NEW ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24983, 18 September 1946, Page 6

NEW ST. HELENS HOSPITAL

DRAINAGE OF SITE CRITICISED BOARD NOT ASKED FOR WATER LEVELS Criticism of the site of the new St. Helens Maternity Hospital was made by the chairman (Mr H. G. Livingstone) at last evening’s meeting of the Christchurch Drainage Board. “It is a basin and the worst and wettest area in the city area,” he said, when thedrainage of the site was discussed. The District Public Works Engineer had written asking if the board would extend the stormwater system in Colombo street and Durham street to the new hospital. The works committee reported that it would appear that there was a fall to the side channels from the site of the hospital, and the expense (£ 1000) of extending the stormwater sewers in either street did not seem warranted.

When Mr Livingstone said it was common knowledge that the site of the hospital and block had been changed. Mr W. P. Glue said he would give the answer “in committee.”

“The worst and wettest area in the city between the avenue was selected as the site for the maternity home,” Mr Livingstone said. “Very expensive buildings have been bought and will be removed, and at this stage, after almost years of negotiation, the hospital building is to be shifted.” Mr Glue: To the original line. The engineer (Mr E. F. Scott) said that according to the levels supplied to the board there seemed to be a fall to both of the side channels to take water off. The department asked the board to extend the relief sewer up Salisbury street and up Durham street at a cost of £lOOO. He did not think the expense was warranted. Mr Glue: Did they offer ’to pay £1000?

Mr Scott: No. They asked if the board could do the work. “What is £lOOO on top of £256.000?” asked Mr Glue.

“The hosptial is costing £256.000. and do you mean to say that the board has never been asked about the water level in the sub-soil?”' asked the chairman. in a question directed to the board’s officers. The secretary (Mr C. F. Champion): We have had no communication whatever from them.