Mr. L. S. Wilkes having retired in June, 1896, from the office of Steward and Secretary of the Wellington Hospital, Mr. W. J. Rountree was appointed to fill the vacancy.

Mr. William John Rountree, Steward and Secretary of the Wellington District Hospital, occupied the same office for seven-and-a-half years prior to April, 1893, when he resigned. On the retirement of his successor, Mr. Wilkes, in June, 1896, Mr. Rountree was selected to resume this important office.