6 



nor. The annual fee, which had been $4, was increased to 

 $10. 



In Januay, 1881, the Dominion Government, which had, 

 in former times, been rather stingy in its dealings with the 

 hospital, passed an order in council, authorizing the payment 

 of 60 cents per day for each immigrant patient treated. At 

 the time of which I speak this was quite a source of revenue 

 to the directors, over $18,000 having been paid during the 

 two years. 



In 1883 the Charity Aids Act passed by the local Gov- 

 ernment secured tO' every hospital approved by the Governor 

 in Council payment of 25 cents per day for every free patient 

 treated. The City Council twice increased its grant during 

 these two years. The original annual grant of $500 was first 

 advanced to $1,200 and again to $5,000. A by-law at the 

 same time was passed, giving the city representation of one 

 on the board of directors for each $5,000 given. At the 

 present day the grant is $10,000. The municipalities began 

 to send in contributions more regularly, and Hospital Sun- 

 day became an ;established fact, although it has always been 

 difficult to have all the churches make their collections on the 

 same Sunday. 



Perhaps the most pleasing event during these two years 

 was the establishment in 1883 of the suggestion of Mrs. W. 

 G. Dennison, of the "Women's Hospital Aid Society, the ob- 

 ject being to supply the hospital vrith bedding, clothing and 

 other necessary comforts. Although the ladies of the city 

 had somewhat fitfully taken an interest in the hospital from 

 time to time, and by donations had supplied its wants, the or- 

 ganization of this society not only assured a more regular sup- 

 ply of household necessaries, but also a careful supervision of 

 the same, and was a great rehef to the board of directors. 



