THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 16 July 1920, Page 2

THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

I - -. DISCUSSION RE CLOSING DEFERRED. Two notices of motion respecting the Otaki Hospital were wet down or the order paper for Wednesday's meeting of the Palmerston North liosj pital Board. Mr Hornblow's notice of motion was to the effect that ihe motion passed by the Board some two years ago. by which the Board consented to take over the Otaki Hospital when called upon by the Government, be rescinded. Mr Penn had given notice of motion, "That, the Board notify the Public Health Department that it. is willing to take over the control of the Otaki Hospital at the end of the financial year." After the transaction of ordinary business very little time was left in -which to discuss these notices nf motion, and it. was resolved to postpone the consideration of ssmo until next meeting. Mr Hornblow said that it would only take- a few minutes to dispose of lus motion, wiii.-h. lie considered, would clesfr the way for further action re the hospital. Ho thought, a satisfactory arrangement might be made whereby the hospital might be retained to th<district. Others thought it inadvisable to opan the question at all. unless it could lie fully discussed, and the discussion was adjouriied. Resolutions from the Otaki Tnv;o Board and the Horowhcnua County Council protesting against any suggested closing of the Otaki Hospital v.erc read. After reading the letter from the latter body, the Chairman f.Sir .Tames Wilson) remarked: I don't think th-s contributions would pay the expenses in connection with the hospital, sithough they claim to be large contributors! Of course, wc get the Government sabsidy. 1 Mr Penn said that Mr Field, M.l'-, for Otaki, had written to the Minister on the subject, and had replied that the Board had not decided on it* policy in the matter, but he gave Mr Field his assurance that the hospital would not be closed. Mr Hornblow: He has no right to make a. statement of that nature before he has conferred with the Board. The Chairman: Has.he got a say ia the matter? Mr Penn expressed a wish that mfobcrs of tbn Board visit the Otaki Hospital before any definite steps were taken re iti fufcrre. Members that it would be wise to visit the place, I and it is hoped that arrangement* may be made for this step being taksa i