THAMES HOSPITAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 214, 10 September 1935, Page 8

THAMES HOSPITAL.

OFFER OF CRIPPLES , HOME. APPLICATION FOR RELIEF. (By Telegraph. —Own Correspondent.) THAMES, this day. The Thames Hospital Board met yesterday, .Mr. P. Brenan presiding. Tin- acting-town clerk wrote regarding tlie appointment of representatives to the Thames Auxiliary Committee and the' Crippled Children's Society. Tlie board appointed the chairman its representative. After consideration of quotations for the installation of an internal telephone system, it was decided to hold the matter ii; abeyance. The secretary stated that the present bell system was satisfactory. A circular letter was received from the Director-General of Health, advising that in dealing with applications for relief from men refused or dismissed from relief works the applications should, \u general, be declined unless relief was urgently necessary in the interests of the health of the man or his family. The circular was received. The secretary of the New Zealand Crippled Children's Society advised that the offer of Mr. IT. Claxton, of a house. property at Thames, had received full consideration. While greatly appreciating the generosity, the society was not iii a position to accept.the offer. Mr. Claxton wrote stating that he had definitely stated that he did not propose to allow his property to be sold and the proceeds devoted to the funds of the society. His intention in offering the property was that it should he used for the treatment of crippled children residing in the hospital board's area. He amended his offer to the board that tlie property might be used as a convalescent home or as a children's hospital, to bq established and maintained in efficient order by the board. Failing the board's acceptance he would be reluctantly compelled to withdraw his offer. The chairman said that it was clearly not the intention of the society to establish homes in various hospital districts. He did not think the number of cripples in the Thames district warranted the provision of a treatment home. It would be better for any children so afflicted to receive treatment in the main centres. Tin , board, however, was deeply appreciative of the splendid offer made by Mr. Claxton. who realised that the establishment and maintenance of either a cripples' home or a children's hospital was beyond the ability of the board at present.