OTAKI SANATORIUM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 19, 19 December 1932, Page 2

OTAKI SANATORIUM

HOSPITAL BOARD’S CONTROL. APPROVAL BY CABINET. Advice was received by the Palmerston North Hospital Board this afternoon from the Minister of Health (Hon. J. A. Young) that Cabinet liad approved of the transfer of the Otaki Sanatorium to tiro board, and of the acceptance of the latter’s condition, namely, the Government to pay over £2OO for painting the main block and a sum of £SOO, spread over five years, in respect to repairs to the buildings. It was suggested that the necessary steps lie taken, in conjunction with the department, to have tho transfer of the sanatorium effected. Intimation of the date from which the board would be prepared to take over the sanatorium was sought by tho Director-General ' of Health (Dr. M. •H. AVatt), following upon the recent approval by Cabinet of the transfer of the institution from the Health Department to the board upon the conditions arranged. It was suggested that April 1 next would be the most suitable date from which the change should take effect. “I believe that the board lias done tho right thing,” stated the chairman (Mr J. K. Hornblow). “It has practically led tho way by its action, in suggesting the merging of other organisations to reduce the heavy administrative costs which fall heavily upon the ratepayers. Tho Palmerston North Hospital district is the second largest in area in the Dominion, and extends almost from AVaikanae to the borders of Hunterville. The board will have to frame its policy for control of tlie institution and it may mean, to a certain extent, reconstruction of the administrative staff. There will be a great deal of work involved and there are many matters to be arranged. I believe that both the department and the Government have met us fairly. They will be relieved of a great responsibility and it will fall upon our shoulders. AVhen we take over it will include everything—buildings, land, plant and stocks.”

The board decided to notify the department that the board would be prepared to take over the sanatorium from a date in March, to enable the estimates for the ensuing year to be framed.

Consisting of the chairman, Messrs G. A. Monk, F. J. Ryder, D. Codis, AA r . Howell and R. L. C. Aitchison, a special committee was set up to deal with preliminary matters connected with the taking over of the institution, but not to discuss policy in the meantime.