MATERNITY HOMES

Hokitika Guardian, 10 June 1920, Page 3

MATERNITY HOMES

THEIR EXTENSION ADVOCATED. The question of building and equipping maternity homes was brought for. ward at the Hospital Boards’ Conference by the following resolution, which was moved by a delegate from Waikato: “That the Government be requested to specially assist building and equipping maternity hospitals.” t The mover sad that the late Hon. R. J. Seddon, who, it would be admitted, was one of the most far-seeing . men that the Dominion ever possessed—(hear, hear)—had inaugurated the system, which was one that urgently called for extension. The proposal received general approval, but there was a diversity of opinion as to who should shoulder the responsibility of the finance and upkeep—the hospital boards or the State. Dr Valentine said that the Government had provided maternity hospitals wherever possible, and it was only fail that the hoards should do their share. Sir James Wilson said that the lack of funds prevented boards from extending the scheme of maternity hospitals and nothing could be done in the direction desired unless the State came to the financial assistance of the boards. j A delegate said that now that 'he Public Trustee had shut down i n |- granting hospital boards advances, his I hoard was placed in an awkward position. A building was in course of erec- : tion and , its completion was being hampered through lack of funds. It was proposed that the Government be asked to sanction a £2 for Cl subsidy for the building and equip ment of maternity hospitals and the remit was passed with that addition. A further resolution proposed by the chairman: “That the InspectorGeneral of Hospitals approach the Minister of Finance on behalf of this conference and ask him that, owing to the immediate necessities of the hospital boards for large expenditure to bring the hospitals of the Dominion up'to the requirements of the people, '"■especially in regard to maternity wards or hospitals and in view of the great advance of medical science that a special sum should be provided for the purpose of enabling hospital boards fc oborrow for the purpose of permanent improvement,” was also carried.