HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 17 December 1946, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our Own Correspondent.]

A laboratory is to be set up at the Westland Hospital, and a nurse from the staff of the hospital is being transferred to Greymouth to train in laboratory work, following a decision reached at the last meeting of the Westland Hospital Board. Equipment for the laboratory has been procured by the board and an early start will be made to place the laboratory in operation. Appreciation for her work in connection with the establishment of the laboratory, was extended to Miss McDonald of the staff of the Grey River Hospital. It was decided that steps be taken to form a blood transfusion society at Hokitika. In his monthly report, the Medical superintendent (Dr. E-. J. Velvin), stated that the Governor-General and Lady Freyberg visited the hospital on the occasion of their visit to the West Coast. A letter was received from Mi’ E. M. Stevens' thanking the board for the loan of a microscope. The board resolved to advise the Student Nurses’ Asociation that' steps would be taken to construct a fire reservoir at the earliest opportunity. A committee comprised of Messrs Havill, Wells, and Peart was set up to investigate the matter. Dr. Kenealy, of Timaru, is at present relieving physician at the hospital, pending the arrival of Dr. Lyness, of Christchurch next March. Mrs Harrison, the first women member to be elected to Westland Hospital Board, intimated that because of pressure of business', and her inability to visit the hospital, she intended to resign. The chairman, (Mr E. W. Heenan), stated that thp board would be loath to lose her services. During her term as a member of the board, she had provher worth, and her experience as a trained nurse assisted greatly with board work. If she resigned, it would be difficult to replace her. After some discussion, Mrs Harrison stated that she would not press the matter in the meantime.

Last week, members of the Hokitika branch of the New Zealand Labour Party gathered at the Pioneer Hotel to farewell Mr Chris Briscoe, who is leaving New Zealand to reside in Tasmania. Mr T. N. Warren, president of the local branch of the Labour Party presided. In making a presentation to Mr Briscoe on behaif of the branch, the chairman eulogised on his- work during the recent election campaign during which he was chairman, of the Labour Party’s' committee at Hokitika. Mr E. W. Heenan also extended congratulation to the guest of honour. Mr Briscoe, who will live in retirement with his sister at Chidleigh, Tasmania, was farewelled at the Hokitika railway station on Saturday morning by officers of the Labour Party branch, and by members of the staff of the Public Works Department.

After being closed for almost two months because of bar conditions-, the port of Hokitika was worked during the week-end, when the m.v. Gael berthed with cement from Terokohe. After discharge she loads Christmas supplies for Jackson Bay and Okuru. Following her return from southern ports, the Gael will trade between Lyttelton and Wellington until midJanuary, when she will resume her West Coast run. The Westland Hospital Board at its meeting resolved to forward a letter of appreciation to the Matron, Miss Ramsay, for the very complete arrangements made for the visit of the Governor-General, sir Bernard and Lady Freyberg. The chairman of of the Board, (Mr E. W. Heenan), paid Their Excellencies were highly pleased with their visit, and complimented the Board upon the excellent hospital. The special guard of honour arranged by the Matron was made special mention of by Sir Bernard. The chairman also expressed thanks to the Mayor, Mr A. A. Elcock, for kindly arranging the visit, and the Board appreciated the visit of the Mayor and Mayoress, who have always taken a kindly interest in the hospital.