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6465. How was it dealt with?—A discussion arose as to what steps should he taken. Some of the Trustees appeared to think that it was advisable to hold a Coroner's inquest, and Mr. White was requested to ring up Mr. Carew. When he returned from the telephone Mr. White stated that Mr. Carew had said, in reply, that before he could hold an inquest a statement must be sent in to him through the police. The Trustees then passed this resolution, though Ido not remember whether it was exactly done in that order : " That Dr. Batchelor's letter be received, and that the Trustees deem it desirable that a public inquiry be held to investigate the statements made by Dr. Batchelor ; and that the chairman be authorised to inform Dr. Batchelor that the Trustees deem it undesirable that he should make any further statement beyond that contained in hia letter until an inquiry be held." Dr. Batchelor was outside, waiting, I think, in the hall to see the Trustees, and he was asked to come into the room, when he was informed of the decision of the Trustees—that they had decided to ask for a public inquiry. Dr. Batchelor then said, " Well, I require a post-mortem examination to be held," and I think that he suggested Drs. Eoberts and Ogston. Then the following resolution was carried: "That a post-mortem examination be held to-morrow morning on the body of the late Mrs. S , and that Drs. Ogston and Eoberts be requested to make the autopsy, subject to leave being granted by the husband of the deceased." The following resolution was also passed : "That, in the event of the husband of the late Mrs. S refusing to allow a post-mortem examination to be held, the chairman be empowered to take such steps as he may deem necessary." 6466. That was to get the Coroner's permission ?—I hardly think that. I think it was for the purpose of investigating the cause of death. 6467. Did you have to get the Coroner's permission to hold the post-mortem ? —■I hardly think so. I think it is in the ordinary course. 6468. The Chairman.] You got the husband's permission ?—The husband's permission was given the following morning. 6469. Mr. Chapman.'] In coming to a determination to have this inquiry, were the Trustees, after disposing of this preliminary matter, of one mind on the subject ?—They seemed to be unanimous. 6470. They wished to have it, I understand, without any delay?— Yes. This resolution was passed : " That the Government be requested to appoint a special Commission to inquire into the alleged insanitary state of the Hospital wards, as stated in Dr. Batchelor's letter of the 22nd instant, addressed to the Trustees," 6471. Is that all there is in the minute-book about that matter? —Dr. Batchelor came into the Board-room afterwards, and said something to this effect: " That he trusted that his letter would be made public ; " and 1 think Mr. J. White said to him, in reply, " There is no doubt, doctor, that you will have sufficient publicity given to your letter." 6472. Was that all that passed at that meeting?— There was a decision arrived at to inform Dr. Batchelor that it was unnecessary for him to make any further statements. 6473. Then there was some communication with the Government on the subject, was there not ? —There were several communications. 6474. Will you read them, if you please?— The first was sent on the 25th July, to the Hon. the Minister of Education. 6475. That was a telegram, was it not ?—Yes. 6476. There was one following that, was there not ?—There was one sent on Monday, the 28th July. I may say that this particular one, which was very short, was written by Mr. Miller in town. I cannot certify to its absolute correctness; hut it is as nearly as possible a copy, as well as I can remember, of what was sent. 6477. There was a further telegram sent?— Yes. 6478. The Chairman : There is no occasion to go over all the telegrams. Give us the result of them. 6479. Mr. Chapman.] What was the answer of the Government? —There were several replies. I should say that Mr. Miller sent a further telegram to the Minister of Education to this effect: " Trustees unanimous public inquiry must be held, and ask you to appoint Commissioner at once." 6480. Will you now read the reply ?—I think there was yet another telegram sent by Mr. Miller to the Hon. Mr. Eergus complaining of the delay on the part of the Government, and on the 28th July Mr. Miller received this reply : " Be your telegram to Mr. Fergus, the Minister informed you it was intention, if Trustees gave no objection, to ask Sir James Hector to report. You having signified their wish, Sir James Hector has been instructed to inquire and report." 6481. Mr. Garew.] You say that the Trustees were unanimous in insisting on an inquiry being held?— Yes. 6482. Mr. Chapman.] Do you remember that some years ago there was a conference between the staff and the Trustees ?—Yes. 6483. That was in 1887, was it not ?—Yes ; on the 25th May of that year. 6484. Were you present ?—I was. 6485. What was the object of that conference ? —The staff had written to the Trustees desiring that a conference should be held for the purpose of discussing matters of great importance to the welfare of the Hospital. 6486. What were the subjects discussed ?—Eesolutions had been sent in by the staff, and they were to this effect: (1) that a new operating theatre was needed; (2) that a better system of nursing was needed ; and (3) that special, wards for particular cases were necessary. 6487. And these matters were discussed at the conference ? —Yes. 6488. Was the question of ventilation, or rather of imperfect ventilation, raised by the staff then ? —No. 33— H. 1.