NEW BLOCK

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21370, 14 March 1941, Page 3

NEW BLOCK

ERECTION AT HOSPITAL DIVERGENCE OF VIEWS A decision to make application for a loan of £44,000, subject to the approval of the Director-General of Health, to erect and equip an infectious diseases ward at the Waikato Hospital was reached at a meeting of the Waikato Hospital Board 3 T esterday. When the plans of the proposed structure were submitted to the meeting by the board’s architects, Messrs Edgecumbe and White, the Medical Superintendent, Dr. H. L. Gould, pointed out that no provision had been made for several additional features, which he claimed were necessary. Dr. Gould alleged that he had not been given the opportunity of seeing the plans until yesterday. Mr J. H. Ed/.jumbe replied that when Dr. Gould had seen the rough sketch in November he had expressed himself as generally satisfied with the proposed scheme and had not suggested the alterations which he now recommended to the board. Lack of Unanimity Mr T. G. Reynolds said he regretted the lack of imaniminity and collaboration between the experts whom he thought should have been in agreement before the plans came before the board. This seems an extraordinary state of affairs, interposed Mr Livingstone. The chairman, Mr F. Findlay, stressed the urgency for the speedy erection of the block which was in the nature of an emergency scheme and would provide hospital accommodation for sick and wounded soldiers. After considerable discussion in which Dr. Gould and Mr Edgecumbe were the principal parties, the board decided to incorporate Dr. Gould’s recommendations into the plans, and apply for the Director-General’s approval. The plans provide for a twostoreyed wodoen building, estimated to cost £33,500, and with furnishings, £44,000. In reply to a question by Mr S. C. B. Mackay, Dr. Gould said that there would be an undoubted fire risk if the building were erected in wood, but the need was urgent and a wooden structure could be erected far more quickly than one of reinforced concrete. The building would last 30 or 40 years, but it was not intended to be of a permanent nature. Mr J. Price remarked that it was a great pity that Hamilton West School Committee had not seen fit to let the hospital have the use of the building until the board was able to erect a permanent structure. The speaker questioned whether it was wise to spend the ratepayers’ money on a temporary building.