INVITATION ACCEPTED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 08, Issue 88, 10 July 1945, Page 5

INVITATION ACCEPTED

. BOROUGH TO MEET COUNTY MERGING HOSPITAL DISTRICTS In answer to the invitation of the County Council the Whakatane Borough Council decided at its meeting last evening to meet the County representatives for the purpose of discussing the possibilities of merging the Whakatane Hospital district with the Waikato Hospital Board's district. It was suggested that, the County arrange an evening meeting if possible. j Discussing the letter, the Mayor j (Mr B. S. Barry) said that tliei County f Council according to press reports considered that by merging with Waikato they would substantially cut their costs. Rotorua a town with three times the popular tion of Whakatane. only paid £2800 against Whakatane's £2400. The question arose as to what reaction the proposal may have on the Waikato which would probably have its hands full enough already without wanting added responsibilities. It was a question said Mr Barry, that wanted the fullest investigation for it was impossible -to guage the needs of the Waikato

district at the present time. There might i'or instance be a huge building scheme in view which it would be unwise to participate, in, in view of the heavy commitments which had already been shouldered by th<J town and district. The Deputy Mayor thought the Council should meet the County authority as a whole and moved accordingly } with the added suggestion that in fixing the date an evening meeting be arranged if possible.