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Hokitika Guardian, 17 March 1924, Page 2

'lnr. Westland Hospital was brought prominently under milieu at the week end by reason of Sir Maui l’nmare formally opening the new wing and administrative quarters. The Trustees have done well to bring the buildings of the institution to toe very complete state they are now assuming. It was a case of tlui Trustees taking their courage in both bands, and proceeding aggressively. The public have been well served by the Trustees over a long term uf years, for the gentlemen have never tailed in taking a close personal interest in the welfare of the institution. On toji of that there was a medical and nursing staff of marked reliability and enthusiasm, and the result is to bo seen to-day in the fine range of buildings which are a standing monument to the workers whose efforts have materialised so satisfactorily. The district is nowcoming into possession of a very fine asset which will be of great service to the. community. The amount of selfhelp put into the scheme of realisation is most commendable, and is a credit to the community. In regard to the work as a whole, it is satisfactory to find that worthy administrative quarters are being provided. For far too long the staff was ill provided for, but that reproach is now being removed. The practical

kelp rendered by the architect of the Health Department should be mentioned, for this lias been most helpful in witnessing the speedy completion of the work. Hand in band with the building programme has been the improvement and beautifying of the grounds. This has been, a labor of love for one of the Trustees, and the community will be grateful always for the care and devotion shown to the work, which has laid a foundation for the future of the hospital grounds which it is to ho hoped will be maintained in a pleasing state for the eye. Altogether, the folk may be well proud of tile hospital institution and grateful indeed to all those who have contributed to the present pleasing conditions.

Thf. Borough Council has a modified scheme in mind for dealing with objectionable sewerage as a middle course to improve the sanitary conditions of the low-lying and more congested portions. of the town. The Health Department's officers require a comprehensive scheme for the whole town, but this, it can be realised, is quite beyond the financial resources of the municipality. At llic Borough Council meeting on Friday night, the Department notified that the modified scheme suggested was not satisfactory. The Department, seems to ho rather speaking out of its turn, and certainly before the scheme is finally agreed upon. The Council is going further into the matter, and if the cost is reasonable the proposal will be much more effective than present conditions—which it is not too much to say are of the grossly objectionable. Indeed, there is an obligation on the Council to grapple with the matter in both Sewell and Tancred Streets, and as the first duty of the Council is to the ratepayers, it is to he hoped immediate steps will he possible in this matter. There has never been any at tempt on the part of ihe Council to shirk its responsibilities in this matter, but there has been the necessity to be reasonable in regard fo the cost involved. Tt is very plain the Council could not carry a scheme involving comprehensive proposals, for the cost would be prohibitive. Tn that circumstance there is the obligation on the Council to devise ways and means of meeting the situation to the next best advantage, and it is apparently in this direction the Council is now moving. It is certainly a step in the right direction, and accomplished satisfactorily will be of great benefit to the town.