THE MATERNITY HOME.

Evening Star, Issue 12873, 24 July 1906, Page 3

THE MATERNITY HOME.

Shortly after "the Premier's arrival last, evening a deputation waited on him at the Grand Hotel with regard to the plans of the Maternity Home in North Dunedin. Mr J. A. Millar, M.H.R., introduced the deputation, who consisted of Dr Batchelor (a member of the Charitable Aid Dr Hocfeen, and Mr T. K. Sidey, M.HJ2. (members of the University Council). Mr J. F. Arnold and. Mr A, R. Barclay, M.H.R.S, were also present. Mr Miflsa- explained that the object of <tbe interview was in regard to the ballding grant of £SOO given by the Government towards the altering and fxaxßShing of the old Female Refuge. For some tame past Dr Batchelor had been endeavoring to get a maternity home established in the City, and the Hospital Trustees had agreed to hand over the old Female Refuge for the purpose. The , plans of the alterations it was proposed to effect had been approved by the Government, bat when a start was made with the work it was found that the wooden portion of the building was rotten—it had been destroyed by the borer. Dr Batchelor and his committee then decided to pull down the wooden part and to reerect in brick, and the doctor now wished to submit the plans of the bmlding in brick as against those of a building in wood. There was no request for more money. The bnildings could not be proceeded with until the Minster luid approved of the plans. Dr Batcbakrr said the matter was one of urgency in the interest of the Medical School. The students could not, under existing arrangements, be taught one of the most important branches of their work, and it was in view of that fact, he believed, thai the late Mr Seddon agreed to recommend a grant of £SOO. The Premier said that a building in brick wonld undoubted iy be preferable to a building in wood for many reasons—sanitary and otherwise. He would have a look at the plans in the morning. Mr Sidey expresed the approval of the University Conncil in the proposal to establish a maternity home, asm! mentioned that the Vice-Chancellor would b»ve been present if he had been in town.