PARK LAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23113, 30 January 1945, Page 4

PARK LAND

Hospital Board’s Proposal

SUPPORT BY WAIMATE COUNTY COUNCIL

“If the land in Timaru Park proves to be the best site for the hospital buildings, then the Hospital Board should have that land: the sick and the injured should have the best attention,” said Mr J. Bltchener, chairman of the Waimate County Council, during discussion at yesterday’s meeting of the Council on the request from the South Canterbury Hospital Board for support for the proposal to take a referendum in Timaru on the question of acquiring land for hospital extensions. The required support was given in a resolution of which six members of the Council were in favour, two voting against.

"This is a question which greatly concerns ratepayers, and as the hospital extensions will involve an increased expenditure if this land cannot be obtained and an alternative proposal has to be adopted, I think we should support the Board,” said Mr Bitchener. He added that very good work was being done under adverse conditions at the hospital. Cr. H. Max. Whatman contended that although in sympathy with the Hospital Board, the Council should not dictate to another body and say what should be done. The referendum, if decided upon, was to be taken in Timaru Borough. “We would not care to be dictated to in a similar manner,” he added.

“It is only a request for the taking of a referendum: we are not dictating,” said Cr. H. J. Stowell.

Cr. H. B. S. Johnstone said that the Council should be in possession of full details of costs of both the proposed scheme and the alternative proposals to justify any action.

Cr. W. Lindsay expressed the view that the Jodies in Timaru should be left to settle the affair on their own account.

In advocating support for the proposal, Cr. R. Sinclair pointed out that the area lequired in Timaru Park was not used *br sports purposes, and the transfer of the land for hospital purposes would result in tremendous savings to the ratepayers.