HOSPITAL SANATORIA

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 66, 18 March 1924, Page 8

HOSPITAL SANATORIA

A DUNEDIN GRIEVANCE.

(BT TELEGRAPH I'IIESS ASSOCIATION.)

DUNEDIN, This Day

The treatment of consumption was the subject of a deputation frgm the Hospital Board to Sir Maui Pomare. Mr. Knight, chairman of tile board, pointed out that the South Island was- not on an equitable basis with the North. The latter had turned' down the Department's proposal to take over the sanatoria at Pukeora and Otaki, and the Government was now running those institutions as part of the national system. The South Island main hospital boards had established the Waipiata Sanatorium as part of the proposal adopted by the conference of the four main boards of the Dominion in 1922. He pointed out that the rateable value of the Otago Board district was 22 millions, as compared with 60 millions for the North Canterbury, Wellington, and Auckland Boards, while the North Island had not dono as much to make provision for treatment. The northern boards were on a good'financial, wicket. He urged the nationalisation of the system. . Mr. Queloh, another member, suggested that experts be established in the main centres.

Replying, the Minister, referring to finance, stated that the Otago Board was getting 23s 8d subsidy against Wellington's 11s lid, Auckland's 19s 7d, and Hamilton's . 16s 7d. He promised that the representations would be seriously considered. He would not commit himself on the issue of nationalisation. He thought they had a grievance against tne North Island boards. His opinion was that the boards should control the sanatoria.