NAPIER HOSPITAL

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 78, 2 April 1931, Page 17

NAPIER HOSPITAL

SAFETY OF SITE

FARMERS HAVE DOUBTS

Though the report made by the Government Geologist, Dr. J. Henderson, to the Hawkes Bay Hospital Board is that the old site is excellent from a geological point of view, and that no signs of cracks similar to those that the- ground close to cliffs and steep slopes and several points on the Bluff had suffered were noted, there is much difference of opinion among Napier and Hawkes Bay people generally. "I object entirely to any construction of the Napier Hospital on the present site," said Mr. W. G. Livingstone at a meeting of the Farmers' Union. "It should bo constructed on low, round hills, where the people can get away if necessary. In Napier they can't get away. I believe that_ that is the opinion of every person in this town." Mr. Livingstone added that the present Napier Hospital was on unsafo ground, and the Jellicoe ward was on' an earthquake ledge. It would bo a great mistake to reconstruct the buildings on the oia site. Every precaution should be taken. Mr. J. H. Joll expressed' his agreement with thoso views, ana said that the ratepayers should certainly be consulted in any rebuilding proposals. Ho thought it most .unwise that hospital buildings should be erected again on the existing sites. The chairman, Mr. B. E. Talbot,. said that the geologist's report had said that the site was safe, but though some members agreed generally with the report the meeting was unanimously of the opinion that it should be a recommendation from the Hawkes Bay Farmers' Union that the present Napier Public Hospital buildings should be not rebuilt on the present site at least until the effect of the winter's rams had been observed. ;