December 8, 1892 - Controversy at the Hospital trust elections

“HOSPITAL TRUST ELECTION.

Mr J. F. Healy, secretary, attended at the Council Chambers, Arrowtown, on Monday afternoon last for the purpose of holding the annual election of five members of the Board of Trustees of the Arrow District Hospital. There were present Mr W. Jenkins (representing Arrow Borough), Mr E. A. Cameron (Lake County Council), and Captain Wing (Queenstown Borough), as well as 17 councillors. who were present to vote under section 33 of the Act of 1886. At the appointed time Mr Healy said he had received six nominations, with the candidates’ consent in writing ; viz. John Jenkins, W. J. March, P Butel, T. M’Donnell, H. Graham, and D. Enright.

Captain Wing said he would propose the following candidates :—James Whelan, John Augustus Miller, Richard Cotter, James Begbie. and Thomas Mclntyre. Mr Cameron said he would second these nominations.

The Secretary asked if the latter candidates had given their consent, and, if so, he must have it in writing.

Captain Wing said his instructions were that it was only necessary to propose and second the candidates.

Mr Cameron said the names had been agreed upon at last meeting of Lake County Council.

The Secretary said he had to administer the bald Act, and, unless he had the consent in writing of the candidates, he would not receive nominations.

Tne Queenstown delegates said it was of no use their remaining.

Mr Heller came forward in an excited manner, and said the secretary was talking nonsense. He advised the Queenstown delegates to take no notice of the secretary. The secretary had no power. Spitting on his hand and throwing the saliva on the floor, he said that was what the secretary was.

Mr Marsh: It is a wonder you wish to do business with him by coming here, then.

The secretary called upon those present to witness Mr Heller’s conduct.

Mr Heller: You are nothing. Under what Act are you appointed ?

Mr Marsh: I move that the whole business be left to Mr Heller.

Mr Heller: Yon dare to speak to me! Come outside, and I will speak to you!

The secretary and the Queenstown delegates entered into a private conversation, and when they had finished and the delegates were on their feet, Mr Marsh made the remark that, though he did not blame the delegates, who probably had done as they were instructed, the proposing of the men was a “put up job”—a statement that Messrs Wing and Cameron said had no right to be made.

Mr Marsh repeated the statement, saying the men proposed had never taken an interest in the hospital. He asked how many of them were subscribers?

The Secretary replied, three.

Mr Marsh said he would withdraw his candidature to save the necessity for a ballot.

Mr Jenkins said that, as representing Arrow Borough, he would propose the five candidates who had given their consent to stand.

The Secretary declared Messrs John Jenkins. H. Graham, P. Butel. T. McDonnell, and D. Enright duly elected. He also, by request, called for a show of hands in favor of those elected, declaring those present to be unanimously in favor of those elected.”

Source: LAKE COUNTY PRESS, ISSUE 531, 8 DECEMBER 1892, PAGE 3 (https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/LCP18921208.2.12)