ORTHOPEDIC CENTRE

Evening Star, Issue 25224, 11 July 1944, Page 4

ORTHOPEDIC CENTRE

AMPUTEES OBJECT TO PARNELL ON STEEP SITE, AND UNCONGENIAL (P.A.) AUCKLAND, July 11. Following the .representations of a deputation from the Auckland and Waikato War Amputees' Association to-day, the mayor (Mr Allum) sent a telegram to the Minister of Rehabilitation advising the Government that a strong pro--test had been made by these organisations and by individuals against the establishment of the vocational training and lintb-fitting centre for Auckland on the old Parnell School site, and reminding the Government that the buildings on the site were temporary and when no longer required for direct war purposes must ibe removed. Mr Allum said' the City Council, which controlled the land, knew nothing officially about the Government's proposal, but the site, like all other reserves in Auckland on which buildings had been erected for war reasons, would have to be cleared when no longer required. He told the deputation he had oeen greatly impressed by what the Americans were doing for men who had lost limbs in the war, and said he. felt ashaaned. of the provision made for New Zealand men.

The leader of the deputation, Mr T. 0. Browne, said the reason given by the Government for its decision to establish an orthopedic centre at Parnell was that if it undertook the construction of new premises there would be too much delay in provision of the necessary facilities. The Parnell site was unsuitable because of the steepness of the rise, the uncongenial surroundings, traffic dangers, and the noise and smoke-laden atmosphere.