AID IN ILLNESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23425, 15 August 1939, Page 11

AID IN ILLNESS

GREAT BARRIER NEED USE OF AIR AMBULANCE ROADING ON THE ISLAND The development of roading facilities and the continuation of an emergency air ambulance service were suggested by Mr. J. Thorn, M.P., as the best solution of the problem of providing an adequate medical service on Great Barrier Island, in a letter received by the Auckland Hospital Board last night. He considered that, in addition to the facilities that had been provided, all that was now necessary was to give easy access to the aerodrome so that all island residents would be able to reach Auckland without difficulty in the event of serious accident or illness. "A great weakness in tho island's medical situation is that there is 110 through road," Mr. Thorn said. "Were this facility provided, it would enable all the residents to reach tho aerodrome easily. Reasons for Delay "I have visited the island three times since October, thoroughly acquainting myself with its needs, and, as a result of my work, the Minister of Public Works has agreed that tho through road must be constructed." Unfortunately there was some difference of opinion among the residents as to the route the road should take, and, for this reason, the Minister had decided that, a survey must bo taken. This work had been retarded on account of the death of the public works engineer on the island in an aeroplane crash. This year there was a sum of £ISOO on the Estimates to recondition and metal a part of the road which woultl be included in the through route. Attitude of Residents The metalling of the road from Whangapara to the aerodrome at Kaitoki was another matter, Mr. Tliorn added. Two years ago there had been an item of £BOO on the Estimates for the metalling of this road, but it was not lifted by the local county council and in tho list of works submitted by tho council for inclusion in this year's Public Works estimates this road was not included. However, he had made frequent representations to the Minister, that some improvement to tho road was urgently needed, but differences of opinion on the island were having tho effect of holding up this improvement. Mr. Wr A. Bishop said tho Great Barrier residents were anxious to remain under the jurisdiction of the Auckland board, and the chairman, Mr. Allan J. Moody, said it appeared that they would remain in this position. Tho letter was received.