UNEXPLAINED DELAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 217, 12 September 1940, Page 6

UNEXPLAINED DELAY.

The recent statement of Mr. Churchjjl, that we must expect heavy fighting soon in the Middle East, means much to New Zealanders and Australians, for either- the First Echelon in Egypt or the A.I.F. in Palestine, or both, will almost certainly be engaged. One product of fighting is casualties. There will be some men, it must unfortunately be expected, who will be brought to New Zealand for treatment. Is New Zealand ready for them? The urgency of the question was appropriately stressed yesterday by Mr. Allan J. Moody, who as chairman of tho Hospital Board is closely concerned. Auckland Hospital, like most others in the Dominion, is full now, and likely to remain full. For this and, other reasons military hospitals will be needed for soldiers who return wounded. Mr. Moody recalls that as long ago as May 29 the Health Department appeared to be treating the erection of a military hospital in Auckland as a matter of urgency, and in response to its request for quick decision it was informed that a site for a military hospital would be made available in the Domain. If the Health Department was aware of the strong dislike of Aucklanders for any proposal that threatens to reduce the area available for the public in the Domain, it would appreciate that the decision of May 30 indicated that the City Council and the Hospital Board realised the need for speed. But now, three and a half months later, Mr. Moody! rightly points out that nothing visible > has been clone. Celerity of decision) has not been followed by celerity of j action. The War Cabinet should inquire why, and then tell the people how soon work will begin.