MATERNITY WARD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 121, 25 May 1927, Page 15

MATERNITY WARD.

OTEEDS OF BOTOBUA.

MR. HOCKLY PROMISES HELP. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent) ROTORL'A. this day. Mesdames W. L. Richards. F. C. Davidson, .r. X. McLean and A. T. L'oates, representing the Women's Club, with the Mayor and other local bodv representatives. waited on Mr. F. F. Hockly, M.P., last night to discuss the question of a maternity ward in the King George V. Hospital. Mrs. Richards, president of the club, said Dr. Valintine, in November, 19*215, visited Rotonia and said the request was reasonable and practicable and would between £000 and £4<H). The Minister had refused the request. She pointed out that the late matron. Miss White, and Dr. W. S. Wallis were strongly in favour uf the proposal.

Mr. H. P. Ford, chairman of the County Council, quoted the Minister's remarks, in which he stressed the number of fatal cases in childbirth in the out-districts. He believed every mother was entitled to treatment, whether paid for or not. M.\ W. Hill, representative of the district on the Waikato Hospital Board, said the board had not been approached except by correspondence sent by the Minister personally. He was sympathetic and agreed with the Women's Club that a separate building was unnecessary and that the empty wards in the King (.ieorge V. Hospital should be utilised. By doing this the Government would be economising. Mr. Hockly said the drastic restrictions of the Government were closing private maternity homes, and the Government should shoulder the responsibility. He knew Dr. Yalintine had been sympathetic and was disappointed at the Minister's refusal of the request. He assured the deputation he would do his best in Wellington to push the matter.