CORRESPONDENCE

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3930, 13 April 1929, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE

LONDON'S HOSPITALS. (To The Editor). Sir,—This is the first time I believe, th'at the chairman of the London County Council, acting in conjunction with the Lord Mayor of London, has invited the support of the Press overseas an making known an appeal to those of its reader* who are of London descent or are kindly disposed towards London prdbleims. One of these problems is the provision of hospital accommodation for nearly half a million people who will have moved out of London and will have been housed in Essex on jthe north bank of the Thames. A bout four square mile's of this Thalmes-Side area contains the Becontree estate, where there is being developed a housing scheme of greater magnitude than has ever before been attempted in the history of-civic government.

The population of this vast “dormitory,” has no hospital. The nearest is alt Ilford and this hospital, which has less than seventy beds, is inadequate for the needs of that borough -alone. Further provision is imperative.

The Lord Mayor of London and myself are, therefore, appealing for contributions in order that a new general hospital mlay be erected. The new hospital, by gracious consent of the King, will be named “King George Hospital.” His Majesty’s personal interest w'as actively evinced up to the date of his illness, and an Appeal Fund w'as inaugurated by donations of £IOO lroon His Majesty and of £SO from Her Majesty the Queen. There will be amongst the King’s subjects overseas many who wish to give practical expression to their thankfulness that His Majesty has emerged from a great crisis. In London we lay great stress upon the maintenance of voluntary hospital system, and I would like to suggest to your readers that King George Hospital might be remembered by those to .wboim London has given hospitality and colmiflort in accord with its Imperial traditions and responsibilities. Contributions for King George Hospital can be sent to London to -the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House, E.C.4, to me at the County Hall, S.E.I, or to the Honorary Treasurer, the Hon. .Charles Rhys, M.P., 10 Dawning St., S.W.I. —1 am CECIL R. LEVITA, Chairman of the London County Council.