HOUSING OLD PEOPLE

Northern Advocate, 11 June 1929, Page 3

HOUSING OLD PEOPLE

BAY OF LSLANDG REQUEST. TEMPORARY PLAN SOUGHT. 1 SPECIAL MEETING ARRANGED. A deputation comprising Messrs .1. W. .)ours (chairman) and T. Heclloy, of 11 1 * * Bay of Islands Hospital Board, and J. B. Burry, Kaikohe Town Board, waited upon the AVhangarei Hospital Board ycstorlay with reference to proposals for housing old men.

Air Jones explained that the Bay of Islands Board had either to face the question of building an old people’s home, for which £SOO had been placed on the estimates with, the reluctant consent of the .Health Department, or of making some arrangement with the Whangarei Hospital Board, either to contribute pro rata or pay so much per year. The present hospital building was inadequate for the claims made upon it, and the Bay of Islands Board would shortly be called upon to face a new scheme. Whether a homo should be built at Kawakawa or the old people centralised w r as a matter of i sharp division, and Mr Jones could not state definitely what the policy of the recently elected board would be.

Air T. Ellis, chairman of the Whangarci Board, referred to the stated opinion of the Minister of Health that a central home for all North Auckland’s aged should bo established in Whangarei. Acting on his suggestion, the Whangarei Board had purchased a property which w r as adequate for the purpose.

Asked whether other northern boards wore likely to favour centralisation, Mr Jones pointed out that whereas Bay of Islands and Whangaroa. had supported this at a previous conference, the others had turned it down, Mangonni and Hokianga were not provided for.

In answer to questions, Air Hadley stated that the Bay of Islands Board was caring for six old men, two of whom were cot cases, and would not be removed.

Air Berry pointed out that the large gumfield population kept the number fluctuating between four and ten.

Mr Ellis said that the. Whangarei Board had not decided whether a clironic ward should be added to the building to alleviate pressure on the medical wards. The whole thing hinged on the extra number for which provision would have to be made.

Air J. A. S. Mac Kay said that if the Bay of Islands Board was willing to co-operate in establishing a central homo, the extra cost for accommodation would be undertaken, but otherwise the old men might be withdrawn at any time, leaving Whangarei with the liability of the building.

Air F. Elliott thought an agreement, should be reaehed on a pro rata or population basis of contribution for a central home on the splendid site in AVhangarei, as was contended by the Director-General of Health,

Replying to a question. (Mr Jones said the cost to'the Bay of Islands Board for the keep of an old man was £1 a week, but he realised that in an institution away from the main hospital it would bo more,- and his board did not. wish to drive a hard bargain.

Air J. X, AlcCarroll questioned the advisability of making Whangarei a clearing house for old men, but others pointed out that there was no serious argument against centralisation, and much in its favour.

Dr J, AA r . Hall, Afedical Superintendent, favoured the provision of a chronic ward at the homo. The sick old men were housed in the medical ward, which became congested, especially during the winter. Air D. A, McLean pointed out to th« deputation that unless a chronic ward was built it might be found necessary to house some of the extra old men from the Bay in the wards. The deputation did not think their board would make an agreement for less than two years. This -would allow of a policy being formed.

Mr J, A, y. Mac Kay did not favour such a. lengthy period, which would call for extra accommodation. The Whangarei Board would be faced with the whole of the responsibility. The deputation then ■withdrew'- for an inspection of the recently acquired property.

At this point a. telegram was received from the Minister of Health regretting that lie saw no possibility of calling a conference of North Auckland boards at present, but would do so immediately after the session.

Air F. Higgenson said the policy of the Bay of Islands must, be governed by AA’ellington, and if the authorities saw that the old people could be comfortably housed in Whangarei it was not likely that a home at Kawakawa would bo sanctioned.

Mr Me Carroll thought that the mattor should bo deferred until after tin? Licensing Conrmittoe mooting, when Iho hoard would know whether the property bad boon disposed of. If it remained in the hands of the board the extra accommodation could easily bo provided. It was resolved to hold a special mooting on Friday next, at 7 p.m., to decide the matter. Plans for alterations to the home will also bo discussed.