WAKATIP DISTRICT HOSPITAL.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Volume I, Issue 28, 5 August 1863, Page 4

WAKATIP DISTRICT HOSPITAL.

MEETING AT THE ARROW.

A public meeting was held on Saturday evening to take into consideration tlie subject of the District Hospital. Mr. Beetham took the chair and opened the proceedings by stating that the object they were met for was the benefit of the hospital; to organize measures so as to begin the work at once. He supposed they would have seen the report of the meeting at Queenstown ; however, he would tell them that a Provisional Committee had been appointed there, who were now actively engaged collecting subscriptions. This was the best course to adopt here, and he trusted the influential men of the township would serve on the committee, and this truly necessary work be pushed on at once. As soon as the subscription lists are filled up the sub-committee will be elected, who will have the supervision of the institution and its funds ; and to whom the building, when complete, will be handed over by Government.

He was also authorised to state that the Government would give £2 for every £l of annual subscription. They were to recollect that the hospital was for the whole district, and was built therefore at Frankton, as the most central position. He would beg them now to nominate gentlemen for the committee. The following were accordingly proposed and approved by the meeting:— Messrs. Spencely, Richmond, Burrows, Marshall, Melody, Menderhausen, Callaghan, Mace, Dr. Fox, M'Guigan, Blanche, and the Warden of the Arrow district. Dr. Douglas and Mr. Haughton were nominated, but begged to be excused from serving. Mr. Richmond proposed and Mr. M'Guigan seconded that Mr. Burrows act as secretary to the committee.

Dr. Fox proposed and Mr. Fawcett seconded that the Warden be president. Mr. Haughton proposed and Mr. Mendershausen seconded, that Mr. Richmond be treasurer.

Mr. Rees said he was bound to address the meeting, as the bellman had been taking his name in vain through the township. He was glad to see so large a number present. He need hardly dilate on the importance of the hospital, they knew how many awful cases of sickness and destitution there were on the Shotover and even in that township. The Warden had given permission for one ward to be made use of at once. His reason for coming here to-night was to prevent any party spirit or jealously between the different districts, preventing the proper carrying out of this important object. There must be unanimity. He wished the committee here to name a day to meet the Queenstown committee at the hospital. He did earnestly hope that they would allow nothing to interfere with their taking the matter in hand with energy and goodwill, forgetting all petty jealousies and rivalries, and only striving who shall be foremost in this good work of charity and love.

Mr. Beetham read portions of the local acts referring to the election of the local committee from the subscribers, &c. Every subscriber of £1 a year or £lO down would have a vote. Subscription lists would now be opened, and he hoped would soon be handsomely filled up. He could assure them that the disease and misery existing on the Shotover was heart rending, and it was necessary to make an effort at once so as to open one ward without delay.

A considerable sum was subscribed in the room. After a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was courteously responded to, the meeting separated.