NO DOCTOR AT RUNANGA

Press, Volume C, Issue 29712, 4 January 1962, Page 11

NO DOCTOR AT RUNANGA

Mine Maintenance Work Suspended

The Mines Department has suspended all maintenance work at the Strongman and Liverpool State mines for the time being. No disagreement between the management and the men is involved. The reason for the stoppage of work is that Runanga is at present without a doctor.

Dr. J. L. McLaurin, who has been practising at Runanga for the last few months, left on Monday for England where he will continue his post-graduate studies. Dr. J. Martin of Napier, who was on his way to commence practice at Runanga, was taken ill in Christchurch on Friday, and it is expected that it will be some days before he will arrive on the West Coast

The Runanga Miners’ Medi. cal Association discussed the position with the Mines Department. and it was decided to suspend work in the mean, time.

The president of the association (Mr J. T. McPhee) explained yesterday that the work at the two mines was a big job, and that at Strongman was a dangerous one. Mr McPhee added that it was hoped that the stoppage would not last more than a few days. The association had endeavoured to obtain the services of doctors in other mining areas, but Brunner had recently lost its medical practitioner, Dr. H. F, Drake, who has transferred to the North Island said Mr McPhee.