Fears “Balance Of To Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 3

Fears “Balance Of To Whangarei

(Special)

KAITAIA, This Day

The fear that under anticipated amalgamation of the six Northland hospital boards the “balance of power” would remain with the Whangarei body was voiced by Mr. T. S. Houston when the Mangonui board discussed this subject yesterday.. While he did not consider the Whangarei board’s estimate of representation would be carried out, said Mr. Houston, the less Mangonui had to do with amalgamation the better, until more detailed proposals were available.

The subject arose out of consideration of replies from the Mangonui County Council and the Kaitaia Borough Council concerning proposals by Mr. G. V. P. Evans, Diggers’ Valley, for a new debt-free hospital block financed by voluntary contributions from ratepayers. While the county council supported the suggestion, ' the borough council gave its view that capital expenditure for new hospitals should be a State responsibility. DEBT-FREE SCHEME DEFERRED It would be advisable to delay further action in the scheme in the meantime, said the chairman (Mr. J. W. Hoskin). The Mangonui County Council rate had been imposed by the Valuer-General, from which action some friction could be anticipated. In addition, he thought the board should do nothing until further information from the Minister for Health (Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) concerning the operation of the proposed Northland amalgamation scheme and its effects was received. Things were too much in the air for immediate decision, said Mr. W. Metcalfe. On the motion of Mr. J. T. Clark, it was agreed Mr. Evans should be advised that consideration of his proposals was being deferred, while, on the motion of Mr. W. J. Steed, further consideration of amalgamation was also deferred until the January meeting.