HOSPITAL TRUSTEES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2198, 23 May 1908, Page 3

HOSPITAL TRUSTEES.

MONTHLY MEETING

Tlie monthly mooting ol' tho Hospital Trustees was held last night in the Council Chambers. Present: Alesrs J. AV. Bright (chairman). A\. D. S. AlacDonald, E. H. Alann, ( -’; E. Dnrton, F. J. Lysnar, R. olioiratt, A. F. Matthews, Hon. Captain Tucker, and Air. E. G. Matthews (secretary). Dr. Carlyle AYilson was in attendance. Tho Secretary read tho minutes of tho last mooting, which were confirmed. CORRESPONDENCE.

A letter was received from tho secretary of tho Friendly Societies’ Conference asking for a refund of £l9 17s which had been paid in error. — Air. Dnrton said that ho could give undoubted proof that the money had been paid in error. Tho Conference was not really liable for tho amount when they had paid it. Captain Tucker thought that tho Friendly Societies hail a moral obligation to contribute tho amount. It was finally decided to reply stating that tho Trustees regret that they are unablo to accede to tho request to refund. Air. H. J. Brownlee wrote stating that ho had accepted tlio tender of Messrs AA r . and A. Hill for £63s 10s for additions to tho Hospital.—Tho Chairman and Air. Alattiiews wero appointed to soo tlio contract was carried out.

A letter was received from the In-spector-General of Hospitals acknowledging receipt of annual report and balance-sheet, and stating that/ tho date of the coining conference would be held in Wellington on Tuesday, •Jnno 3rd.—Alessrs Darton F. J. Lysnar wero appointed to represent tho Trustees at the conference.

The Inspector-General further wrote regarding the treatment of chronic and incurable diseases, and also said that he was pleased to seo the Trustees had decided to admit infants in urgent and necessitous cases. With regard to the accommodation in the new building for delirium tremens patients, it was resolved that tho visiting committee, with Dr. AA’ilson, wait on • tlio architect with regard to 3 tho proposed alterations. Regarding the position of house surgeon. Dr. Valintine reported that ho could not get one, and it was resolved that Dr. AA’ilson be requested to write Home and try and procure a suitable man.

Air. A. Williams wrote stating the merits of tho Alercer Fire Extinguisher, and tho incoming visiting committee were appointed to inspect the apparatus. REPORTS. The Treasurer’s report was read ind adopted. Captain Tucker having donated £2O to the funds of the Hospital, was accored a hearty vote of thanks, and was elected a life member of the Board. The patients’ report showed that the number of patients in the Hospital was 35, as against 39 last month, and that 8 were admitted, 12 discharged, and 3 died. The ATsiting Committee stated that there was nothing to report. The estimates for tlio coming year were discussed, and Mr. Darton moved that- as tho convalescent natients got tlioir meals on the veraniTah, the Trustees should enclose a portion close to tlio dispensary. —Cr. AlacDonald seconded the proposition. Ho thought that the suggested alteration would be an excellent idea. The Visiting Committee were requested to have the matter carried out. The estimates were. approved on tho motion of tho chairman. Accounts amounting to £393 were passed for payment. : Captain Tucker, in accordance with notice of motion, moved that by-law 8 be rescinded, and that instead of £1 weekly being charged to patients for the general ward, 4s per day be

charged. ~ Cr. Alattiiews seconded the motion, remarking that , tho price of living had gone up nearly 100 per cent. ‘ Air. Darton thought that it was not a move in tho right direction. Nearly 90 per cent, of the patients were not in good circumstances, and they wero the persons who would nave to suffer. It was, he thought, a duty to persons who were well to pay an extra one-lnindredth part of a penny in rates, and thus provide the necessary amount. He trusted the motion would not be carried. Air Alann said that an eye would have to be kept to tho business' aspect of affairs. He could see no reison why this district should be different to any other place. Tho Chairman said that if they kept in line with other places they would be doing well. The Trustees never unduly pressed anyonoTor payment. There were numbers of people who used the institution who did Tucker considered that the treatment in public.hospitals en better than in private institutions If there were any patients who coukl not nav it did not matter what the charge was. He considered that the charge was entirely inadequate for ‘'’lhTirtta Mr’’Aliv’Darfcon moved, accordance with notice of motion, that any Vationt can call m an outside doctor to consult with the medical superintendent. In support of Ms resolution, Air. Darton reviewed the past state ef things, and said that he thought no harm would be dono espec.ady if the patient was prepared to pay the cost of the consultation. The picscn't position was that the consent of the "Trustees # had to be obtained, which necessitated delay. Tho motion lapsed for want of a seconder. TT Messrs F. -J. Lysnar and the Hon. Captain Tucker wero appointed a visiting conunitce for the ensuing month. Air. Matthews thought that some special exertion should be made to increase tho funds, eiflier by means of a social or by an Hospital Saturday Fund. He had been informed that tho New Zealand Sliipipng Co.’s shed would not, bo available tlnsvear for the social. —The matter was allowed to remain over for the present.