REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 23 June 1944, Page 8

REEFTON NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent; REEFTON, June 22. Mr. Leo Bell approached the Inangahua County Council asking for improvements to the bridge on Pascoe’s Road and for the widening -of same. He said the road was used for the cartage of mining timber ano. flax. He had an area of 3000 tons of flax in the vicinity which was capable of employing- a gang of men for two years or more. A cutting could be made every three years if replanting was carried out. He had done a considerable amount of work assisted by Wallis Bros, who used the road. Large areas of land could be drained and planted with flax, while further supplies of mining timber could be brought out if improvement were effected. Cr. McGregor said there were big possibilities in the area. The chairman (Mr. F. W. Archer) suggested that a grant of £6OO on a' £2 for £1 basis should cover the cost. A resolution to this effect was finally passed. The chairman brought up the question of an increase in salary for the engineer, as suggested at The last meeting. Cr. McGregor thought they were starting at the wrong end. The lower paid workmen should have the increase in wages. He questioned if the Council had the authority to make an alteration in the engineer’s salary under the Wages Stabilisation Regulations. Crs. Coxall and Coghlan and the chairman were appointed a committee to consider the wages paid to the workmen and the engineer, and report to the next meeting. Or. McGregor said he thought it was a matter for the whole Council. The newly-elected Inangahua’ Hospital Board held their first monthly meeting on Thursday. Present were Mr. J. B. Auld, Mrs. R. Yellowlees and Messrs F. W. Archer, W. Clayton, J. Discaciati, J. McGregor, A. Topp and J. J. Coghlan. Before commencing the business it was resolved that the sympathy of the Board be accorded Mr. F. W. Archer in the death of his son, Alan Archer. The secretary called for nominations for the position of chairman. Mr. Auld was nominated bv Mr. Clayton, seconded by Mr. Coghlan, and Mr. Archer was nominated bv Mrs. Yellowlees, -seconded bv Mr. Discacaiti. The voting was: Auld 5, Archer 3. The resolution appointing Mr. Auld chairman was carried. Mr. Auld thanked members for his re-election. He welcomed new members to the Board, and was happy to welcome a lady member in Mrs. Yellowees. Mrs. Yellowees thanked the chairman for his welcome and Messrs Tapp and McGregor voiced thanks for the welcome accorded them. It was decided to forward letters of appreciation to Messrs T. Watson, B. Mirfin and J. F. Coghlan. former members of the Board. National Service Department wrote regarding employment of one Scheme 13 man at the Hospital. It was resolved that application be made to continue the present arrangement. The Department of Health wrote advising that only light motor chassis were available for sale to the Board for making into an ambulance. The District Inspector of Motor Vehicles wrote on same, forwarding plans for ambulance body and offering help in the matter. It was resolved that Mr. Archer be requested to look into the matter when he next visits Christchurch and .obtain full details of a suitable chassis for the new ambulance and cost of building body on same. The Department of Health wrote on treatment of soldier patients at Burwood Hospital.—Referred to Dr. Wicken. The Department also wrote regarding practising certificates for nursing staff. —Referred to Matron Whisker. In reply t 0 the Department’s letter regarding bank overdraft for September quarter it was decided on the motion of Mr. Discaciati and Mr. Clavton that application be made for an overdraft of £lOOO for the period. The Department wrote regarding-sup-plv of necessary steel for the new hospital at Reefton. The secretary reported advising Mr. Trengrove, the architect, of the granting of the application made for same. The Hospital Boards’ Association wrote regarding nurses’ salaries. Mr. R. Yellowees wrote regarding repairs at the hospital.—Mr. Topp moved and Mr. Coghlan secoided, that the work be carried out.—Carried. Mr. W. H. Trengrove, of Christchurch, architect, wrote forwarding plans for the hospital at Reefton and advising provisional estimates for the building only, w'hich totalled £82,983. Flans were now ready for presentation to the Loans Board. The costs did not include hospital fittings. After d'scussion Mr. Clayton moved and Mr. Archer seconded, that the Board take the preliminary steps towards approaching the Loans' Board regarding the money for erecting the new hospital. Matron Whisker reported that Sister Quinn had not yet re-com-menced duty, but would do so shortly. Sister Elwell was still relieving sister. Dr. Wicken, Medical Superintendent, reported for the month: Admitted 46, died 3, in-patients 26, X-rays 16, out-patients 66, births 9. Mrs. Yellowees and Mr. Discacaiti were appointed the visiting committee for the corning month. The passing of the accounts closed the meeting.