TAUMARUNUI HOSPITAL.

NEW DISTRICT TO BE FORMED. PETITION WHICH SUCCEEDED. [by. telegraph.—own correspondent.] TAtraiABTJNUi, Tuesday. The Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes (Minister in charge of Hospitals) arrived from Waitomo last night, and was met by the Mayor, members of the Borough.Council, and th 3 Chamber of Commerce. Afterwards he received a petition with nearly 1600 signatures in favour of a separate hospital district, and an independent hospital for Taumarunui. The petition was backed up by representatives of all the local bodies in the districts proposed to be included. Mr. Lyon represented Ohura County, and Mr. Ford Ivaitieke County and Manunui Town Board. Mr. Wackrow (Mayor of Taumarunui), Mr. Winger (president of the Chamber of Commerce), Mr. A. S. Laird (district coroner), and several others spoke in support of the scheme. The Minister, in reply said he was perfectly satisfied the time had arrived for the desired change. No difficulty would be experienced in including Kaitieke and Ohura Counties in their entirety, but legislation would bo necessary for cutting off portions of Waitomo and West Taupo Counties, which were also included in the proposed area. He would, however, prepare this legislation on his return to Wellington. The new building would be subsidised £ for £ according to the Act, and if £600 were raised in the district the remainder supplied by the Government would erect the fever ward, etc., which, in addition to the surgical ward already in existence, would meet the requirements. - Much gratification was expressed at this happy solution of the difficulties, and cordial thanks were conveyed to the Minister by the members of the deputation.

At a supper to which the Minister and his visitors were subsequently entertained, some interesting speeches on matters of general and local interest were made, and Mr. Rhodes expressed himself as much gratified with the kind reception accorded him on the occasion of this, his first visit to the King Country.