TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 208, 25 January 1872, Page 5

TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

The annual meeting of contributors to the above institution took place on the evening of Friday last, in the Commercial Assembly Room. The meeting was convened for eight o'clock, shortly after which hour a large assemblage had gathered. The Committee, however, were not then prepared, and it was not till close upon half-past nine that the chair was ta~en. There were about 100 gentlemen present. The President (Mr. H. Bastings) occupied the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting, and also of the last quarterly meeting, were read and confirmed.

The annual report, as follows, was then read :- —

Your Committee, at the close of its period of office, begs to lay before the contributors- to the Hospital finds its report for the year just past.

The total revenue (including the amount due by Government for subsidy) during the year 1871 was £1721 11s. 9d., which, as compared with the year 1870, shows a

deficiency of £360. The cause of this deficiency is shown hereafter. All necessary details as to revenue and «-\pemii t.ure will he seen in the financial statement now to be submitted to you.

You will learn from the report of .the We'ai lent Surgeon that 133 patiebt< wero admitted into the Hospital during oho year, being 18 in excess of the number admitted in 1870 ; and you will natxirally gather from this that the Hospital, as an institution here, is becoming daily of more importance.

The laud fronting the Hospital grounds, and formerly belonging to Mr. .Jeffries, has been purchased by the Government for the use of the Hospital. The acquisition of this lind has increased greatly the value of the Hospital property.

Your Committee has to regret to report that, while the numbers deriving relief from the Hospital is increasing, the income so much needed to maintain the institution has during the past year been very considerably diminished. At the last meeting of the Provincial Council, the subsidy to up-country hospitals was reduced by one-half. As this reduction meant the reduction by nearly one- third of the total income of the Hospital, it became a matter of serious consideration as to the means of carrying on the Hospital in an efficient manner. Your Committee, having met and considered the difficulty, submitted to the subscribers present at the half-yearly general meeting a plan of retrenchment of expenditure. The recommendations of the Committee were not approved of, which is to be regretted, as" otherwise an expenditure of at least £300 during the last five months would have been avoided.

Since the reduction of the Government subsidy, six patients afflicted with chronic diseases have been sent to the Dunedin Hospital, and there are now about a similar number in our Hospital, whom it is also advisable to remove to the Dunedin establishment.

Owing to the reduced means of the Hospital, consequent upon the reduction of the subsidy, your Committee thought it advisable to arrange with the Resident Surgeon and the servants, so as to leave the Committee about to be appointed untrammelled in its dealings with the management of the institution. llobace Bastings, On behalf of the Committee.

In answer to Mr. Mear3,

The President said the report had been submitted to the Committee, and approved of by them. Mr. Ferguson considered that, in the present position of the Hospital, the report was highly unsatisfactory. It recommended nothing, suggested nothing, as to the future management of the institution. Surely the experience the retiring Committee had gained oughtto have enabled them to lay some recommendations before the meeting.

The President said that the retiring Committee, some time ago, brought forward propositions which were rejected by the public. When the last public meeting was held the institution owed a large amount of money, for which the Committee were personally liable. They had cleared off all debls, and had made such arrangements with the doctor and servants that the new Committee would be free to make what arrangements they chose.

After some further remarks from Mr. Ferguson and the Ciiairman, the report was received.

The annual balance sheet and financial report were read and received. The following is a synopsis thereof: — Receipts. — Subscriptions, £481 95. 3d.; subsidy, £1190 2s. 6d. ; overdraft '£35 8s 2cl. Exenditure.— Salaries, £744 11s. 6d. ; rations, £592 13 •. 4d. ; drugs, £100 15s. 4d. ; fuel, £94 4s. 3d. ; sundries, £179 los. 7d. The amount of subsidy due by the Government up to the 31st December was £204 13*. 6d.

In answer to Mr. M'Kimmie,

The Secretary said that thirty or forty subscription lists had been sent out, and only about ten returned.

In answer to Mr. Ferguson,

The Chairman stated that no subsidy was clue on the subscriptions for 1872; that at the last annual meeting the subsidy due amounted to £681 9s. 3d.

The rep< rt was then taken into consideration.

Mr. Mears said that the report of the retiring Committee left nothing; to guide the in-coming Committee as to the course of action it was desirable for them to take. It merely said : " Here you are : there is a certain amount of subsidy due; there is an overdraft at the bank ; grope your way as best you can." The retiring Committee would have come with better grace before the public, and would only have been doing simple justice to the Hospital, by submitting certain principles to work on. T'ne new Committee would be placed in circumstances of unprecedented difficulty. The subsidy had been reduced by one-half, and owing to the scarcity of money the subscriptions would probably be less than hitherto, and it would require the most rigid economy in the management of the Hospital to maintain it in a state of efficiency. The President said the members of the retiring Committe tried to out-vie each other in doing the best for the institution. Although differences of opinion existed, in a discussion such as the present, personal feeling oughtto be v kept down. * Although they had to put up with a reduced subsidy it required only unity to keep the institution in its present efficient state. It had been conducted in a state of efficiency in the past, and the patients Had been treated in a manner far superior to the patients in Dunedin Hospital, ft vuw a matter of opinion, but he conside'^d it would be presumptuous on the part of the retiring Commitrep to offerto dietafco to the new one. JPhe oaf-going Committee had previously ir.a le propositions

which were not accepted, and, aa lie siid before, liad made arrangements with the servant h an«l doctor whici left the new Committee free and uut ranitnellod. They ft' u>u ld let bygones "c bvsiones, and devise measures for '■nrrviii'4 on the Hospital us it had a i ways been condui ted — in a state of efficiency. He had acted accordiug 1o his lights, and devoted his time ani money for the benefit of the Hospital ; but if he was insulted, he would'leaye those who censured liiui to manage the institution.

Mr. Mears said that no censure was intended. If, however, discussion was to be stifled, there was no use in having an annual meeting. On the motion for the adoption of the report beinir put, three hands were held up iv its favour and none against it. The motiou was accordingly de . dared carried.

The Surgeon's report, as follows, was read and received. ANNtJAI, REPOirr OF TH E RESIDENT SURGEON" OF Ttftt TUAVbKA KjSPITAI- TO THU SUBiCilifiERS.

Gentlemen, — You will find by the accompanying statement that a larger number of patients have taken advantage of the benefits of the institution than during the last two years, the increase being chiefly due to the admission of Chinese who arrived in the country in a diseased state. The mortality amongst the Europeans has been very small, only six deaths occurring in 121 admissions, or 5 percent., while any ngst the Chine.se there were six deaths in twenty-six admissions ; but the cases in which death took place were perfectly hopeless on admission, as was also the case with two of the European patieuts.

During the year, there were six chronic and incurable patients sent to Dunedin ; and if the system of transmitting this, class of patients were regidafly carried out, the Hospital would be very much relieved.

The out-door system of relief hag been the means of alleviating a great; deal of suffering and disease, and both European and Chinese seem to appreciate it highly, from the number that seek it. Amongst the out-door patients, I am not aware of any deaths having taken place.

The amount of money received from paying patients is £30 less than last year ; and it is worthy of remark that none of the Chinese have contributed anything in 1 " this way.

Dr. 11 alley, the Honorary Surgeon, has been very attentive whenever I have had occasion to call in his services.

The President then announced that this concluded the first part of the 'msiuess. The meeting would now have to e^ct a new Committee. He then vacated toe chair.

On the motion of Mr. Mears, secondeel by Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Bastings was elected chairman.

The Chairman read a list of those entitled to vote.

Mr. Mears said several lists were out, and there might be several gentlemen present woo had subscribed months ago, whose names did not appear on the lists read.

The Chairman said that if any ono stated jiejiad subscribed, he would take his Word and allow hiintovpte. 1 Mr. Ferguson ' said he d\d "not see tfliy any oue who subsmbecbhat evening should not Be entitled to vote. ' The Chairamn read £he • clause, which stated that no one'jvag entitled to voto unless he subscribed at least ■a. pound one month previous' to the annual mooting. Mr. Tolcher said this clause caused •.rreat 'injustice, and injured tKe Stti.tr-"-tutmiv He ea-pe there .prepared "to ♦ subscribe a pound, expecting to be able to vote, and there .were fifty others in the same position. Mr, Ferguson sa"d . some stand

should be taken in this matter. If a man "had paid his last year's subscription, he should be entitled to vote. The consequence of enforcing the clause would be that a large number of subscriptions would be lost. Mr. Walsh said his name did not appear in the list, and inquired if he had jiot paid £10 some time ago. The jQhairman said Mr. Walsh was a life jtiot&r.ber. The Chairman said if he allowed those w\to paid that night to vote, the Committee would have no locus standi — they would be illegally elected.

Mr. Mears said that insurance companip always gave notice when policies wer n about to expire, and the Hospital Committee ought to notify when subscriptions were due. Since the late Committee took office, the circle • of subscribers to tbe Hospital had been gradually narrowing. The Chairman said he fully endorsed what;, had fallen from Messrs. Tolcher ancE3?erguson, but in tbe face of the clause in the amended Ordinance, be did not see how he could allow those who only paid then to vote. A number of suggestions were offered, and several speakers animadverted on the injustice inflicted on the body of subscribers by the clause in the amended Ordinance. The formation of local sub-committees was also incidentally alluded to, and the election of a Committee was then proceeded with. The following gentlemen were proposed and elected without opposition ; — Messrs. H. Bastings, A. Perguson, Walsh, Humphrey, Mears, Harrop, Hayes, M'Kimmie, Walker, M' Beath , Farrer, and Dr Halley, A rthur, Lawrence ; Hinde, Blue Spur ; M'Swiney, Wefcherstones ; Bulfin, Waitahuna; J. Cox and Buchanan, Waipori ; aud G, Mackay, Teviot.

Mr. H. Bastings was re-elected Pre•irier.r.; Mr. Farrer, Treasurer; and Mr- Hayes, Secretary. This concluded the business of the evening. A vote of thanks was accorded to tbe Chairman, and the meeting dispersed.

„- . COMMITTEE MEETING Aspecialmeeciugof the new committee was held ou Saturday. Owing to it being Saturday jiight, considerable difficulty was experienced in. obtaining a quoni'n. The>e were present; the president (Mr. H, Bastings), the secretary (Mr. Wm. Hayes), Messiu Mears, Ferguson, M'Kimmie, Humphrey, Harrop, Arthur, and Dr. Halley. Dr. Halley retired upon the discussion relative to the present surgeon's salary commencing. Letters were received from Mr, W. M'Beath and Mr, H. W. Farrer. The former gentleman stated that he hid been elected a member of the committee without being aware of it, and tendered his "resignation. Mr, Farrer wrote that npon reflection he had de- \ cided to resign the post of treasurer, and also his membership of the committee. The letters were received. A memo from the Treasurer, showing that the Committee, had the sum of £433 0s lid, to their credit was received. Six, Mears moved that the salaiy of the resident surgeon be £150 a year with found "&c., "and that he be allowed px-ivate practice ; that Dr. Stewart be offered the appointment and on tye event" of his declining to fe, that the committee advertise . " Daily Times " and " MclArgus" for a resident siirM'Ki turned seconded the moHumphrey moved an amendo the effect that the salaiy of Eehtsurgeon be £200 a year with private "practice. Mr. "Hayes seconded the amendment. On. the amendment being p\it Messrs. Hayes,- Humphrey and Arthur, voted for it, and Messrs. .Mears, Fer-

gos'on, M'Kimmie against it. The president gave "his casting vote against the amendment and "the original ■ motion was earned. Mr. M'Kimmie moved that the committee advertise for a married couple at £100 a year, the man as wardsman. L and the woman as matron, and to Ljlp the washing. f Ufa 1 . Mears seconded the motion which L^._;t&was resolved that the cook's wages MHiould be £70 per annnm, and that «te services of the present cook should be "Ujfetaiaed if he accepted the wages ofnfered. On the motion of Mr. Mears seconded by Mr. Humphrey, a sub■a committee consisting of Messrs. Fergupon, X'Kimaiie, and the mover, was appointed to arrange a dietary scale to report at next monthly meeting. f The president and Messrs. Mears and Humphrey were appointed as a visiting committee. 'AftP«' somu conversation relating to the formation of local sub-committees aud othe.- matters, the meeting ud-

kMOlftfT BBNGJBR. ffi-om <* Correspondent. ) not often I trouble you with 4m«. scraps of information from this Ajo<fclity, but *h° pointed absence of any' i^Pjpa^jeneo by ''your own" to events to our ways and means of Swgg the gay 'and festive season of JPPwtnias and New Year leads me Vfo bother you with a few jottings onlT V 4? subject In the first plage, ajthpagh

some well-informed individual kindly apprised the public through the medium of the " Daily Times " that this season was going to pass with no other amusement than the opening of Nicholsons Hotel (full particulars of which he has furnished you with), yet I must say, with all deference to him, that more sociable, pleasant and enjoyable holidays have never passed in Mount Benger. The Carnwal was commenced by the Wesleyans assembling at the Teviot (as is their custom)' afc the witching hour of midnight, to hold their usual watch ; but whether they saw what they expected or not, I cannot say. I understand that on peaceably wending their way homewards they had a socjal greeting with the members of the Mutual Improvement Association who were promenading the township discoursing instrumental and vocal music and carrying out the time-honoured custom of visiting their friends and neighbours and wishing them "a happy new year." In the eai'ly morn of new year the Teviot was unusually lively, large numbers of juveniles and adults all busy preparing for the great pic-nic, provided by the Hercules Water Race Company on the occasion of the christening of their extensive mining enterprise, and also for the Sunday school pic-nic, I . elected to accept of the general public invitation and directed my course to the "Hercules pic-nic" not Hercules in name alone, but as a pic-nic it was a Hercules in reality, for never have I had the pleasure of being present at a more agreeable pleasure party than the one in question. The weather was unusually fine, and fully two hundred persons assembled together in a well elected picturesque locality about a mile distant from Roxburgh, opposite a place, called the Island (not the notorious "Island Block.") An ample supply of eatables and also drinkables, was provided and ultimately demolished. Games of various kind were also provided, consisting of cricket, football, trapball, dancing, kiss in the ring, &«., &o, It was observed by a friend of mint* that there was over n'fty ladies present a fact of which I did not especially make note of at the time, but I rather incline to think he has under-estimated .the number. The very interesting task of performing the ceremony of demolishing a bottle of sparkling No. 2,- and christening the race was entrusted to Mrs. F. Tubman who in a most retiring and graceful manner discharged her trust amid the loud plaudits of all the company. Messrs. G. Mackay, J. Beighton and Gr. Webb delivered brief addres.es suitable 1 for the occasion, .and after three hearty cheers for the success of the " Hercules Water Race " the company again directed their attention to the various games and amusements. I cannot conclude without recording the fact that a-11 the shareholders of the Hercules Co., were most assidious and attentive to their guests— the public, including my humble self.

In the evening the Roxburgh Harmonic Society gave their concert, which was in every respect a most decided success, the sehoolhouse being crowded by an attentive and appreciative audience. The concert being purely an amateur one, criticism on my part would be out of place ; but I cannot refrain from observing that the performers acquitted themselves in a most creditable manner, and afforded a social and intellectual treat which formed a most appropriate finish to the day's enjoyment, t'.ie like of^wbich I trust it may be again my happy lot to participate on another New Year's Day. I understand that a sum of about twelve pounds was netted as the proceeds of the concert, and will form an acceptable New Year's gift to the funds of the Roxburgh .School.

Number of patients left iv Hospital on Jan. Ist, 1871- ... 14 Number admitted duriog the year^- 133 Total- - - - 147 [Of these, there wore 89 European males, 26 Chinese males, and 18 females.] Number discharged cured - 86 „ „ relieved - 15 Sent to Dunedin Hospital - - 6 Left of their own accord 2 Not benefited 5 Sent to Lunatic Asylum 3 Number who died 12 Remaining in Hospital 18. Total - - - - 147 Natio)ialities. Natives of Scotland- ... , o >," „ England 26 „ Ireland 20 Wales ... 2 „ China 26 „ Australian colonies - - 12 „ European Continent - 11 Total- - - - 133 Denominations, Presbyterian ----- 46 Church of England 38 Confuoionist - - - - U 26 Roman Catholic - -""s^lG We3leyan _ . . j> Lutheran " 2 Total- - - "- 133^ Districts from which the patients were, admitted. J Lawrence and Tuapeka Flat - -gf3o Waipori & 2A Waitahuna ----- 18 Gabriels, Hlue Spur, and Munros - 17 Tuapeka Mouth and Creek - - 11 Teviot ------ 9 Wethersiones ----- 7 Dunedin- .... 7 Beaumont • 6 "apanni and Switzers 3 Dunstan- ----- j Taieri 1 Total- - - - 133 The amount received from paying patients was £70 133., being contributed by 34 patients, or an average of 1 in 4. Alex. .Stewart, Kesident Surgeon.