The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, JANUARY 20th, 1922. THE NEW HOSPITAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian FRIDAY, JANUARY 20th, 1922. THE NEW HOSPITAL.

It would have been very pleasing news to the general public to learn from yesterday’s issue that the building arrangement for the long-promised completion of the new hospital, had been finally focussed at last. At the conference with the Public Health Department’s architect, the plans wore finally approved, and the mode of procedure as to the works determined upon. The next step now is to prepare the specifications accordingly, and to invite tender®. This will be done inside two or three weeks. This decision clinches the matter, and is a subject for congratulations all round. The new building, and particularly the administrative quarters have long been needed. A very fine structure, designed on modern lines is to be reared, and the institution when completed will be equal to the best in the Dominion. The Board is to be commended for attaining so promising a goal. The members were fortunate in having at their service so painstaking and enthusiastic an officer as Mr C. S Allen, the Department’s architect. Mr Allen is undoubtedly a valuable officer to the public service, and it was the good fortune of the district to have so capable an official at its service. The public will be pleased to’ Know this, for after all the bulk of the money has com# from them. Ther seems to be the assurance that the money raised will be well spent. Those familiar with the requi ments of a hospital believe the new building will supply every comfort and convenience for the patients and (staff, and the public will feel every satisfaction that so desirable a result is being obtained. The new buildings to be erected will complete the design for the permanent Westland Hospital. The situation of the institution is a very desirable one, and when in the course of eighteen months or two years’ time, the whole scheme is completed with adequate drainage nnd sanitation, the hospital should be one of the best found institutions in New Zealand. Attaining that excellence the hospital will 1 pe”a credit to the people, to the Board, and to the Government. The bulk of the money is in sight for the buildings. Although the buildings are expected to cost in the region of £14,000,- upwards of £12,000 arp in hand already. Fnri 1

tlier to completing the building proper, the furnishings will absorb a considerable sum, so that £3,000 or £4,000 will vet require to be raised. The fact that a first class hospital will be established in the district will be sufficient inducement for the public to continue their financial support, and as further appeals are made the response, we are persuaded, will be ho less generous than in the past. The local hospital has enjoyed throughout its career a very good name. The standing it has attained, combined with the regularity with which financial help has been forthcoming, suggest that the people will bo as ready ns ever to contribute to the funds. There is some talk of a monster fefe in a year’s time to raise the balance of the funds required. 1 doubt if well organised throughout the district, tin; effort would, give a surprising result, and if the Board take the matter up the claims of charity will be fully respected and a very generous response made from all parte of Westland.