GREY AERODROME AND HOSPITAL—QUESTION OF ENCROACHMENT

Grey River Argus, 4 February 1948, Page 4

GREY AERODROME AND HOSPITAL—QUESTION OF ENCROACHMENT

The effect that extensions of the Greymouth aerodrome would have on the Grey Hospital was the subject of discussion at the meeting of the Grey Hospital Board last night, following receipt of a letter from Mr J. G. Collins asking the effect of a Gazette notice having reference to building restrictions on the hospital. It was explained to the Board that, from a line taken from High Street across the corner of the laundry and through Petrie Ward north, building construction would be limited to a height of 24ft Sins. Building on a terrace north again of that line would be limited to 6ft Sins. T x The secretary, Mr W. H. Watson, commented that there was a possibility that extensions to the aerodrome might not be gone on with, and that the restrictions might be lifted. He added that there was also a possibility that the aerodrome would be gone on with, and then the restrictions might be more severe. Mr T. Blackie: “It looks as if we will have to go underground”. The chairman, Mr A. Mosley: “The most valuable part of our ground which could be used for extension cannot be used”. He said that it became a matter of the hospital or the aerodrome. If the aerodrome were to be extended, then a new site for the hospital would have to be looked for. The present institution would have to' serve for a long time, the Board being forced to continue as it had been doing—patching up when it was needed. "As far as the extension is concerned, it is a matter of the hospital or the aerodrome”, he repeated. LOW FLYING ’PLANES Mr Mosley mentioned the practices of recent weeks of members of the Flying School in exceeding their rights to fly over the hospital. He said that it appeared to him that in approaching to land, pupils were going too close to the Old People’s Home. It seemed to him, he said, that it was a favourite spot for the members of the school to demonstrate their ability, and recommended that the instructor be approached with a view of looking into the matter. It had been remarked to him, continued the chairman, that ’planes were, flying extremely close to the buildings. Mrs J. Pearson: “Should they not be made to fly out Io sea?” That landings and take-offs were subject to prevailing wind conditions was explained by Mr J. E. Stokes. “The ’drome shouldn’t have been put there in the first place”, said Mrs D. M. Parfitt. The Board will approach the authorities responsible and ask them for rectification of the matter. NEW X-RAY PLANT. The purchase of new X-ray plant for the Hospital was again discussed. The need for the plant has been felt for some time and at last evening’s meeting it was decided to request tne Health Department for permission to purchase. Two plants had been offered after recent enquiries had been made, it being stated that the prices were increasing all the time. The cost of one type of plant had increased by £2lO, and therefore the Board could not afford to wait much longer. The Surgeon-Superintendent, Dr. S. Barclay, explained briefly his- impressions of the two plants available, urging the Board to consider the purchase of the plant, which to his knowledge, was widely used in New Zealand hospitals. Mr. F. J. Oakley told the Board that when the Minister of Health, Miss M. Howard, had been in Greymouth recently she had said that the Board would have no trouble in obtaining consent to the purchase. The Board will apply to the Minister lor consent to purchase the plant recommended by Dr. Barclay. THEATRE IMPROVEMENTS. Regarding theatre improvements, it was stated that the Department had approved plans for alterations to the theatre and to an annexe opposite. However, the Department had asKed that the Board delete from the plan a space 20 x 6 x 12 feet intended for storage of splints and wheel chairs, which at present occupied a room which was intended for the staff. It was decided that if the Department passed the project it should pass the whole of the plan and the Board will press for permission to complete the whole of the proposal. In reply to a letter from the Southland Hospital Board, seeking the approval of the Board for the establishment of a special clinic for cleft palate and hare lip cases in the South Island, it was decided that the Southland Board be advised that the local Board agreed in principal with the proposal. COST OF BRIDGE. A letter was received from the Department of Health in regard to the payment for extensions recently carried out to the approach bridge over the railway line. The Department advised that it had no funds to provide for the payment but added that if the Board desired it could meet the cost. The cost of the alterations was ±125 and in conjunction with the Railways Department and Public Works Department, the Board was willing to meet the cost to the extent of £so.— The letter was received, no further action being taken. CAPITAL ESTIMATES.

The Health Department requested advice of the Board’s proposals for capital expenditure for the year, it asked that only essential works involving the use of building materials be catered for. The Secretary advised that he had not yet completed a list of the proposals for expenditure on capital items, but mentioned the following tentative matters: —X-ray plant and improvements, to the X-ray romos; food mixer for the Nurses’ Home; ward improvements and sanitary improvements; theatre block improvements; laboratory extension and provision of more equipment: refrigerator for store and wards; dish washing machines; laundry extension and boiler-house extensions ahd a buzzer for the workshops. Also included was hot water service and a plan for the disposal of sewerage. The Matron ,Miss N. Moff-at, asked that a film projector be provided fur the tutorial block for the instruction of student nurses. SEWERAGE DISPOSAL.. That there was a proposal for the connection of the hospital sewerage system to the main town disposal line was indicated by the Secretary. He stated that he had communicated with th e Borough Engineer, he being prepared to do the work. The pipes had been purchased and the last estimate for it, in March, 1946, had been £652. He had requested the permission of the Health Department to have the work carried out, but to the meeting he was unable to bring a reply from the Department. The chairman indicated that the matter was to be pursued when a member of the Board went to Wellington in the near future. SUPPLY TENDERS. Tenders for supplies were accepted as follows: —Bread, W. Rohert'#on; meat, Mawhera Meat Coy.; fish, Preston’s Ltd. The currency of the tenders is three months. Protracted discussion followed as to the formation of the finance and

hospital committees. After more than an hour had been spent in consideration of the matter, it was decided that the whole of the Board should comprise both. The date of the monthly meeting was set down for the fourth Tuesday in each month.