VISIT BY MINISTER

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 77, 11 January 1949, Page 2

VISIT BY MINISTER

Miss M. Howard at Ashburton

LUNCHEON AT TUARANGI

For the first time since she was raised to Ministerial rank, the Minister for Health (Miss Mabel Howard) Raid a short visit to Ashburton this afternoon. During this, she inspected Tuarangi Home and the Public Hospital. i

The visit was largely the result of a suggestion made to Miss Howard, at the recent opening of the new wing of Glenelg Health Camp, by the Mayor (Mr E. C. Bathurst) and Mrs F. Curtis. They pointed out to the Minister that she had not yet inspected the hospital at Ashburton, and Miss Howard, though she commented that there was never any occasion for such an inspection. as everything proceeded so smoothly here, said she would make a visit in the near future, if at all possible.

The Minister, accompanied by Mrs M. Green, of the North Canterbury Hospital Board (which controls Tuarangi Home),-and her private secretary (Miss M. Malempre), arrived at Tuarangi Home about noon. They were met there by Mr R. G. Gerard, M.P., the Mayor and Mrs Bathurst, after which the home was thoroughly inspected. The whole party was later entertained at luncheon by Mrs Corbett, the matron. The Master,, Mr N. W. Corbett, is at present on holiday.

About 2.30 this afternoon, the Minister and her party visited the Ashburton Hospital, where a further inspection was made. The visitors then had afternoon tea with the staff and menu bers of the Board.

On the way to the hospital, Miss Howard and party paid visits to the Creche in the Community Centre building, to the Allenton Sports Club, and to the old Allenton Fire Station which is now being converted into a free kindergarten.

On arrival at the hospital, they were welcomed in a brief speech by Mr C. A. Campion, chairman of the Hospital Board. Accompanied by the Medical Superintendent (Mr A. J. Mason) and the Matron (Miss V. Dearsley), Miss Howard and party then made a complete tour of the institution.