HOSPITAL FARM.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5102, 18 March 1927, Page 1

HOSPITAL FARM.

GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL’S REPORT DISCUSSION BY BOARD. Tiie management and maintenance of the 'farm run in conjunction with the district homes at Tararu and the Thames Hospital has long been a bone of contention with several of tne members of the Thames Hospital Board. At the monthly meeting of the board on Monday the Health Department forwarded a report of a visit to the hospital farm by Mr Bruce, agricultural adviser to the department. This opened with a comment on the improvement shown at the farm since his last visit. The farm was ideally situated for more intensive cultivation, and he recommended that it be remodelled and set out in eight small paddocks, four to be laid down in permanent pastures with suitable grasses. The other paddocks should be used for rotation crops. The pig building had served its day, and should be replaced. There were two items in the balance-sheet calling 'for investigation, i.e., seeds and manure, ploughing, £179, and wages £317, which, if allocated to 11 acres of land, represent a cost of £45 an acre. The production could be increased and the cost lessened. The chairman (Mr W. E. Hale) explained that the department, as partowners of the hospital and farm property. was interested in its management, and every year sent an inspector to report on the state of farms and small holdings administered by hospitals. The financial item referred to included other items not mentioned, and this made it appear a large expenditure. Mr J. W. Danby considered that there were ether items not mentioned which the department would do well to take heed of. The farm had supplied provisions to the homes and hospital worth £672. Mr C. W. Parfitt: What, profit does the farm show’ ? Mr Danby pointed out that th'-re was nc profit in the strict sense of the word, but a deficit of £2OO. A lengthy discussion ensued as to certain aspects o’f the position in regard to tthe profitable .management of the farm, culminating in a resolution appointing Messrs A. R. Robinson W. J. Hall. W. E. Hale, and C. W. Parfitt to issue a report on the inspector’s recommendation.