DOCTOR FOR MANGAHAO.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2493, 14 October 1922, Page 2

DOCTOR FOR MANGAHAO.

Some time ago Mr \V. Murdoch, Mayor of Shannon, and other prominent citizens interested themselves in the question of obtaining a resident medical man whose -services would be available for Mangahito when required. Meetings of those interested were held and an association formed. The members of the association made a periodical contribution and the Hospital Board agreed to obtain a subsidy and the services of a resident doctor were obtained. Things went nlong alright for a time until the Department discovered that the subsidy was an illegal payment and the Board discussed the subject and finally decided to dispense with the services of the doctor and leave the responsibility of providing the services of a medical man for Mangahao with the Health ; and Public Works Departments. At Thursday’s meeting of the Hospital Board Sir James Wilson (chairman) reported that he had interviewed Mr .J. A. Nash, M.P., on the matter. He had intimated to Mr Nash that, while if was unwilling to incur expenditure, the Board would do any work involved if a grant was made. Sir Janies read a letter from Mr Nash, stating that, he had brought the matter up in the House, and had pointed out that a grant was forthcoming. The Minister of Public Works had said he appreciated the necessity for a medical man at Shannon, and that he would go into the matter with the Minister of Public Health. A letter was received ffoin the Minister of Public Health (Hon. C. J. Parr), advising that he had approved a validatory item of £6OO to be placed on the Estimates. The Board’.-- request for a subsidy oil the contributions of the Shannon Medical Board could not he acceded to. The Board was claiming a subsidy on patients’ fees rather than on voluntary contributions. The subsidies which the Board claimed in error were therefore not legally payable out of permanent appropriations, but they could be transferred to the grant of £6OO mentioned. The letters were received and the chairman's action was approved.