PALMERSTON HOSPITAL BOARD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3943, 16 May 1929, Page 3

PALMERSTON HOSPITAL BOARD.

FIRST MEETING OF NEW MEMBERS. MIR. HORNBLOW ELECTED CHAIRMAN. :• ' "..'"WaW \ 'The Palmerston North Hospital Board met on Tuesday for the first •time after the elections. There Avere present: Messrs J. K. Hornblow, ,T. A. Nash, 0. McElroy, J. H. Boyce, D. Collis, M. A. Moody, R. L. C. Aitchison, A. E. Mansford, F. J. Ryder, W. Howell, S. A. Broadbelt, W. Green how, C. P, Hatley, V. E. Smith, G. A. Monk and L. T. McLean. Mr. J. Iv. HornbloAV Avas elected chairman. The newly-elected chairman, after expressing thanks for his election referred to the late Sir James Wilson with whom he had been associated as felloAV district representative on the Board for upwards of 29 years, a fact Avthieh probably brought him into closer touch Avith the late chairman than other members. Sir .James had been responsible for defining and fixing the hospital district when Palmerston was in its infancy. Subsequently, deceased became a member of the board, and ultimately chairman, a position he occupied with marked distinction fog about 25 years. In connection wfith the boundary 1 of the hoard, Sir James had great foresight. He endeavoured-to get the Horowhenua county included in the area, but at that time there was more eomimyiity of interest between HoroAvhenua and Wellington, and it Avas decided not to come in. However, deceased lh’ed to see the day when the Avhole county A\ r as included as lie had at first intended. Mr. HornbloAV moved that a letter of sympathy be sent the relatives of deceased.

Messrs A. Nash, Catley, Mansion!, Monk, Ryder, McElroy and Smith also paid tributes to the Avork and ehairaeter of the late chairman. ;Mr. Nash read the late chairman's farewell message to the Board which read as follows: — “Before closing, as my term of office will soon he up, I take this opportunity of thanking the members of the board fotr their continued confidence and help which I have always received from members. Their forbearance must have been strained sometimes, and I wish to acknowledge therefore their kindness in this respect, They have given me an opportunity for service, which has fallen to fe'w men, and it has been a pleasure to have, seen and helped in providing the district Avith such a fine modern hospital. Farewell- —the Avhole connection with the hospital lias been such a joy to me. I hope members will just, allow my retirement to pass without any notice.” In concluding the letter Mr. Nash said: “The late Sir James Wilson was a gentleman in the highest sense, loved by all, and Ave shall niiss him. His position will lie a very hard one to fill. We all deeply sympathise with Lady Wilson and her family in the sad loss they have suffered.” Mr. Hornblow suggested that later the board should .consider perpetuating Sir James Wilson’s connection with the Board in some Avav. Mr. Nash thought that perhaps one of the new Avards could lie nalmled after deceased. The motion Avas carried in silence. e

New members Messrs Howell, J. Boyce, Hansford and Aitchison Avere accorded a welcome and references made to services of the retiring members, Messrs Pyeroft, Smart and Follas. Only one of the old board members seeking re-elec-tion had not been returned Avhich, the chairman thought, was an indication that the (ratepayers were perfectly satisfied Avith the control of the hospital during the past. The new members suitably replied. It Avas decided to forward letters of appreciation to the retiring .members. Various committees were set up for the ensuing term.