HOSPITAL COMMITTEE MEETING.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 311, 30 July 1868, Page 2

HOSPITAL COMMITTEE MEETING.

The usual weekly meeting was held last evening when there were, present Dr Giles (chairman,) Messrs. Tvler, Bailie, Powell, M'Farlaud, O'Conor, and Munro (hon sec.) The first business, after the minutes had been confirmed, arose out of an, intimation by the chairman that Mr Kynnersley, as representative of the Government declined to allow the sum voted as a premium for the best design for a new hospital to be charged against the Government to the Hospital. A very warm discussion ensued on this veto on thep art of Mr Kynnersley, during which that gentleman came into the room. This altered the tone the discussion had taken to some degree, though fore it was rather strangely determined to continue it, before asking Mr Kynnersley whether the G-overament really intended to veto the amount or not. Mr Tyler subsequently moved moved that the Secretary write to Mr Kynnersley, asking for information on what principle the veto will be exercised, whether when a motion was passed or afterwards. Mr Powell seconded the resolution. Some further remarks were made

by different members of the Committee. Mr Kynnersley said be perfectly agreed that the veto of tbe Grovernement should be exercised with the greatest caution, for it would be absurd for the Grovernment to ask the public to appoint a committee, and then step in and on any trivial opcnsinn exercise their right of veto. When, however the committee beard the reasons that he had given to Dr Griles he thought they would see that there was no such intention in the present fise. The objection was not in reference to the but to a great deal more than that. There were only very few qualifi'-l architects in Westport or on the West Coast. Mr Lowe who had offer*"*'! his gratuitous services was a qualified architect who bad served his time under an eminent architect in London, and if this resolution was adhered to Mr Lowe would not compete. His only objection was not to the payment of tbe £5, but that by offering it they would lose Mr Lowe's services. That gentleman on a variety of grounds, was the best man they could get, for not only would he superintend the work, but be alwavs on the spot, and be able to consult with the surgeon as to any alterations or fittings he might require. On the part of the Grovernment he would not insist on the veto if the Committee adhered to their resolution, but under these circumstances he wished to bring the subject forward for the reconsideration of tbe Committee. The discussion was prolonged, after which Mr Tyler's motion was carried, many of the members stating that they voted for it, not in reference to this particular matter, but in order to ascertain a general principle.

Mr Munro moved that the Building Committee be requested to retain office till the next meeting, and that they in the mean time communicate with Mr Kynnersley on the subject. Mr O'Conor seconded the resolution.

Mr Tyler moved an amendment tnat the resolution appointing a committee be rescinded. Dr Cotterell seconded the amendment, which on being put to the Committee Was carried.

Mr Tyler then moved that Messrs Harris, Bailey, Drs Cotterell and Griles be appointed a sub-committee to confer with Dr Thorpe and Mr Lowe, with a view to procuring plans for the erection of a Hospital, such plans to be submitted to a future meeting of. this ' Committee for approval.

Mr Munro seconded the resolution which was carried.

Mr Bailey, on behalf of the Canvassing Committee, reported that they had not been able to go round, in consequence of the had weather of the past week, but would do so before the next meeting. Mr Harris, on behalf ©f the Visiting Committee, said there were five patients'in the Hospital. Since their last meeting, one had been discharged and one admitted. The one admitted was a seaman on the Nightingale, and his full maintenance money would be paid by the owners of that vessel. As lion. Treasurer, he acknowledged the receipt of a subscription of £2 2s from Smith and M'Dowell, and £1617s from an Amateur concert at the Caledonian.

The thanks of the Committee were ordered to be given to the gentlemen forming the Amateur Concert Committee of the Caledonian, through Mr J. Braithwaite, their secretary.

. Mr Harris moved, that as the surgeon was bound to attend to the gaol as well as the hospital, and as this committed paid, the salary that the Government should be requested to contribute to the amount of £5 per month or £6O per annum. Mr Tyler seconded the motion which was carried.

In reply to Mr Tyler it was stated that there was only one warder, who received £3 per week and his food. Some of the' members suggested that this salary was insufficient, Every member spoke most highly ■of Mr Poole's services, and the sum was raised to £3 10s. without a dissentient voice.

Dr Cotterell gave notice of his resignation, in consequence of his being about to visit England. Some other unimportant business was transacted, after which the meeting adjourned.