The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1907.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1983, 19 January 1907, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1907.

The box plan for the Charles Holloway Dramatic season wil bo opened ac Miller’s corner on Monday morning at 10. Mr. Joseph Devlin, M.P., for West Belfast, is to deliver an address ill His Majesty’s Theatre at 10.30 this morning. The following have booked to leave for North by the Tarawera this morning:—Misses Thomas, Brierley, Gilli’cur, Hunter, Bracken, Barham; Mesdames Kenderdiue and two children, Lincoln, Codringlon, Chrisp and. two children, Wallace; Messrs. Pearson. Kendcrdine, W, R. Bloomfield, iVlclndoe, E/ A. phristie, J, A\ r . Leavey, Captain Chrisp, and Rev. T. Lane.

The following team will represent United against Te Rau in the Saturday cricket competition at Victoria Domain this afternoon:—Gibson (2), Hallamore, Gardiner, Robinson, Cato, Dr, Coliins, Whyte, A. Lang, Sheridan, and Copp. Great interest' is being taken in this match, as oil its result will depend which Club leads for the championship.

When the accounts were being dealt with .at the Comity Council meeting yesterday the question of priority in regard to liens on money due to a contractor led to a good deal of discussion, ft appears that in the case of Mr. Barrington an order bad been given to Richards and Hawkins, who had advanced money for wages, to collect from the Council, but attachments from workmen, amounting to £62 had also come in, and Cr. F, Lysnar strongly urged that the firm, having had the authority to collect on an earlier date, should Lave consideiation now. All he asked was that they should have fair play all round; not that a few should come and get the lot. The Clerk explained that there were two contracts numbered one and two. Tho order held by Messrs. Richards and Hawkins was on the first contracts, On that £l2O had been lifted, pnd was paid in the presence of Mr. Richards. Cr Lysnar contended that the numbering of the contracts should not do away with the protection given to the firm: it was all in the same work, the Maungahamia. The Clerk said that the order was the li'tli July, but the other contract was not Let until late in October.. The chairman said they could not get away from the sworn attachment orders of the workmen, or the Council would ho in the. position of handing the money over to the firm, and then having to pay the workmen themselves. It was decided to pay the workmen on the orders. Cr. Lysnar dissented, saying he thought the money should be shared out. It was stated .that the amount due to the firm was for wages paid, not foxgoods.

Tho OLugo 'Witness says : As Dick in “Two l.itLlo Vagabonds Aliss Holloway woll-nigh convinced hor audience that they looked not upon a stage but on real lifo. It is not too nuieh to say she lived tlie part. Ensign Slattery will conduct tho services at the Army Barracks tomorrow, In tho afternoon there will bo a singing mooting, and tho band will play a special pioco at tho ovoniiig sorvico. Non-eliurcli goers nro especially invited to attend. A mooting, convened for tlio purpose of forming a law society for tho Gisborne Judicial District, was held in tlio Supremo Court Library yostorday afternoon. A resolution that tho local practitioners should lorm themselves into a law society was passed, and several matters affecting members discussed. Mr. J. AA r . Nolan (Crown Prosecutor) was elected president, and Mr. doLautour vice-presi-dent of, the society lor tho ensuing yoar, and Messrs Chrisp, AV. D. Lysnar, Stock, A. \\ r . Roes, and Blair wore elected mombers of tho council. Mr. It. U. Burke was appointed secretary and treasurer. The Salvation Army Provincial Brass Band, one of the finest Army hands in ,the Southern Hemisphere, will arrive in. Gisborne next Saturday morning from South, and will remain in the town till AYodiiesday, the. 29th. The hand will be welcomed at 7.30 by His AVorship tho Major at tho Firobell, and owing to the theatre being previously engaged the band will bo compelled to give them first porfoi malice in the barracks, which will commence at 8 p.m. On the Sunday afternoon the band will give a grand sacred programme from tho Recreation Ground rotunda at 2.30. At 7.30 they will, give a thrilling service of song-entitled the “Wreck of the AVairar.xpa,” with storm effect in His Majesty’s Theatre. Included in tho hand is Mr. J. Colley, the soprano cornet plaj'er, whoso remarkably fine performances have delighted Australian and Now Zealand audiences on many occasions.

At the Police Court, yesterday morning, two cases of cruelty to animals were dealt with. In tho first ease Hugliie McLean (for whom Mr. H. Bright appeared) jvas charged with torturing pups by burying them alive in tho sand.- Evidence was given by Dr. Collins, who had dug six or seven puppies out from a mound of sand at TatapoUri on Dec. 25tli, and had brought them round. With such young animals lio thought the burying might cause reflex pain, but not conscious suffering. Constable Irwin deposed that he had ridden along and discovered some littlo puppies being dug from the sand. Tho facts were not disputed, but defendant, a waggon driver, said ho considered that he had taken tho best way of getting rid of the litter of pups, but liad, had no, intention of causing unnecessary pain. His Worship said if it v r as nocoss’nry to destroy such animals, that should bo done in tlie quickest way Being satisfied there was no intention to cause unnecessary pain, he would only fine defendant 2s Gd; costs 19s. John Broxnalian, for neglecting to provide food for a newly-born calf, was fined £2 and costs. Sergeant AVilliams de-

posed that tho calf, a few hours old, had been left all day near tho Cook memorial. Defendant said tlio calf had liad a drink in tho morning; he had taken it on his way to the beach, and did not know what to do with it. His AVorship said he did not know how anyone could be-so thoughtless. HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE. The threatened drizzle accounted for the few vacant seats at the theatre last night, when the BrougliFlemming Comedy Company produced the latest London success entitled Mrs. Gorringe’s Necklace. The play, though humorous in many of its phases, is pervaded by an underlying sentiment' of sterling quality, and the author depicts! a weak moral nature that gives way to crime to satisfy natural passions and longing desires in contrast with the stronger will, governed by ideals of rectitude and sound thought, that is exposed to the same temptations, but is able to resist them. The first scene opens in Mrs. Jardine’s drawing room, where Mrs. Gorringe, her guest, announces the loss of hor valuable necklace, and tlie hostess enjoins secrecy upon all present. The secret is not' kept, however, and Scotland Vnrd is informed of tho tlieft. Suspicion falls upon the servants, tlie guests, and the hostess herself in turn, and eventually the necklace is found in the possession of Captain Mowbray, who is arrested; but uncleared of the stigma by tlio suicide of tho real culprit, David Cairn. Many awkward situations naturally arise in the course of development of tlie plot, which afford', scope for the talent of the several characters. The part of Mrs. Jardine is portrayed by Airs. Brough. The character is ono of a truly illogical and impossible woman ; her' rendering is true to life in its every phase, and shows her to he an actress of rare ability and experience, conveying to the audience reality and "conviction. . Mrs. Gorringe is played by Miss ’ Beatrice Day, her rendering throughout being good, and true to lifo, carefully portrayed in its entire detail, and bears the hall stamp of a really good actress. Miss Isabel Jardine found an exponent in Miss Kate Gair, and throughout the entire portrayal there was a lacking of the true sincerity and sterling pathos tlio part demands; there is a want of conviction in its many phases, and a lack of reality which long experience can " only impart. Miss Vicky Jardine is undertaken by Miss Gordon Lee, and though a small part, it is exceptionally well played, tlie only drawback being the monotony caused by ail unvaried intonation of its passages. Captain Mowbray is impersonated by Mr. Herbert Flemming, and tlie conception of this part hardly demands criticism; ifc is good, sterling, true to life, and carries withal that , reality which helps to make a piece acceptable and successful. As David Cairn, Air. Carter Pickford, though unsuspected of tho crime lie had committed, ran unnecessary risks of discovery by his facial expressions, which, however, were not noticed by his friends, but the too palpable solf-consciousness of crime was perhaps excusable in the novitiate. Jernigan, tlio Scotland Yard detective, ivas represented by Air. Grogan McMahon, who did not show excessive keenness in running his quarry to earth, and gave but a very inadequate " notion of Scotland Yard methods. Air. Edgar B. Payne made a very presentable Colonel Jarcline, and the minor parts of Aliss Potts and Charles were taken by Aliss Alary Milword and Mr. Horace Higson respectively. In its entirety the play is good, and the company deserved for their really talented production of ib the full measure of public support accorded to them.

THE PASSPORT. To-night “Tho _ Passport,” ■. a great langhtor-maker.,'- in three acts, .by Stephenson ancf Yardley, and founded upon Col. Savage’s clover novel, “My Official AVife,” will be presented by the Brongh-Ffemming Company on this occasion only, and a bumper house should reward Mr. Fleming for bringing this popular and artistic combination to Gisborne. The play is one of the most humorous in the company’s repertoire, and Miss Beatrice Day, in-the leading charaotjiof Alrsi Darcy, the fascinating widow, who loses her. passport, -and thus causes all the trouble and confusion. Till- Grogan AfacMahori and Miss Bessie -Major, as the British merchant and his wife en tour; Mr. Carter Piekforcl as tlm young married man, who comes to he help of Mrs. Darcy; and Mr. Edgar Payne as this-lady's second husband, lend excellent support, whilst subsidary characters are lepresented by Misses Gordon Lee. Emma Temple, Mary Millward, and Messrs. J. F, Fordo, John Pault.on, Leslie AA’oods, and others. Sydney Grunclv’s charming comedietta, in one net, “In Honor Bound,” will precede The Passport, and in it Mrs. Brough will be seen in her .powerful creation of Lady Carlyon.

HOSPITAL TRUSTEES. DR. MORRISON’S RESIGNATION A mooting of tho Hospital Trustees was hold last evening in Mr. Coleman’s olfico. Present: Capt. Tucker (Chairman), Messrs. Harding, Macdonald, Lysnar, Matthews, Tuohy, and Bright. 'rite Secretary road the minutes of tlio previous mooting of tho Trustees which wore confirmed. THE RECENT INQUIRY. The Secretary road the following lotter ho had received from tho In-spoctor-Gonoral:— Inspeotor-Gonoral’s Offico, AA'ellington, Jan. 15, 1907. Sir,. —I have perused Air. East’s lotter and the papers you have forwarded mo on tlio subject, and from the evidence therein contained, 1 consider that your Board could not have arrived at any other conclusion. I have tlio honor, etc., T. H. A. VALENTINE, Inspector-General.

The Secretary, Hospital Trustees, Gisborne. PATIENTS ADAIITTED. Tlio Secretary presented the monthly report of patients admitted, showing that 23 remained from last month and 32 had boon admitted sinco, making a total of 55; 22 had boon discharged, and three liad died, tlioro remaining 30.

TREASURER’S REPORT. Receipts: Patients’ fees £3B Bs, subscriptions £7B 2s Gd, sundries £2 15s; expenditure: Bank overdraft Dec. 21 £423 4s, payments for month £313 11s Bd, bank overdraft at date £617 10s 2d, District Board requisition due £375, Government subsidy duo £353 2s Id; accounts for payment £156 6s 6d.

VISITORS’ REPORT. Tho visitors reported that they had visited tlie 11 ospital and found everything satisfactory. Tho Chairman: Air. 1 uoliy and Mr. Bright will be tlio visiting committee for tlie ensuing month'. COAIPLAINTS BY A FEAIALE PATIENT.

Tho Chairman read a letter he had received from a lady, complaining of treatment she had received while a pationt in tho Hospital about a year ago. She praised Dr. Alorrison but reflected on some, other officials at the Hospital. The Chairman said the letter appeared to have been written not lor tlie purpose of rectification, but simply with the object of saying something unpleasant. Ho had inado enquiries at tho Hospital, but the matron did not think there was any ground for tlio complaints. Tho Secretary was instructed to reply to the communication, stating that the Trustees, after the length of time that liad elapsed, were .unable to go into the matter, complaint not having been made in accordance with the regulations Air. Harding said complaints should not be received unless made at the proper time. GIFTS TO THE PATIENTS. The matron acknowledges with thanks Christmas cake and_ dried fruit from friends, also fruit from Capt. Tucker and Mr. P. AlcLouglilin, and aerated waters from Alessrs. Barry and H. Alartin.

DR. MORRISON’S RESIGNATION. The Trustees now came to Dr. Morrison’s resignation of his office as Medical Superinterdent at the Hospital. The doctor was present, and expressed a wish to make a statement to the Trustees in the absence of the reporters. The representatives of the Press accordingly left the room. When they were readmitted. The Chairman said he had a comparatively open mind. He did not care whether they accepted or declined to accept it. It would suit him either way. There were some reasons why they should return Dr. Morrison’s lettor into his owii hands. The doctor was undoubtedly a very capable and well-qualified man. Ho had had experience of him for years. He know his abilities, and he know his faults, if he had any. He did not say that he had any. The devil they know was always better than the' devil they did not know. They knew the old proverb that they should not part with dirty water until they got clean. He did not think Dr. Morrison fell under the first description, for, as •he had said, the doctor was a well qualified man who had done extremely good work. On the other hand it would bo useless to disguise from themselves that there was dissatisfaction, and that there had been complaints. He thought they had had from one of the Friendly Societies (he wished to be corrected if he was wrong) a suggestion that they should accept the doctor’s resignation. It might be that he was wrong Mr. Matthews: The Druids expressed satisfaction with liim._ The Chairman, continuing, said another Friendly Society had suggested that they should get rid-of him. His own impression was that it was purely a cabal. He thought that the hands pulling the strings were few, and always the same hands. They had had two exhaustive enquiries, and he did not think that anything had come out' which would decide them to accept the doctor’s resignation. They now know exactly what he thought. If they did accept Dr. Morrison’s resignation, he thought they should at the same time say that his treatment of all cases had met with their approbation. Mr. Harding: If wo accept the doctor’s resignation, will it not show that wo have decided to make a change. If wo accept it wo must have someone in view to take his place. Are we all of opinion that the institution is now worked in the best interests of the people who use it? If we accept the doctor’s resignation, shall wo receive applications from persons to take his place on the same lines? Mr. Tuoh.y: I don’t think wo can go that far, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Bright: We might have a change in the system without a change in the personnel. I think that those Trustees who have sat on the Board longest might guide us a little in coming to , a conclusion. Mr. Tuoliy: I propose that we accept Dr. Morrison’s resignation. Mr. Matthews: I beg to second that. I think it is desirable to have a change of the system. I do not think that anyone will give Dr. Morrison greater credit than I myself for what he has done. I think he is remarkably skilful as a surgeon. He lias been very successful in all the operations lie has conducted at the Hospital. But I cannot overlook the fact that, looking at the number of patients we now have in the institution, it' is time we had a change in our system. The Chairman: I think that the acceptance of Dr. Morrison’s resignation would not prevent him making application in the change of circumstances which may ensue. The resolution goes as far as his letter carries us, and no further. ' Mr .Matthews: Yes, lie may apply again. Mr. Tuoliy: Certainly; it does not bar him from applying. Mr. MacDonald: I don’t wish to criticise the doctor, but I feel from the little experience I have had at the Hospital, that it is desirable there should be a change. 1 am clearly of opinion that a change is necessary to meet the wishes of the general public and of the people who visit the institution. I mean to say that a medical superintendent is not sufficient. Therefore I support the resolution in order to have a change in the system. Mr. Harding moved as an amendment that in view of the projiosed alterations in the arrangements, they accept the resignation of Dr. Morrison. Mr. Bright thought it would not do to accept the resignation without showing that they proposed to change the system. There was nothing to bar Dr. Morrison from applying under the new conditions. Mr. Matthews: I seconded Mr. Tuohy’s resolution on the understand? ing that a change would be made in our system. The Chairman: Then you aro in accord with Mr. Harding’s motion. Mr. Matthews: Y’es . Mr. Harding regarded Dr. Morrison as all that 1 could be desired. He had no wish to make any change if it was not the desire of the Board, owing to the increaso of the number of patients, to make a change in the system. The patients had become so numerous that they required more ’invi and attention than Dr. Morrison was able to give. Over 1400 cases had passed through the doctor’s hands. It spoke volumes for him that lie had been able to deal with so large a number of cases and with such excellent results. It was only in view of alterations that he moved the resolution . The Secretary stated that 2200 cases had passed through Dr. Morrison’s hands. Mr. Lysnar: If you pass the resolution, what are you going to do about a medical officer? Mr. Matthews: I think it would bo best to adjourn the meeting for a day or two. I have heard things, from Dr. Morrison which I should like to

consider. I don’t think it is fair to ask us to judge straight away what is desirable.

Mr. Harding: Can wo got £4OO a year for a resident surgeon? Mr. Matthews: Will the finances stand it? Mr. Harding: Will the County Council find the money ? . Mr. Matthews: They have raised tlioir money for this year. The Secretary: There is a now levy the Ist of April. Mr. Harding: There is riff*chance of increasing tho voluntary subscriptions.

Mr. Lysnar: I don’t think we nood go to tho oxtromo of appointing a medical superintendent at a salary of £4OO a year. Dunedin pays £2OO, and thoy have an honorary staff. I don’t believe in paying a big salary. The Chairman: In Dunedin there is a largo number of medical men from whom to make selections. Mr. Lysnar: I think you would make a. great mistake in losing the services of Dr. Morrison. Tho Chairman: When we have laid down fresh rules and regulations it is possible that Dr. Morrison may apply. ill'. Bright: It seems to mo that this district is growing t'o ' such an extent that tho medical officer .is required to ho in closer touch with the institution than we can expect an officer under present conditions to conform to. I propose that applications be invited by advertisement for the medical officersliip at a salary of £3OO a year with residence; and that private practice within borough limits bo allowed j the duties to include attendance on charitable ; aid cases within tho borough. Mr. Tuoliy said ho would second that. Mr. Matthews objected to the last portion of the proposition, that the man bo allowed to practice within tho borough. Ho wanted further time to consider the whole matter. After further discussion, Mr. MacDonald moved that a resident doctor be engaged at a salary of £2OO a year Mr. Lysnar seconded the motion. Mr. Matthews moved that tho matter be deferred until Monday or Tuesday afternoon next. At the suggestion of ■ Mr. Bright, the meeting was adjourned until Tuesday afternoon.