OTIRA DEPUTATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 March 1924, Page 4

OTIRA DEPUTATION.

Tlio dissatisfaction felt by the residents of Otira at the recent closing down of the Otira Hospital by the Westland Hospital Board, was expressed to the Minister of Health (.Sir Maui Pomare), by deputation from the Otira Hospital Committee on his arrival at the township on Saturday. The deputation was introduced by Mr .T. O’Brien, M.P., and consisted of Messrs Abrams, Howarth, Johnson, and Gibbons. The speakers, claimed that the Otira Hospital could be more economically run than it had been by the Westland Hospital Board, and if the Hospital Committee were granted the same subsidy that the Board had been I receiving, they believed it could be made to pay its way. They were preparent to contribute one shilling per week per man to have the hospital reestablished. The isolation of Otira was a serious menace to the health of the people, and in case of accidents the residents had to guarantee £lO to ensure the visit of a. doctor. The hospital building and a quantity of appliances and drugs were available, and the Minister was urged to arrange for the stationing of, at least, a surgical and maternity nurse at Otira. In reply to the Minister, Mr Johnson stated they were prepared to guarantee £l3 per fortnight if the hospital were re-opened with a surgical anil maternity nurse in charge. The Minister expressed sympathy with the request, but stated that he could not make definite promises before he investigated the niattr. He would see what could be done. "With regard to representations made in connection with the need for a new school building at Otira, the Minister promised to place the deputation’s request before the Minister of Education.