WAIKATO HOSPITAL BOARD.

Waikato Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2261, 6 January 1887, Page 2

WAIKATO HOSPITAL BOARD.

» A special meeting of the board was held at the Hamilton Borough Chambers yesterday, for the purpose of taking into consideration the cane of the Borough of Hamilton, which-had been summoned by the Auckland Board. Present: Messrs Graham (chairman), Primrose, Teasdale and Seddon. Mr W. M. Hay, the board's solicitor was in attendance. The Chairman explained the position. Since the borough had been summoned, he understood the counties had received similar summonses. The matter had been put in the hands of the solicitor, who was authorised to obtain other counsel's opinion. They had been unable to get the opinion of Sir F. Whitaker, but had obtained that of Mr F. D. Bell, of Izard and Bell, Wellington. The Chairman then read a letter from Mr Lake, M.H.R., expressing regret that he was prevented by an accident from being present. The Mayor of Cambridge (Mr Gwynneth) wrote, covering correspondence between the act-ing-Mayor of Cambridge (Mr Houghton) and the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board re the case of an old man recommended as a candidate for the Old Men's Refuge. Mr Houghton wrote to the relieving officer, pointing out that the who is 73 years of age, was entirely destitute, and lie asked the board either to authorise him to relieve the man or to do so direct. The secretary of the Auckland Board replied that the Executive Committee did not see their way to entertain the application until the contribution duo by the Waikato County had been paid. In answer to this the Town Clerk wrote, pointing <>ud that the town district of Cambridge, had paid s.ll demands made upon it for Hospital and Charitable Aid. In June last the Waikato County Council had put in a claim for &2t 16< 4d, being the town district's share of the levy for hospitals and charitable aid. This sum was remitted by cheque on the 15th July. The Town Clerk then reiterated the request that the board should receive the old man referred to. The secretary to the Auckland Board wrote in reply to this, on the 26th October, that Hie Waikato County Council had never paid one shillin", nor had they sent intimation that Cambridge had paid its share. Under the circumstances, tho executive com-nUtee felt obliged to adhere to their former decision, not to entertain the proposal for tho admission of tho old man into the R u fuge until the county contribution is paid. M-γ Primrose said the amount referred to was Cambridge's share of tho 1835 levy. The total sum owing by the county had been stopped by the Government out of subsidies, but as no subsidy was received on account of Cambridge, which was a town district, the claim for a refund of £24 10s 4d was made, and the money was paid in due course. Mr Hay said Mr Bell's opinion had not arrived, but a telegram containing a synopsis of it was to the effect that tho Auckland Board ceased to have corporate existence on the. passing of fee. 40 of the Amendment Act, 188S>, and that the proceedings under sec. 22 of the original Act not having been taken the Auckland Board could not sue. The matter was extremely doubtful, but he strongly advised defending the actions. The Auckland Board might possibly sue ceed, in which case Waikato would have to pay twice over. He advised the Waikato Board to proceed under sections2s and 26 of Amendment Act, 1886. His (Mr Hay's) opinion was[that the Auckland Hospital Board might have succeeded had they ascertained under Section 21 of the original Act the amount required for institutions only, but it appeared that they had ascertained the amount required for institutions and for distribution of Charitablo Aid. He thought the power to ascertain the amount required for distribution of Charitable Aid was taken away from the Auckland Board by sestion 34 of the Amendment Act ljiSfi, and given to the United Board. Tho J United Board not having at the time of ascortainig the amount required for charitable a corporate name under which to ascertain the thought that body had not then any corporate existence. No subdivision had taken place under section 22 of Act and he thought that sub-division was absolutely necessary before the Auckland board could declare any local contributory authority liable to contribute. He was of opinion that the United Board could not succeed in enforcing their claims. He was also of opinion that the Auckland Board would not succeed, as they had not placed themselves in a position to do so. He thought the effect of section 40 was to sever the connection between Auckland and Waikato and Thames and Piako even so far that the Auckland and Thames Boards could not be compelled to support the sick and destitute of Waikato, Waipa, Raglan and Piako counties respectively. A short discussion ensued, the members present expressing ' their entire concurrence with the le?al opinion, and it was resolved that Mr Hay be retained to defend the wholo of the actions, the expense to bo borne jointly by the local bodies concerned. j The Chairman said he thought the time had come when the board should go to work in earnest. Thoy had certain functions to exercise, and they should do so. Not only would this strengthen their position in respect of Auckland, but it was absolutely necessary that something should be done, as in the event of an outbreak of sickness they would be placed in a most unpleasant position, Mr Seddon quite concurred with the chairman's opinion, and strongly advised thai, they should go into action forthwith. Mr Primrose agreed, and said they should hold a full meeting of the board as soon as possible, to determine what the levy should be, to arrancre for the establishment of a hospital, the appointment of a medical man, &c. After some further discussion it was resolved that a general meetinc of the board be convened for Wednesday, the 12th inst.

At a special meeting of the Waikato Comity Council, held later in the day, a resolution confirming the action of the chairman (Mr Primrose) at the Hospital Bo.ird was carried, and the clerk was instrncted to communicate with Mr Hay forthwith. The Chairman of the Waipa Council (Mr Tuasd'-ile) stated at the board meeting that lie had already retained Mr Hay on behalf of his counuU,