ANZAC HALL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 March 1942, Page 3

ANZAC HALL

USE AS A TEMPORARY , HOSPITAL WAIRARAPA BOARD TAKES OVER BUILDING. MEMBER RAISES OBJECTIONS. The taking over of the Anzac Hall by the Wairarapa Hospital Board as a temporary hospital was agreed upon at today’s meeting of the board. A special committee set up by the board reported on the terms of the tenancy. Mrs S. Fletcher said Anzac Hall was not earning interest on the money being expended on it and the board would be burdened with the building until the end of the war, which might be 10 years hence. The Old Men’s Home at Solway, she said, with little alteration and Panama House could be altered to meet the needs of the position and the men centralised in Masterton.' It would be a waste of petrol to convey men from Masterton to Featherston. She would J ike to see the whole thing gone into. The chairman, Mr H. H. Mawley: “I don’t think we can.” Solway Home, he added, was not a very good building. “You can write that off,” said Mr J. F. Thompson. Mr Mawley said they would have to have a staff at Solway Home and at Panama House.

Mrs Fletcher: “You would not have to pay rent and rent for the Nurses Home, as you are doing at Featherston.” She contended that it would be much more economical to concentrate in Masterton. “It is not a question of cheapness, it is efficiency,” observed Mr Thompson. Mr H. Thomas supported the action of the special committee. He considered it was necessary to retain the Anzac Hall and keep it in case of an emergency. , Mr Thompson stated that a definite responsibility was imposed upon the board and it was its duty to carry it “If we do not get Anzac Hall,” observed Mr A. Clark, “we may have to come across to the Lansdowne School. Some discussion followed as to the terms on which the building was to be taken over. It was agreed that the tenancy be from April 1, 1942 and. the duration of the war, with the right of a further term of 12 months, provided that at any time after March 31, 1943, the board had the right to terminate the lease on giving six months notice. The rental was £250 per annum. The chairman and secretary were authorised to discuss various points with the Mayor of Featherston.