OLD MEN’S HOME SITE

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14775, 14 October 1921, Page 6

OLD MEN’S HOME SITE

TE WAIKATO PROPOSAL. FURTHER DISCUSSED BY BOARD. COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE. The Waikato Hospital Board at yesterday’s meeting discussed the advisability of removing the inmates of the Old Men’s Home from Hamilton lo To Waikato, but finally resolved lo definitely defer decision until Hie question of cost was investigated by a committee. The Department’s proposals for handing over Te Waikato were submitted by Dr. Valinline, ns outlined in a previous interview with the Board, os follows: — (1) The Department was prepared lo allow the Board the use of the buildings at Te Waikato so that they may be utilised as a temporary home for [Tie aged and until such lime as the Board was able to make more suitable arrangements for the accommodation of the old people, at a peppercorn rental of Is per annum; (2) the Board to keen the buildings in ordinary habitable repair. This does not mean that the Board would be expect'd to paint the buildings, but only to carry out repairs immediately 'pessary for the comfort of patients; (3) the Department expected the Board to keep grounds and garden in ttic condition they now are; (4) the Department did not wish to make conditions involving the Board occupying the buildings longer than was absolutely necessary. If the Board found that the expense of maintaining Ihe institution was larger than anticipated the buildings could be vacated at a month’s notice; (5) the Board, if it required any buildings outside the hospital curtilage, would be expected to maintain them in thorough repair. The Hospital Overcrowding.

Dr. Valintine pointed out that the offer was prompted by a desire to assist the Board to deal promptly with overcrowding at the hospital, which was thoroughly confirmed by a visit he had paid to the institution. The overcrowding occasioned the Department considerable anxiety, and in this connection Dr- Gower was lo tic congratu ■ lated on (he manner in which he was facing the position, which must at limes occasion him grave alarm.

The chairman (Mr Bailey) thought the offer a very fair one, and he moved that it be accepted. Mr Tcasdnlc, in seconding the motion, described the offer as a “Godsend !”

Mr Dickinson, in supporting the motion, said that transference to Te Waikato would relieve the present congestion at the hospital. More Details Required.

Mr Barton said that he must oppose the motion, as the adoption of it would land the Board in more expense than had been arranged for. He understood [hat it would cost a considerable amount in the transport of goods to Tc Waikato, and pumping would also be an expensive item there. The allocations had been made, and it was essential to watch them carefully or they would-be exceeded, which was not fair to do. He. was of the belief that the change would have to be paid for. and that by the people the Board represented. While (here the Board lalkcd of economy, but iliey acted the other way, the speaker Ihought, very often- In regard to hospital congestion, he had known the instilulion for 35 years and every medical superintendent had preached that, and i! would he Ihe same in another 35 years. That could not he avoided. A committee of the Board should go into die question of transference to Te Waikato and determine what cost would he entailed, so that members would not be voting in the dark, as he felt he was at present. He believed that the old men could be boarded in some of the smaller towns at less cost than this scheme. The speaker moved an amendment .n ihe direction of a committee being set up to report. Mr Johnstone said lhat he was dubious as |o the cost, though the Government’s offer was a good one so far as it was concerned. Taking everything :nlo consideration he would vote against Pm motion, especially as the proposal was only temporary. He agreed with Mr Barton that 'congestion would always go mi at Ihe hospital. Mr Ryburn asked if ihe £BDO on the estimates for land for a home could be used ? The secretary replied that the sum was capital levy, and could no I be used for maintenance. Room Must be Found. Mr Potts said that the hospital was crowded and Iliey must find room. (I was 100 cosily fo build just now even if they could get the money—•which they could not—and the Satatorium scheme appeared the cheaper and more suited at present. Mnßcavill, in seconding Hie amendment. said lhat the Board had insufficient figures to vote on. He was against fe Waikato as a permanent home. They had shelved the question of buying a si| • long enough, and they should go mlo Dial and Ihe queslion of building as soon as prices came down. Mr Hill said that mi broad principle < ho was inclined to the Government offer, hut the financial aspect should lie gone into. Consequently ho favoured the amendment. Mr Tristram , in supporting the imendmciil, still believe I that Te Waikato was the rigid place for them to go In, though he believed there was a great deal in what Mr Barton had said. Mr Blackman, while also thinking the spot ideal, did nr* agree that it would suit permanently. However, the figures of cost were first necessary before the vote was taken.

Mr Teasdalc was of opinion that the Board should Lake advantage of the gift. They could not afford to build af present even if Hie money could he got, but Hint was impossible. It was a mistake not to accept the offer, as it might m l lie there long.

Mr Johnstone retorted that it would he there as long as Hie Board wanted

Mr Byburn, in favouring the amendment, said that the cost of alterations and the upkeep would he considerable. They ennld not vacate Te Waikato miner a year or two years if they found the cost 100 much. Evidently Ihe Department found it a very high matter. While the rent was now a peppercorn one, if would lie bigger if the Board took Te Waikato permanently. Mr Hinton also spoke in favour of Hie amendment.

Mr Bailey, in replying, said that there was no hope of getting Hie money to build a new home and here was a chance to shift. They could not do better at present, he thought. He remarked upon Hamilton members’ tenacity for clinging lo Hie Waikato Hospital like “a river eel lo a Maori hull," which remarks Mr Bar-ton thought unwarranted. The amendment was carried, and Ihe Legal and Finance Committee will report.