MATERNITY HOME, AND ACCIDENT WARD.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 591, 10 December 1920, Page 1

MATERNITY HOME, AND ACCIDENT WARD.

TUAKAU REQUIREMENTS.

The advisability of having « maternity home, and accident ward established at Tuakau was urged by Mr. J. B. Sim at the meeting of the Tuakau Town Board on Tuesday night. The matter arose over a letter received from the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board requesting payment of the board's contribution. Mr. Sim said Tuakau was situated in the worst position as regards a hospital south of the Line. He contended steps should be taken to bring pressure to bear on those in authority to have a maternity home and an accident ward erected at Tuakau, which was the centre of a big district. Quite a number of accidents occurred, and the patients had to be sent to Auckland for treatment. Some time ago he was ordered to the hospital on a certificate of a doctor, and when he arrived he was informed that he would have to wait for five days before he could be admitted. There were 60 others waiting for admission. The board paid large rates and got nothing out of it, and he submitted the time was opportune when they should set about to conserve the interests of the district which they represented. Under the existing arrangements they drived no benefits whatever. . , The chairman said they received concessions. Mr. Sim: What concessions? The chairman: I am not prepared to say what concessions, but the Hospital Board has given liberal concessions. • ~ Mr. Sim: We do not get- quid pro quo. With very few exceptions the country people all pay their hospital

fees. Mr. Sim strongly urged that the matter be taken up by the Works Committee at once with a view of having something done. Mr. Sim moved that the matter be referred to the committee with a recommendation that it approaches the Hospital Board for a subsidy, with a view of having a hospital established at Tuakau. Mr. Lapwood seconded the motion,