THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 June 1924, Page 6

THE NEW HOSPITAL.

REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN. At the conclusion of tlie ordinary meeting of the Hawera Hospital Board the chairman (Mr E. Gillanders) made some references to the building scheme. He said that he believed some of the local bodies had an idea that as the new building had not been commenced at once they assumed it was held over, and therefore it- was not necessary to go on at once with the levy. He. might say that, during the first* four years, there would be a very considerable amount to pay for interest during a short period. It was anticipated that in the second year the Board would need to overdraw about £30,000, in the third year £50,000, and fourth year £65,000. If they got the levy oh April 1 it would be a great help, and therefore it. was agreed to grant six months in w’hic-h to raise the money required for the hospital. If the local bodies would recognise the position and make an effort to assist the hospital they would really be helping themselves. There was an argument put. up that the present■ building would do for ten to fifteen years, but unless the population remained stationary or even went down it was impossible. It was, he added, no fad of theirs. He reminded the people that the scheme for a new hospital had been talked of for ten years and plans prepared when the Minister in charge Avas the Hon. G. W. Russell. The Minister came, with the health authorities, looked at the site, and recommended that no more be spent on the present site, but that arrangements be made, to secure a new site. This was acquird five years ago, and the hope was expressed that, building would soon be commenced. The increase in number of patients had gone ahead at such a rate that they now registered up to 66 to 70 beds, and this could not be run 'in a 52-becl hospital. Last August or September, Dr Valintine, after -looking round, instructed the Board to develop the new scheme as soon as possible. He personally took great exception to the statement made that they could do with the. old buildings. They had practically been told to build, and it w r as unfortunate that anyone should look at. the scheme in this wav.

Air Tayler and Mr Gifford both stated that there was no dissatisfaction with their district local bodies, both of which had agreed to pay in one sum. Mr Campbell said the position was fully understood in his district, and all were agreed on the necessity for the new building. Afr Washer said that some remark had been made at a meeting of his council which, he assumed,, was responsible partly for the objection. The chairman said it was as well that local bodies should understand the position. The building of the new hospital had been delayed to the. utmost limit. Mr Tayler agreed that the matter had been before them for five years, and all local bodies knew the position thoroughly. It was impossible to*make a good hospital out of the old building, and therefore it was of no use tinkering with the scheme. The chairman said they had .the assurance of the architects that the. plans would be ready in three and a half months from the present date. If this promise was fulfilled the tenders could be called for iu November, which would enable the work to be, commenced immediately after the New’ Year' Mr Campbell said it was unfortunate that the scheme came out just as a decrease in rates had been suggested for ratpayers. Air Gifford said the new scheme meant an increase, in subsidy of 7£d in the £IOO. People, he added, had no objection generally. This closed the discussion.