POSITIVE DISGRACE
THE HOSPITAL MORGUE MOVE FOR NEW BUILDING As a direct result of two strongly-worded letters from Messrs. A. E. Gadd and A. R. Newdick, the Whakatane Hospital Board has decided to make immediate representation to the Minister of Health for approval of plans for the construction of a building to serve as a morgue.
The letters contended that the present small structure, was a positive disgrace which reflected detrimentally on such a prosperous district as Whakatane. Surprise was expressed .at the Board being able to ‘get away with it’ for so long, and it was contended that the Board wasted more time over petty things than over .such vital matters as decently -equipping the institution in this connection.
“I. thoroughly agree with those letters,” said Mr . McGougan, who added that there was no doubt about the state of affairs that existed. It wa!s absolutely essential to do something quickly.
The chairman (Mr J. Mullins) re- ; minded members that there was still the sum of £6OO set aside for building a decent morgue, and this with the Government subsidy which would be forthcoming would enable • a decent building to be built.
Mr McCready was in strong agreement, describing as disgraceful the conditions into which the near relatives of deceased persons were'expected to encounter.
The secretary (Mr F. Prideaux) gave a'brief history of the position. The .present shed was never intended for use as a morgue. It was merely a makeshift which had grown -into a permanent institution when the original building was embodied into one of the hospital structures-. The sum of £6OO had been earmarked for the purpose, but the Department had submitted plans for a building costing approximately -£IOOO. This was seven years ago. 'The money was still held, and all that remained now, «if the Board was prepared to move was to obtain ‘the Minister’s approval to plans.
On Mr McCready’s mofion it was decided to apply to the Department without delay, for the preliminary consent to erect a new morgue.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19470509.2.15
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 26, 9 May 1947, Page 5
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335POSITIVE DISGRACE Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 26, 9 May 1947, Page 5
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