FINALITY REACHED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20341, 26 June 1934, Page 10

FINALITY REACHED.

Obstetrical Hospital for Dunedin. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN. June 25. The negotiations between the Otago Hospital Board and the Minister of Health in connection with the new obstetric hospital reached finality today. A statement was received from the Minister that he was prepared to reconsider the position on the basis of the Government finding the sum of £20,000 in all, including an Unemployment Board contribution; thus leaving the hospital board to finance the balance in such 'manner as it pleased. Mr W. E. S. Knight (chairman of the hospital board) despatched the following telegram to the Hon J. A. Young on Friday: “Please take it as absolutely final that the board is not prepared to levy for capital purposes on its ratepayers for more than £2OOO for the obstetric hospital. The board understands that the Savings Bank gift (£6000) is to be withdrawn on the 26th inst, if arrangements are not previously finalised.” The reply from Mr Young came pn Saturday, stating; “I regret that I am unable to accept this as your final offer. I am prepared, hol^Bv T er, to reconsider the position on the basis of the Government finding a sum of £20,000 in all, including an Unemployment Board contribution, thus leaving the hospital board to finance the balance in such manner as it pleases. I strongly recommend acceptance of this offer.” The whole question was discussed at a special meeting of the board this evening and finally it was agreed to accept the Minister’s offer. The position now is that the hospital will be erected with the following finance: £ Government grant, including Unemployment Board contribution 20,000 Dunedin Savings Bank gift .. 6,000 Sale of Batchelor Hospital (estimated) 1,500 Otago Hospital Board 2,500 Total £30,000