HOKITIKA HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSES WATER SUPPLY PROPOSALS

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 October 1948, Page 2

HOKITIKA HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSES WATER SUPPLY PROPOSALS

(0.C.) HOKITIKA, This Day. Considerable discussion took place at this week’s meeting of the Westland Hospital Board, following a report by the secretary that an engineer from the Health Department had, during a visit of inspection, expressed the opinion that the present water supply from the pump was sufficient for the hospital and that the carbon dioxide content could be eliminated by boiling. It was stated that the Health Department engineer was expected to return at an early date to discuss the heating with the board and it was resolved that a special meeting, which will be held to discuss the heating, be postponed until the proposed lay-out of the department’s scheme has been received. Commenting upon the reported statement by the Health Department’s engineer, the chairman of the board pointed out that the treating of the full hospital supply by boiling was going to prove costly both in regard to installation and annual recurring costs. Such an excellent supply existed at Lake Kaniere, in close proximity to the hospital, that it was foolish to suggest such schemes. If the total hospital supply of water had to go through this boiling process, it could not be other than costly. It was decided to engage a consulting engineer, the board’s engineer to report to the board on the matter after the next conference of engineers. The Buller Board asked the Westland Board to attend a conference at Westport to consider the appointment of a visiting physician for West Coast and Buller Hospitals. The surgeonsuperintendent (Dr E. G. Smart) said the proposal met with his approval. —lt was decided that the chairman, .surgeon-superintendent, and secretary represent the board at the conference. The surgeon-superintendent was empowered to continue his efforts to secure the services of a physiotherapist.