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Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1920, Page 2

Tub deputation from Ross whfpli waited .on tile Clmritiililc Aid Board yesterday, to place the needs of the southern district in reference to medical attention forcibly before the Board members, met with a very fair and reasonable reception. The needs of the district, and the feeling of insecurity that prevails due to the absence of a resident medical officer in Ross was plainly and forcibly placed before the members, the deputation speaking in no uncertaoin manner as to what they wanted. The proposal made by tlie Board at a former meeting for -the opening of a maternity home in the former Totara Hospital building did not have the approval of southern residents, who considered that it would he far preferable to have a medical officer installed in the district, as it was considered that a maternity home, even ' with a duly qualified mid-wife in charge would not be of use, except with the ad. ; ditlon of a medical officer within call. { iAs a result of the deliberations of the conference the deputation agreed to guarantee a fund of at least £l5O per year, the Board promising to make every endeavour to secure the services lof a medical officer. If the efforts jf ; the Board are successful, there will be ! a feeling of relief in the community j most affected, as the health of the disI trict lias undoubtedly'suffered as a result of the shortage of medical officers in the district, only the most pressing cases having been enabled to receive fche necessary attention and then only at a very substantial cost, involved by the necessity of travelling to Hokitika for such attention oil the necessarily flying visit of the resident doctor here. The matter is now in the hands of the people of the district and we have no doubt but that they will show their earnestness in the matter by prompt J v apd liberally footing the financial guarantee,