THE BLENHEIM HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7317, 29 July 1885, Page 4

THE BLENHEIM HOSPITAL COMMITTEE.

(Per United Phess Association.)

Blenheim, July 27. A stormy meeting of the Hospital Committee took place on Saturday in reference to the exchange of sites for a new building, in connection with which two libel actions arc already pending. The Colonial Secretary wrote asking it the committee would accept the substituted site, as that first offered had since been sold, it tit? "ot now be obtained. Dr DodsouJ M.H.K., moyoel that the Government proposal be accepted and the erection of the hospital gone on with, at once, so that the vote of £1100 might not be lost. He pointed out that if the oiler were not accepted, and the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Bill became law, the vote would slip through the Committee's fingers. Mr Henderson. (Mayor of Blenheim) moved an amendment to the effect that the alteration of site having been made without the knowledge or consent of the committee, and live and a-half acres of the best land having heen exchanged for a similar amount of inferior land.it is so grave a matter that the committee decline to condone the proceedings, and call on the Government to act on the withdrawal of the site, so that the committee might advertise for a fresh one. After a warm discussion, during which the conduct of the Premier and the Colonial Secretary were severely condemned, the chairman of the committee (Mr Joseph Ward, ex-M.H.R.) saying that he would acquaint Parliament with the facts and make both Ministers ashamed of themselves, the amendment was carried by six votes to four. A great deal of local party feeling was excited over the question.