A FRANKLIN HOSPITAL.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 593, 17 December 1920, Page 2

A FRANKLIN HOSPITAL.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

PROPOSAL URGED

It will be recollected that some time ago the advisability*of establishing a hospital in Franklin was urged upon the Auckland Hospital and Charitable Aid Board by the Pukekohe Chamber of Commerce, Borough and County Councils, but in spite of all endeavours the Hospital Board would not recommend the 'erection thereof. At Wednesday's meeting of the Borough Council, a deputation consisting oi Messrs. R. F. Webster and V. S. Roberts, representing the Chanber of Commerce, solicited the council's co-operation in bringing pressure to bear upon the authorities to have a hospital erected to serve the County of Franklin.

Mr. Webster at length stressed the 'importance of having such an institution erected. He pointed out that instructions had been given by the Health Department to the Hospital Beard to proceed with the erection o£,a maternity home and small casualty ward at Waiuku.. They had no objection whatever to the cottage hospital being erected at Waiuku, because Waiuku was not as easily accessible to Auckland as Pukekohe and other places. As far as Pukekohe was concerned, he contended there were greater possibilities now than ever, and unless they pushed ahead they would not achieve their object. Everyone knew the whole position as well as he did. There was not the shadow of a doubt that a hospital was needed here. People living across the Waikato River, although they paid rates to the Waikato Hospital Board, came to Pukekohe because it was the nearest place. A cottage hospital would be of little use—a general hospital was required. He added that Messrs W. F. Massey, R. F. Bollard, find J. A. Young, members of Parliament, I)i. Valintine, Inspector of Hospitals, and the Health Department had been written to, and the position explained. A letter had been received from Dr. Valintine to the effect that the cottage Jiospital at Waiuku would be sufficient to meet present requirements. This was absurd." They had invited Dr. Valintine to come lo Pukekohe and to sec for himself, and he had promised to visit here in a few weeks' time. They intended to solicit the County Council's co-operation in the matter. Mr. Webster mentioned that with the Government subsidy on the hospital rate already paid by the various local bodies, they would receive annually about £II,OOO towards the upkeep of the proposed institution.

Mr. Roberts endorsed his colleague's remarks, after which the Mayor said he agreed with Mr. Webster that a hospital was needed. He would give the matter all the sup* port he possibly could. He moved that the council support the chamber in its endeavour.

Cr. McGough seconded, —Carried. The Mayor was appointed the council's delegate to wait on Dr. Valintine when he visits the district.