STRATFORD.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1919, Page 3

STRATFORD.

(From Our Own Correspondent^ (Alt communications, letters, etc., left with Mr H. J. Hopkins, bookseller, will receive prompt attention.)' HOSPITAL BOARD. Stratford, May 2G. A special meeting of the .Stratford Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held on Saturday, when a discission took place on the question of enlarging the hospital buildings. Those present were: Messrs C. D. Sole (acting chairman), E, W. Hancock, E. Walter, E. H. Cameron, and C. B. Finnerty. The Deputy Ifrspectdr-General telegraphed, in reply to the board's request; that a departmental officer should visit, Stratford in reference to the objections raised to the plans for additions to the buildings, stating that Dr. Valentine was en leave, and, as lie (the deputy) could not leave Wellington, it was suggested that the board's architect should proceed to Wellington, as advised in a letter to the architect dated 13th inst.

The chairman, after to the delay that had already taken place, said the necessity for increasing the accommodation was apparent to all. They had accommodation for 19 patients;, and, as the average was now over IS, it was impossible to provide for more without enlarging the building. Even if they started to carry out their proposals immediately it would be spring before thet building could be commenced, as therewere financial and other arrangements to make. Mr. Finnerty moved that the acting: chairman and the architect proceed to Wellington. This was seconded by Mr. Hancock. It was suggested by Mr. Walter that they should, while in Wellington, arrange about finance. The chairman said he hoped to be able to settle the. financial part of the business witli the Hon. Russ/cll. The motion was carried. The chairman referred to the" delay in adopting a system for heating the lyjspi- ] tal. A representative of the department had ■ expressed satisfaction with the I board's; proposals in this respect, but he had gone back to Wellington after makI ing an inspection, and nothing further was heard from him on the matter.

The report on the regulations for the Social Welfare Committee stated that the committee should consist of four members of the board, including the chairman of the board, the Mayor of Stratford, and representatives of the Red Cross Socitely and the W.N.R. The duties of the committee were to examine and inquire into all applications for assistance from the Government under the influenza epidemic, widows' and children's pensions regulations, and report to each ordinary meeting of the board upon the same, and make recommendations ae to what assistance, if any, could be given. On the motion of Mr. Walters, f.econded by the chairman, the report was adopted. Messrs Pinnerty, Cameron, and the acting chairman were appointed delegates to the forthcoming conference between the New Plymouth. Hawcra, and local boards. It was decided to support the continuance of the arrangement with the New Plymouth board, under which the local board secured accommodation for old and indigent people from Stratford district in the New Plymouth home. It was al.-.o decided to bring up the question of uniform pay for nurses. A resolution was passed in appreciation of the services of Dr. Watt, who had acted as superintendent during the abs.ence of Dr. Stevens on holiday. 3ENERAL. The Cardiff residents, at a meeting on Friday night, came to a definite decision on the question of the form of a war memorial. Round the memorial a cobble wall will be erected, and the mound will be enclosed with a chain. The memorial will be an obelisk, on which there will be slab':. On these slabs the. names of those soldiers who have fallen in the war will be inscribed. Mr. J. MeAlister left Stratford yesterday moring for Christchurch, where he will represent the local lodge of the Grand Communication of Free Masons. He was accompanied by Mrs:. MeAlister.

A meeting of those interested in the New Zealand Welfare League will be held in the Stratford Borough Council Chambers this evening. At the Eginont Club, Broadway, on 'Tuesday evening next, the official 'opening of the Parliamentary Debating Society will take place, formed of club members, which should attract the younger members of the club, so that they may acquire some practice in public speaking. The subject for debate is somewhat Socialistic, being: "The re-

sumption of all lands, buildings, and plant by the State on the Land and Income Tax returns for the vear ending March 31, 1014, and to be paid for by debentures: at 41 per. cent with 1 per cent, redemption fund." There is a very strong and able Cabinet appointed, who should do justice to the measure, while we understand there is also 'a. cohesive and : numerous Opposition, pledged to oust the Mi,ni«try. Many promising public men in New Zealand made themselves el'.ic'fpnt in debating societies, and we trust u". young members of the club will take the opportunity of making a start in this respect on Tuesday evening next. '

On Tncalay evening next the Stratford Returned Soldiers' Association will make their special effort on behalf of the Nurses' Memorial Fund by holding a ball in the Town Hall. In amplification of what lias already been published about the fund. it. may be stated that the matter was first mooted in Dunedin in September, lniC, when it was discussed by the Otago branch of the Trained Nurses' Association. The idea was to establish a fund for sick and aged nurses. Dr.Lindo Ferguson was; one of the early supporters of the proposal, and the scope and purpose of, the scheme was explained by him at the annual meeting of the | Nurse. 1 / Association held in Dunedin later in the same year. Lady. Liverpool became interested, and consented to act as patroness. Tn November, lfllC, a provisional committee was formed in Dunedin. Rules were drafted and subscriptions. 1 began to come in. Other centres then began to discuss the scheme in earnest, and warm support was received, especially from Wellington. The rules were approved by other listriets interested in the movement, and the 'controlling body, composed of representatives from all-over New Zealand, and known as the central committee, was formed. On March 31, 1918, the funds amounted to over £SOOO, but, as the number of nurses in /the Dominion was well over 2000, the annual income derivable .from the invested capital, which would amount to about £225, was far from sufficient for the end in view. It is intended thai the funds shall be used, not only for the benefit of any-of the 400 nurses who left New Zealand on active service, but for any nurses wht may need assistance in their old age. The organisers are looV

ing, not only to special efforts such as the Stratford R.S.A. are making, but to subscriptions;. By paying a sum of £lO 10s any person can be made a life member. The Stratford R.S.A. are looking for a big crowd on Thursday night. Dancing enthusiasts may confidently expect a good night's enjoyment, as nothing that can contribute to this end has been overlooked by the committee.