HOME FOR THE AGED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 138, 13 June 1929, Page 27

HOME FOR THE AGED.

NORTH AUCKLAND PROBLEM.

CEKTRALISATION PROPOSED.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WHANGAREI, this day,

The advisability of establishing one central home for all North Auckland's aged needy was discussed at a meeting oF the Wliangarei Hospital Board.

Messrs. J. W. Jones, chairman, and T. Hedley, a member of the Bay off Islands Hospital Board, and Mr. U. B. Berry, 01 the Kaikohe Town Board, waited upon the Wliangarei board. Mr. Jones explained that the Bay of Islands board had either to build an old people's home, for which purpose £500 had been placed on the estimates, with the reluctant consent of the Health Department, or to make some arrangement with the Whangarei board, to contribute pro rata, or pay a fixed amount per year. The existing hospital building was inadequate for the claims made upon it, and the Bay of Islands board would shortly he called upon to consider a new building scheme. Whether the home should be built at Kawakawa, or the old people centralised was a matter on which there was a sharp division of opinion. He could not state definitely what policy the recentlyelected board would adopt. Mr. T. Ellis, chairman of the Wliangarei board, referred to the. stated opinion of the Minister of Health that a central home for all North Auckland aged should be established in Wliangarei. Acting on his suggestion, he said, the Wliangarei board had purchased a property which was adequate for the purpose. He asked whether the other northern boards were, likely to favour centralisation . Mr. Jones replied that whereas the Bav of Islands and Whangaroa had supported centralisation, other hoards had rejected it. Mangonui and Hokianga were now provided for. In answer to questions, Mr. Hedley stated that the Bay of Islands board was caring for six old men, two of whom were cot cases and would not be removed. Mr. Berry pointed out that the large gumfield population made the numher needing care fluctuate between four to 10. The Bay board was not likely to entertain an agreement for less than two years. At this point a telegram was received from the Minister of Health. He said he regretted that he saw no possibility of calling a conference of North Auckland boards at present, but he would do so immediately after the session. The Wliangarei board's answer to the deputation was postponed until Friday evening. In the meantime the Licensing Committee will have met. If a license for Kamo Springs is refused and its purchase by private, enterprise falls through, the board will have ample accommodation.