DENTAL CLINIC.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5216, 14 December 1927, Page 4

DENTAL CLINIC.

HELP FOB THAMES SCHOOLS, HOSPITAL BOARD GRANTS ROOMThe matter pf securing a suitable building for the establishment of u dental clinic has been exercising the minds of the Thames Schools) Committee for nearly 12 months past. In September last the committee applied to the Thames, Hospital Board. f°r the use of a building at the rear of its offices in Baillie Street which is now being used as a general storeroom. After due consideration the board resolved to advise the committee that it could not spare the building. At the board’s November meeting the chairman, a member of the comin'ttee, and Mr Shepherd, headmaster, waited on the board and renewed the application for the use of the building. The deputation stated that it had not been able to secure suitable premises elsewhere, and it did not consider that the time was opportune to endeavour to raise money to erect a permanent clinic. After fully discussing the matter at that meeting the board reached no finality, and it was resolved to defer decision for one month.

The matter was reopened at the board’s meeting on Monday, when Mr C. W. Parfitt moved that the board adhere to its previous decision and the use of the building be not granted. He added that it was quite clear, to him that the old office w'as required for storage purposes. It was contended by Mr J. W. Danby that it was the duty of the board to encourage the committee and help it (o establish a dental clinic. He doubted very much if the board really required the building for its own use. The chairman (Mr W, E. Hale) pointed out that to make room for the new laundry and isolation wards it had been necesary to demolish several small sheds. ,which had been u&ed as store rooms- It had also been necessary to provide a garage for the motor ambulance. The board really needed the building, as other than a limited space under the rear of the hospital building, the old office was the only other place available for a store rpom. The chairman said that in any case he did not, consider that the building or site was suitable for a dental clinic. A town the size of Thames should be in a position to provide something better for' its school children, and .he agreed with the resolution moved by Mr Parfitt, and seconded it, AN AMENDMENT MOVED. As an amendment Mr C. W. Kennedy moved that the Schools Committee be' granted the use of the building for 12 months. In the opinion of the mover the deputation had shown the board that it had used its best endeavours to secure ?! suitable building, and was Siincere in its request to the board. He believed that the board could do without the building, and it was the duty of the board to a-ssist the committee even to the extent of lending the board room temporarily. So long as children)' attending the clinic were kept under control, and did not interfere with the maternity annexe, he could see no more reason why the building should not be handed over at once. »

The amendment was, seconded by Mr A. R. Robinson, who said that the question- had been thoroughly debated at the last meeting, and he saw no reason why he should alter his, decision.

Mr E, L. Walton asked if the committee had obtained a, site for a clinic.

The chairman replied that the board had received no notification of the fact, although be had seen in the Press that the Thames Borough Council had granted the use of an ,area of land for the purpose. It was stated by Mr P. E. Brenan that he could not agree that it was in the best interests of the efficient administration of , the hospital or the board’s patients that the building should be handed over to the committee. The board’s secretary had shown that the old office, was. required, and that should be sufficient. In his opinion the proper place to establish a clinic was in or near the school grounds.

After further discussion the amendment was put and carried by five votes to four, the voting being: For, Messrs Danby, Hall, Robinson, Flett, and Kennedy ; against the chairman and Messrs Parfitt, Walton, and Brenan.

The details of handing the building over to the comniittee were left in the hands of th© chairman and Thames members. ;