HOSPITAL RADIO FUND.
PUBLIC MEETING,
SCHEME WARMLY APPROVED.
A large antf enthusiastic gathering of citizens, including delegates from local clubs and institutions and several from outside districts, was present at the ptiblic meeting held at Hawera last night to consider the whole question of the radio outfit for the Public Hospital in Hawera. Mr. H. G. Dickie, M.P., presided. The trustees and members of the committee; were present, and Mr. T. J. Salmon (hon. secretary!. Amongst the visiting delegates was Mr. Ira J. Bridger (Mayor of Elthani), Messrs J. F. Stevenson and E. Long (Manaia). Apologies were received from Messrs. L. O. Hooker, A. Hunter, J. C. Smith, and W. S. Gibson. After a full discussion it was unanimously resolved to adopt the- scheme mooted bv the interim committee.
The Mayor, who was present for paid of the meeting, briefly welcomed the delegates, and said he hoped all Would co-operate in pushing forward the. scheme to a. successful issue.
A list or societies represented was made as under: Hawera. Footbatt Club, Messrs. Kendall and Goodwin ;■ Loyal Union'Lodge (Manchester Unity Oddlel lows'), Mr. D. H. Briggs; Hawera Tennis Club, Mr. Dickie; Scouts, Mesdames Evans and Adams; Egmont A. and P. Asisociation, Messrs. Tonks and Crighton; Golf Club, Mr. Hay Mackenzie; Scottish Society, Mr. McCormick; Male Choir, Mr. A. E. Morris; Operatic Society, Mesdames Robb and Craig, Mr. McQuin; Rotary Club, Messrs. Suisted and P. 0. Veale; Municipal Band, Mr. W. Hawkins; Foresters, Messrs. Barringer and Stebbing; Hibernians, Mr. B. McCarthy; Fire Brigade, Mr. A. Morrison; Hospital‘Board, Mr. F. Gillanders; Orchestral Society, Mr. J. M. Townsend; Pipe Band, Mr. AV. G. Simpson; Women’s National Reserve, Mrs. Hoddle and Miss Ballantiiie; Mokoia: Settlers’ Association, Mr. D. S. Richardson; Savage Club, Mr. M. R, Jones; Girl Guides, Mrs. Morris and Mrs. King; Eltham Borough Council, Messrs. Bridger and Peebles; Hawera Borough Council, Messrs. Pacey and Strange. In addition there were many dition there were many private citizens present. Offers of help were received from Mr. L. J. Hall, who offered to make any cabinets required for cost of material only, and from Messrs. Shaw and Son, who had installed a. collection box at their telephone and would make a collection from all users. Votes of thanks were passed to theses two firms for promised help. The report of the' Pipe Bands’ drive was considered most satisfactory, the sum of £3B 17s Id having been raised. Mr. Salmon mentioned that already they had vhe sum of £72 Os 5d in hand. It "was mentioned also that the Brownies had offered to donate three earphones and Mr. Kingston six. Dr. McGhie said that many people, would like to bear part of the cost directly, and would provide earphones. Mr. Dickie said it was gratifying to see the response made, and the people were indebted to the originators of the scheme, and specially to Dr. McGhie. He hoped all would help and that all clubs would do their hit, so that at an early date the wireless would be installed. An estimate of wiring the hospital was made by Messrs. Duffill and Gibson, who consulted a wireless export, and they stated that the work could bei done for £6OO. Mr. Duffill at the meeting said that his firm would l be glad t<J do any work possible: to help, and he understood that the estimate was over rather than under the cost. Mr. Dickie proposed that the scheme be proceeded with, and stressed the need and the value of such an installation to sick people to alleviate suffering. He considered that if there was 1 any opposition it was because people looked at it from the wrong angle. He said that sixpence a head from the people in the hospital district would provide the funds necessary; The motion was seconded by Mr. B. McCarthy, who endorsed the remarks made by Mr. Dickie, and stressed the value to be derived from radio. He said he was certain all would respond heartily. Dr. McGhie said he would like everyone to realise that the benefit was for all time to the patients of the hospital. It was to them and had nothing to do with the Hospital I Board funds or expenditure. He: referred to the: good work for the sick done by the Savage l Club, and urged all to follow that lead. He said the engineer could look after the installation, and the maintenance: cost would be very little. He added, in reply to a question, that the latest appliances almost eliminated static. Mr. Pacey urged that thev should go for as much as possible. He could not- sav exactly what the upkeep would be. but was certain it could not be much. i Mr. Townsend said he was not a I doubter, but he would have liked to I see more exact information. Dr. McGhie said it was not possible to get an estimate to a penny, but the figures giv'-n were approximately correct. Mr. Goodwin said the Hawera Football Club had considered the question,, and was of the opinion there' were more' deserving objects, but if the I meeting decided to go forward the members would all help to the utmost. They appreciated what was proposed for patients' in hospital. Mr. Gil landers said that the resident engineer could probably look after the maintenance with the help of a wireless expert. Mr. E. Long said lie ' had no mandate from the Waimatc West County Council, but he had every sympathy with the alleviation of pain, and was in favour of doing everything possible with that object in view. Mi*. McCormick said that not long ago the people raised ‘ £BOO for band instruments for people who were well, and it would be> only just and right to raise £6OO for the sick in hospital. Mr. Bond said there were a few doubters, and they had a great opportunity of overcoming those doubts. Mr’. Duffill advised getting the very best men possible, and so avoid any chance of mistakes. All*. Bond said lie hoped the motion would pass without an adverse vote. He, agreed there were many calls and mostly on the same neople. But, he added, they had made efforts in the oast, specially referring to that- for the blind, when £60(1 was. raised in 12 days. This, he considered, was a great, opportunity of enlisting the. sympathy and help of the young . people, which lie believed in encouraging. Tt gave them the chance to work for a scheme, of which all would he proud, and when they grew up they could sav thev all had a hand in the scheme. Mr. Bone said that this was going to alleviate suffering and give relief to people who needed it badly. He hoped everyone would help, and he personallv would be only too: glad to assist. Mr. Townsend said he was not a doubter, and was present to back the scheme with all his might, .but .he had merely suggested more information so
that there would be no fear of coming hack again for more funds. Mr. 'Goodwin said that if the' committee backed the scliemg he would be out to help any object- for the benefit of the town. Mr. Bridger said he. had pleasure in endorsing the scheme, and anything he could do in Elthary would be gladly done. The motion was put and carried unanimously. PERMANENT COMMITTEE. It was- resolved that the interim committee which have been acting in the preliminary stages be made a permanent committee, with power to add. Additional members elected were: Messrs I. J. Bridger (Mayor of Elthaim), E. Long (Waimiate West County), N.. C. Innes (Mnnaia Town Board), J. Barclay (Okaiawa), D. H. Briggs, S. C. Tonks, J. F. Stevenson, M. R. Jones, W. o’Callaghan, D. S'. Richaiidlslon Simnson. Mesdames Robb, Evans, and (Mokoia). and Adams.
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Bibliographic details
Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 29 May 1928, Page 3
Word Count
1,306HOSPITAL RADIO FUND. Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 29 May 1928, Page 3
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