A TE AROHA REQUEST.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17554, 8 November 1928, Page 7

A TE AROHA REQUEST.

TO THE HOSPITAL BOARD. MORE REPRESENTATION WANTED. A deputation of To Aroha residents waited on the Waikato Hospital Board lo appeal for more representation for Te Aroha on the board. Mr R. Coulter (Mayor) headed the deputation, and was accompanied by four ladles. Mr Coulter said there was now only one representative for Tc Aroha and three other boroughs. They had no complaint against their representative, but it was impossible for one man adequately to watch the interests of places so widely separated as Te Aroha, Mo-rrinsville, Cambridge, and Te Awamutu. Me had discussed the matter with the Minister of Health, and understood that the matter could be arranged by an Order-in-Council, and that he (the Minister) would be sympathetic. The Tc Aroha people were well satisfied with the treatment during the past year or two, but in earlier years they had felt they had cause for complaint in regard to the rejection of claims for relief. The Morrinsville people supported this application. Mr 11. A. Bell, representing Te Aroha and other boroughs, said none of the cases had ever been mentioned to him. In the only case brought before him he had arranged for relief to be given immediately. He would always be willing to go to Tc Aroha lo investigate. The chairman, Mr Campbell Johnstone, said the board was allowed only 15 members. It had 15 members now. He pointed out that cm a basis of contributions the boroughs mentioned were fully represented. The four paid a total of about £2200, and appointed one member; Hamilton, with nearly £SOOO, had two mcrnebrs. He pointed out that Raglan County was a wider district to cover than the four boroughs mentioned. Me considered a board of 15 members was large enough. Mr .1. J. Byburn said that if the counties and boroughs bad the same franchise it should be possible to make an adjustment, but as the county iranchise was on a properly b;isis it was impossible to work in that manner at present. The chairman said the counties would never agree to a change in the franchise. Mr W. R. Lowry said Te Aroha was growing in importance. He regretted that. it. was impossible to increase the membership beyond 15. . The chairman: It is a matter far the Health Department. Mr C. .1. W. Barton said he would prefer to see the board smaller rather than larger.