DOMINION NEWS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 29 May 1928, Page 9

DOMINION NEWS.

HOSPITAL WORK IN THE DOMINION.

[BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOOT VTI3N-1 PALMERSTON N., May 297

The Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, yesterday afternoon opened fhe maternity hospital erected by the Hospital Board from donations made by the public and aided by Government subsidy. Referring to hospital expenditure, Mr Young said that t'he department, with the aid of .expert officers, criticised very carefully all application's for capital expenditure. In regard to maternal mortality the Minister said he would not be satisfied until the rate was reduced to below three per thousand of live births.

REQUEST FOR (COMMISSION REFUSED.

PALMERSTON N., May 29.

Owing to hdavv expenditure proposed in the ne'ar future by the loc'al hospital board and in the belief that a great deal of it was unwarranted, the Borough Council recently passed a resolution asking the Government to appoint an independent commission to enquire into the whole position. The council’s 'attitude 'wias placed before the Minister of Health last night by .a deputation of the whole council and the Mayor. Speakers pointed out that while the population during the last- five ye'ars had 'increased by 11.8 per cent, hospital levies had increased by 54.1 per cent. The request for the commission was supported by a petition signed by t’h--leading businessmen. Replying, the Minister said that tin, proposed expenditure had been gone into by the Department and with the exception of an additional operating theatre, had been approved. The board’s expenditure Was necessary and lie could not grant the commission.

HEAVY RAIN AT ROTORUA. ROTORUA, May 29. A heavy thunderstorm swept the town at 9 a.m. Two inches of rain fell in two houra. BEQUESTS TO' CHURCH. DUNEDIN, May 29. Under the will of the late Mary Jay Tait, bequests' totalling £BOO were left to the Presbyterian Church for various purposes, chiefly mission work, including £IOO in the Maori mission. YOUNG MAN MISSING. WELLINGTON, May 29. Anxiety is being felt regarding tlie whereabouts of Ernest Walter Oliver, aged 21, of Lower Hiitt, who has been missing since M.ay 17, when he told his parents he was going shooting. PETITION ON BEHALF OF NOR GROVE. A oetition signed by 1765 persons praying for the reprieve of the New Lynn murderer, Norgrove, was handed to the Governor General to-day by Norgroye’s counsel. The petition will go on to Wellington for consideration by the executive. Norgrove was examined by Dr. Grey, Inspector-general of mental hospital, Dr. McKillop, in charge of Sunny-side Mental .Hospital and Dr. Beattie, formerly superintendent of the Auckland Mental Hospital.