The Hawera Star. MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1924. THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 October 1924, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1924. THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Delivered every evening uy 6 o’clock in Hewer®, Manaia. Okaiawa, Elthami Pateb, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Oiianga,, Kereniere, Fraser Boad. end Otakeuo Manutahi. Alton, Burleyville, Mangatoki, Kaponga, *Awatuna, Opunake,

News that the plans tor the new lios-' pital for Hawera have been approved, and that the way is now clear for the work to be proceeded with brings within sight definite results of many months of labour by members of the Hospital Board and the architects, who have for a long time past been facing the problem, the solution of which has become more urgent each year. The old building which has served the district for so long has been frequently overcrowded with patients during the last few years, and a position has been reached at which it is imperative that something should be done. Plans . previously drawn were not accepted by the department, because, it is understood, the expenditure involved was in excess of what the department was willing to face. After lengthy discussions and negotiation plans somewhat modified and involving a lower cost have been drawn and have at last been accepted. The work will be undertaken very soon now. and in about two years’ time the new hospital will be ready. On many .occasions doctors and nurses find that their task lias been made very difficult through overcrowding, and m the fight against disease it is not fair that they should have to contend with handicaps that can possibly be removed. Tt was decided long ago that extensions and alterations to the present hospital would not satisfactorily meet requirements, and land for a new hospital was purchased. The chairman of the board (Mr. F. Gillanders) and bis fellow members, with the secretary and architects, have given very careful thought to the question, and the community owes them a debt, of gratitude for the excellent work which they have done. What are regarded as the best financial arrangements hare been made, and though the ratepayers’ share of the cost will amount to some £4s.f)f)t> it i« the desire of the board to make the burden as easy to onrrv as possible. The arrangements, are that the board shall raise the money at, the rat« rf £‘4ooo ner annum, so that it will bo ton or eleven rears before the total loan is called up. The department and the bank have agreed to

ill!- arrangement. which will obviously make the burden considerably lighter than it- would be if the who]e of the loan were raised immediately. The district has progressed rapidly' and it is generally thought that in a few years’ time, when the depression has passed, further rapid progress will be made, and as population increases adequate hospital accommodation must be provided. We hope that the work' of erecting the new building will not be subjected' to any further delay, and that provision has been made to meet the district’s needs for many vea r s td come.