NAPIER HOSPITAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 23 February 1931, Page 4

NAPIER HOSPITAL

INSTITUTION TO BE REINSTATED POLICY OUTLINED (By Telegraph—Press Association) PALMERSTON N., 21st February. A statement indicating the future policy regarding the ruined hospital was made at Napier to a “Standard” reporter by Dr. Morse, chairman of the Ilawkes Bay board and control committee. He said that the institution would be reinstated on the hill. Wooden shelters would be used for patients, cottages for the administration and marquees for the staff. The old administration building could be ready in two months if reinforced. The demolition of all wards was being undertaken. He estimated that in equipment and the remains of the buildings the board had left assets to the value of £70,000. The losses would be in the vicinity of £300,000. “Within four years the hospital would have been free of debts,” said Dr Morse. “I had hoped to retire then, hut will now stick to the guns and build up something great within five years. I consider that the cost of such disasters should be spread over the whole hospital system of the Dominion. I am confident of securing the backing of all the hospital organisations in this crisis. We want the women and children back as soon as the houses are in order, probably in a fortnight.” Dr. Morse added that the business people were loyal to Napier and were keen to re-start.