HOSPITAL FOR PLAINS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4466, 13 September 1922, Page 2

HOSPITAL FOR PLAINS.

THE KEKEEEEHI SITE. A meeting of Kerepeehi settlers was held in the local hall last evening to discuss the proposal to purchase a hospital site at Kerepeeni. Mr L Twist, as convener of the meeting, called for nominations for chairman, and Mr A. Chatfield was elected to the chair. Mr I. Jenkins was elected secretary. The chairman said a site had been set aside at Kerepeehi for a hospital and it had to be purchased. A local resident had written to the Hospital Board concerning the site, and Mr Hale had been deputed to go into the matter, and he said the Board would purchase the site if the local settlers obtained half the money. Already two ten pound notes and other donations had been promised. The price of the section was £290. The area was 51>2 acres, Mr L. A. W. Bagnall said the local branch of the Farmers’ Union had taken up the matter, which, however, had been allowed to drop. Mr; Hoff said that Mrs Innijs and Miss Evans had written to the Board. They had been public spirited and had done the right thing. The public should car.ry on. A letter from Mr H. M. Skeets, Commissioner of Crown Lands, to Mr B. J. Innis stated that the section was No. 29, block 8, in the township, and had ap area of 5 acres 2 roods 11 perches. It had been purposely witnheld from sale to be used as a hospital site. Mr J. W. Devereaux thought the other centres should have a say in the matter. Mr Ward suggested that the other centres such as Ngatea, Kaihere, Patetonga, Turua, and Netherton, should organise a cattle drive to raise money for the hospital s'ie. Each settler should contribute a beast, and he thought the Farmers’ Auctioneering Company would sell the cattle free of charge. The chairman said that the county paid up to £3OOO a year as hospital rates, and it was contended that the Plains did not get that value out of the Thames Hospital. Mr Avery moved that the movement to purchase the hospital site be gone on with and that subscription lists be circulated.

Mr Ward seconded the motion, which was carried, and it was decided to circulate lists in all parts of the Hauraki Plains. Several present offered to take subscription lists. On Mr Ward’s motion it was decided to hold a plain and fancy dress masquerade ball on Friday, October fi, to raise funds for the purchase of the site. Arrangements were left With Mr J. M. Thompson.