Mr. Morse’s Motion

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 39, 16 February 1938, Page 2

Mr. Morse’s Motion

"GAMBLER’S TOSS" OLD QUESTION REVIVED From Our Own Correspondent. NAPIER, Peb. 15. An allegation that a motion by Mi C. O. Morse was an attack on the Hastings Memorial Hospital in an effort to close it, made by Dr. H. M. Wilson, was one of the features of a long discussion at the meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Hospital Board yesterday regarding the rescinding of a previous motion to build additional accommodation for nurses at Hastings, Described by Dr. Wilson as “a gambler’s toss,” the motion, which war subsequently withdrawn by the movei in favour of an amendment moved oy the Rev. R. B. Gosnell, was as follows: “That the board rescinds the motion passed to provide extra accommodation for nurses at Hastings, taking into consideration the opinion expressed by representatives of Hastings and the Hawke’s Bay county; that an opinion be obtained from the Health Departmenl regarding accommodation for children and to be consistent with the opinion expressed, that a similar opinion be obtained in regard to the increased accommodation for nurses at Hastings before any further action is taken.” Under the amendment it was decided that the full board meet the DirectorGeneral of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, during his visit to Napier next week, to discuss the position with him. Mr Morse, speaking in support of his motion, considered that the board should lie consistent in the question of accommodation. If tEere were to be accommodation for children at the Memorial Hospital, extra accommodation would also be required for nurses. Instead of doing the work in sections it should go the whole distance in one operation—a position which had practically been taken up, as shown by the report of the committee to Wellington recently in connection with urgent building and Other matters.

He was desirous, he added, when the question was first raised, of an independent opinion being sought. He had not exactly lost confidence in the Health Department, but it appeared to him that its officials were not as conversant with the position as were board members. There was also to be taken into conJ pi deration the amount to be found by contributing bodies.