New Hospital at Wanganui.

Feilding Star, Volume XVI, Issue 218, 15 March 1895, Page 3

New Hospital at Wanganui.

'"0 The laying of the foundation stone of the new hospital at Wanganui took place yesterday. The ceremony was an imposing one, aDd will not soon be forgotten bj those who were fortunate enough to be present. The platform was crowded with people, while the sand danes cur« rounding it were covered with a mass of j spectators which could not have numbered less than five thousand. The yolunteers and friendly societies were placed in front, but in such a position as not to interrupt the view of the others. Mr Parsons, who is chairman of the Hospital Board, commenced the proceedings by making a remarkably good speech containing much valuable information on the subject of the Wanganui Hospital. Mr Parsons then deputed to the Premier, the Hon R. J. Seddon, the doty of laying the foundation stone. Mr Seddon spoke at considerable length. He made reference to the late Hon John Ballance who had done so much, not only for Waoganui but for the colony, to the late Mr Bees, who had made a donation of £5000 to be expended on the new building, and to the surviving widow, who dfxr&s present on the auspicious occasion. Mr Seddon 'a speech was altogether a happy one, and with excellent tact he made complimentary reference to all who had taken a prominent part in the good work. Cheers were given for the Premier, and Mxs Seddon, and when Mr Seddon invited cheers for the architect, Mr Atkins, the response was, as in all the cases, very hearty. The procession was then formed up again and, headed by the really excellent Garrison Band, marched back to town. There was not the slightest hitch to mar the proceedings, except that the Friendly Societies were a little late in getting into their places, but that was of no great consequence. After the volunteers had matched back to Chavanne's, opposite the drill shed, and were standing in column, the Premier arrived on the spot. Captain Clapham formed the companies into three sides of a square and Mr Seddon addressed them in highly Complimentary terms, especially those who had come from a distance. It is seedless to say that this little act of thonghtfulness was duly appreciated.