CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 639, 7 June 1921, Page 7

CHIEF HEALTH OFFICER.

VISITS PUKEKOHE. IMPORTANT MATTERS DISCUSSED The Chief Health Officer, Dr. Valintine. visited Pukekohe on Thursday, June 2, and was met on arrival by Mr Webster, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and subsequently at tiic Borough Council Chamber by the Mayor and Messrs Perkins, Dell, Roberts and others. The question of the disposal of effluent from the proposed borough drainage was discussed shortly. The doctor favoured sub-irrigation as a ’safe means of disposal and stated that later on when all the necessary data was available Dr Hughes, the district health officer, would say definitely which method is to be adopted. Dr. Valin tine expressed himself as particularly anxious that drainage should be installed at the earliest possible, and that he would do all he could to recommend the scheme for favourable consideration re finance when a satisfactory decision was reached. The question of a hospital for Pukekohe was placed before the doctor, by Messrs Webster, Perkins, Dell and the Mayor, the necessity for a local hospital being explained. The doctor stated that he favoured the establishment of a receiving home in charge of a qualified, nurse, having special skill in maternity cases, the homo to have a ward for accident cases, etc., and to be an adjunct to the base hospital, rather than the establishment of a cottage hospital. In any case he thought it would be necessary for the residents of Pukekohe and the adjacent parts of Franklin County tc subscribe liberally towards the erection of the hospital before he could hold out any good hope of the scheme taking tangible shape. He recommended that Pukekohe and surroundings remain under the jurisdiction of the Auckland Hospital Board even if a cottage hospital were established at Pukekohe. The doctor also expressed his approval of the suggestion that the district over the river, including Glen Murray and a good part of Raglan County be included in the Auckland hospital district in the event of an institution being established at Pukekohe.

An early attempt will be made by petition for the reinstatement of a much valued medico and Dr. Valintine slated that in view of certain facts well known to many residents as to the good services rendered at all hours and in all weathers and in view of the great skill shown in the treatment of chest troubles, he would be inclined to regard the matter with sympathy.