TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 209, 1 February 1872, Page 5

TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

The first monthly meeting of the new Committee was held in the Commercial Hotel, on Tuesday evening last. Present : Messrs. Harrop (in the chair), Mears, Arthur, Humphrey, Walker, Ferguson, M'Kimmie, M'Swiney, Dr. Halley, and the SecretaryThe Eesident burgeon was also present. The minutes of special meeting were read and confirmed. The Surgeon's monthly report was laid on the table. It showed twelve admissions during the month, and six out-door patients. The Secretary read si a copy of the letter he had forwarded..to the Eesident Surgeon, stating the proposal made by the Committee to give him .£l5O and private practice, and desiring him to , state whether he would accept the appointment on these terras. The Secretary also read a reply he had received from the Resident Surgeon, who accepted the appointment. Mr. Mears asked the Secretary if he was aware of any hospital oVdei's having been dishonoured. The Secretary said he was, as one of his own had been disboneured.

Mr. Mears said he knew of two orders wbich bad been sent to Dunedin, and when forwarded to the Treasurer these orders^ had been treated as cheques, and returned marked K.S.F.

He thought these orders were on the Treasurer, whose duty it was to give a cheque for them.

The resignations of Mr. Farrer and Mr. M'Beath were received.

Dr. Halley proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Farrer for his long-continued and efficient services as Treasurer of the Hospibal. Mr. M'Swiney seconded. Carried.

Mr. Harrop was elected ActingTreasurer.

The Resident Surgeon, not being aware of the existence of a Visiting Committee, drew the attention of the Committee to the execution of the present contract for meat for the hospital. Eighteen pounds of meat for beef tea had been received which contained four and a half pounds of bone, the contract stating it should be free from bone for that purpose. He (the Resident Surgeon) had called upon the contractor, but did not get a satisfactory answer.

Mr. Mears referred to the same matter. Having visited the hospital the same day, he was speaking to the cook about the meat, but the reply he received was that he never saw the terms of contract. He (Mr. Mears) thought the terms of contract and all samples should be kept at the hospital for comparison with the goods supplied during the term of contract; otherwise no check could be made.

On the suggestion of Mr. M'Swinej , it was decided to keep a book in which visitors and the Visiting Committee might make remarks and suggestions. Mr. Bastings and „ Mr. Ferguson were appointed a sub-committee to hold public meetings at Teviot, Waipori, and other centres, for the purpose of laying a statement of the position of the hospital before the inhabitants, and pressing upon them the necessity for more strenuous efforts in behalf of the institution. The same sub-committee were appointed to draw up a circular and forward it to the different centres having the same objects in view.

A sub - committee, consisting of Messrs. Bastings, Harrop, and the Secretary, was appointed to wait upon the agents of both banks, to ascertain the easiest terms upon which they would be prepared to transact the banking business of the Hospital. The President and Visiting Committee were appointed to report at next meeting as to the best means to prevent people who are able to pay taking advantage of the medicines and Resident Surgeon's advice free.

A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings.