Otamatea Interested In Amalgamation

Northern Advocate, 4 October 1947, Page 3

Otamatea Interested In Amalgamation

“THE final decision as to whether or not there should be an amalgamation of Northland hospital boards should rest with the boards themselves.”

This statement was made at the October meeting of the Otamatea County Council by the chairman (Mr T/H. C. Snelling), who added that the boards were best able to understand the position as they were the most conversant with its problems and better able to judge what the consequences would be.

“The No.l Ward ol' the Counties Association felt that it should not as a whole, come to any unanimous decisions as to what should be placed before the Commission," continued lVlr Snelling. “It was considered better to leave the presenting of evidence to individual local bodies, whose needs varied, and whose evidence would probably be conflicting.

local body. , "We have not heard from the board vet, and by the time of our next meeting’ it will’be too late to give the matter further consideration.

The board has a certain duty to some members of our council concerning hospital district boundaries, and should advise them just what evidence should be sent in, and how it should be prepared. “It is our duty to see measures are introduced which assist the residents of our county to receive speedy and adequate health treatment," Mr Snelling continued.

“Our council does not know what evidence the Kaipara Hospital Board intends placing before the Commission.” commented Mr Snelling. „“Some of the board’s recommendations may not suit us as an affected