OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27388, 13 May 1950, Page 6

OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

Proposal For Auckland

TALKS WITH MINISTER Special Correspondent > WELLINGTON, May 12 3 • Auckland’s obstetrical and gynaecological hospital project has been discussed with the Minister of Health, ■■ Mr Watts, by representatives of the organisations which have undertaken its development. The Minister stated • after the meeting that he had arranged the meeting to enable him to get a full picture of the scheme and to discuss ways and means of bringing it to fruition. The meeting was attended by Mr W. H. Cocker, president of the ’■Auckland University College Council, .-■Mr J Grierson, chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr H. Selwin Kenrick, the board’s superintendent-‘in-chief, Mr L. K. Munro, trustee of the Obstetrical and Gynaecological '•Fund, and Dr G. J. S.' Fisher. The Director-general of Health, Mr J. Cairney, and the director of the hospitals division of the Health Department, Dr <; C. A. Taylor, were also present. >' The Minister said subsequently that lie had called the meeting as he had ‘■ felt that personal discussion would be ’•of much greater value than the reading L’of files or an exchange of correspondence. All the Auckland representatives had impressed him by their • keenness for the project and for their • knowledge of the many difficulties that ‘' were involved. “After a full discussion, it was de- ’ cided that certain major policy matters • ‘should be considered by me and that :I should then obtain the opinion and -■advice of the Auckland Hospital Board, which is so closely connected with the clinical side of the work.’’ said Mr Watts. When this is completed, it is hoped to place before the university authorities in Auckland a basis upon which they can proceed.” He emphasised that as Minister of Health, he had no direct jurisdiction in the obstetrical and gynaecological proposal, although he was naturally anxious to see the excellent efforts already made brought to-fruition. His only desire was to be of assistance.