GISBORNE MATERNITY HOME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2526, 12 June 1909, Page 5

GISBORNE MATERNITY HOME.

DEPUTATION TO HON. G. FOWLDf

(Special to “Times.”) WELLINGTON, June 11. On Wednesday the Hons. J. Carrol and Capt. Tucker, Mr. W. D. S. Macj donald. M.P., and Mrs. Scott, secre; tary of the Cook County Women’i Guild, had an interview with the Hon G. Fow-lds, desiring a pound for pound subsidy on the LfciOO which had beeii raised by voluntary contribution foi the purpose of the erection of a maternity home in Gisborne.

Mrs. it>reaitfthe desire of the to given an opportunity they could do, and that if§ti?e dgpfrnment assisted them to the extent 4j»j{|j£tioned ) further Government assistance would not be wanted. As the Department insisted upon the adoption of certain plans, it was expected that the building would cost a thousand pounds, which amount , did not include the expenditure on tne portion of the proposed building that had been provided for by half-crown subscriptions. Replying to a question by the Minister, Mrs. Scott said they might be able to manage with a smaller sum than that asked for. but hoped that the Government would see its wav to give a pound for pound subsidy. The Minister said he recognised the enthusiasm with which Mrs. Scott and the other members of the Women’s Guild had followed up this matter, 1 and personally he desired to give them as much as possible, in order to demonstrate what could be done by voluntary effort.. The establishment of such an institution would not only be au boon to patients using it, but would be valuable to maternity nurses. He reminded them that money was scarcer this year than in previous years, but would submit the application to Cabinet, and no doubt something would be granted. Mrs. Scott- said if they got the subsidy they could start the institution free of debt, and it would be self-sup-; porting. ' _ j The Hon. Mr Carroll said that Mr. McNabJ the late Minister for Lands, had promised a site for tbe maternity home, but special legislation would probably be required to give legal effect to the transfer. Referring to the Guild’s receiving home for children; which had been erected by voluntary subscriptions, the Minister recommended that it be kept separate from the proposed maternity home, as it would he better for the State to deal with children that have to leave their parents’ hands. Mrs. Scott said that was the intention so long as their kind friend, Capt. Tucker, allowed it to remain on the land he had given them permission to place it on.