GRANT SOUGHT FOR RANNERDALE HOME

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32458, 19 November 1970, Page 18

GRANT SOUGHT FOR RANNERDALE HOME

(From Our Own ‘ Reporter) WELLINGTON, • Nov. 18. A Government grant will be- sought for the building -of extensions at the Rannerdale Veteran§’ Home, the cost of which has been estimated at $258,887. At its annual meeting today the New Zealand Patriot tic Fund Board followed the lead of the canteen council by carrying two particular resolutions without dissent. The first recommended that the boards make a direct approach to the Government for an appropriate grant for the Rannerdale extensions: the second said that the additions should not be pro-

ceeded with unless the appropriate Government grant was available. The main reason for this decision was the depletion of funds. This is not readily apparent, as the board controls a total of $4,630,940 fas at September 30). This is made up of $2,059,500, general funds; $1,041,440 reserve, and $1,530,000 in the control of the fourteen provincial councils. Heavy commitment A projected expenditure, having regard to the heavy commitment of the boards in welfare work, has revealed that in the next five years the boards will spend $2,085,000, leaving a balance at September 30, 1975, of $2,545,940. Officers reported that already there had been spme requirement for the realisation of capital. “No further accommoda-

tion can be financed' from the funds of the board,” said the chairman (Sir Hamilton Mitchell). “The standing committee has been concerned at the gradual run-down in our funds,”' said the deputychairman (Mr J. B, Brown), reporting on the work of the welfare committee of the combined boards. “There will be no change in the policy of the welfare; committee, however.” ; Sir Hamilton Mitchell said that following the authority given at the last meeting of the boards, the architects were authorised to prepare sketch-plans for a further 50 beds at Rannerdale, to be erected on the site of the present villa. This would mean an eventual net increase of 37 beds at the home, as five men were accommodated in the villa (to be demolished) and eight in staff quarters upstairs in the main building, which would revert to staff use. Cost rises "It had always been assumed that the disposal of Beverley Home would go-a long way towards meeting the cost,” Sir Hamilton Mitchell explained. "To our horror we found that the cost of the new building would be in the neighbourhood of $250,000, while the return from the demolition of Beverley Home would leave a gap of something like $200,000.” The estimate for the Rannerdaie extensions ,is $221,887 plus architects’ and other fees, $25,000, afid alterations to existing building, $12,000. To this would be added the cost of siteworks, the demolition of the villa, the widening of the service drive, and the cost offurniture. It was explained that homes of this nature were not eligible for the normal type of subsidy, given to religious and other institutions for old persons’ homes. Because of the fact that they were limited to ex-service personnel, they would require assistance of another nature. An outright grant would possibly cover the position.