The Chronicles of Early Melbourne/Volume 1/Chapter 18
CHAPTER XVIII.
OLD MELBOURNE CHARITIES.
SYNOPSIS: —Rules and Regulations. —Code of "Proposed Principles." —Early Difficulties. —Governor Gipps refuses a Site. —Subsequent Grant of Site. —The Governor's "Atonement" and Cheque for Fifty Pounds. —Hospital Concert. —Selection of Site. —Laying the Foundation Stone. —A Monster Procession. —A Masonic Oration. —Higher Principles of Masonry. —The Mayor's Address. —First Contract. —First Committee of Management. —Convocation of Governors. —The First Medical Staff. —Death of Dr. Hobson. —Opening of the Hospital. —First Hospital Scandal. —Insanity of Mr. J. H. Umpleby. —Annual Report for 1848. —Statistics for 1848. —Receipts and Expenditure for 1848. —Entertainment to Sir Charles Fitzroy. —The Governor's Donation. —Robbery at the Hospital. —Annual Report for 1849. —The Annual Report of 1850-1851. —Number of Patients, 1848-1851. —Marvellous Changes during Forty Years. —Report for 1881. —Hospital Sunday Fund. —Receipts and Expenditure. —Report and Statistics for 1887.
The Melbourne Hospital.
FROM an early period, the absence of any recognised mode of affording medical and surgical relief to the destitute was much felt, and the first great work undertaken by the philanthropic public was an effort to raise some kind of permanent institution which would, even partially, satisfy the requirements of those whose limited means rendered them unable to pay for private medical advice and treatment. The first step taken towards attaining so desirable an object, was at a public meeting, called for the establishment of a Public General Hospital, in Melbourne, by the following gentlemen:— J. Simpson, J.P.; F. M'Crae, J. P.; P. B. Geoghegan; W. H. Dutton, J.P.; J.Patterson, M.D.; Arthur Kemmis, J.P.; P. W. Welsh; W. B. Wilmot, M.D.; J. B. Were, J.P.; D. Patrick, M.D.; D. H. Wilsone, M.D.; J. Meyer, M.D.; A. C. Thomson; James Forbes.
This meeting was held accordingly on the 1st March, 1841, with Mr. Latrobe, Superintendent of the Province, in the Chair, and the undermentioned resolutions were agreed to :—
Moved by Mr. Thomas Wills, J.P., seconded by the Rev. A. C. Thomson—
Resolved:— "That it appears to this meeting that the rapid increase of population in Melbourne and the surrounding country, naturally involving a proportionate increase of cases of sickness, accidents, and distress, renders necessary the immediate establishment of a Public Hospital, for the purpose of affording to patients clean and comfortable accommodation, regular medical attendance, and the means of attention to diet and regimen."
Moved by Dr. M'Crae, seconded by Dr. Wilsone—
Resolved:— "That steps be forthwith taken to establish a Public Hospital in Melbourne, to be called The Melbourne Hospital, the design of which shall be to admit both contributing and non-contributing patients."
Moved by Mr. G. Arden, seconded by Dr. Greeves:—
Resolved:— "That when the subscriptions for the erection of an Hospital shall amount to £800 a general meeting of the subscribers shall be convened, who shall be empowered to frame rules and regulations for the government of the Institution, in accordance with the regulations passed, and that, in the mean time, the proposed principles upon which they shall be founded, as read, be published for general information, and that a Provisional Committee and Treasurer be now named to collect donations, and carry out the objects of the present meeting."
Moved by the Rev. P. B. Geoghegan, seconded by Mr. R. Burke:—
Resolved:— "That subscriptions be immediately opened at the banks to raise funds for the erection of an Hospital, and that the following gentlemen be appointed as a Provisional Committee, with power to add to their number, and that five form a quorum, to continue in office till the sum of £800 has been contributed for the building, with instructions to apply to the Government for a site for the Hospital, for aid in erecting the building, in terms of the Government regulation of the ist March, 1839, and to take all other steps necessary to the establishment of an Hospital:— E. J. Brewster, Esq., J.P.; J. D. L. Campbell, Esq., J.P.; Robert Deane, Esq.; Rev. P. B. Geoghegan; J. W. Howey, Esq.; Arthur Kemmis, Esq., J.P.; W. Lonsdale, Esq, J.P.; F. Manton, Esq.; A. M. M'Crae, Esq.; A. M'Killop, Esq.; D. C. M'Arthur, Esq.; Rev. J. Orton; D. Patrick, Esq, M.D.; J. H. Patterson, Esq.; J. Simpson, Esq., J.P.; Rev. W. Waterfield; J. B. Were, Esq, J.P.; P. W. Welsh, Esq.; T. Wills, Esq., J.P. Secretaries:— Rev. A. C. Thomson, Rev. James Forbes."
As a historical curiosity, is appended the code of "Proposed Principles," which it was intended by the founders should form the basis of the constitution of the Charity. This was afterwards considerably modified at various times by altering the cash qualifications, abolishing cumulative voting, and in many other particulars:—
1. T he government of the Institution shall be vested in a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, fifteen Directors, and two Secretaries, elected by and from among the donors and Annual Subscribers. The Treasurer and Secretaries shall be Directors ex officio.
2. The Directors shall have power to appoint the medical and other officers, fix their salaries from time to time, keep up the requisite establishment of house servants, regulate the amount to be paid by contributing patients, and generally transact all the ordinary business ofthe Institution.
3. The Directors shall have power to admit poor persons gratuitously to the benefits of the Institution, on being satisfied of their inability to contribute to their maintenance.
4. The President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, and Secretaries shall be elected triennially, to be eligible for re-election.
5. One-third of the Directors shall retire annually by rotation, but shall be re-eligible. (Those retiring at the end of the first year shall be the Directors who have attended least regularly during the year; those retiring at the end of the second year, the original Directors, who in like manner have given least attention to the business, and in subsequent years by rotation.)
6. Vacancies in any of the offices shall befilledup at the next general meeting after such vacancy has occurred.
7. A general meeting ofthe subscribers shall be held in the month of January in each year, for the election of Directors and other officers (if need be), to which meeting shall be reported the proceedings of the past year, the condition of the Institution, and the state of the funds.
8. Donors to the amount of ^"50 shall be considered Life Subscribers, and as such shall be entitled to vote, and have four votes, in the election of Directors, and at all general meetings ofthe subscribers.
9. Donors of twenty guineas shall be considered Five Years' Subscribers, and be entitled to vote, and have three votes for such period, in the election of Directors, and at all general meetings of the subscribers.
10. Donors of ten guineas towards the erection of the building shall be considered as Two Years' Subscribers, and be entitled to vote, and have three votes for such period, in the election of Directors, and at all general meetings of the subscribers. Donors of less amount shall have the same privileges for one year as Annual Subscribers of the same amount.
11. Annual Subscribers of one guinea shall possess one vote—ditto of two guineas, two votes—ditto of five guineas, three votes—ditto often guineas, four votes in the election of Directors, and at all general meetings of the subscribers.
12. Ministers in charge of congregations in the province, making annual collections for the Institution, shall have the same privileges as if they were donors to the amount of their collection.
13. No one person shall ever have more than six votes.
14. Annual Subscribers, whose subscriptions are in arrear, shall not be entitled to vote in the election of Directors.
15. At general meetings and elections of Directors it shall be competent to vote by proxy.
16. Any five of the Directors, or twenty Annual Subscribers, may call a general meeting of subscribers at any time, on a public notice of ten days, specifying the object for which such meeting is called. 17. No alteration in or addition to the above fundamental laws shall be made, unless with the consent of two-thirds of the donors and subscribers, assembled after ten days' notice, at a general meeting called for the express purpose of considering such proposed alterations or additions.
Preliminary Difficulties.
The projectors had entered upon a work the difficulties and delays of which they had not pre-calculated, for the necessary funds could not be procured without the exercise of extreme perseverance. It was a long, plodding, hilly journey, with discouragements cropping up at every advance; but there was no looking backward. When the good work was initiated no one dreamed that more than four years would pass away before thefirststone of the building could be put down; yet so it happened. However, they plunged into the enterprise bravely, and by continuous efforts secured some funds. Every device known to modern ingenuity for "raising the wind," (except a bazaar, in some unaccountable manner overlooked) was resorted to, such as donations, subscriptions, collections, concerts, amateur theatricals et hoc genus omne; and to provide for the more pressing cases of misfortune, a small brick cottage in Little Collins Street West, was rented as a temporary hospital. In April, 1842, a sum of £300 was available, and as this sum was sufficient to claim a Government subsidy, it was resolved to commence the erection of portion of a permanent building. At a meeting of subscribers this intention was affirmed, the interim committee resigned, and another was appointed. When applied to for the grant of a site some time after, Sir George Gipps, the Governor of New South Wales, refused, an act which occasioned much surprise and indignant dissatisfaction. Though the temporary hospital was removed to more spacious and two-storied premises in Bourke Street, nearly opposite the now Saint Patrick's Hall, its accommodation was most inadequate and inconvenient, but it had to be endured as best it could. In July 1843, another application was made for a Government site, but nothing came of it. It was now ascertained that the Executive was not disposed in any case to contribute more than £500 towards the Building Fund, and in this shilly-shally, unprofitable manner, time flew by, and the end of 1844 was approaching without any perceptible progress being made, except the collection of a few hundred pounds. It was impossible that such a state of things could be suffered to continue, and so a most influential, though private, meeting was held at the residence of Dr. Palmer, of Richmond, from which emanated a remonstrance to the Governor, urging the prompt granting of a site, and demonstrating the absolute inutility of so small a sum as £500 for hospital building purposes. A Committee was appointed to make the necessary representations to the Government; and it soon became known that the Governor had agreed not only to grant a site, but also to increase the £500 to £2000. In consequence of this, an important meeting of subscribers was held at the Royal Hotel, on the 7th February, 1845, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. H. Moor), and attended by the Superintendent (Latrobe), and the Resident Judge (Jeffcott). A report was submitted from the Provisional Committee, of an encouraging nature. The Commission recommended two blocks, viz, (1) what was then known as "The Hay and Corn Market Reserve," where St. Paul's Cathedral is being erected (1888), and (2) where the Hospital was subsequently built on. Amended Rules were also presented, in which alterations to the following effect were, amongst others, suggested:— "Every benefactor of £20 and upwards to be a Life Governor, and a yearly subscriber of £2, an Annual Governor, with a right of voting at all quarterly or special meetings, and having one patient always on the books. £10 or upwards constituted a Life Subscriber, or a yearly subscription of £1 an Annual Subscriber, privileged to recommend six Out-patients every year. Honorary Life Governorships were conferrable upon the first-named executor of a will containing a £50 bequest to the Institution; a minister of religion collecting £30; or for special services on recommendation of the committee and election by a general meeting. The report was received and adopted. It was stated that the Government was ready to advance £1000 towards the building, conditional on a like amount being raised by private contribution. A subscription list was forthwith opened and a strong desire manifested for the making of a great effort to acquire the necessary funds. A sum of £265 was subscribed in the room £166 of which was to pass into the Building Fund. The meeting concluded with the nomination of a pro tem. executive, consisting of Superintendent Latrobe as President; the Resident Judge and the Mayor, VicePresidents; Captain Lonsdale and Mr. E. E. Williams, Trustees; Messrs. D. C. M'Arthur and William Fletcher (Managers of the Bank of Australasia and the Union Bank, respectively), Treasurers; and Mr. James Montgomery, Honorary Secretary.
The embryonic Charity was now beginning to make good headway. Sir George Gipps, to atone in some measure for the past, sent a cheque for £50. Mr. Latrobe in transmitting it, backed it with another “fifty-pounder,” from himself, and promised an annual refresher of £20. Judge Jeffcott subscribed £10, and Mr. J. P. Robinson, a Sydney merchant, who represented Melbourne in the New South Wales Legislature, £10 10s. whilst by way of a dead-weight, Dr. Wilmot (the coroner) presented £4 4s. deodands he had in hand. What was known as “The Old Hospital Fund” amounting to £215, was transferred to the new one. On the 5th March, 1845, a meeting of the benefactors and subscribers was held under the presidency of the Mayor. Mr. Edmund Westby and the Rev. A. C. Thomson were appointed Joint Treasurers vice the gentlemen selected at a prior meeting, whose official positions in the banks rendered it inconvenient for them to continue in office; and the following Committee were elected:— The Rev. A. C. Thomson; Drs. Greeves, Palmer, and Playne, Messrs. Edward Curr, J. R. Murphy, James Simpson, G. S. Brodie, W. Lonsdale, A. Cunninghame, John Duerdin, E. Westby, G. A. Gilbert, R. W. Pohlman, and J. W. Howey—Five to form a quorum.
There was a Gentlemen’s Amateur Philharmonic Society at this time in Melbourne, and the members resolved in getting up a grand concert in aid of the Hospital Fund. Mr. J. C. Smith, proprietor of the Queen’s Theatre, supplied the building and light without charge, whilst Mr. George Coppin supplied gratuitous music, and the free services of himself and the musical portion of his corps dramatique. The entertainment was under the direction of Mr. William Clark, a well-known professor of music, and it was a great success. The following notice of the event is transcribed from a newspaper of the time:—
“HospitaL Concert,—The concert for the benefit of the Melbourne Hospital, given by the gentlemen amateurs of the Philharmonic Association, strengthened by the very liberal assistance of the musical portion of Mr. Coppin’s Company, took place on Friday evening under the direction of Mr. Clark. The lovers of music, we presume, anticipated a treat, for, notwithstanding the very unfavourable state of the weather, not only the boxes but the approaches were, before the hour announced for the commencement, filled by the most distinguished portion of our community, including His Honor the Superintendent, His Honor the Judge, lady and family, His Worship the Mayor and lady, etc., etc.; the pit and gallery were less numerously but very respectably peopled. The selection contained several novelties, and, particularly among the vocal pieces, consisted of music of a higher class than has hitherto been adyentured on in Melbourne. The manner in which it was received shews that the good taste of the public had not been miscalculated, The overtures were performed with a brilliancy and taste that proved the performers felt and understood their parts, and with a precision and unity greatly to the credit of the director; a remark which will equally apply to the glees and concerted pieces. The gratification of the audience was unequivocally expressed by repeated encores of the songs, and by the general wish at the close of the performance that it had lasted “half-an-hour longer.” Mr. Clark played Kalkbrenner’s celebrated variation of “Rule Britannia” with great effect, and Mr. Coppin, with Mrs. Rogers, convulsed the house with laughter in the comic duet “When a Little Farm we Keep;” in alluding to which we must not omit Mrs. Rogers' "Wanted a Governess.” The Institution on behalf of which this very praiseworthy exertion has been made, will, we are happy to learn, benefit to the extent of fifty or sixty pounds after all expenses are paid."
There was much diversity of opinion as to where the Hospital should be built, and the Building Committee was so divided that the subject was referred to the general body of contributors, and a special meeting of Governors was held at the Royal Hotel on the 30th July, "to finally determine’ upon’ the selection of a site.” It was in the first instance decided that the most eligible spot was the "Haymarket Reserve” (St. Paul’s), and an application had been made to the Government for its reservation. After a time other localities found favour, some wishing it placed off the north-east intersection of Queen and Lonsdale Streets, others at the opposite corner, more in the now Carlton Gardens (then away in the wilderness), and the present site found many adherents. Finally, on the motion of Mr. Edward Curr, seconded by Mr. J. P. Fawkner, it was resolved that the Hospital should be erected where it now stands. Dr. Palmer went in very strongly for the " Haymarket," whilst the Rev. James Forbes was as energetic in seeking to have it built on the Western Hill. In January 1846, tenders were invited, according to an estimate of ^ 1 3 0 0 , but they considerably exceeded this amount, the highest being ,£2021, and the lowest (Mr. Daniel Rooney's) ,-£1797, which was accepted after reducing it by alterations. According to the original plan the building was to be put up in the cheapest possible style, plain brick walls, hardwood flooring, and a roof of same material. This scheme subsequently underwent considerable alteration. Great efforts were now made to commence the undertaking ; and as the foundation of Princes Bridge was to be laid with all the honours of a grand spectacular display on the 20th March, the Hospital Committee thought it a good stroke of policy to avail themselves of the Bridge Procession; and as it was known that the Masonic and other Associated Brotherhoods had determined upon celebrating the commencement of the Bridge, they consented to co-operate at the Hospital ceremonial. T h e Bridge and the Hospital were, therefore, to be founded on the same d a y — a day to be for ever red-lettered in the early history of Melbourne. T h e founding of two such structures, pro bono publico, at the same time, seemed to make a deep impression upon the community; one, the establishment of an Asylum, in which, every person needing it, would have succour in the hour of illness ; the other, the first Government bridge that ever spanned the " flowing flowing " waters of the Yarra. T h e demonstrations fully satisfied the anticipations of all. It was a splendid public ceremonial, in which everybody appeared to vie in procuring its success. So large was the procession that it extended, almost from end to end of Collins Street, and a person viewing it from the Eastern Hill, could have the widest stretch of his imagination amply realised. T h e music of the Teetotal and T o w n Bands, the emerald banners of " O l d Ireland," the snowy streamers, emblematic of the then great Apostle of Temperance, Father Matthew, the splendid costumes of the Masons and Oddfellows, with all their gorgeous paraphernalia, and the green and gold decorations of the St. Patrick's Society, all had a most impressive effect. T h e following order of procession was observed :— The Chief Constable on horseback, Mounted and Border Police, Constabulary ; The Pupils of the various Melbourne Schools, six abreast, with appropriate banners ; The Brass Band of the Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society ; Father Matthew's Society in the following order :— Members of Committee with White Wands, Members two abreast—all wearing White Sashes and White Rosettes ; Melbourne Temperance Society—Members two abreast, Collingwood Temperance Society ; Junior Members with White W a n d s , Members two abreast. Several tasteful banners were displayed in this part of the procession, especially one painted with a life-like size of Father Matthew administering the Pledge to his Countrymen. The St. Patrick's Society of Australia Felix in the following order :— Union Jack, Junior Members, T h e Harp of Erin, Members of the Society, two deep, Original Banner of St. Patrick ; Members two deep, Banner of St. Patrick and the Provincial Monarchs of Hibernia, Borne on a platform, and supported by two Members of the Society with Green W a n d s ; Members of Commitlee bearing Wands, painted green, with gilt tops, the Auditors of the Society; The Secretary and Treasurer with Wands, the President with W a n d ; The Officers of the Corporation, the Members of the T o w n Council, in official costume, two abreast, His Worship the Mayor ; The following Clergymen : — T h e Rev. Mr. Thomson, the Rev. Mr. Forbes, the Rev. Mr. H a m , and the Rev. Mr. Sweetman ; The Crown Prosecutor, supported by the Deputy Sheriff and Mr. Shadforth, Judge's Secretary ; His Honor the Superintendent, on horseback, in vice-regal costume, adorned with a splendid flowing White Plume with Sword, the Military Officers ; The Ancient and Honourable Order of Oddfellows, M . U , the Conductors with Swords ; The Banner of the Order, the Wardens with their Axes, the J.G. with the Dispensations, Brothers two and two ; V.G.'s and Supporters with Wands, P.V.G.'s two and two, N.G.'s and Supporters with W a n d s ; P.G.'s two and two; the Grand Master of the District supported by the D.G.M. and C . S , the Inner Guardian. The Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons marshalled in the following order: — Tyler, Banner of Faith, Entered Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, Six Junior Masters ; Deacons with W a n d s , Secretaries with Rolls, Treasurers with Bags, Deacons, Corinthian Light; Junior Wardens, Master, Doric Light, Senior Warden, Banner of H o p e ; The Lodge, borne by four Masters, Cornucopia, Pitcher with Wine, Pitcher with Oil, Stewards ; Ionic Light, Book of Constitutions, Architect and Builder, Bible, Square, and Compasses, Banner of Charity Chaplain, Brother Stephen, Director-General of Ceremonies, Royal Arch-Masons ; W . Masters, Principals of the Royal Arch Chapter, Janitor. The military detachment stationed at Melbourne marched in Indian file at each side of the procession. About eleven o'clock the various public bodies started from their respective assembly rooms, meeting opposite the Royal Hotel, Collins Street, whence they proceeded down Collins Street, through Swanston Street, to the site of the Bridge, when the business of the day commenced by the Masonic body advancing, accompanied by His Honor the Superintendent, and the Bridge was inaugurated as described in another chapter. After thisfirstceremony was completed the procession re-formed, and moved to the site of the Hospital, the line of route being along Swanston and via Lonsdale Streets. T h e proceedings were commenced by the Rev. A. C. Thomson, as Masonic Chaplain, reciting a prayer, which thus concluded :— " M a y all engaged in its erection be defended from accident and harm; and may it remain to be a blessing to the latest posterity. M a y all in any way connected with it, or receiving benefits therefrom, live to praise and magnify Thee, who, for the Redeemer's sake, forgivest our sins and healest our diseases, and crownest us with loving kindness and tender mercies, and givest life everlasting." Masonic response : — " S o MoLe it be." The stone was then partly lowered, and a bottle covered with leather deposited in the cavity prepared for its reception. This bottle contained various coins ofthe realm, and a vellum scroll thus inscribed : — Valetudinarii Melbournensis, donis et Oblationibus Civium plerumque, Struendi atque Sustiniendi Fundamenta posuit, Sodalitate Architectonica Antiquissima Adjuvante, J A C O B U S F R E D E R I C U S P A L M E R , A R M I G E R , Civitatis Melbournensis, Prcetor.
A.D. XIII. Kalendas Aprilis, Anno Salutis Humanre, M D C C C X L V I . Regni VICTORI/K Britanniarum et Hibernian, Reginre, Nono : — Novre Cambriae Australis Prcefecto, G E O R G I O GIPPS, E Q U I T E , Australia; Felicis Procuratore, C A R O L O J O S E P H O L A T R O B E , Armigero. Architecto, S A M U E L O J A C K S O N ; Fabricatore, G E O R G I O B E A V E R .
For the benefit of the uninitiated the following translation is appended :— TIIE F O U N D A T I O N O F T H E M E L B O U R N E HOSPITAL, To be Raised and Maintained chiefly by the Donations and Offerings of the Public, Was laid by JAMES
FREDERICK
PALMER,
ESQUIRE,
Mayor of the Town of Melbourne, With the assistance of the Ancient Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, On the 20th of March, in the year of our Lord, 1846, In the Ninth year of the Reign of VICTORIA, Queen of Great Britain and Ireland ; SIR G E O R G E G U T S , K N I G H T , being Governor of N e w South Wales ; C H A R L E S J O S E P H L A T R O B E , E S Q U I R E , Superintendent of Australia Felix ; S A M U E L J A C K S O N , Architect; G E O R G E B E A V E R , Builder.
The aperture in the stone was then covered with an iron plate secured with molten lead, and the Rev. Mr. Thomson made the following invocation :— " M a y the Great Architect of the Universe bring this work to a successful completion, and prosper the design for which it is founded, that the sick may here find health, and that kindness and compassion may here do the work which H e teacheth us to perform one towards another, to the glory of His name." Masonic response :—" So Mote it be." Corn, wine and oil were laid on the lower stone by Brother A. H . Hart, and another invocation from the Chaplain followed :— "May the bountiful Hand of Heaven ever supply this Province with abundance of corn, wine and oil, and all the necessaries of life. A n d may the sick poor, here partaking of the gifts which Thy Providence enables the charitable to dispense, be restored to health and strength, and rejoice in the goodness, and the effects of brotherly love. A n d may the Hand of Omnipotence long preserve this Hospital from peril and decay. Masonic response :—" So Mote it be."
A hymn was next chanted, after which the Mayor laid the stone in the customary manner. The Masonic Oration.
Brother William Hull, J.P., at the request of the Worshipful Master, pronounced the following Oration. As an exposition of the higher principles of Masonry, it is given uncurtailed :— Mr. Hull said, "Worshipful Sir, your c o m m a n d shall be obeyed;" (and then apologising for remaining covered owing to the great heat of the sun, thus continued :—" From the building of that Temple in which dwelt the Shekinah of the Great Architect to the laying the foundation-stone of this intended building, Hospitals and Asylums for sick, wounded, aged and decayed persons have in an especial manner been connected with speculative and practical Masonry. It is now 3000 years since the erection of that building in which ' N o workman's steel, no ponderous axes rung, Like some tall palm the noiseless fabric sprung,'
" under the auspices of that Grand Master, ' Who, inspired by power divine, M a d e wisdom, strength and beauty all combine T o frame, confirm, and deck the vast design.'
" From this period, Post-diluvian Masonry takes its most prominent standing, although ' it is an institution which is coeval with the Creation,' for ever since symmetry began, or harmony displayed its charms, the Order has had a being. It may be a matter of speculative inquiry with geologists whether the ground on which we now stand ever existed at that period; certain it is that not two lustrums have passed since this spot, upon which thefirststone of a Temple dedicated to Charity is now laid, was occupied by beasts without a name, by evil-omened birds, by serpents horrible and deadly beyond their c o m m o n species, and by beings (lowest of the human family) from w h o m the Great Architect has hitherto (as far as we can judge) withheld even a glimmer of the Divine Law, and upon whose understandings darkness still hangs as a thick mantle. Under the direction of a skilful architect, this Hospital will soon be completed, and w e trust it will combine wisdom, strength and beauty in its erection; and that its management will devolve upon m e n w h o m a y be eminent for scientific and professional attainments, combined with the Masonic principle—love of fellow creatures. But, say the uninitiated, what connection has Masonry with this, or what necessity for Masonic processions ? W e reply, judge not by externals. There is in Masonry ' a light shining in darkness,' and its secrets m a y be known by the good and worthy of every class of mankind, if the legitimate process be adopted. Masonic processions may be deduced from the highest antiquity, and they are the very essence of every ancient institution in any way connected with virtue or religion. Masonry has included amongst its Fraternity—Patriarchs—Prophets—Evangelists—Apostles— Priests—Philosophers—and as there ever have been, so there still are—Kings—Princes—and Great and Good M e n of every degree and profession. Freemasonry is that Philosophy which, blended with the great principle of the Order—Brotherly Love—constitutes that active Benevolence and Universal Charity, whichfillthe heart of m a n with disinterested love of his species—which promote in the mind pure religious feelings by tracing the works of nature until they lead us to humble and correct reflections upon the Immensity of Power—the Triumph of W i s d o m — a n d the Goodness of H i m w h o constructed the universe for the advantage and happiness of His creatures. W e have seen the Corn, and Oil, and Wine poured out. H o w truly applicable are these Masonic emblems to this intended Institution ! Here the hungry and weary will find bread, the staff of life, prepared for them. Here the wounded will have the healing balm poured into their wounds. Here those whose hearts are lacerated by h u m a n woes, will have the cup that cheereth the heart, presented to their lips ; and here, we trust and hope (whether they who m a y exercise their skill on suffering humanity be of the Mystic-tie or otherwise) that Charity and Brotherly Love to their patients m a y be the foundation and cope-stones of their practice. M a y they be of that mind to say 'The widow's tears—the orphan's cry, All wants our ready hands supply As far as power is given.' "' The cloud capp'd towers, the gorgeous palaces, the solemn temples' erected by the ancient Brethren have passed away, but it is in such dedications as have been this day made, that the triumph and permanency of our Order are exhibited and confirmed— ' Here 'midst the ruins of. three thousand years, U nhurt—unchanged—Freemasonry appears,'
"And Ever so Mote it be. God save the Queen!" The stone was then lowered to its proper resting place, with three loud cheers. THE MAYORAL SPEECH.
The Mayor (Dr. Palmer) delivered the following Address :—" After the observations which you have heard from the accomplished orator who has just preceded me, I find that little is left to say, except to express m y thanks to the ancient and honourable fraternity of Freemasons and other distinguished and alike honourable Public Bodies who have assisted on the present occasion, and to acknowledge the gratification with which such an event as the present is calculated to inspire every philanthropic breast. This event, besides being interesting in itself, is interesting in its causes. It is a trophy and genuine effect of Christianity. Among the accomplished nations of antiquity, we read of the achievements of art in the erection of temples and other buildings dedicated to gladiatorial displays, but no traces are discovered of Hospitals or any other Public Institutions devoted to the relief of the destitute—nothing, in short, which could evince the existence of the blessed spirit of Charity ; but on the contrary, a spirit of selfishness, displaying itself in a lavish expenditure on whatever could contribute to swell the pageantry of life, and a total disregard to the poor and despised destitute. Even Christianity itself as it has become more and more enlightened has been productive of greater and more suitable effects. All-perfect in itself on its original promulgation, it has not been adverse to the cultivation of Science, but proceeding hand in hand, they have together ameliorated the condition of the world, and given birth to an enlarged philanthropy. There is no profaneness in the thought that the torch of Science, in its onward progress, has served to illumine and disclose the beauties of Christianity, and hence have arisen those numerous Institutions in every part of Christendom designed for the relief of human suffering, in which we see these powerful influences happily combined in accomplishing the designs of Charity. W e have reason to be thankful to Providence, which, to the other advantages with which this land has been blessed, has added that of a comparative exemption from fatal epidemics. W e have neither the plague nor the cholera. W e have neither the yellow nor the jungle fever. W e are comparatively free from that fatal and most insidious of diseases—Consumption, which so often selects as its choicest victims the fairest and most endowed of our species, and whose insatiability is such that it is computed that not less than one-fifth of the population of Europe annually sink under its blight. Happily too, we live free, at least by comparison, of those endless and slow-wasting distempers which devastate the Mother-country, and whose origin is attributable to the joint influences of mental anxiety, and the pinching deprivations of poverty. But, blessed as we undoubtedly are, with a fruitful country and a salubrious climate, we are doomed, nevertheless, to submit to our common destiny. Disease, under the most favorable circumstances, will assail us sooner or later"; accidents will overtake the most healthy persons; and now it is that the healthy and strong should come forward to the assistance of the weak. Those only who have witnessed it can conceive the extent and degree of suffering which, after the consequence of illness, afflicts the poor who have to sustain their families by their exertions, and who by sickness are thus deprived of the only means of earning a subsistence. Those only, I say, who have visited the abodes of poverty under such circumstances, can imagine how severe are sometimes the inflictions of Providence, and how sweet and beneficial must be an asylum such as that the foundation stone of which we have just laid. Here they are provided with medicine, medical attendance, repose, and nursing, and the other auxiliaries of the healing art, such as they could not procure, even by payment, at their own homes, and which under any circumstances they could not pay for. Here they find an asylum where they procure health for their bodies, and have leisure for attendance to the higher concerns of their souls, removed alike from the distractions of poverty, and from family inquietude. But there is another view of the case, which I a m certain you will not disregard, namely, the advantages to Science which accrue from such Institutions—advantages which are reaped by the rich equally with the poor, and which recompenses them, in a threefold degree, for any liberality they m a y have shown. O n this account, I call on every m a n present to contribute this day his donation,—on the settler, the land-owner, the merchant, the tradesman—in short, on every class and description 'of men, for, as you will all equally benefit by the work in which w e have now engaged, w e should all with one consent combine in offering a tribute worthy of so noble a virtue as that of Charity." At the conclusion of the Mayor's speech, Mr. Asher H . Hart reminded His Worship that the Jews had in the earliest days a Hospital of their own. T h e Mayor explained, and trusted that his observations might not be supposed to reflect any imputation upon the Jewish denomination, for he was not aware ofthe fact of which he had been reminded. Three cheers for the Mayor terminated the proceedings. A collection in aid of the funds of the Hospital was then made, and a considerable sum subscribed, the Superintendent and the Mayor contributing each £5 5s. T h e procession, in returning, reversed its order, the Masonic body and St. Patrick's Society leading, the various public bodies filing off as they reached their Lodge-rooms. T h e Oddfellows accordingly were the first to leave, on arriving at the Crown Hotel; the Masons next, at the Royal Exchange Hotel, and upon arriving at the intersection of Collins and Elizabeth Streets, the Society of St. Patrick extended its ranks, allowing the respective Temperance Societies to proceed between them greeted by many a spontaneous burst of acclamation. About two o'clock all the bustle had passed away. Nothing could exceed the manner in which the day's proceedings went off, and they embodied the most brilliant spectacle ever witnessed in the province. In the evening the Masons gave a grand banquet at the Royal. T h e building gradually went ahead until the 16th June, 1847, when a meeting of Governors was held at the Royal Hotel, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. Moor), and from a report prepared by the Building Committee, the following facts were elicited :— In January, 1846, a contract was entered into for the erection of a main building at a cost of ^"1470, and on the 23rd December a further expenditure of £oi was authorised for certain necessary additions and offices. O n M a y 3rd, 1847, a further outlay (£0% 12s. 4d.) was incurred for plastering the ceilings throughout, making a total of ,£2485 12s. 4d. T o meet this there had been paid by private contribution (including ,£215 17s. id. handed over from the fund raised in 1841 for the erection of a General Hospital) ,£1256 6s. id. ,£1000 had been voted on the Estimates for 1846, and ^ 2 5 0 for 1847, conditional upon an equal amount being raised by private subscription, making a total of ^ 2 5 0 6 6s. id. available. There had already been paid to the contractor ^ 1 6 3 6 6s. 8d, one moiety of which had been received from the Colonial Treasury, leaving a balance of ^ 5 4 9 5s. 4d, payable on the completion of the works in progress. Towards thefinishingof the building, and enclosure of the grounds, there remained something more than ;£ 150. For the Maintenance Fund ^ 1 7 8 13s. had been raised. ,£350 had been unconditionally voted by the Legislature for furniture and outfit, and an application had been m a d e to the Governor to put on the Estimates ^ 3 5 0 for maintenance, conditional on a like sum being received in private contributions. It was also asked that the Government would cause an Act of Incorporation to be passed, and an appropriation to be sanctioned of certain unclaimed impounding fees, and drunkards'fines,to both of which requests His Honor the Superintendent was favourable. It was likewise stated that M r . William Hart, lately deceased, had willed a bequest of .£150 to the Charity. T h e report was received and adopted. O n the motion of Dr. Palmer, the following persons constituted thefirstCommittee of Management viz, Messrs. Edward Curr, Edward Eyre Williams, Robert Williams Pohlman, James Frederick Palmer George Annand, George Sinclair Brodie, John Duerdin, John Robert Murphy, Charles Williamson, James Simpson, William Werge Howey, and George Ward Cole. T h e ex officio members were His Honor the Superintendent (Charles Joseph Latrobe), President, His Honor the Resident Judge (William A'Beckett) and His Worship the Mayor (Henry Moor), Vice Presidents ; Mr. James Montgomery, Honorary Secretary • Captain William Lonsdale and Mr. E. E. Williams, Trustees; and the Rev. A d a m Compton T h o m s o n and Mr. E d m u n d Westby, Treasurers. It was further agreed that the Honorary Medical Staff consist of two Physicians and two Surgeons, to be elected by ballot at a special meeting for that purpose to be held on the 15th July. A special convocation of Governors was held on the 30th June, when it wasfinallydecided to have six Medical Officers, i.e., three Physicians and three Surgeons; and "all gentlemen declared to be legally qualified medical practitioners by the Port Phillip or Sydney Medical Boards, were to be deemed eligible as candidates." ThisfirstMedical Election, as many have since, occasioned aflutterof excitement, and the newspapers considered the event to be one of sufficient importance to justify the publication of a list of the qualified voters, i.e., Life and Annual Governors w h o had paid £ 2 at one time. S o m e of the £ 1 subscribers wished to make up the difference and so qualify, but this would not be permitted. It was agreed that all persons paying in £ 2 before the opening of the Hospital, should rank as Governors for the current year, and anyone who had contributed £ 2 to the " Old P m n d " was declared an Annual Governor for the same time. Medical candidates' addresses poured into the morning papers, but one gentleman (Dr. Wilkie), retired from the field in high dudgeon, in consequence of the low standard of the qualification. The Institution, nevertheless, survived his desertion of it, and it was fortunate, moreover, in obtaining amongst the six members of its staff,fivegentlemen ofthe highest professional repute in the Province. THE FIRST MEDICAL STAFF.
The election of Medical Officers was accordingly held on the 15th July, 1847, presided over by the Mayor (Mr. Moor), and notyvithstanding all the money spent in advertising and other ways, it was a walkover. T h e following were the candidates:— HONORARY PHYSICIANS :
Dr. E. C. Hobson, proposed by Captain Cole, seconded by Mr. E. Westby. Dr. Arthur O'Mullane, proposed by Captain Howey, seconded by Mr. W . Kerr. Dr. Godfrey Howitt, proposed by Mr. G. A. Gilbert, seconded by Major Davidson. HONORARY SURGEONS:
Mr. A. F. A. Greeves, proposed by Mr. Robert Langlands, seconded by Mr. J. S. J ohnston. Mr. David J. Thomas, proposed by Mr. R. W . Pohlman, seconded by Mr. J. Croke. Mr. W . H . Campbell, proposed by Mr. G. A. Gilbert, seconded by Mr. R. A. Balbirnie. They were all declared duly elected. Dr. Hobson died before entering on his duties, and Dr. W . B. Wilmot (the Coroner) was elected his successor without opposition. The rule settling the qualifications of the Honorary Medical Officers, was not satisfactory to the profession, and at a special meeting of Governors, in September, it was altered so as to read-"That all persons shall be eligible for the offices of Physician or Surgeon respectively, to this Hospital, who shall hold a Physician's or Surgeon's diploma from some university or college of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, or from any foreign university or academical body empowered to grant medical degrees." A Mr. George Wilson was appointed Dispenser, and Mrs. Jones (the widow of a Clerk of Petty Sessions at Mount Macedon, since accidentally drowned while crossing a flooded creek), received the office of Matron. Sufficient funds were still not to be easily procured, and in February, l 8 4 8 , Messrs. Tames Ballingall and Wilbam OFarrell two well-known and popular Corporation rate-collectors, m a d e a'begging raid on the town, and netted ^ 2 2 5 , a welcome acquisition to the Hospital Fund. THE HOSPITAL OPENED.
for th. tVength thG l0ng^00ked-f0r Charity «• Pronounced to be in working order in March, !848 , and reCipi6ntS f u b l i creliefthere c ATMrT uZZr^T WT-II• 01° puDiic relief of V tHe ^^'^'picuii, P > I « * ^ e b t e d to the courtesy of Mr. James Williams, the indefatigable R*r.™f«„ Secretary ~r of n.„ the T_..:.... Institution in ii ._ • '„
- Patientsfirstadmitted on the opening of the Hospital, March 15, 1848 :—
I N - P A T I E N T S . — ( I . ) Brown, Charles, recommended by Major Davidson; (2.) Jones, William, recommended by the Rev. A. C. Thomson. O U T - P A T I E N T S . — ( 1 . ) Johnson, Henry, recommended by Dr. O'Mullane; (2.) Thetford, Henry, recommended by Mr. A. F Greeves; (3.) Jones, Michael, recommended by Mr. R. W . Pohlman ; (4.) Coward, John, recommended by Mr. E d m u n d Westby. O n March 22, 1848, thefirstw o m e n were admitted, viz.:—(1.) Codie, Bridget; (2.) Price, Eliza. In June the Hospital authoiities commenced the publication in the neyvspapers of the periodical state of the Charity, and annexed is a copy of thefirstBulletin -.—Weekly report, Wednesday, June 21, 1848. IN-PATIENTS.—Admitted, 2 ; discharged, 1. O U T - P A T I E N T S . — A d m i t t e d , 2 ; discharged, 2. M E D I C A L O F F I C E R S F O R T H E WEEK.—Physician, Dr. Wilmot; Surgeon, W . H . Campbell, Esq.;
Resident Apothecary, Mr. G. Wilson. T h e second weekly report announces the In-patients as having increased to 18, and the Outpatients to 30. For the week ending July 12th, there were 22 In and 33 Out-patients, and it yvas announced "that the whole of the beds are noyv occupied,"
The First Hospital Scandal.
The troubles for which the Melbourne Hospital has since been proverbial, soon set in, and a spicy morsel of scandal was forthcoming to whet the appetite of the censorious. A Mr. W . L. Quinan, had in his domestic service a Mrs. Ryan, w h o m one day he gave in custody to the police, but the case was dismissed by the magistrates. Mrs. Ryan was advised to bring an action at law against her late employer for yvrongful imprisonment on a frivolous charge, and she retained Mr. James Montgomery, a solicitor, to conduct the suit. Overtures were made towards a settlement, and Quinan offered to pay ^ 2 0 to the Hospital, which was agreed to. H e was dilatory in fulfilling the undertaking, and Montgomery yvithout further delay issued a writ, yvhich brought Quinan to the point, and he gave Montgomery a cheque for the amount. With the consent of Mrs. Ryan and her husband, the attorney deducted £o as his costs, and paid the balance to the Charity. Montgomery was the Honorary Secretary to the Hospital, and Quinan contended that none of the money ought to be kept back, that in the settlement he intended and understood that the whole ^ 2 0 yvas to go to the Hospital, and he complained to the Committee accordingly. T h e matter was investigated, and Montgomery exonerated from any blame. A n application of Quinan for the names of the Committeemen who conducted the inquiry, and hov they voted, was refused, yvhereupon the complainant waxing exceedingly irate, rushed into print, was folloyved by Montgomery and one or two others, and a voluminous journalistic warfare ensued. A n y person wading through the columns of verbiage, and dispassionately weighing the facts, cannot well resist the conclusion that the Committee was right in its decision. Fault-finding out of doors soon grew into vogue, and the eyes of the Committee slowly opened upon the fact that they enjoyed no bed of roses. T h e "rose-leaves" turned to thorns, and complaints in the newspapers were not infrequent. M u c h umbrage was taken because no contributor, except an annual one of £2 2s, could recommend an In-patient, and furthermore, that any person so recommending should guarantee either to remove a patient dying, or in default to defray the expense of burial in a sum not exceeding 40s.—and should also certify that the invalid on entering was possessed of " three shirts and three pairs of stockings." A n Act having been passed by the Legislature " For the better regulation of Colonial Hospitals," a meeting of contributors yvas held on the 21st August, with Mr. E. Curr as Chairman. Mr. E. Westby was appointed Treasurer, and Messrs. William Lonsdale, Edward Eyre Williams, and James Hunter Ross, Trustees. By this Act the Treasurer yvas constituted the proper party to sue and be sued, and the Trustees were rendered capable of taking and holding all lands, tenements, and hereditaments belonging to the Institution. Later in the year Mr. G. Wilson, the Resident Apothecary, resigned, and yvas succeeded by Mr. J. H . Umpleby, who, after a few weeks, went m a d from over-reading, and was transferred to the Lunatic Asylum, leaving his berth to befilledby Mr. Joseph Clowes. At a general meeting held on the 8th January, 1849, thefirstAnnual Report was brought up, from which several interesting facts are culled, viz. : — W h e n opened on the 15th March, the Institution yvas limited to the reception of ten In-patients, but soon extended to twenty, which so far fell short of the public requirements that the Committee intended to make provision for forty beds. T h e completion of a yving to the building was essential, and a further outfit grant additional to the ^'350 already expended on furniture, etc. T h e number of Admissions for 1848 w e r e : — M e n , 76; W o m e n , n ; Children, 2; Total, 89. From which were to be deducted 14 remaining in the house, which gave 75 as the total treated. O f these there were Cured 3 2 ; Relieved, 12 ; Died, 2 2 ; Left of o w n accord, 4 ; Died before duly admitted, 2 ; M a d e Out-patients 3 ; Total, 75. T h e number of Out-patients w h o had received medical and surgical aid, was 98, i.e., 87 men, 8 women, and 3 children. There was a large extent of suffering existing, for which an Hospital was less adapted than a Benevolent Asylum. Individuals disabled by age, disease, and various causes had to be refused admittance, and these unfortunates were incapable of doing any yvork for a maintenance. They were incurable, and if received would simply have a refuge for life. T h e proposed building additions would entail an expenditure of ^ 6 0 0 , one-half to be obtained by private benevolence, and the residue would be supplied by the Government. T h e only increase m a d e to the staff was the providing of four nurses, and by reasonable economy it was hoped that the cost per patient would not exceed £2$ or ^ 3 0 per bed per annum. T h e expenditure for 1848 amounted to £si^ 9s. n d . ; the receipts, inclusive of aid from Government, ^ 1 0 1 6 7s. 9d, leaving ^ 4 3 9 17s. iod. to the credit of the Treasurer. Amongst the maintenance items were salaries and wages, £167 7s. id.; wine and porter, ^"14 n s . ; and meat ^"20 5s. 4d. This report was adopted, after which the Committee of Management for the year was elected, and some fresh blood infused, including the name of Mr. (afterwards Sir John) O'Shanassy. A n A m e n d e d Act of the Legislature was passed, empowering annual contributors of £1 to vote at the election of officers, instead of Governors as before. T h e Managing Committee was henceforth to consist of a President, VicePresident, Honorary Treasurer, Secretary, Medical Officers, and twelve Governors, to be elected annually, and " the officiating resident clergymen connected with the different religious persuasions," were to be ex officio members. It was also decided that as vacancies occurred in the number of Physicians and Surgeons, they were to be reduced to two of each branch. T h e Committee was also empowered to make arrangements for the reception of "paying patients," and to defray out of the hospital funds the funeral expenses of destitute persons. T h e first two paid collectors appointed were Messrs. R. Heales and T. Watson, and in February, Mrs. Jones resigning the Matroncy was replaced by Mrs. Allingham. Sir Charles Fitzroy, w h o had succeeded Sir George Gipps in the Governorship of N e w South Wales, visited Port Phillip in March, 1849, ar)d His Excellency was, as a matter of course, feted and feasted in Melbourne. A grand ball was given to him, which was worked more profitably than was usual with public entertainments at the time. A profit of ^ 2 4 accrued after the balancing of accounts, and this was a god-send to the Hospital, enhanced by a cheque for £$, the private donation ofthe Governor. THE HOSPITAL ROBBED.
Churches have been robbed in Melbourne from the earliest times, and banks "stuck up" yvhen a fair chance of success was apparent; but one would think that an hospital should be exempt from the plundering propensities of the night-hawk, or the burglar. S o m e ruffians took it into their heads to perpetrate not only a larceny but a full-blown felony at the Melbourne Hospital, on the night of the 18th July, 1849. T h e Resident Apothecary, like other boy-medicos since, was spending an evening in some social relaxation, and during his absence, a house-breaking brigade turned its attention to his quarters at the Hospital. Effecting an entree through the kitchen window, the robbers proceeded stealthily to the private apartment of the prescriptioner, which they ruthlessly ransacked. Forcing the lock on a chiffoniere, they found £8, which yvas forthwith confiscated. T w o writing desks belonging to the Dispenser and the Matron were removed to the yard, where they were pick-locked and emptied of their contents. S o m e process of sorting was gone through, for the boxes with most of what they contained were throyvn aside, and a selection of scraps and m e m o s of no value was carried off. Noises had been heard during the night by the Matron and some of the inmates, but they did not disturb themselves, under the impression that the Apothecary yvas taking some pedestrian exercise in his room, either somnambulistically or otherwise. N o clue was ever obtained to the pilferers, or the abducted bank notes. U p to September there was no fencing put round the building; it looked like a red-rookery perched in the centre of a waste of bush, with large, half-charred tree-trunks here and there. T h e Court-house and gaol were the only indications of civilization beyond, and on the other sides whatever few tenements were to be seen, yvere nothing more than clumps of wooden and brick-made cabins, with a twopenny-halfpenny huxter's shop at every dozen yards, and three or four fourth-rate "groggeries" in the vista. So unprotected was the situation, and so strong were the temptation and facilities afforded, that such ofthe inmates as could m o v e about, frequently moved too far away, were picked up by friends w h o stood treat, and the hospitallers sometimes came h o m e very drunk of an evening. Impositions though not so m a n y proportionately then as noyv, yvere not unknoyvn, and any knaves detected in this shameful sort of fraud were sent adrift with scant ceremony. T h e Hospital site atfirstwas about one-fourth its present dimensions, and the east and west portions, with the grounds of the Public Library, were intended as a place for public recreation. T h e Committee, however, thought proper to make application for the extension of the Hospital allotment to Russell Street, to which the Superintendent saw no objection, leaving the City Council, as the supposed custodian of the public interests, to give or keep it ad libitum. T h e Corporation authorities were privately sounded on the subject, and as the claim was likely to provoke hostility if brought up at the Council table, it was yvithdrawn for the time. In future years the Charity obtained it. T h e original building is almost lost amidst the mass of additions. It faced Syvanston Street, and now forms the east wing of the new main building which was thefirstaddition on the central block. Next was attached the west wing, and subsequently tyvo pavilions on the east side of the reserve. T h e old structure was capped with a curious sort of cupola formed of lead-covered wood, a style of finishing head-gear to which Mr. Samuel Jackson, the architect of several of the old buildings in toyvn, was partial. T h efirstsite granted for the purpose of an Hospital was the centre of the present large enclosure, and there was an oblique short cut from the Syvanston and Lonsdale Streets corner, close past the old door of the Hospital. T h e Annual Meeting in January 1850 came round yvhen only the following citizen subscribers were present, viz. : — T h e Revs. Dean Coffey, A. M . Ramsay and Doyvning ; Messrs. E. B. Greene, M . Lynch, T. Lane, J. F. Palmer, J. O'Shanassy and E. E. Williams. Though nine tailors are said to m a k e a man, nine m e n could not m a k e a legal quorum, and as the tenth unit was nowhere, the event had to be adjourned for a week. From the Annual Report submitted, it appeared that on the 1st January, 1849, there were 14 In-patients, and 183 had been admitted during the year following. O f this 197, 33 were w o m e n , 3 children, 46 died, 73 were cured, 32 relieved, 33 remained, 2 .were incurable, 2 discharged, and 9 left of their o w n accord. O n the roll of Out-patients, there were at date 123, viz, 95 men, 21 w o m e n , and 7 children. T h e subscriptions for the year amounted to ^ 3 8 5 is. 4d, obtained from Melbourne and its vicinity, whilst the country co-operation yielded only ^ 3 7 15s. 9d, although it was well-known that the preponderance of cases came from that quarter. Mr. E. Westby having resigned office as Treasurer in February, a special meeting yvas held to appoint a successor, when tyvo very unquestionable candidates were nominated, and a contested election ensued. T h e gentlemen proposed were both well-known, and held in high esteem, viz, Messrs. C. H . Ebden, and Frederick Cooper. Though the former polled two to one, the victory was not m u c h to be proud of, for the voting was — E b d e n six, and Cooper three. It was agreed to wrap a Secretary, Collector, and Accountant into one and the same h u m a n form, which was to be unmarried, and its remuneration to be ,£40 a year, with board and lodging. Out of thirty-three applicants only thirteen were considered to be in any way eligible for the billet, and on the 27th March, it was given to a Mr. Edward J. Abraham, a recent comer from Sydney. After he had been inducted a couple of weeks, it was discovered he was a Benedict, and had to resign, when the appointment was conferred upon a Mr. or rather, Rev. John Allen, who did not retain it long, and who is best known in our early history as an active originator of thefirstGas Company. A provision for "paying patients" was one of the articles of the programme approved by the original meeting yvhen the Hospital yvasfirstmooted, in March, 1841, and some such project was always favourably regarded by the public. T h e subject had been often revived, but the more pressing difficulties surrounding the inception of the Hospital kept it in abeyance. It was n o w renewed with so m u c h force in the newspapers, and otherwise, that the Committee of Management yvas forced to consider it, which yvas done at a special meeting, held for the purpose on the 14th June, 1850. A proposition was m a d e to set apart a ward sufficienttoaccommodate ten "paying patients," but the unanimous opinion yvas that it was undesirable to make any change, considering the limited dimensions of the building ; but in order to meet the wishes of such persons as desired to try the experiment, it was resolved to open a subscription to provide funds for the erection of a separate wing or ward in furtherance of such an object. The following month the posts of Resident Apothecary and Matron becoming vacant, from among thirty applicants, a Mr. and Mrs. Stone, neyvly landed from England, were chosen at salaries of ^ 6 0 and ^"35 per annum, with board and quarters. In January, 1851, the usual Annual Meeting was'held, and from the Committee's report of the res geslce of 1850, it would appear that there had been 189 admissions during the year, consisting of 148 males and 41 females, 84 having c o m e from the country and 105 being residents of and about Melbourne. T h e cures effected were 67, relieved 38, died 36, discharged or left of own accord 10, and remaining 38. In March the Committee had on hand ,£300 which they temporarily invested for the benefit of the Institution. One-half of this was no doubt the bequest of the M r . Hart, before noted. In M a y there was another change in the management of the dispensary by the appointment of Mr. Joseph Lewis; Mr. E. B. Greene became Honorary Secretary, and a M r . William Love, Secretary and Clerk. T h e Committee appeared to have worked zealously and with m u c h success throughout this year, as will be gathered from the periodical report brought up by Mr. (afterwards Sir R.) Barry, at the Annual Meeting in January, 1852. Additions and alterations to the building had been effected, but through certain deviations from the plans, the estimate of ,£460 had been m u c h exceeded, as the works cost ,£680 14s. R o o m for 26 more patients had been provided, and an improved system of ventilation and drainage secured. ^ 1 6 2 5s. 6d. had gone in the necessary outfit, and the Hospital was n o w in a state to receive and relieve 66 male and 14 female inmates. In May, 1851, the Committee remitted to England £ 140, for the purchase of drugs, surgical instruments, and apparatus. T h e grounds attached had been enclosed, trenched, and laid out, the unsightly irregularities of the surface levelled, trees planted, seeds of ornamental shrubs sown, walks formed, and "the means of healthful exercise and recreation afforded to the convalescent patients." T h e In-patients for 1851, in addition to 29 males and 9 females, i.e., 38, remaining in the house on thefirstJanuary were—males, 183; females, 3 7 ; total, 2 5 8 ; whilst the Out-patients numbered 118 males, and 41 females. All claims had been liquidated, except ,£8 8s. 6 d , not presented in time, and the balance of ordinary revenue at close ofthe year was ^ 3 2 4 9 s. 8 d , besides ^"300, decided to be invested permanently at interest on real property security. T h e amount applicable to maintenance for 1852, was ^,324 ps. 3d. T h e total number of patients treated at the Hospital for four years after its opening was :— Year
- In-patients. Out-patients. 89 1849 1850 1851
197 222 2
5§
93
•••
•••
123 i34 159
T h e marvellous changes during thirty years in the Melbourne Hospital m a y be imagined after a perusal ofthe report ofthe Charity for the year 1881 :— T h e amount received from subscriptions and sundry sources, and inclusive of £ 2 3 1 5 13s. 7d. from the Committee of the Hospital Sunday Fund, was ^ 7 1 7 8 ios, 2d, to which must be added the Parliamentary grant of ^ i 4 , 5 0 0 , making a total income of ,£21,678 16s. 2d. for the purpose of maintenance. The expenditure amounted to ,£22,278 9s. gd., which, with the balance of ,£5980 6s. rod, left an indebtedness of ,£6580 os. 5d. T h e Endowment Fund had been augmented by benefactions to the extent of ,£1088 12s.; the balance to credit was ,£12,185 9s. 2d. T h e total number of cases treated yvas 22,900, of which 18,877 had received medical and surgical aid, either as Out-patients or Casualties, and 4023 were treated in the wards of the Hospital. T h e general result of treatment is reported as-.—cured and relieved, 2874; discharged as incurable and from sundry causes, 183 ; died, 634; remaining in the Hospital on 31st December, 332. O f incurable cases received, into the wards, 108 died within twenty-four hours of admittance, and a large proportion of these were moribund when brought to the Institution. T h e Fortieth Annual Report furnishes the following additional particulars for the year 1887, which will be read with interest:— T h e receipts, including ^14,000 from the Parliamentary Grant, and ,£2325 u s . iod. from the Committee of the Hospital Sunday Fund, have amounted to ,£24,105 3s. 4d.; for the same period the expenditure has been .£23,558 ios. 9d, to which must be added the indebtedness from the previous year °f £l1°% 8s. 3d, leaving a debit balance of ,£7330 n s . 2d. Apartments for the accommodation of the Pathologist and the Students attending his demonstrations, with the addition of a Jury R o o m for use at inquests, are completed. T h e imperative necessity for proper provision for the comfort of the Nursing Staff received the early attention of the Committee; as further delay could not be justified it was decided to remodel the old buildings and make such additions as would furnish space, with other necessary offices as the circumstances required. T h e new buildings have been occupied for some months, and the Nurses' House is noyv an important feature in the establishment. Improved accommodation was also required for the male staff of the Hospital; to meet this want a range of buildings extending along the Russell Street boundary have been constructed, which provide dormitories, workshops, etc. These works, together with those previously described, have involved an expenditure of ,£4823 14s. 8d. A sum of ^'700 has been allocated from the Parliamentary vote in aid ofthe expenditure for the Nurses' House, but the Committee trust that a future representation of the claims of the Hospital for increased assistance on account of expenditure for buildings will be deemed worthy of recognition. During the year the E n d o w m e n t Fund has increased by sundry bequests to the extent of ,£4539 2s. 8d, bringing the total of the Fund up to ,£29,924 19s. gd., of which sum ,£29,897 16s. iod. is deposited at interest. During the past year the Hospital has afforded medical and surgical assistance to 19,519 persons; of these 15,926 have been treated as Out-patients, and 3593 have been admitted to the wards; of this number 2628 have been discharged, cured or relieved, 123 have left as incurable or for various reasons, 574 have died, and 268 remained in the Institution at the close ofthe year, O f the fatal cases 179 died within 72 hours of admission. O f typhoid fever patients there were 430 treated throughout the year, the mortality being 13.95 per cent. T h e aggregate of patients treated in the Institution since its foundation in and including the years 1848 and 1887, are as follow :—In-patients 106,227, Out-patients 523,751; grand total 629,978. T h e totals of Receipts and Expenditure during the last eleven years (1877-1887 inclusive) are thus stated:—Receipts—Government Grants, ,£159,500; Private Subscriptions, ^87,781 7s. 5d.; Other sources, ,£9542 5s. 2d. ; Grand Total, ,£256,823 12s. ,d. Expenditure under all heads, ^269,785 14s. -jd. T h e " Sunday Hospital F u n d " has, since its inception fifteen years ago, contributed the handsome sum of ,£35,672 9s. id. to the revenue ofthe Melbourne Hospital. Mr. James Williams, a popular and most courteous official, performs the Secretarial duties of the establishment. T h e original building is almost lost amidst the mass of additions. It faced Swanston Street, and now forms the east wing of the new main building yvhich was thefirstaddition on the central block. Next was attached the west wing, and subsequently tyvo pavilions on the east side of the reserve. T h efirstsite granted for the purpose of an Hospital was the centre of the present enclosure. R