HOSPITAL BUILDINGS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4849, 6 July 1925, Page 2

HOSPITAL BUILDINGS.

LEVY BY THAMES BOARD. DISCUSSION BY COUNTY COUNCIL. At. Thursday’s meeting of the Ohineinuri County Council a letter was received from the Thames Hospital Board advising that subsequent to tlie previous notice given under section 8 of the Act the following capital expenditure was required in addition to that contained in the annual estimates for the current year : Erection of an ' isolation block and steam laundry at Thames Hospital at an estimated cost of £7OOO. The loan was for a term of 20 years. The estimated resulting contribution from the council required during the next financial year amounted to £55 16s 2d. Cr. Robinson stated that the proposed work was absolutely necessary. He was of the opinion that in view of the heavy rates already levied possibly some of the work could be delayed, but as a member of the board he was forced to admit that the buildings were necessary. He would further express his opinion on the matter during the forthcoming conference of the Waihi and Thames hospital boards. Cr. Morrison thought it was of little use protesting against expert opinion, which had stated that the buildings were required. Cr. McGuire said that of his knowledge as an ex-member of the Thames board the laundry at least was necessary, and the recent, infantile paralysis epidemic had shown that an isolation block was also desirable. He did not think it was much use objecting, but it was unfortunate that the burden should fall on the land owners. Cr. Morgan said that where public health was concerned he did not think the council should quibble over the matter. No objection should be made to anything that would tend to provide for or improve the lot of the sick. The chairman pointed out that it had been suggested that a central hospital might be erected in Paeroa, and with that thought in mind he wondered if it was advisable for Thames to go on erecting costly buildings. Cr. Corbett,- agreed, nad (Said he understood that the site of the Thames Hospital had been condemned by an expert some years ago. Finally it was agreed to offer no objection to the levy.