THE OTAKI SANATORIUM.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1147, 18 September 1913, Page 3

THE OTAKI SANATORIUM.

“ Either the Otaki Sanitarium should be placed under the Government and made a national institution or it should be closed down.” This statement was made to Levin Borough Council on Monday by Mr B. R. Gardener, and greeted with hear hears. Taking an average of 6years, he said, had been spent on 6to patients iu connection with consumption in the Otaki and Saddon institutions. One reason why these institutions cost Wellington Hospital Board so much was because so many outside hospital districts dodged their moral responsibility to provide sanatoria. Councillor Parker asked if there still was objection to Wirokino and Tokornaru ridings being joined to Palmerston North. The Mayor said yes ; Palmerston was objecting, on account of the cost of Otaki Sanatorium. Councillor Parker asked it the proposed Government grant in aid of that institution would not be likely to cut away Palmerston’s ground of objection, but Mr Gardener thought not, as the cost of the sanatorium was several thousands per annum. Finally it was resolved, on the motion ot the Mayor seconded by Councillor Lancaster, ‘‘That a petition to Parliament be circulated in the borough urging the severance of Wirokino and Tokomaru ridings and the borough of Levin from the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid District.” This was carried on the voices, and the Mayor was congratulated on his persistence in a good cause by Councillors France and Lancaster. —Chronicle.