OUR HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2467, 21 May 1915, Page 6

OUR HOSPITAL

WORKING BEE OFFERING THOENDON HALL OFFERED The Mayor states that there is no lack of offers of assistance to orect tiio hospital the City proposes to give tho Government for the treatment of the wounded soldiers of tho New Zealand Forces. Nothing will be done until the offer is formally accepted by the Government, but assuming that no time will be lost in going ahead with the work. Initial steps were taken yesterday morning when Mr. Luke wrote to Mr. H. Bald",via, chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board (in whom the proposed site of the hospital is vested) as follows:— "1 have to inform you that the Wellington City Council, acting on behalf of the citizens, have offered to tind a supplementary hospital in connection with the wounded New Zealand soldiers and sailors that may arrive in Wellington, and the.v are prepared to erect a building, which could be removed when the need for same is finished, on a suitable piece of land for t'he purpose. My own personal opinion is that the area of land adjoining Riddiford Street, and adjacent to the present Hospital, is in an admirable position for the structure, and I have to ask that you will be good enough to place this request for the _ consent of your board to the utilisation of such land for the above-named object before your members: I sincerely trust that your Hospital Board will see its way to co-operate with the City Council in furthering this splendid movement, and I await the favour of your early reply." At its meeting yesterday afternoon the proposal was agreed to by the board. During yesterday the Mayor was practically besieged with offers from people who.desired to assist in the erection of the hospital. There were builders and builders' labourers who suggested their willingness to form working liees in order to build the hospital at a minimum cost and an architect offered to design the structure free of cost. Another suggestion made was that the business people and workers of all descriptions be asked to devote one day's pay towards the cost of the hospital in order that it should not be a drain upon the city's finances. _ The Mayor expressed the view that it was very cheering to find everyone so ready to assist, and as soon as the offer was accepted the best, means would be taken to build the 'hospital in the minimum time. ANOTHER HALL OFFERED. Mr. W. H. Turnbull wrote' to the Mayor offering him the use of Thorndon Hall in Goring Street as a hospital or convalescent home for wounded soldiers. Mr. Turnbull set out that the hall was 30ft. x 7oft., and had a room or two attached with gas and water laid on. A feature in favour of the Goring Street Hall is that it is a quiet part of the town and perhaps could be very well_ attended to by nurses and women with nursing experience who reside at the Thorndon end of tho town. Mr. Turnbull is being thanked for 'his offer. EQUIPPINC THE SURCERY AND DISPENSARY.

11l connection with the hospital ship, the Pharmacy Board of New Zealand has communicated with Colonel Collins, offering to equip tho surgery and dispensary on being informed of the requirements, and to render personal services necessary to.complete the equipment process. A reply has been received from the medical officer expressing bis appreciation of the offer and intimating that details of the requirements will be supplied in a few days.