HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 64, 1 May 1869, Page 3

HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

SPECIAL MEETING, SATURDAY, 24TH APRIL.

Mr. Bastings occupied the chair, the other members present being Messrs. Harrop, Keen, Simpson, Farrer, Mears, M'Beath, Henderson, Hayes, and Dr. Halley, Dr. Stewart also attended.

The Chairman said the meeting had been called to consider certain charges brought against the Resident Surgeon by the Secretary.

Mr. Mears ro3e to a point of order. He wished to know whether the meeting was open to representatives of the press.

The Chairman said the matter affected an institution supported by the public, and he for one was strongly opposed to anything like secrecy.

Dr. Stewart said he particularly wished the meeting to be fully reported, and that every publicity should be giveu to the investigation. Dr. Halley inquired what the meeting was about, or what they had got to do. The Chairman said it was impossible to tell Yrhat would be done. The meeting had been called at the request of Dr. Stewart. Some statements, embodying a serious accusation, had been made respecting that gentleman by their Secretary in a public bar. Dr. Stewart said he felt compelled to take notice of the statements of the Secretary, who, he believed was the worse of ■ liquor when he made them. He had brought the hospital servants there to prove, by their evidence, that the accusation was a malicious falsehood. ; Mr. Mean rose to a point of order. The inquiry could not be opened until the Secretary had been duly summoned to attend. He considered the matter too i frivolous to be worthy of notice from the i doctor, especially when all circumstances were considered. At any rate, if the enquiry were to go on, he would move that all witnesses withdraw. The Chairman said the doctor was per- ! fectiy in order. He had called on the Secretary, and as he cosld not find him, sent a notice of the meeting. Dr. Stewart said nothing could be'eonsidered frivolous which affected the reputation of a public official. He was resolved to vindicate his character against all aspersions, by whomsoever made, so long as he occupied such a position. Dr. Halley said they did not know what they were there for. He wished some one would explain. The Chairman said the doctor was unusually dull. The short and the long of it was, that the Secretary had publicly stated that the doctor had used for his private purposes a silver teapot, bought with the funds of the hospital.

Air. Keen said he had first been under the impression that Dr. Stewart should pay no attention to any charges coming from Buch a source ; but he had modified his opinion, and believed the doctor light in demanding a full investigation. The absence of the Secretary was unfortunate ; and in order that no ground might exist for future complaint, he thought an. adjournment would be advisable, until they could compel the Secretary's attendance.

Dr. Stewart said he desired the fullest and most public investigation ; and if an adjournment were deemed necessary, he would make no objection.

Mr. Simpson remarked on the gravity of the charge. He advocated an adjournment, in order that both sides might be heard. If it were found that an official had been guilty of drunkenness, neglect of duty, and slander, he for one would feel inclined to move for his dismissal.

It was finally agreed the meeting should adjourn, and meet on Tuesday, 4th inst., at the hospital, and that a written copy of the charges Bhould be served ou the Secretary.

ORDHT ART MEETING, TUESDAY, 2(TTH APRIL.

Mr. M'Swiney waa called te the chair, the other" members present being Messrs. Harrop, Henderson, Mears, Hayes, Russell, M'Nickle, Dr. Halley, and the Secretary.

A report from the Visiting Committee, stating they had accepted Mr. Downie's tender for gravelling the hospital walks, the amount being £6 175., waa read and adopted.

Mr. Harrop retired from the Visiting Committee, and Mr. Meyer succeeded by rotation.

It was agreed the question of getting a new kitchen range should be referred to the Visiting Committee, to report at next meeting.

On the motion of Mr. Rnasell, it was .agreed that each member of Committee should receive three copies of the printed report.

Mr. Russell gave notice' that he would move at next meeting the' appointment of two regular collectors in each district.

There being no other business, the meeting, after passing a vote of thanks to the 1 Chairman, dispersed.-