H.—3lb.

1913 NEW ZEALAND.

ST. HELENS MATERNITY HOSPITAL, AUCKLAND (REPORT OF COMMISSION ON THE), TOGETHER WITH MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS AND EVIDENCE.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

COMMISSION. Robert Stout. Administrator of the Government. To all to whom these presents shall come, and to Charles Cargill Kettle, Esquire, Stipendiary Magistrate, Auckland : Greeting. Whereas allegations have been made regarding the administration of the St. Helens Hospital at Auckland, and it is expedient that inquiry should be made with respect thereto: Now, therefore, I, Robert Stout, Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, the Administrator of the Government of the Dominion of New Zealand, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1908, and of all other powers and authorities enabling me in this behalf, and acting by and with the advice and consent of the Executive Council of the said Dominion, do hereby appoint you, the said Charles Cargill Kettle, to be a Commission to inquire and report as to — (1.) The circumstances surrounding the death at St. Helens Hospital, Auckland, of Laura Elizabeth Chamberlain; and (2.) Generally as to the administration of the said St. Helens Hospital. Arid for the purpose of your inquiry you are hereby authorized and empowered to call before you and examine on oath or otherwise as allowed by law all witnesses or other persons whom you think capable of affording you any information on the subject of this Commission, and also to have before you and examine all books, papers, documents, and writings you deem necessary- And you are hereby empowered and directed to conduct your inquiry at Auckland, in such manner and at such times and with such adjournments as you think fit. And, using all diligence, you are hereby required to report to me under your hand the result of your inquiry, with any recommendations you think fit to make in respect of the matters and things inquired into by you, under or by virtue of these presents, within one month from the date hereof. And it is hereby declared that these presents shall continue in force and virtue although the inquiry is not regularly continued from time to time by adjournment.

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