MATERNITY HOMES

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16217, 21 May 1918, Page 3

MATERNITY HOMES

OXFORD. Having proposed to establish a maternity hoino at Oxford, tho Buildings Committee of the North Canterbury Hospital and cauiitable Aid Board, consisting of the chairman (Mr Horxoll), and Messrs Sorensen, Cooper, and Otloy, tho secretary (Mr Yiliurton), and Dr. Chcssou, visited the district for the purpose of choosing a site. After making an inspection of tho proposed sites, it was dccided to purchase fivo acres adjoining the Hcreivard road, the property of Ml' \\\ H. Alford. The price was very satisfactory, and the ground is eminently suited for the purpose. It has a good elevar tion, good drainage, and a flue outlook. The committee, the County Council, and tho residents who had foregathered expressed themselves as delighted with it. The visitors were then entertained at dinner. _ ~ Mr F. Horrell thanked the Oxford Council for the entertainment, and expressed satisfaction with tlie progress made in the establishment of the home. He referred to the increased coat and maintenance, and <0 the increase of institutions under the control of tho Board. Important and ncccssary work wsa being undertaken, and such work cost money, but the money was well spent. Ho urged the Oxford residents to take a great interest in their institution, and help themBelvos as much as they could. Tho more help they contributed the moro assistance would they receive. Mr Hawke (chairman of tho County Council) replied, and assured tho Hospital Board that Oxford would do its part in maintaining interest in tho institution. As soon as possible a working bee would be arranged, the ground ploughed, and shelter trees planted. Mr Otley urged that the establishment of a maternity home and hospital was an insurance scheme, and as such would benelit all concerned. Ho hoped that the nursing part would be always full, and tho hospital part empty. . , , „ Several offers of assistance wer© matle Dy local residents. WAIPAIIA. A meeting of ratepayers was held at Wains ra , on Saturday evening to discuss matters in connexion with the proposed maternity home aud casualty ward at NV.-uka.ri. Mr D. D McFarlane, a member of the County Council, presided, and thirteen'other ratepayers were present. Tho chairman stated that as there seemed to be some opposition to the hospital scheme, the Council "had decided to givo tho ratepavers another opportunity expressing their views. When" the meeting was held at Waikari 011 February 12th last, tho position, with regard to cost wa3 rather uncertain, and tho amount mentioned as tho probable cost was in tho region of £6000. Subsequent investigation had Droved tha-t the cost of the building, with" furnishings, would be £3200. An excellent Bite was procurable at £150 and taking all other contingencies into consideration, the cost would not exceed £4000, as there was abundant water on the section. . , At tho request of the chairman Mr Lindsay (Countv clerk) put before the meeting tho different asoects of the proposal. After considerable discussion, the substance nf which was that a hospital at Waikari would not benefit tho Waipura people, Mr Boon proposed, and Mr O'Connoll seconded the following motiou, which was carried unanimously:—"That this meeting of ratepayers considers tho hospital proposal to be unbusinesslike, and unreasonable at tho present time, as tho difficulty of procuring a suitable staff is insurmountable." Mr Dalton remarked that the place for a hospital for the cofnty was at Waipara seein" that it was the junction of the railway, and that if a maternity homo wero erected, it would only bo a waste of money, as prospective mothers could not bo induced to outer a pub-lic institution. , , , The meeting closed with a vote of thanKs to tho chairman and tho county clerk.