42

H.—2l.

A. F. J. MIKLB.

15. I believe Miss Howden subsequently was removed to a private hospital?— That is true. Of course, the Matron told me distinctly they had not the means to look after people who were ill at the institution. 16. Do you know that, although Miss Howden was so ill on that occasion, the Matron went to the theatre with an attendant that night ?—I know nothing of my own knowledge. 17. I believe you went down to see the Matron subsequently in regard to Miss Howden? — Yes. 18. What was the object of that visit?— Miss Howden requested me, as her medical attendant, to see the Matron, and ascertain whether she could be relieved from morning duty—that is, superintending the girls early in the morning. 19. Did you ask the Matron? —I represented to the Matron that Miss Howden was not in a state of health really to undertake duties of that kind early in the morning on the damp grass. She has a rather delicate chest at any time. Mrs. Branting told me she could not be relieved, and said if she could not do the duties she would have to resign. Therefore, I did not press the matter. I went there purely in the capacity of doctor. 20. Mr. Russell.] I understand you found this patient simply suffering from an attack of ordinary influenza? —I have just said so. 21. She had.been in bed two or three days?— She was in bed. 22. That was proper treatment? —Certainly. 23. So that to that extent Mrs. Branting had done the right thing?— Yes. 24. You wanted the girl in the best condition to get well, an-d you wanted a night nurse, and as there was none in the Home she went to a hospital?— Yes. I may say Miss Hunt and Miss Mills seemed willing to do what they could. 25. You do not suggest any coldness or harshness on the part of any one to the girl?—l must conscientiously say that the Matron might have shown a little more kindness. 26. In what way?—ln giving a little more attention. 27. What attention did she lack before you got there?—l do not know, but I know after 1 went there she did not receive as much attention as she should. 28. Do you mean during the few minutes you were in the Home? —No. 29. What do you mean? —I mean from the questions I asked Miss Howden. 30. Do you know what diet she had? —I asked the girl. 31. Did you ask the Matron?— Yes. 32. What was the -diet you objected to? She had soup and milk?— Yes, and solid food at a time when she should not have had it. 33. That might be an error of judgment, but would not suggest want of kindness on Mrs. Branting's part?— Mrs. Branting seemed unwilling to believe the girl as ill as she was. 34. You know she had many cases of influenza in the Home?— Yes; and some people think far too lightly of it. 35. Has it come to this, that your only suggestion of harshness is that Mrs. Branting allowed the girl to have solid foodi Can you tell us anything else?— According to the patient's report she was left too long without any attention. 36. Was that said in front of Mrs. Branting?—l do not think so. 37. When you ordered the girl away, did she get up and dress herself ?—No. 38. Who dressed her? —The nurse I sent. 39. You are quite sure of it?—l was not there, but it was so reported to me. 40. Did she walk down the hall without any assistance ?—No. 41. What assistance di-d she have f—The nurse was there. The only thing I know about the case is that she was very ill the night before. The nurse sat up all night, and gave me a report the following morning, and I am quite sure that as a result of that attention Miss Howden was able to leave the Home the following morning. 42. She did not go back for a fortnight?—l cannot say. 43. Why did the girl want to stay and do the work if she found it difficult?—l cannot say. 44. Did you tell Mrs. Branting that you yourself had often been out visiting patients when suffering worse from influenza?— Not worse than on that night, but earlier. 45. Mr. Salter.] Neither Miss Hunt or Miss Mills offered to sit up when they knew the difficulty about a nurse?— Mrs. Branting said they had their other duties'and could "not. William Kobert Turned examined on oath. 1. The Commissioner.] You reside at Shirley?—Yes. 2. What are you?— Farmer and builder. 3. Are you acquainted with Te Oranga Home?— Yes; I have lived on the adjoining section since the school started. 4. Is there any statement j'ou wish to make in regard to the Home, or the manner in which it is fulfilling its object I—At one time I felt rather opposed to the Home, simply because I thought it was bringing up the offspring of criminals and bad characters in a more luxurious manner than a respectable working-man is able to bring up his children. During the eight years of its existence I have never seen anything objectionable, either in the manner of the girls or of the attendants in any way. I have seen them at work, and Ido not think they are excessively worked. In fact, they appear to take their own time over it. I also consider it quite necessary, in view of the condition's under which the Home is worked, that the girls should do outside work, to give them exercise otherwise there appears to be absolutely nothing for them to do, with the present accommodation they have. I attended the first sitting of the Commission at Te Oranga, and, having heard the evidence, T thought I would like to give mine. I have seen the girls working at the woodoutting. In fact, my house being on the adjoining section, and" standing high on a hill