The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1922- LAUNCHING OUT.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 April 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1922LAUNCHING OUT.

The Westland Hospital Board launched out on Monday night when if. accepted a tender running into nearly fourteen thousand pounds for the new wing and administrative quarters in connection with the Westland Hospital. This is a matter which has been for a very long time before the public who iu the past have subscribed liberally to the building fund. There wa s an ancient and unfulfilled promise when the Hon. How Ids was Minister to rebuild t.w hospital, but as so often happens with Ministerial promises, they are made to be broken. However, the necessity has existed'all the time to rebuild the hospital, and the work has been in hand piecemeal. Two substantial wings are erected already, A third wing is now to be erected to replace the dilapidated and unsanitary wooden portion of the old hospital which still'remains; Also, living quarters for the staff with till conveniences. This latter has b f ea '

long overdue if it be necessary to accommodate the staff as comfortably as is the custom in similar institutions throughout the Dominion. The public responded well to the appeal for funds and there has now accumulated with the aid of the Government subsidy to the voluntary contributions, a sum of about, twelve thpusand pounds. The ipajor portion of the money for the contract let is thus in hand. The contract price will not extinguish the liability, as the buildings will require furnishing and organising with equipment and a large additional sum will be required. The Board however, has taken its courage in both hands and gone ahead with the large project which is to the credit of the people as a whole. The welfare of the hospital has been always a matter of local pride and in future appeals for more funds the people are sure to live up to former traditions. A well-established institution of the character referred to is highly essential in this centre, which is just now taking on a new leave of life—entering upon a newer and more stable era than has yet been experienced. The future of this place is now bound up in its industrial and productive activities, and the land is -going tp yield great wealth, and maintain an increasing population. The district is about to he linked up with the rest or the South Island by railway, and that will be an aid to future development the extent of which is as yet but faintly understood.. ,A well found and well established hospital is a necessary requirement needed more than ever with a', growing population. In the past there lias at times been much complaint about the high cost of running the Westland hospitals. Permanent buildings such as are mnv being erected, will help to ieduce the annual cost- The initial expenditure is high but from a maintenance point of view it is final, and will relieve recurring costs in the future. In the main the present cost is being met by what are actually Kill'plus funds. The money has accrued from voluntary donations, and benefits of various kinds towards which all parts of the district contributed. The new building will thus be something to he proud of, signifying the confidence of the people in the future of the place, and the realisation of a plain duty to see that for the sick and distressed the unfortunate will have at their disposal the best that humanity can prompt to relieve or succour those in failing health and need of medical help.