AMALGAMATION.

Thames Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 20239, 16 February 1938, Page 2

AMALGAMATION.

HOSPITAL PROPOSAL.

Mercury Bay Plea. THAMES BOARD WAITED ON. DISTRICT REPRESENTATIONS. Amalgamation with the Thames Hospital Board was sought by a deputation from the Mercury Bay Hospital Trustees, which waited on the Thames Board at its meeting yesterday. It was stated that the matter had already been referred to the Minister for Health.

The deputation consisted of Messrs. A. L. Dewar, chairman of the Trustees, T. H. Lyons, R. Banister (secretary), 0. H. M. fcjimpsou and Dr. J. Hinds.

In the first place, said Mr. Dewar, he wanted to point out that the Trustees had not opposed amalgamaion at the sitting of the Commission on the question in Paeroa.

Mr. Dewar detailed- the facilities

provided at Mercury Bay. Last year the hospital had been used by 29 in-

patients, 15 of whom were maternity cases, and 726 out-patients. The value of the former had been approximately £2OO and the latter £3OO. Last yea« £650 had been raised by voluntary contribution, and some £20,000 over a

period of years. It was the desire of the residents of tho district that the hospital should bo linked up with Thames. The district had a definite case in asking for such amalgamation. It was felt that the institution would maintain itself sufficienfy to make a fair distribution. . Mr. Simpson pointed out that if tho amalgamation took place the Thames Board would have wonderful scope for r-onvalcscent patients who were in need of a ehange. Mr. C. W. Parfitt asked what was the total residential population of tho district, and Mr. Simpson replied about 600. .. Mr. Banister pointed out that last year there were 70 voluntary subscribers, and a £1 for £1 subsidy had been received from the Government. The humanitarian aspect of the case diould be considered, said Mr. J. W. Danby. Human life was just as valuable, whether it was in the baekblocka •)r in the cities. The financial aspect, had to be considered, said the speaker. It would be "seen that the district had a definite case for consideration, but at present the financial details needed a little more detailed consideration.

The chairman, Mr. P. E. Brenan, said the Board would give the representations full consideration.