OLD MEN'S REFUGE FOR WAIKATO.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2459, 14 April 1888, Page 2

OLD MEN'S REFUGE FOR WAIKATO.

« In compliance with a resolution of the Hospital Board, a deputation, consisting of the chairman (Mr W. A. Graham) and Mr Seddon, waited upon the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, on Thursday. The deputation mot the Hon. Mitchelson at the Hamilton West station, and walked to the Borough Council Chambers. The Minister was acompanied by his private secretary, Mr Bates, under-secretary, Lewis and Captain Buttlcr. Mr Hudson was also present. The meeting was by special appointment, and tho Chairman stated that, knowing the Minister was anxious to get away as soon as possible, he went straight to business without ceremony. There were three matters connected with the Waikato Hospital and Charitable Aid Board which he had to bring before his notice. The first would bo with reference to the application of the Board for permission to use the old Public Works Buildings on the hill behind St. Peter's Church as a refuge, and he would ask Mr Seddon to state the case to him. Mr S. T. Seddon said the Board had applied for the said buildings from motives of economy. There was no member of the Board who did not endorse the actions of the Government in their thankless task of enforcing economy upon tho people, and therefore he would be the last person to ask the Government to depart from their policy of retrenchment, but nevertheless the Board were brought face to face with the Act thrust upon them, to work which required them to provide a refuge. This Board was very exceptionally circumstanced when coming into office. Unlike other Boards who found themselves in possession of large and perfectly equipped hospitals and refuges, with all the doctors, staff and everything at hand—and in fact a going concern ; this Board found itself compelled to organise a new institution, without any buildings, or anything whatsoever—not even experience—and although it might appear egotistical, on part of himself or the Board to say so. He felt that ho could justly claim for this Board great credit for the result of the past year's working. For whilst effecting a very great saving in actual money to the general Government and tho district ratepayers, the Board had attended to more than twelve if not twenty times the number of patienv, wii jh the district formerly sent to tl.e Auckland Hospital, and many of these were extreme and bad cases, so much for the sick, but with reference to fever ca.-es, and especially the old men's refuge, the Board felt themselves now pressed for want of accommodation. Tho Board simply hid not tho money, and they dare not face the ratepayers and ask them lor the money to build a suitable refuge, for two reasons, first, that tho country would not stand any more taxation ; and secondly, the feat that if an extensive building comfortably fitted were erected, it would be rushed and always full, therefore it was that the Board being anxious to show the Government that they had every intention of doing their dutv. At present the old building in question with an expenditure of £1-10 would serve all requirements, and get them over the difficulty. At the same time he felt bound to state that the Board was divided as to the wisdom of liaving a refuge anywhere else than on their own Hospital grounds. It was only to save outlay of money that they consented to this as a makeshift. The Hon. Mitchelson asked whether there had been any applications for admittance or any likelihood of the refuge being used. Mr Seddon replied that the Board had met the question with difficulty, turning away several applicants who were being urged upon them, proper cases nevertheless, Mr Mitchelson then asked what was really wanted of him. Mr Seddon: Seeing that the Board is so placed at disadvantage as regards other Boards and have not the means of thoir own. He would ask the Govarnment to repair and add to the old buildings their property and give the Board the use of them for three or live years. Seeing that the Government had taken possession of the Hospital reserve and buildings fur a police barracks, which were most suitable for a refuge and would not turn out the police, the Board had a right to expect the Government to do something. Mr Mitchelson: where are theso buildings and how much would it take to repair them. The Chairman replied that as it would save time he would suggest, they visited the place and settled the matter on the spot. Tho Minister agreeing to this the whole party went on to the ground. Arriving there Mr Seddon pointed out the the police station as the old Hamilton Hospital and what should be our refuge, but the Government would not give up possession. The Chairman said that the site on which they stood was the much-talked of public building site, on which it had been decided to erect District Public Buildings, only parties became divided, and the whole matter was in abeyance. Therefore he saw no chance of the site being required at present. Ho thought he would apply for it for two or three years for the Hospital Board. The Minister : But will the Borough and public consent to wait for a couple of years? The Chairman : He had given the Borough and public best, and could not say what they would do. He was acting there for tho Hospital Board. At this moment Cr. Knox arrived on the ground, and was introduced to tho Hon. Mr Mitchelson. Tho Chairman remarked that Cr. Knox s arrival was very opportune, and repeated to him the hist question of tho Native Minister. Cr. Knox said positively the Borough would not wait two years for tho building, and therefore they did not like the site being dealt with. The Chairman said ho would not press the matter if it could be otherwise arranged. Mr Seddon then suggested thattheHospital Board erect premises on their own ground, which they would undertake to do if theGovernmont would give them aid to say £150 ; and so leave the public buildings site and other bodies tree to act. The Chairman said he believed this would be most satisfactory to all, as he felt awkwardly placed. The Hon. Mitchelson said very well. I will recommend that tho Government grant your Board £150 towards building a refuge on your own ground ; and so savo you from the friction between tho local boards interested in this question. This settled the matter. The other questions brought by the Chairman before Mr Mitchelson were : First, the case of members of the Board signing a re. ceipt for travelling expenses, the obligation of making a atatutary declaration, which involves a 2s Od stamp for each sue!) declaration. Mr Mitchelson admitted it was absurd, and promised to mention the matter to tho Premier. The last matter was the important one of dealing with destitute children and orphans. The Chairman said possibly people might think he was over sensitive in this matter, but he felt there was a very important principle involved. The memorial sent to the Hon. Premier on the subject was read, and Mr Mitchelson promised to place the matter in its proper light before the Government. Tho Chairman thanked the Hon. Minister on behalf of the Board, for his courteous attention to these reports, and accompanied him to the special which was waiting at Hamilton West. The Hon. Mr Mitchelson stated that ho was glad he had made this visit, as he was not before so fully aware of localities. He considered Hamilton would become an important centre, and certainly as the rail ways wore now constructed, Hamilton was the most convenient for general purposes. The visit lasted about three hours, and no time was lost in ceremonies. Mr Mitchelson being anxious to push on to Rotorua. The special left Hamilton for Oxford at 3 l'-in. i