The Palmerston Hospital Board.

Manawatu Herald, 16 May 1895, Page 2

The Palmerston Hospital Board.

At the meeting on Thursday Mr E. Larcomb, architect, Wrote> stating that he understood complaints had been made in. reference to the carrying out of certain works at the hospital. In consequence of the circulation of the complaints a great amount of injury had been done to him, and he asked that the complaints be given to him in writing so that he could frame a reply. The Chairman reported* that he had telegraphed to Dr Macgregpr requesting him to recommend an independent man to report on the" condition of the hospital. He had done so because several pieces of plaster had fallen from the ceiling. . Mr Taylor said he objected to the chairman's action altogether. Mr Snelson supported the action of the Chairman. Mr Park objected to consulting Dr Alacgregnr., about such a small matter as a little plaster falling from the ceiling. He thought the Chairman should have consulted the Executive Committee before he took action. The Chairman said if any objection was taken to his action he was willing to resign. Mr Ransom was of opinion that the Chairman had done quite right in endeavouring to arrange with an outside architect. Mr Saxon thought the Chairman' was quite justified in the action he had taken. So far as he could see the work at the hospital had not been properly carried out. The Board had had to do a lot of repairs which should not have been necessary in a new building. He understood that the waterpipes wero not uniform, that the chimneys smoked, and that the roof and doors let in the water. Mr Lethbridge was of opinion that the Chairman had done the best he could under the circumstances. The Chairman said the amount of expenditure incurred for maintenance since the erection of the hospital was close on £130, and it could not be denied that this was too much. Mr Park pointed out that all plastered ceilings had a tendency to slip. Mr Larcomb here waited on the Board. The Chairman informed him that the whole of the work had given dissatisfaction inasmuch as the maintenance of the building had been very much more than it should have been. Mr Larcomb said the whole of the complaints had arisen through the rivalry of two tradesmen. He said he was only to keep the building in repair for three months and he had done so. If the Board had asked him to see that the plumber repaired the leaks he would have so instructed him. As it was the Board had taken the building out of his hands and undertaken to carry out necessary repairs withoutconsulting him. -He was not re" sponsible for the expenditure of money for the maintenance. The chimneys were built on the most approved principle, but it was impossible to guarantee 'that "a chimney would not smoke. It. was quite possible that the chimneys were too low, or that the fireplaces were too open. The chairman said all the roof of the main ward was stained with damp marks ■, and about £25 worth, of chemicals had been spoiled by the damp in the dispensary. Mr Larcomb said the driving rain penetrated the dispensary when the wind was in a certain direction. The plaster had doubtless fallen, down because the continued wet had made it too heavy for its supports. The chairman asked why the gas brackets in some of the rooms had been so placed as to endanger the doors. Mr Larcomb said the brackets had been placed according to specifications. The chairman said the furniture had not given satisfaction. Several of the articles were cracking and giving way. The panels of the cupboards were giving way where the screws were placed. Mr Larcomb said when the hospital was built everything had to be of the cheapest, and the contractors tendered accordingly. So far as he knew the timber used for the furniture was well seasoned. The timber in the building was all mill- dressed to save expense. The chairman said he would, like to get a copy of the specifications. It was useless arguing the question until they were produced. He would like, however, to say that a tank on the roof had depressed its support so much that the door of one of the rooms would not close. Mr Larcomb said the soil was somewhat soft and it might haye < settled down. He then retired. It was then resolved to employ an , architect to jreport on the building. 1 1 — Condensed from Standard,