TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 213, 29 February 1872, Page 5

TUAPEKA HOSPITAL.

The usual monthly meeting of the Managing Committee of the above institution .was held on Tuesday evening last at the Commercial Hotel. Present — Messrs. Mears, Ferguson, M'Kimmie, Arthur, Humphrey, Walker, Dr. Halley, and Hayes,- Secretary. The Resident Surgeon was also present. Mr. Ferguson was voted to the chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

The outward correspondence, consisting of a letter to Mr. J. Smith, complaining of the quantity of bone in the meat supplied, and a letter to the Christy Minstrels, requesting them to give a performance on behalf of the Hospital, was approved. The inward correspondence, consisting of a letter from the Waitahuna Dramatic Club, announcing that they intended to give Jin entertainment in aid of the funds of the Hospital, was received. • The Secretary reported that the deputation appointed to wait upon the Banks of New Zealand and New South Wales respecting the financial business of the institution had done so, aud that the Banks declined to allow overdrafts against subsidy due. The Visiting Committee's report wa.s then read. It stated that the new Wardsman had entered on his duties, but not so fully as could ba desired. It recommended that' Rule 29, which* directs that the Wardsman shall keep a correct account of all stores, and have full charge of the same, should be strictly enforced, which has, not hitherto been the case ; that several closets be constructed*; that the land formerly, used as a vegetable garden be ploughed up, with' a view to eradicate the sorrel, and if possible the land be let'; that fresh mattresses' and two waterproof sheets be procured -jmum!

that one of their countrymen be appointed to wait upon the Chinese patients in the Hospital. The report was received, and on a motion being made for its adoption, Mr. Mears" stated that a system of checking the quantity of stores supplied was imperatively necessary for the economical, management of the institution. At present the -Wardsman checked the stores as they came in, but had no further control over them, the cook having the key of the storeroom. ' I

Mr. M'Kimmie spoke to the same effect as Mr. Hears, referring to the Dunedin Hospital, where a most stringent system of checking the stores was in force.

Dr. Stewart remarked, in reference to the part of the report recommending the employment of a Chinese assistant wardsman, that it was unnecessary at present, as several of the Chinese patients would leave in a day or two. He suggested that power be given to the Visiting Committee to employ a Chinese attendant when required.

The report was adopted, and the Visiting Committee empowered to carry out the suggestions contained in it. The report of the Dietary Scale snbCommittee was read. It stated that after careful enquiry, the Rub-committee had come to the conclusion that the adoption of a dietary roll similar to that used in the Dunedin Hospital would be advantageous. By this system the Wardsman each day enters on the roll the diet prescribed by the medical officer, and thus a complete check on the stores is maintained. Changes in the mode of distributing food to the patients were also recommended. The report was received and adopted. On the motion of Mr. Harrop, seconded by Dr. Halley, the medical officers of the institution were requested to draw up a dietary scale. The Secretary was directed to procure 750 diet rolls.

Mr. Ferguson was appointed a member of the Visiting Committee for the month, vice Mr. Basting 3, who retires by rotation. The meeting then adjourned.