REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 13 August 1946, Page 8

REEFTON NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent]. REEFTON, August 12. ! The Inspector of Mines' forwarded Reefton School of Mines £3B 10s to instal a telephone and for an electrical power adjustment, while money from the sale of a ball mill is also to be devoted to the School. The Council of the School has asked the Director, Mr W. J. Bolitho, to arrange a conference between the Runanga, Westport, and Reefton Schools of Mines covering proposals for alterations to senior mining examinations

Hospital Question: Over 80 attended a meeting called to protest at delay in building a new hospital here. It was claimed that farmers, ratepayers, miners, businessmen, women’s organisations, Progress League, County Council and Hospital Board were behind the protest. The following, to be forwarded to Cabinet Ministers was carried: — That this meeting of citizens of the County of Inangahua deeply resents, and protests most emphatically at the continued delay and obstruction by Government departments extending over a period of years in finalising financial arrangements for the erection of a hospital block and -nurses’ home at Reefton. The petty excuses offered for the absence of a decision on this matter and the callous indifference shown by the departments indicate they are not aware that the only results of theii inaction can be the complete failure of hospital facilities in this locality. The motion was moved by Mr. J. K. Patterson and seconded by Mr. W. S. Clarke. A deputation was appointed to meet the Prime Minister at Westport, comprising Messrs J. B. Auld Hospital Board); R. Irving (Inangahua Miners’ Union); IR. Haldane (Burke’s Creek Union); J. J. Coghlan (County chairman); J. K. Patterson (Progress League); P. ,T. O’Regan (Farmers’ Union); Dr. Wicken and Matron Whisker. A telegram from Hon. C. F. Skinner to the County chairman was read to the meeting as follows: “With reference to the protest meeting which I understand, is being held at Reefton, I desire to comment as follows. The Minister of Health is most anxious to assist in the erection of new buildings at Reefton. Plans of these buildings have not all been received by Health Department. Until these are available and have been approved by Health and Public Works, tenders cannot be let. In reference to finance, the Minister of Health assures me that the Government will be introducing a plan to limit the hospital rate, and that the new building at Reefton can go ahead without fear of any undue burden on ratepayers. Further details of these proposals will be announced shortly.” Mr. Auld said it was eight, years since the Director of Health advised the Board he would not sanction any

further expenditure on the present buildings. One part was 70 years old, and there was none under 50, with the exception of the maternity annexe. In 1944 they were promised a grant by the department, but since then the plans were changed from wood to concrete. They were no further ahead. He considered that if an emphatic protest were not lodged, they would be without a hospital as the’building was just tumbling down. There had been £279 spent on outside board and lodging for staffs. Mr. J. K. Patterson said the new building was given priority No. 1 under the Buller regional planning scheme in January. Health requirements of the County would not be cared for unless the building was commenced this summer. The cost of the new hospital was made up as follows:

40 bed hospital £53,000; nurses’ home, £20,900; boiler house, £8,146; furniture and equipment, £17,700; total £100,546.

A free grant was required for approximately £20,000. Each half penny of the hospital rate produced £5OO. Mr. D. Hammill (Mine Owners’ Assn.) said they were in full support ol any action taken by public bodies to get a new hospital. He was supported in this view by Messrs L. IrvBig and R. Haldane who spoke for their respective Miners’ Unions. Finality was wanted on the question of finance and the only way to get it was to have a round table conference with the Minister stated Mr. P. J. O’Regan (president of the Farmers’ Union). . The people, however, should not forget that Reefton with a 26s subsidy had been well treated in the past. While he advocated urgency for the new building, it meant a heavy burden to farming and mining ratepayers. It would work out at £ll per head-man, women and child.

Mr. Archer suggested an extension from 25 to 40 years for repayment of the loan. The roof was going and the floor. Dr. Wicken said it was evident for a long time that a new hospital was needed. Doctors who visited the hospital in 1939 were amazed at the accommodation. Mr. J. J. Coghlan, County chairman, presided over the meeting. First Aid Certificates. The following Reefton School of Mines’ students obtained certificates at a first aid examination held on July 29th. W. R. Blom, C. Coxall, L. J. Storey, A. C. Isbister, W. R. Reeve, W. H. Newcombe and J. Pembarth. Mr.. W. Bissett will be given a special examination on account of being absent through injuries received in a mine accident’. Football. Waratali- Club drew with Sefton 9 all on Saturday, playing at Sefton. On Sunday they were beaten by Amberley, 12 to 9 in a match at Amberley.