139

H.—l

building itself was concerned, I could see no reason why it could not be rendered satisfactory as a hospital at a moderate cost. 3173. What is the most satisfactory position for the kitchen ? Is its present position satisfactory ?—I think its present position is satisfactory in some respects, because you can readily raise and distribute the food by a lift; there is, of course, an advantage in having a kitchen higher up, so that the.fumes may not penetrate into the wards; but efficient ventilation would get rid of that, especially if a double ceiling with a ventilating space between were adopted. 3174. You spoke of additional wards just now : do you mean special wards, or additional wards of a general kind ? —I have not considered that matter carefully enough ;in fact, I have not had time to grasp sufficiently what the requirements are, or what available space there is ; but, in any case, it is certainly desirable to have some extra rooms and small wards for special patients—rooms to hold one, two, or three patients each, and small wards for isolation of fever or other infectious cases. I consider that for the latter purpose there should be a pavilion entirely separate, and at some distance from the rest of the Hospital, but included in the Hospital grounds. 3175. For any other classes of cases? —I have seen the subject of a gynecological ward mentioned, but I have no figures with regard to the number of cases. I should think that it would be desirable to have a small ward for gynecological cases, with perhaps a separate room attached to facilitate the isolation of individual patients. 3176. And for the others which would require separation, and which, if you liked, you might multiply indefinitely. We have been told, for instance, about ophthalmic cases, phthisis cases, mania cases, and so on ?—I have no facts or figures before me, and therefore it is utterly impossible to deal with the question. 3177.. Mr. Solomon.] Suppose that it has been suggested that several cases of a gynecological character as abdominal sections got well in No. 7 ward without septic trouble, would it alter your opinion that the ward is now in an insanitary condition? —No. 3178. The Chairman.] You have told us that you think twelve persons would be the maximum number that the present wards should hold if properly,ventilated : if the partitions were taken down, and the wards thrown into one, how much accommodation would be provided per ward?— For twentyseven patients. 3179. Then, they would not hold so many as at present ?—Oh no ! the average numbers now are about fifteen for the ordinary wards and four for the tower wards. 3180. That would be a practical objection, would it not ?—I do not think so; there is apparently a misunderstanding. 3181. How far would that plan render the Hospital insufficient for the purpose for which it is at present used ? Would it admit of the proper subdivision of the work of the Hospital ?—I am of opinion that it would; no doubt you would need wards of different sizes, according to the classes of cases; if you like, I will look into the question and give you a reply to-morrow. 3182. You think that the position of the kitchen is satisfactory if the ventilation of it were increased ?—Yes, I think it would do. 3183. Are we to understand that you think the position of the furnace and boilers where steam is generated, right underneath a ward the partition of which is a wooden floor, is a proper or healthy thing ? —No, I do not. 3184. Is it a proper place for food to be cooked in ? Is it well lighted ?—No; if it can be avoided it is not desirable to have the kitchen there, because it should not be on the ground-floor. It is certainly not a good place for a kitchen. 3185. Mr. Solomon.] We have had reference made to the great difficulty in seeing how to perform delicate operations at night; is it not the practice at Home to have incandescent lamps, usable in such a way that their light can be brought to bear in any position for examining a wound or making an examination ?—One kind of lamp which is used at Home in operating-rooms is a lamp with the lower end of a large cylinder incandescent. 3186. Ido not mean a fixed lamp, but a portable ward-lamp?— Yes, it is usual to have a portable lamp on an adjustable stand furnished with a reflector, or else to have gas-fixtures with universal joints. 3187. Should not this Hospital be provided with an incandescent lamp?—l think it would be desirable. Mr. White : As a matter of fact, one has been ordered from Home, I believe. Dr. Teuby King cross-examined. 3188. Mr. Solomon.] We have heard Dr. DeEenzi state how this Hospital compares with the Christchurch Hospital: will you please tell us how the Dunedin Hospital compares with the Wellington Hospital ? —lt would be impossible to state from memory. I really cannot tell you, and there is no use in trying to do so without analysing the statistics. 3189. You do not understand me. lam not asking you about the mortality ; but how does the Dunedin Hospital compare with the Wellington Hospital ? In whose favour is the comparison ? — In favour of Wellington. 3190. Is there a considerable difference between them ?—A great difference. 3191. Mr. Chapman.] You have answered that question in general terms?— Well, the building and its internal details are very different, and there is an enormous difference with regard to the nursing arrangements. 3192. Then, you say that Wellington Hospital is superior to Dunedin?—Most undoubtedly it is. 3L93. Now, with regard to the results of cases, you say that you cannot speak with any degree of certainty ?—As to the statistics, the cases that I have heard read certainly indicate a large per-