CHILDRENS' WARD BUILDING FUND.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 13597, 4 December 1909, Page 10

CHILDRENS' WARD BUILDING FUND.

TO THE EDITOR OF "THE PRESS."

g; r In regard to the extra expenditure on the foundations for the children's and women's wards, quoted at t.he annual meeting of the Hospital Board and published in yesterday'e

''Press," I beg to say that, as a member of the Building Committee of the above fund, I most strongly and distinctly disapprove of the Building Committee not being summoned to a meeting to consult on such expenditure. The Building Committee was appointed to act, and lady members were placed on it'to watch the interests of the ladies' committee, they having collected the money which enables the children's ward to be built. The Building Committee has never been disbanded, and, as its name implies, is in evidence as long as building operations are going on. I hold a typed statement of figures given mc by Mr Payling, our late chairman, applying to various items, including, amongst others, £1000 to be allowed for thoroughly furnishing the children's ward, the matron, Miss Thtireton, and myself to have the selection of such furnishings, and £150 to provide two picture in tiles and two tablets for the names of donors and districts giving £50.

I had laid before the Building Committee the fact that by the end of this year we hoped to have, by money in hand and promises, just over £10,000, including subsidy, etc., and the cost of the whole children's ward was to be £10,138. including the aforesaid sums of £1000 and £150. The tender given for the two wards by Messrs W. and W. Smith was £14.292, so I think the children's ward is bearing a fair and right proportion in the £10,138, and that money we shall have when all is in and subsidies obtained. Thanking you in anticipation,—Yours, etc., JANET E. CROOKE, Hon. Secretary Ladies' Committee, Children W.B. Fundi, and member of the Building Committee of the Children's Ward, Christchureh Hospital. The Hospital House, Christchurch, December 3rd.