The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1890. TIMARU HOSPITAL.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1993, 11 January 1890, Page 2

The Temuka Leader SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1890. TIMARU HOSPITAL.

lit our article on the above subject, replying to the glossing over comments of the Timaru Herald, we stated that there was a doctor at the elbow of the editor of the Herald while writing the article referred to. As Oromwell said, “ the Lord has delivered them ” into our hands since. The Herald practically admits the allegation. Dr Blunden wrote to the Herald denying that he had sent the case to the hospital, and commentinoon thia the Herald said that it had been deceived, and that “ its information was derived from the highest official source, and was tendered to and not sought by us.” That settles the question. That admits that the doctor was at the editor’s elbow, as we stated. Now, what took himthere? Simply this:

He saw our article on the girl Warne’s case, and anticipating correctly that we would return to the subject in the case of Mrs Egan, he thought to settle the matter nicely beforehand. We have forced them to this, and forced them to take care of Mrs Egan, and we are perfectly satisfied so far, but apparently they are not. The following letters appeared in the Herald yesterday;— TO THE EDITOR OP THE THVIARX7 HERALD.

Sie, Your leading article of to-day, in answer to Dr Blunden’s communication, implies that you had been inaccurately informed as to whether or not he had recommended Mrs Egan for admission to the hospital. In order that the facts may be fully understood, I send you copies of Mr Barker s letter and Dr Blunden’s certificate or statement, which latter will, I think, impress you that it implies a recommendation, or to be more correct, an aid to the patient to gain her object, which was admission to the hospital, and on the face of it would induce any lay member of the board to grant an order for admission. These two documents, which were placed in my hands, and the verbal statement made by Egan that his wife had been ordered to the hospital by Dr Blunden, will, I hope, satisfy you that the information supplied by the hospital authorities was correct.—l am, etc,, R. Bowen Hoao. Timaru, January 9th, 1890. Wallingford House, Temuka, December 31st. Mrs Egan, of Arowhenua, desires to

avail herself of the benefits of hospital treatment. She has been suffering for about five weeks from puerperal septicaemia and its complications. 1 consider that she requires constant medical supervision. (Signed) War, Blunden, M.8.T.0.D., L.R.C.5.1., L.M.K.Q,G.PJ. Temuka, Dec. 31st, 1889. Resident Surgeon, Timaru Hospital.

Dear Constable Morton has brought under my notice the case of Mrs Egan, and it certainly appears to be one fit for hospital treatment; so I lake upon myself to advise her admission. 1 know Egan, and believe he will contribute all in hia power. Tours faithfully, (Signed) R. A. Barker,

Now let any one read Dr Bluuden’s letter, and ask, Does it amount to recommending the ease to the hospital ? The letter is not addressed to anybody, and merely states that the patient is desirous of entering the hospital, and that she is suffering from a certain disease. He merely gave, as he said, a certificate of her ailment when asked to do so by her husband. What would have been thought of him if he had refused to give it ? But supposing he had given her a recommendation to enter the hospital, would that have been a crime P He is a recent arrival, and naturally enough would not have thought that the iimaru hospital was conducted on "ueh barbarous principles. He saw she was not receiving, and could not receive, the attention necessary to her condition, and it certainly would not have been a crime to recommend her to go to the hospital. The publication of the above letters only prove more plainly the truth of the statements of Dr Blunden and Mr Egan, and Dr Hogg has not improved hia position by publishing them.

As regards the right of the people to expect such cases, and any cases, to be taken into their hospital that goes without saying. It is monstrous to say that such and such a patient shall not enter, What is an hospital far ? is the fever ward for ? This ward is magnificently fitted up with the moat improved appliances, and we ask, Why was she not taken in there ? It is not necessary to discuss the subject further. The thing is too palpable, and without doubt reform will follow close on these cases.

The key to the management of the hospital may be found in Mr R, A. Barker’s letter. He says, “I know Egan, and believe he will contribute all in his power.” Mr Barker has been a member of the board for some time ; he knows full well what will induce 5 the authorities to take in patients, and knowing that he holds out to them the inducement that Mr Egan will pay. the whole secret lies here ; no one is wanted unless he can pay. The board has decided to manage the institution on commercial principles, and therein hes the whole secret. Now we ask, Can a benevolent institution be managed on commercial principles ? Ao. this must be changed, and humane, charitably-disposed persons must be put on the Board to do it.