MEETING OF HOSPITAL COMMITTEE. Tuesday, May 25th.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 68, 29 May 1869, Page 2

MEETING OF HOSPITAL COMMITTEE. Tuesday, May 25th.

Messrs. Harrop, Keen, Smith, Mears, Henderson, Meyer, and Hayes attended at the opening of the meeting. On the motion of Mr. Harrop Mr. Keen wa3 called to occupy the chair. After some time, the following members dropped in : — Dr. Halley, Messrs. M'Swiney, McBeath, Simpson, and Bas^ngs. Mr. Keen vacated the chair in favour of the President. The minutes of several previous meetings having been read and confirmed, a report from the visiting committee was read, complaiutr.g- of the undue preponderance' of coarse beef in the quantity supplied the Hospital, and recommending a portable kitchen-range. — The report was received and adopted. It was resolved to procure from Messrs. Oliver and Ulph the kitchen-range numbered 51 in their catalogue, the price being £27. This range has a powerful boiler capable of supplying hot water in any part of the building. Mr. M'Swiney stated that a far too large portion of the beef supplied was of the coarsest description. He moved that, in future, say one half of the meat supplied should be of the best quality, the Surgeon having the option of sending for any particular joint if the contractor didnot give satisfaction.

Mr. Ke3n seconded. He condemned the principle of at all times accepting the lowest tender.

Mr. Mears objected to the motion as too vague. He moved, as an amendment, " That a specification of the different joints and cuts be drawn up, and tenders be made according to it." Mr. Harrop seconded.

After some remarks from Mr. Smith, who stated that he knew the present contractor supplied mecit under cost price, Mr. M'Swiney briefly replied. On a division, the amendment was carried by a large majority. Mr. M'Clusky was elected a member of the visiting committee in place of Mr. M'Swiney. Mr. Simpson said he had intended to make a motion in reference to the conduct of the Secretary, but owing to the absence of Mr. Richards, and the rumoured cause of that absence, he felt a delicacy in opening up the matter. The meeting then adjourned.