MATERNITY HOME.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 18 June 1919, Page 3

MATERNITY HOME.

HON. G. W. RUSSELL'S STATEMENT. At the recent mooting of the Pnlnierston North Hospital Board Mr X A. Nash. MP., reported having interviewed Hon. G. W. Russell, concerning the grant of a subsidy from the Government towards the erection of a doctor's residence at the hospital, but tll'd Minister had refused to have anything to do with the matter until the Board met him in connection with he, erecion of amaternity home for -the town.

It was pointed out during the discussion on the matter that the Board desired to erect this home at the hospital, and the Minister was insistent on it being away fr&n the hospital grounds on a site under offer to the Board. The Minister passed through Palmerston North on Monday, and was briefly interviewed by a "Standard" reporter. Mr Russell said he had not objected to the'establishment of a doctor's residence until the maternity home had been erected on a certain definite site. "What I did say," continued the Minister, "was that until the Palmersfon North Hospital Board arranged for the opening of a maternity home in Palmerston North I would not approve of the erection of a doctor's residence at 'the hospital. I regard the former as more important than the latter. I have not mentioned any particular si terror the maternity home, but I object to its

establishment alongside the present hospital. A maternity Jipspital should be convenient to the centre of the town and away from the hospital proper. ,"I have not yet considered bringing the compulsory.powers vested in the Government into operation in this matter, but unless action is taken at an early date by the Hospital Board the compulsory powers vested in the Government will have to be put into force."