HOSPITAL FOR OPUNAKE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 257, 20 March 1913, Page 4

HOSPITAL FOR OPUNAKE.

A NATIVE DEPUTATION. An influential deputation, of Maoris waited on the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday with a request for the erection of a hospital in the Opunake district. The deputation also asked that a nurse be appointed for attending to the needs of the Maoris along the coast. The deputation was introduced' by the Rev. Mr. Hammond, who kindly acted as interpreter. The natives had, lie said,/ already subscribed £3OO towards the proposed hospital. Having in mind the great distance of Opunake from Hawera and Xew Plymouth, the Board would realise Ihe necessity for a hospital in the Opunake district . The spokesman of the natives stated, through Mr .Hammond, that some natives sent their relatives to the Xew Plymouth Hospital, but there were others who were unable to bear the expense. Recently a child of his (the speaker's) met with an accident, and but for the fact that he had a motorear he could not have brought him into the hospital in time. Mr. Hammond added a few words, stating that a hospital at Opunake would save many lives. He earnestly commended the proposition to the Board. The secretary informed the deputation that he had received a communication from the Inspector-General to the effect that he was endeavouring to find a nurse suitable for work among 'tlu?. natives in the district. This work, said the Inspector, necessitated the appointment of women endowed with many other qualities than were required in an ordinary nurse, and he had much difficulty in finding suitable nurses for the position. It would be a great mistake to appoint a nurse who had not the necessary qualifications for such work. In the.event of his hearing of a suitable nurse, Dr. Valentine said he would communicate with the Board forthwith. After « short discussion, both matters were deferred for consideration at tho next mectim;'.