HOME FOR THE AGED

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 18, 18 April 1947, Page 4

HOME FOR THE AGED

EVERY thinking person will endorse the suggestion raised at the Hospital Board meeting for the early establishment of a Home or Institution for the aged people of this district. Such establishments automatically'become necessary with the closer settlement of all centres and districts, and may be classed as a duty undertaking in every town worthy of the name. As a means of relieving the burden upon the local hospital, the scheme has much to commend it as an economic undertaking alone, but as pointed out by the Chairman (Mr J. Mullins) the suggestion of erecting new' buildings is practically out of the question. The matter has been broached, but as far as we can see it is still in a very nebulous and vague state. Nothing has been done other than to give it publicity and acquaint Opotiki with the proposition. Public opinion alone can therefore bring it forcibly to a head and as this channel is notoriously fickle and changeable we have little faith in an early solution. A substantial and suitable building is needed for a start, with a certain amount of farmable land about it. To obtain this it is necessary for the Board in concert with other local bodies to give a firm and active lead. Otherwise we see the whole progressive scheme going the way of Whakatane’s other ‘good intentions.’