DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 February 1919, Page 6

DISTRICT NEWS.

OPUNAKE.' (From Our Own Correspondent.) A conference of representatives from local bodies was held hero on Monday. Those present were: Messrs W. ii. Wright (chairman), T. H. H. Sinclair, M. O'Brien, S. Campbell, A. Holder (Eginont County Council)) J. Young (chairman of Parihak£( Road Board); C. A. Trotter (chairman), E. L. Thorpe, G. W. Rogers (Opunake Town Jloard). Mr Wright (chairman) in opening the conference stated the business wus to consider some plan for getting a resident doctor for Opunake. s They had mado representations to the Health Department, but were met with the recurring fact that Dr. Barron was absent on itfilitiary duties, and the Department had put obstacles in the way of other doctors coming to the district. He suggested that the local bodies buy out the practice and then they would be free froip. the trouble. A communication was received from Dr Valintine that he understood Mrs Barron had power of attorney for Dr. Barron. Mr Trotter strongly opposed buying the practice, as it was known to Dr. Valintine that Dr Barron did not intend to resume in Opunake, and the £2OO goodwill was presumption. If the Department thinks Dr Barron was entitled to compensation the Government should pay it. It seemed to him inconsistent to put an embargo on this district. If it was fair to set up a goodwill for doctors it was only fair that every worker who went away for military duty should receive compensation. After a good deal of discussion the members were informed that Mrs Barron had no power of attorney, and on the motion of Mr Campbell it was decided to cable to Dr Barron asking if he intended to resume practice in Opunake; and a committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs Trotter, Young and M. O'Brien, to deal with it and report. The chairman was out for clearing up the doctor business and was prepared to support the proposal that the local bodies subsidise a public subscription to buy out the practice. A public meeting will be called after the committee obtains definite information. Mr Wright, will be absent from the district for tLnse weeks. Another member of the council, Mr Cornish, has also been away for a few days holiday. The Methodist and Presbyterian combined Sunday school picnic will be held at Ngaere gardens on Saturday. The Anglican Sunday school picnic was held last Saturday at Ngaere, and the juveniles enjoyed themselves. On Monday morning t,he Napier bowlers played the local bowlers and were defeated by 21 to 52. The returned soldiers' dance was fairly well attended on Wednesday evening. The local brass band intended to give their first open air performance oit Sunday. It is some years since a band discoursed music in Opunake. The juveniles will be very interested spectators.