PLANS FOR NEW HOSPITAL DISCUSSED

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 51, 1 July 1965, Page 8

PLANS FOR NEW HOSPITAL

DISCUSSED

Plans for Taupo's new hospital were regarded as a "political football" by a member of the Taupo Ratepayers' and Citizens' Association at its annuai meeting last week. Mr N. Gray said, "I consider this has been a political football for some time and that with Taupo developing as fast as it is, I feel that pressure should be brought to bear on the Waikato Hospital Board." Mr Gray felt that the people of Turangi would make themselves felt regarding the need for a hospital and it was within the bounds of possibility that the hospital might eventually be erected at Turangi instead of Taupo. It was decided to ask the board for a progress report and also request the assistance of the Member of Parliament, Mrs Rona Stevenson, in expediting the matter. The statement made by a member of the Taupo Ratepayers' and Citizens' Association at their annuai meeting last week was referred to the Taupo member of the Waikato Hos-

pital Board, Mr W. J. Bjrnie. He expressed surprise, in view of the continued publicity he had given through the loeal press on all the moves relating to hospital services in this district. The Waikato Hospital Board is maklng steady progress with the planning and ultimate construction of the Taupo Hospital, the construction of which has- been approved by the board, Health Department and the Minister of Health. Mr Birnie states that politics do not. enter into such an approval. His annuai report on the complete progress of this district, county and borough was filed with the Taupo Borough Council on May 27 and was the subject of discussion at its meeting this week. Mr Birnie stated that he was only too willing to attend any meeting of any organisation that wished to be further enlightened on the hospital position in the district and would be very glad to receive that courtesy from the Taupo Ratepayers' Association if they so desire.