HOSPITAL BUILDING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5163, 10 August 1927, Page 3

HOSPITAL BUILDING.

CONTINUAL ALTERATIONS. PROTEST FROM THAMES. At a meeting of the Thames Hospital Board on Monday last, an account from a building contractor, amounting to £193 was presented for payment, and deferred until it was certified to by the chairman (Mr W. E. Hale), or some other person in authority. Later oir in the meeting a recommendation was brought forward by Mr J. H. Lange that aji alteration in the verandah space should be made, and an additional kitchen provided at the hospital. The suggestion drew the remark from the deputy chairman (Mr J. W. Danby) ; If the Thames Hospital w;js suffering from anything more than another, it was the lack of promenade space for convalescents. It was contended by Mr Lange that at least one bed should b© taken off the verandah space, for the purpose of providing a small kitcihen for the men’s ward. He pointed put that at present he understood that milk was being kept on a window-sill next to a lavatory. It was stated by Mr E. L. Walton that each month saw various structural or other alterations made to the institution, and he was of the opinion that the expense was far too heavy for any one year. Further, there seemed to be no finality to the requests for alterations and additions. Mr C.a W. Kennedy said that the board was working at a disadvantage through having no architect to control and regulate such matters. The rates were not collected for such purposes as were continually brought before the board, contended Mr Walton. The frequent requests for alterations at the institution were becoming “too solid.” It was moved ,by Mr Walton, and seconded by M Flett, that the work should be deferred until a comprehensive report on ©xactly was required was obtained. On the resolution being carried, tne deputy-chairman (Mr J. W. Danby) remarked that he understood the suggestion for the kitchen was the. outcome of a report of the medical superintendent upon the recent outbreak of typhoid fevei' at the institution. That the resolution was going to make matters “too hard and fast” was the contention of Mr Lange. In his opinion the matter was one of urgency.

Mr Walton pointed out that all such requisitions for alterations were urgent, but the business must stop somewhere. The resolution was then put and carried, Messrs Brenan, Robinson, and Kennedy voting against it. A further resolution was carried : “That the chairman and deputy chairman be appointed to confer with the medical superintendent and matron "and bring down for the September meeting a report of the possible alterations and requirements.”