REEFTON NOTES

Grey River Argus, 24 August 1946, Page 8

REEFTON NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent!

REEFTON, August 23. The monthly meeting of the Inangahua - Hospital Board was held recently, Mr J. B. Auld presiding. Also present were Messrs F. W. Archer, J. McGregor, W. Clayton, A. Topp, Mesdames R. Yellowlees and H. Haj’die. and Mr J. Banks (secretary). Replying to the Board’s letter regarding the delay in commencing the building of the new hospital at Reefton, the Minister of Health (Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) suggested the delay was the Board’s fault, and not -hat of his Department. The chairman: “He forgets that in a letter to the Progress League it was stated the Hospital Board did all it could to further the proposal”. Mrs Yellowiees: “Have all the plans been forwarded to Wellington?”

The Board secretary (Mr J. Banks) informed the meeting that the Board’s architect, in a telephone communication that day, had stated the plans were complete to be forwarded to Wellington. The chairman said no approval was granted from the Loans Board.

Mr Archer asked what terms had been requested by the Board, stating that it should play safe and have the term extended as much as possible. Mr McGregor suggested if it were extended, the ratepayers would bear the cost, whereas if.it were left as at present the Board could take advantage. Mr Archer stated that the deputation had an assurance from the Prime Minister (Rt. Elon. P. Fraser) that when the plans came back, tenders' would be called immediately. The Minister had said that Reefton needed a hospital when the Hon. Mark Fagan was chairman of the Board. He (Mr Archer) was sure that the Prime Minister was sincere in his remarks. The visiting committee reported the kitchen hearth was still a source of danger. The Matron was worried because a girl had been scalded while on duty. As the work was' authorised months' ago, the tradesmen are to be asked to complete the job. The Wairarapa Elospital Board wrote drawing attention • to the uniform and clothing allowance allocated by the different Boards. The letter suggested that two pairs of white shoes and six pairs of stockings should be the standard annual issues' to nursing aides. Mr Archer thought the Reefton Board should fall into line. The Hawke’s Bay Hospital Board wrote stating that permission was granted to increase fees to 20s per day. The North Canterbury Hospital Board advised that* increases were sanctioned as follows: General hospital 21s, Burwood 19s, and Cashmere 14s. The Medical Superintendent reported as follows; Patients admitted, 38; discharged, 28; remaining, 32. Outpatients, 47. Births, 12; deaths, 2. X-rays, 23; anaesthetics, local 7, general 19. The Auckland Hospital Board wrote advising of the admission of an Inangahua patient, and the North Canterbury Board advised two patients' were admitted to its hospital. A letter was received from the Auckland and Suburban Drainage League, thanking the Board for support, and asking them .to request the district Member of Parliament to cooperate when the petition was presented. Mr Topp moved, and Mr Clayton seconded that the Board accede to the request. Accounts totalling £1024 9s Id were passed for payment.