HOSPITAL BONUSES

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2554, 15 July 1909, Page 3

HOSPITAL BONUSES

DISCUSSION IN THE BOROUGH COUNCIL. *

At the conclusion of the ordinary business at the meeting of the Borough Council last night, Cr. Collins aked that the representatives of the Council on the Hispital Board bo asked to furnish a report to the Council on the following heads: (1) A copy of tho minute which authorised donation of bonuses; (2) the clause, section, .sub-section, or other authority, of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards Amendment Act authorising such donations; (3) a copy _of the comparative statement lately issued by the Chairman; (4) the appointments and salaries which are being made to the staff within the last six months. He said that he- moved the resolution not out of any hostility to the institution or its staff, but that the Council might understand the position they were in. If bonuses can be given by any public body, legally, he would move that they be granted to one or two who deserved them. Cr. Harris seconded tho motion, remarking that it was only their right to have such information. Cr. Somervell supported the motion, remarking that they .should have an annual report. Cr. Pettio said that they had elected the best possible representatives to the Board, and bo thought they should show their confidence in those representatives by giving them a free hand in such an 'instance as the passing of such a resolution as had been proposed. Ho thought it would appear to bo a reflection on the Council’s representatives that any such motion should be passed. Anything that had been done bv the Board had his hearty approval, and he would oppose the resolution. Cr. Maynard also supported the resolution. He did not believe in bonuses, and lie did not think it far that the Trustees should he privileged to give away public money in the way they had. The motion on being put to the meeting was carried, Crs. Pettio and Clayton voting against it.