The Palmerston Hospital

Feilding Star, Volume XV, Issue 123, 22 November 1893, Page 2

The Palmerston Hospital

♦ . . Yesterday was a red-letter day in the history of the Palmerston district, the occasion being the opening of the hospital. At half-past two there were over 900 people, chiefly ladies, including visitors from Feilding, Aahurst, Campbelltown, Foxton, and other places. Mr G. M. Snelson, Chairman of the Board, referred to the great benefit to humanity which the institution would be, and said that now the ladies of the district had the franchise they would no doubt use the influence which they had thus gained in assisting to make the hospital the glorious success which he believed it would be. Fancy a district, which contained only about 20,000 people having an institution which cost something like £4000, erected by almost entirely voluntary subscriptions. They had received in donations to the hospital £1933 9s 6d, the Government subsidy on which was £1917 15s, besides an extra Government grant of £258 odd, or a total of £4109 1 6s lid. The total cost of the building and grounds was £3691 1 Is 6d. He asked His Worship the Mayor to open the building. The Mayor said it gave him great pleasure to open such a grand institution during his term of office. The hospital would be a great boon to suffering humanity, and would do away with that barbarous mode of conveying patients hundreds of miles, after being injured, for treatment. He then unlocked the main door of the building, and declared the hospital open amidst cheers. The Rev. Father Patterson said as the oldest clergyman in Palmerston he had taken a deep interest in the institution, and words were inadequate to express his gratitude on its being opened that day. The chairman and members of the Board deserved every praise, and thanks were also due to Mrs Snelson, while the active and worthy secretary, Mr Butherfurd, was also deserving of credit. Suffering humanity would ever pray and think of those who had been so kind and generous to them. The interior of the building was then inspected by those present, and the excellent character of the arrangements was greatly admired. Afternoon tea was provided in the dining room, and a large number partook of the many good things provided for them. Crowds continued to arrive during the whole of the afternoon, and it is estimated that over 1000 people visited the hospital during the day. — : Standard.

A meeting was held in Mr Bray's office, Feilding, at 12.30 to-day for the purpose of electing members to represent the grouped districts of Oroua on the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. There were present — Messrs Kendall (representing the Fitzherbert Road Board), G. L. Ravenhill (Manawatu Road Board), J. Purkiss (Halcombe Town Board), H. J. Booth (Manchester Road Board), T. R. Taylor (Kiwitea Road Board). Mr C. Bray presided. The following were nominated : — Mr Taylor, nominated by Mr Ravenhill. and Mr Furkiss j Mr Ravenhill, nominated by Mr Purkiss and Mr Taylor ; Mr Kendall, nominated by Mr Booth and Ravenhill ; Mr P. Y. Lethbridge, nominated by Mr Kendall and Mr Booth. As these were the only nominations and were for the required number of vacancies the chairman declared them duly elected.