MATERNITY HOSPITAL FOR TEMUKA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 17 March 1927, Page 8

MATERNITY HOSPITAL FOR TEMUKA.

TO RECEIVE CONSIDERATION. The sub-committee appointed by tha South Canterbury Hospital Board to inquire into the petition preav.ned at tho last meeting of the Board, asking for the provision at Temulur ot a. maternity and cut-tago hospital, met at Temuka on Wednesday, March 9. The committee submitted the following report at yesterday’s montnly meeting of the Board Representing the residents ot lemuka were the Mayor and Maym'ess (Mr and Mrs G. B. Cartwright), Mil T. D. Burnett, M.P., Mr Jamieson, and Mrs Annitago. The speakers pointed out that within a radius or four miles of Temuka there was a population of 4000 to he served. The number of births registered in Temukafor the past three years were as follows: 1924,. 124; 1925, 132; and 1926, 107. It was pointed out that expectant mothers in many cases .were unable to leave their homes until the last moment, when it was impossAilQ tc: travel to Timaru, Apart from this, the expense was an important consideration in the case of tho poorer class of the community, who would require to pay about 30s for taxi hire. Mr Jamieson, representing_tbc Druids and Oddfellows Ledges, stated that be had been instructed to press for a cottage and maternity hospital. Whilst the representatives were desirous of ai cottage and maternity hospital, the paramount requirement, was undoubtedly for a maternity hospital. After thoroughly dismissing the matter in all its phases, the committee felt that Temuka’s claim for an institution was an equitable one, and they unanimously recommended as follows :—“That the Board take steps to give effect to the request of , the Temuka . delegation, that there be 'provided at Temuka a maternity home allowing for five or six beds.”

In supporting the committee’s action, Mr E. Macdonald, who presented the report, said the committee had thoroughly gone into the matter before coming tc< any decision. Mrs F. A. Raymond said she understood the Government were encouraging the provision of maternity hosnitals.

The chairman (Rev. T. W. Potts) said he understood the Minister wai a strong advocate for the establish ment of such hospitals. _ .. Referring to the question of building tlie hospital, Mr E. Hardoasth said he believed that the Temuks Borough Council possessed a numbei of handy sections in the borough. U might be possible for the Board +e secure one of these at a reasonaffu lease. Mr W. Gedcles said Tennika was tin only place in South Canterbury where provision was not made for a maternity hospital. Mr G. Dash said that he was very nleased that the report had borne out his opinion, and he crngratulated the committee on their finding. It was decided, cn the motion of Mr Dash, that data be placed before the next meeting of the mittee as to the cost of tho proptned hospital, before approaching the Department for permission tp build. The report was received and the committee thanked for their work in tho matter.