August 26, 1954:
The Narrabri District Hospital completed the 1953-54 financial year with a deficit of £1652. The net loss was £2052. This was disclosed at the annual meeting of the Board last Thursday. Rising costs and salaries were mainly responsible. Expenditure for the year totalled £46,876, against a total income of £44,734. Government subsidy amounted to £28,480, and patients’ fees £13,973. The daily average was 33.1. A total of 1076 patients were treated. Outpatients’ attendances numbered 911. Two hundred and fourteen babies were born during the year – 112 males and 102 females. The chairman (Mr. R. Morris) said that although it ended with a deficit, the year is financially successful.
Mr. and Mrs. P. Houguet of Gibbons Street are receiving congratulations on the birth of a son at the district hospital.
Mr. S. Madden will succeed Mr. Lionel Hunt as Assistant Engineer to the Namoi Shire Council. Mr. Madden, who was formerly with the Hurstville Municipal Council, will take up duties on September 13. Mr. Hunt’s resignation takes effect from tomorrow.
The Minister for Transport has replied to representations by. Mr. G. Crawford, M.L.A. for Barwon, for tar surfacing of the Moree-Narrabri section of the Newell Highway.
The Minister said: “I am writing with reference to your personal representations on behalf – of the Berrigal Agricultural Bureau, Mr. T. J. Tolhurst, hon. sec, Berrigal Creek, Bellata, requesting that the Newell Highway be tar sealed between Narrabri and Moree. “I am informed that in the North-Western slopes area, the Department of Main Roads is at present concentrating on assisting the Councils concerned in the completion of the bituminous surface of the Gwydir Highway between Moree and Glen Innes, and on the bituminous surfacing of the Narrabri to Willow Tree Trunk Road. “The bituminous surfacing of the length of the Newell Highway (State Highway 17) between Narrabri and Moree is regarded also as a desirable work, but less urgent as it carries a lesser volume of traffic than the other roads referred to.
‘Lochinvar’ to be offered by Public Auction. Friday, September 3 at 3pm. Highly improved Narrabri District property. At Narrabri Town Hall. We have received instructions from G. E. Smith, Esq. to offer by Public Auction This well and favourably known property ‘Lochinvar’ situated at Kiandool Siding, 10 miles from Narrabri.
Comprising 1545 acres freehold land subject, to Minister’s consent, being portion No. 6 Parish Boral, County of White. 40 acres approx enclosed roads at a nominal rent.
