HOSPITAL FOR OTAKI.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1265, 28 May 1896, Page 42

HOSPITAL FOR OTAKI.

A meeting of the District Hospital Board was hold last weok for the purpose of considering applications for the establishment of branch hospitals at Otaki and Levin. In respoct of the application from Otaki a deputation, consisting of Dr Mason, Rov J. McWilliams, Alessrs M. Elder and J. Swainsoil, pointed out that tho population of Otaki was larger than that of any other district between Wellington and Palmerston North, that a suitable site near the railway station bad been promised ; that as there was largo bush country adjacent accidents frequently occurred, and it was absolutely necessary that the sufferers should receive prompt attention. Dr Mason expressed the opinion that a sum of £SOO would bo sufficient to erect a suitablo building and equip it. Tho Chairman (Mr R. C. Kirk; moved a resolution to the offoct that the Board was favourable to the erection of a cottage hospital if the funds could be raised locally or by the Government. After some discussion tho motion was carried, and it was decided to forward a copy of the resolution to Dr MacGregor, InspectorGeneral of Hospitals, and to inform the people of Levin that the Board, having ex-pro-sed itself as favourable to tho establishment of a hospital at Otaki, did not consider that a similar institution was required at Levin. B'ubsequontly A[r R. C. Kirk (chairman of tho Board), Air Fraser and tho members of tho Otaki deputation interviewed the lionW. C. Walker, Minister in Charge of Charitable Aid, with the object of ascertaining whether the Government would ho prepared to assist tho project by subsidising local subscriptions. The Minister, in reply, said personally ho was favourable to the views ol tho deputation, and if tho correspondence, Ac., was submitted to him lie would after further consideration solid them an answer.