NAPIER HOSPITAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2892, 18 August 1909, Page 15

NAPIER HOSPITAL.

NEW WARD AND NURSES' HOME

OPENED

NAPIER, August 7. The Hon. George Fowlds formally opened the WiUianu. Ward for chronic sufferers and the new nurses' home at the- Napier Hospital this afternoon in the presence of a large number of people. Mr W. Shrimpton (chairman of the Hospital Trustee*) said the erection of a ward for chronic sufferers was. due to the generosity of Mr J. N. Williams, who had made a douation of £1000 for the purpose. He concluded by presenting the Minister with a*> miniature gold key as a souvenir of the occasion. Mr Fowlds returned thanks for the memento, and went on to say that he was. delighted to be present to say a word of encouragement and support of the self-reliance that had been shown in connection with the buildings about to be opened. He was glad to have the opportunity of expressing his appreciation of the generosity which had made the opening possible without anything in the way of a special grant from the Government. He would be only too pleased if all t»uch buildings could be dealt with on the basis of subsidy, and subsidy alone. If the people of a locality were prepared to provide the cost of such buildings it was a pretty sure guarantee that the buildings were required, and the Government could give its subsidy without any fear of waste or extravagance. Air Fowlds added that Xopier was exceedingly fortunate in the generosity of the people of the district fn connection with hospital matters. In addition to Mr Williams's handsome donation. Mr Shrimpton had generously given £1000 for the erection of a children's ward. He declared the building open amidst load applause. - ' ' Speeches were also made by Mr O. JEL Cranby (ex-chairman of the Hospital Trustees) and Mr J. Vigor Brown, M.P. , who made reference to a donation of £5000 received by the trustees from the Stokes bequest.