HOSPITAL REPAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 September 1932, Page 5

HOSPITAL REPAIRS

BADLY NEEDED AT GISBORNE AS RESULT OF! EARTHQUAKE. ■ (Per Press Association — Copyright.) GISBORNE, September 23. A special meeting of the Cook County Hospital Board was held toil Ay to consider the r report of Mr C. Sr Allen, of Wellington, who is architect to the Department of Health, on the damage caused by the recent earthquake, The report stated that as the result of the quake, Mr Allen considered an expenditure of five or.', six thousand pounds would be necessary in connection with the hospital, together thirty-five chimneys would be for precautionary measures.. Altogether thirty-five chimneys would need to be replaced, many -having come down in the quake, and others were in such a dangerous condition that they had been pulled down since. In the number three ward which is a women’s ward, thel west wall was badly cracked throughout the length, and there were minor cracks in other parts of the buildings. In regard to number three ward, the open verandah, though not being attached to the roof, had acted as a battering ram against the walls being mainly responsible for the damage. The remaining four wards were practi cally undamaged, but, in the event of another might suffer simri'-r damage th number thrte ward.

Hence tlie necessity of strengthening these parts of th.e building. He recommended ‘that repairs to number ‘three- ward be preceded with immediately. Since the quake this ward had been evacuated as it is at present unsafe for occupation. Mr Allen also outlined various precautions in connection with the other four wards The board resolved to take n.-.tdi-■ate steps to repair the dam 'go in number three ward TJne ni lufed relief labour will bq utilised as ' much as possible. Regarding precaiw tionary measures in other wa-ds -t vas decided to call tenders for the wrk as soon as finance could be arranged. The board also decided ,o send full details of the position to the Hoalt l Department ; and* ask for an immediate grant towards rehabilitation work.