HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1943, Page 3

HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

COST OF STRENGTHENING WORK. HEAVY INCREASE ON INITIAL ESTIMATES.. Concern was expressed by several members of the Wairarapa Hospital Beard at yesterday afternoon's meeting of the board when the-architect, Mr F. C. Daniell advised that the cost of strengthening the earthquake damaged nurses’ old home at the Masterton Hospital would be over £14.000 instead of the £9,000 he had estimated last month.

In reply to the chairman, the Manag-ing-Secretary, Mr Norman Lee, said the board was in an awkward position as it had relied on Mr Daniell’s earlier figure of £9,000 and had obtained the approval of the local contributing authorities and the Local Government Loans Board for the work to be carried out at that figure. The figure was £5,000 out. The work would cost £13.171 plus £250 for contingencies and £869 for architect’s fees.

In a letter to the board. Mr Daniell said the difference in the cost of strengthening the nurses' old home was on account of the abnormal situation in the building trade. His earlier estimate was a general one. It was regretted if the earlier figures had misled the board. The estimate of £13,171 was nearer the mark as when the final plans were made there had been a change of material too be used. “It is a frank enough letter, but it does not get us anywhere,” said Mr

Martin. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. T. L. Parr, said there would be a need foi increased accommodation for nurses. Future needs had to be met. The board decided to withdraw the loan approved by the Local Government Loans Board for the work and to make a fresh application foi approval of a loan of £15,000 and to have the work started as soon as possible. The board received an account from Messrs Rigg Bros, for £1,345 foi strengthening work on Ward 4 at the Masterton Hospital. Mr Daniell’s estimate for the work on Ward 4 was £5OO, stated Mr Lee. It was decided to ask Messrs Rigg Bros to submit another account in the form of a detailed schedule in conformity with a notification sent to the board to Mr Daniell. The account would then be sent to the Department of Health for its approval.