OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 109, 10 May 1934, Page 4

OBSTETRICAL HOSPITAL

SAVINGS BANK’S OFFER DR. DORIS GORDON’S COMMENT [ Per Press Association. 1 STRATFORD, Alay 9. Dr. Doris Gordon, secretary of the New* Zealand Obstetrical Society, commenting on the Dunedin Savings Bank offer of £6OOO, expressed the gratitude of the society for the generous gift towards building the obstetrical hospital. She said the women’s welfare interests had been battling to get the hospital for six years. The Government originally promised to build the hospital at a cost of £50,000. At present £30,000 was the computed cost. Tn February last, Hon. J. A. Young, in conference with the Otago Hospital Board, stated that the Government would give the first £lO,OOO if t’ e hospital board would raise £lO,OOO by a levy, after which the Government would give the final £lO,OOO as a subsidy on the levy. The Otago Board replied: “You give the £20,000 right out and we will build the hospital to specifications.”

Continuing, Dr. Gordon said it was obvious that the cost to the Government was equal, whichever way the offers were read, yet the women’s interests had waited three months for the Government’s reply to the Otago Board’s suggestion. “Women electors all over the Dominion are chafing at the delay which permits this vital matter to be pigeonholed pending a more auspicious day for Ministerial action," said Dr. Gordon. “In view of the unanimous mandates from the women of New Zealand that the Government should spend this relatively small sum, it is hoped that the Dunedin Savings Bank’s offer will be immediately accepted by the Government."