OBSTETRIC HOSPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18760, 14 July 1924, Page 9

OBSTETRIC HOSPITAL.

MR. ROCKEFELLER'S GIFT.

APPEAL FOR BED ENDOWMENT,

An appeal for a contribution of £2500 from the Dominion for the endowment of a bed in the new Obstetric Hospital established as part of a gift to Great Britain by Mr. Rockefeller, has been made by the Countess of Hardwicke. Mr. Rockefeller's gift consisted of the sum of £1,205,000 to further medical education and research, £400,000 of which was expended in building an up-to-date obstetric hospital with 180 beds. Of this number of beds, 120 have been provided for by Mr. Rockefeller himself, who has left the 60 remaining beds to the generous support of the British people, with the idea that the Empire would like to take so(me share in this great humanitarian work. The foundation stone of the hospital building was laid last year by His Majesty the King, who earnestly commended the munifioent gift, and its accompanying obligations, to the British public. The 60 beds are being allocated in separate endowments of £5000 each; the Dominions are being asksd to help, as the benefits of the gift will radiate throughout the world, and will introduce a scheme of teaching and practice on the most enlightened lines, from which students from all parts of the globe will reap advantage. New Zealand women will always be given a prior claim to the New Zealand bed. The Countess of Hardwicke is bed president for New Zealand, assisted by Lady Myers. They have already collected £500 from New Zealanders in London, bo that the sum still required from) New Zealand is £2500.

"We feel that the other Dominions are working very hard, and they must not outstrip us in this splendid work/' writes the Countess of Hardwicke, who further states that she has written to the mayors of each city of New Zealand, asking for their co-operation. "It is hoped that citizens will readily acknowledge the importance of so great in international gift/' concludes the letter, "and record in practical manner their thank 3 to the generous benefactor. The appeal is not for an individual hospital but for a faorld-wid'e educational cause."