HOME FOR NURSES AT ROTORUA

Southland Times, Issue 24446, 28 May 1941, Page 10

HOME FOR NURSES AT ROTORUA

SIR ERNEST DAVIS’S GIFT

(P.A.) ROTORUA, May 27. Through the generosity of Sir Ernest Davis, Arawa House, the well-known private hotel and its valuable property in the heart of Rotorua, has been placed at the disposal of the Government for hospital purposes for the duration of the war. It is understood that it will be used for a nurses’ home for the staff attached to the new soldiers’ hospital being erected.

Some time ago Sir Ernest purchased the property with a view to dismantling the building and erecting a private residence, but in view of the pressing need for auxiliary hospital accommodation during war time he decided that the plans should be suspended and he offered the Government the free use of the building and the beautiful grounds.

The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, recently telegraphed his warm thanks to the donor and stated that the Government was very grateful for Sir Ernest’s public-spirited action, especially in view of the urgency of the accommodation problem. Health Department officers have inspected the property and as a result of the offer have accepted it for a nurses’ home.