tournament Mts. Moroney and fir. J. Burkett headed the list, and those who also qualified for trophies (boobies) were Miss Beaumont and Mr. C. Preland. Mr. Steven sang "Perfect Day" in a very acceptable manner. The long winter nights are now with ns. Pass the long evenings pleasantly by the fireside with cards and games procurable from Mr. CE. James. Here you can buy pipes, cigarettes and cigars for father, many useful lines for mother, whilst the bangles, brooches, etc., are just the thing for the eldest girl. Reading matter for the student and also for those who enjoy light reading, at C. E. James' Jewellery Warehouse-