THE RADIUM FUND

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 180, 24 April 1924, Page 10

THE RADIUM FUND

QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY HOSPITAL BOARD STILL WAITING S When the Wellington citizens set out to raise £lO,OOO in order to establish a radium department in connection with the public hospital some four months ago, it was generally accepted that the Government would subsidise the amount collected £1 for £1; indeed, the amount to be raised from the public was based upon that conclusion. The Government has not refused tlrs subsidy, but for over a month past those interested have been unable to get any satisfaction on the point, though the £lO,OOO and more has been raised for some weeks. . The matter came before tho Hospital Board yesterday, when the Finance and Policy Committee reported that advice had been received from the private secretary to the Prime Minister stating that he was unable to make a definite appointment at present for the Prime Minister to receive a deputation from the board and Radium Fund Committee re the payment of subsidy on contributions for the purchase and installation of radium. A later clause in the report recommended: “That the board lecord its warmest appreciation and thanks in recognition of the services specially rendered by the Mayor and the Radium Committee for their great efforts in raising almost £ll,OOO for the, establishment of an up-to-date radium and X-ray deep therapy department at the Wellington General Hospital. The committee, all helpers, and the Press are to be heartily congratulated o:i the successful result of their efforts in such a noble undertaking.” The chairman (Mr. F. Castle) stated that it was disappointing that they had not got the subsidy, for its receipt would finalise the radium business. If they did not get the subsidy the Radium Committee would have to be kept alive and another appeal be made to the public, but he could not conceive the Government refusing. Voices: "No, no.” Tho chairman 'added that though they had been unable to get an interview with the Prime Minister, owing to his time being occupied by other urgent matters, they were still keeping in touch with his .secretary in the hope of securing an early interview.