H.—3la

23

MINUTES OF PEOCBEDINGS.

WELLINGTON. Tuesday, ]2th April, 1921. The members of the Commission, met at 10 a.m. on. Tuesday, the 12th April, in the Joint Committee Room, Library Wing, Old Parliamentary Buildings, Wellington. The Secretary read the warrants dated 18th January, 1921, and 14th March, 1921, respectively, constituting the Commission. All the members of the Commission —Mr. Vernon 11. Reed, M.P. (Chairman), Dr. 11. T. D. Acland, C.M.G., Hon. A. F. Hawke, M.L.C., Mr. G. Shirtcliffe, and Hon. W. H. Triggs, M.L.C.—were present. The Chairman announced that proceedings would be open to the Press. The Chairman stated that evidence had been asked for in writing from witnesses, who would, if desired, afterwards attend before the Commission for cross-examination. This procedure was agreed to. It was resolved that the dates and places of sitting, together with, a resume of the order of reference, be forthwith advertised at each of the four centres, and that all persons interested be invited to give evidence. On the motion of Mr. Reed, seconded by Mr. Shirtcliffe, it was decided that all Borough Councils and all County Councils be sent a copy of the order of reference, and be invited to give evidence on any subject-matter in which they were interested. The Minister of Health (Hon. C. J. Parr) then addressed the Commission, expressing generally the Government's desires in regard to the Commission's inquiry. The Chairman thanked the Minister for his address. The Hon. Mr. Parr then withdrew from the meeting. It was decided that the Commission leave for Auckland on Saturday, the 16th April, and commence sittings there on. Monday, the 18th idem. The Chairman then called upon Mr. E. A. S. Killick, Secretary of the Department of Health. Mr. Killick-read out a statement, and afterwards submitted to cross-examination thereon, The Commission rose at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, 13th April, 1921. The Commission met at 10 a.m. All the Commissioners were present. The examination, of Mr. E. A. S. Killick was concluded. Dr. D. S. Wylie, Director, Division of Hospitals, Department of Health, read a statement, and was examined thereon. The Chairman directed that the Public Service Commissioner be asked to send an officer of his Department to give evidence before the Commission in regard to clause 10 of the order of reference. The Chairman directed that Dr. E. R. Riley, of Dunedin, be asked to submit evidence in regard to paragraph 6 (6) of the order of reference. It was decided to call all witnesses from, a distance at present in Wellington before hearing further departmental evidence. The Commission rose at 5. p.m..)

Thursday, 14th April, L 921. The Commission met at 10 a.m. All the Commissioners were present. Mr. E. A. S. Killick, Secretary, Department of Health, was recalled for further examination. The following witnesses were examined >. Mr. Murdoch Eraser, Chairman, Taranaki Hospital Board ; Mr. Frederick Castle, Chairman, Wellington Hospital Board ; Mr. E. G. Eton, Chairman, Wairarapa Hospital Board ; Mr. Thomas Neale, Chairman, Nelson Hospital Board ; Mr. T. Martin, Secretary, Municipal Associations of Now Zealand ; Sir J. G. Wilson, Chairman, Palmerston North Hospital Board. The Chairman directed that the following be asked to attend before the Commission when sittings were resumed in Wellington after visiting other centres : Mr. H. M. C. Robertson, late Inspecting Accountant, Department of Health, Wellington ; Dr. W. E. Herbert, of Wellington. The Commission rose at 5 p.m.

Friday, 15th April, 1921. The Commission met at 10 a.m. All the Commissioners were present. The following witnesses were examined : Sir J. G. Wilson, Chairman, Palmerston North Hospital Board ; Mr. C. M. Haggett, Secretary, Hawcra Hospital Board ; Mr. R. Wild. Chairman, Westland Hospital Board ; Mr. G. S. Johnson, member, Picton Hospital Board ; Dr. F. Truby King, General President, Royal New Zealand Society for the Health, of Women and Children ; Colonel J, H. Bray, representing the Salvation. Army, New Zealand Headquarters. Letters from the following were read : The Secretary, Wairau Hospital Board (12/4/21) ; the Secretary, Waiapu Hospital Board (19/2/21). No other evidence being forthcoming, the Commission rose at 4.15 p.m.