AN OBSTINATE BOARD.

Otago Witness, Issue 2997, 23 August 1911, Page 5

AN OBSTINATE BOARD.

MINISTER WILL TAKE ACTION. CFaoM Oua Own Cobhespondejit.) WELLINGTON, August 17. A deputation which waited on the Minister of Public Health this evening stated that the residents of Opotiki had made several applications to the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board for the erection of a cottage hospital in the township, but had met with virtually a point-blank refusal. The Minister was asked to use his influence upon the board, and, in the event of it maintaining its present attitude, to exercise his authority and hava the work carried out at the expense oi the board. The settlers had already purchased a suitable- site, and had raised ■ about £SOO. • The Minister said he was both surprised and sorry to hear of the action'of the board, for the department was almost aa anxious as the residents to see the hospital established. The law gave him authority to call upon the board to carry out the work, but he did not care to exercise that power .except as a last resort. He was prepared to make strong representations to the board, which he hoped would cause the board to proceed with the work without delay.