EPSOM INFIRMARY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 266, 9 November 1928, Page 12

EPSOM INFIRMARY.

REPLY TO AXJLEGAfIONS. HOSPITAL BOARD CHAIRMAN'S ' REMARKS. Sitting on the platform with Mr. M. J. Savage in the Heme Bay Hall last evening was Mr. W. Wallace, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, of which the Parliamentary representatives for Auckland West is also a member. The chairman explained that Mr. Wallace was there to refute the allegations of Mr. R. Speirs, the United party's candidate, concerning the alleged treatment accorded sufferers at the Epsom tuberculous shelters.

Mr. Wallace said he had no creed,■ no religion, and no politics where the hospital world was concerned. First and foremost the Government had no responsibility in controlling the Infirmary. It was true that after very heavy rain a little water appeared about 30ft from the shelters, but it disappeared in about half an hour. It was also true that the night nurs.es wore gum-boots when walking round the paths in bad weather. This was done for their own protection. Mr. Wallace made a spirited denial of Mr. Speirs' allegations concerning the medical treatment, and said the men received every attention. Mr. Wallace had visited them that day and those patients had had nothing but praise for Dr. Mackelvie. There never had been a complaint from the women concerning food and only one from a man about the way it was cooked. Mr. Wallace asked for the fullest publicity for his remarks, because not one complaint could be laid at the door of the Government nor on Mr. Savage. The only object behind Mr. Speirs' attack was to "get one on to Mr. Savage," who, according to Mr. Wallace, was one of the finest men to work with on the Hospital Board. Mr. Wallace hoped Mr. Speirs would apologise for his statements at the first available opportunity.

Mr. Savage referred to Mr. Wallace's enthusiasm and valuable work on the Hospital Board. As chairman he gave much of his time to his years of faithful service. It was regrettable that candidates for elections did not stick to politics. Mr. Savage then went on to give his views on the political situation and traced the Labour party's history from 1914. He referred to Reform as the most unpopular Government and One that had not delivered the goods. As far as the United party was concerned they appeared to be mostly officers, but not many soldiers. Mr. Savage discussed finances on lines similar to his previous addresses, stating that State advances should be extended and not curtailed. The candidate received an excellent hearing and there was not a single interruption.