The Hokitik Guardian THURSDAY. SEPT, 15th, 1921. HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1921, Page 2

The Hokitik Guardian THURSDAY. SEPT, 15th, 1921. HO SPITAL BUILDINGS

l*i is satisfactory to find that I lie Husjilal Bonn! lias taken its courage in both hands and has decided to proceed with the erection of the new wing and administrative quarters, lenders to he called forthwith. This is a wise decision for more than one reason. The ni*"' quarters are most urgently requited. As the Chairman of the Hoard stated at, the laying of the foundation stone in 1919, “the ward they were about to build bad been delayed, due first to tin* want of funds, and then to the war. Now it was a. necessity. IP* (Mr Norman) hoped soon they would have a wing that would he a credit to the people of Westland. That speech was made more than two years ago, and if the work was an urgency then, it cpi! bo well understood it is

more* urgent now. The buildings to bo replaced are old and dikipidated, and tlie.v are also painfully inadequate. Coupled with their insanitary condition. which precludes certain cases being placed in them, tin* actual secommndation, particularly for male patients .is very short frequently nillv. There is need for more room on that score. As regards tin* accommodation for the staff, this lias been of the make-shift character for some years past. Much money has been spent from time to time endeavouring to provide temporary quarters, and this outlay has not provided the comfort and convenience it should lor tin* nursing staff. In point of fact, the administrative quarters are most urgent, ly required for flic rcaso'n just given, and likewise for the more efficient and economical administration of tin* institution. The Hoard has a substantial sum in baud for tile works, and uni mploymeiit is rife in many places. \\ it It the money available, the Hoard *;tttided wisely to list* it for the public good, and it is to be hoped a reasonable ti nder "ill be received and the works put in hand in due course. As the Mayor said *m the occasion of the laying of Hi,, foundation qfone i„ 1919, “the Westland Hospital is part and paTeel of the life of the district, tr.tl everyone should help to keep it up In t In* highest pnssil do state of efficiency.” The public have subscribed liberally in tbe past. There is no purpose more popular wben a public appeal is made. When the works are in progress, and it is found further money is required as no doubt it will be .tin* public will respond no less liberally to further appeals. It has been recognised all along the • buildings were required. Visiting Governors, Governor-Generals and Ministers of the frown nave been impressed with the requirements after viewing the premises, and the Hoard is quite right to assume the full responsibilities of its duties in this matter. Tin* work is of considerable magnitude, and will take sonic time to put through, and the latter fact is a further reason why a commencement cannot be begun too soon. Been us,, of this there will lie general approval at the action of the Hoard, and appreciation that the unsatisfactory conditions at the institution at present owing to congestion and lack of conveniences, are to he removed as soon as the buildings so long looked for and so urgently required at, t-liis stoge, are at last to lie provided.