A NEW HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 480, 6 July 1912, Page 4

A NEW HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

The reference made at last Borough council meeting to the desirability of establishing a hospital at Te Kuiti is a further indication that King Country residents are firmly bent on, .establishing an individuality for the , district in public matters generally. The strength which lies in unity of purpose and hearty co-operation, is essential to all movements of magnitude. In no case more than in respect to hospital matters is this spirit necessary to carry to fruition a scheme for the general good. Hospital districts are of necessity large in extent, contributions towards the cost of the hospital and charitiable aid of the whole district being drawn from all' the local bodies within the district. It is manifest that in all cases where a number of contributory bodjes exist one of the essentials towards the success and smooth working of the ad- *« ministrative machine must be, a common interest and a common benefit, together with a common responsibility. In such a large district, as is embraced within the boundaries of the Waikato Hospital district this is hardly possible, where conditions and age of settlement offer such' striking contrasts as exist between the King Country and Waikato. Without straining after detail or seeking for justification, it may fairly be accepted that the older settled portions of the district would not be averse to the more recently settled portion of the district being cut off, and constituted a separate hospital district. There is an equitable basis for all Buch ar-. rangements, and little difficulty should be experience in effecting a reasonable arrangement when the time is' opportune. The matter has already been referred to by the Waitomo County Council and the general feeling is that a conference of King Country local bodies should be held to consider the position. An opportunity to confer will be afforded by the Betting up of a backblocks local bodies association, a project which is now in hand. Circulars have been issued to all the local bodies interested with a view to establishing the association, and arranging an early conference at a suitable centre. One of the first matters for the consideration of the association will undoubtedly be the / question of a separate hospital district.