NEW HOSPITAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 4 March 1914, Page 6

NEW HOSPITAL

FURTHER DISCUSSION 151' THE BOARD. At to-day's meeting of the Hospital Board the Chairman (Mr Baigeut) reported that he had received from Mr Cawthron his cheque for £15.000 towards the erection of a new Hospital. (Applause). Mr Baigent had hoped to be able to also report at that meeting that the Government, subsidy had been received. He trusted that Dr. Valintine would urge the immediate handing over of the Government subsidy. Mr C'awthron had handed over his cheque on the distinct understanding that the Government contribution was immediately forthcoming. The Government. no doubt, would pay the money, but it migh: be delayed*. The Board should do nothing until the Government subsidy was paid. Mr C'awthron said he hid been doubtful whether the subsidy would be paid promptly, so lie had communicated wiili the Minister, who had said there was no necessity for the amount to appear on the Estimates. X'o date was mentioned as to when the Government money would be paid, but it was to be when he (Mr Cawthron) had paid his £15,000. Dr. Valint'ne,- Inspector-General of Hospitals, congratulated the Board and people of Nelson on Mr Cawthrou's magnificent gift. The gift was an extremely timely one, as he had been surprised at the* amount of decay in the Hospital since he inspected it two years ago. Mr Cawthron had given an example such as had never been given in the Dominion before. (Applause). Regarding the Government'subsidy it must b? remembered that in view < f Mi C'awthron's gift it was rather a staggering amount the Government had to pay. It' was a statutory subsidy, and must be paid, but the Department asked the Board for clemency, and not to request the whole amount at once. If Mr Cawthron pressed for the immediate payment it would, of course, be made. Bui it was preferred tlvit the subsidy be paid in progress payments. The Chairman said that a formal application had been made to the Govern ment for the subsidy, but no reply had vet. been received. In reply to a question, Mr Cawthron said that the matter was out of hj? bands now, but he would be satisfied if the Government undertook to pay th' Board the interest that would accrue or the subsidy. Dr Valintine said he \yould place tnn* matter before the Minister cf F : nan;-e. He repeated that if Mr Cawthron insisted on the original arrangement be inscarried out the subsidy woir?d be paid. 1: was then resolved.' on Mr Lock s morion, seconded bv Mr Hewet.-on. that further urgent application be made foi the ptvmont cf the subsidy of £IB.OOO. and that a copv of Mr Cnwthron's letter to the Minister be forwarded with the application. (Left sitting.)