NURSES’ HOME

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 August 1943, Page 4

NURSES’ HOME

STRENGTHENING PROPOSALS

COUNTY COUNCIL QUESTIONS COST. LOAN APPLICATION APPROVED. The high cost of strengthening the nurses’ old home at the Masterton Hospital was questioned at today's meeting of the Masterton County Council. After discussion, it was decided to approve of the Wairarapa Hospital Board’s application to the Local Government Loans Board for sanction of a loan of £15,000 to carry out the work. On March 19 the board advised the council that the work would cost £8,400. Councillor J. W. Colquhoun said it seemed the board was spending more and more. It was strange to him that the architect was so far out in his estimate.

Councillor H. H. Mawley, who is also chairman of the Wairarapa Hospital Beard, said the architect’s estimate was completely out. In reply to Councillor Colquhoun, Councillor Mawley said the strengthened home would be a permanent structure.

Councillor Colquhoun contended that it might be a better proposition to erect a new building in view of the high cost of reconstruction.

“Will the building be up-to-date?” asked the chairman, Mr R. E. Gordon Lee.

Councillor Mawley said the reconstructed building would be up to date and in conformity with the requirements of the Department of Health. There were 35 beds in the nurses' old home. ' The nurses’ new home had cost about £4OO per bed to erect. The strengthening of the nurses' old home on a bed-cost basis was considerably cheaper. Laughter was raised when Councillor Mawley said the nurses did not like the building being called the “old nurses’ home.”

Councillor Colquhoun said the hospital rate was half of his general rate. It amounted to a rent rather than a rate.

“The present system is absolutely unfair,” observed Councillor' Mawley. Mr Lee said the matter had been discussed at the Counties’ Association conference.