The Lamar register., 1919-08-13
HOSPITAL MEETING
Meeting of Business Men Decides That
the Lamar Territory Must Have
Larger Hospital Accom-
modations.

The need for larger quarters and
greater equipment for the hospital has
become so apparent throughout the
territory tributary to Lamar that steps
have been taken lately towards the
end Of securing the needed improve
ments. The present hospital was TAX
Ell over by board of trustees appoint
ed by the women's clubs several years
ago at d time when it seemed that the
town was about to be left without any
hospital at all. In the face of very
adverse circumstances and little inter-
est on the part of the public they un-
dertook the job of keeping it alive.
With practically no capital at all they
managed to keep the institution going
and ut charges lower than anywhere
else in this section of the country. In
the face Of freely predicted failure,
they had succeeded not only in largely
increasing the equipment and eff
ficiency of the hospital, but also a
year ago they had accumulated very
respectable surplus fund. However, in
spite of the general rise in all sup
plies, provisions, and wages they have
endeavored to get along with practi-
caliy no raise in charges in order to
carry out the original intention of the
organizers. The surplus has under
these circumstances rapidly disappear
ed in the past nine months, and it is
time some help is given if it is to be
kept open without increased charges.
1t is also imperative that larger quart
ers be secured and AS there is moth
ing suitable here, it is necessary that
3 new building and one that will be
able to cope with the needs Of the ter
ritory for some years to come be built
ss quickly as possible. The great
emergency Of the past year has awak-
eued all our citizens to the serious
needs Of the case.
With this end in view meeting
was called by a committee Of which
Mr.. w. J. Johnston was chairman for
9 chicken supper on Tuesday afternoon
and q discussion Of the hospital situa-
ton afterwards. About sixty business
men were present and all enjoyed u
most bountiful spread after which the
situation was most thoroughly discuss
ed. All present were OF one mind as
to the necessity of the hospital and
that it must be up-to-date in construc-
tion and equipment. 1t seemed to be
the general opoinion that something
like $4,000 would be needed to build
and equip the hospital and all believed
that it should be raised at once.
The doctors of the city were unan-
imously appointed q committee to
formulate plans and secure estimates
Of the cost Of the needed building and
equipment. A finance committee con-
sisting Of F. NJ. Wilson, c. Ray Strain,
l.. Writ Markham, c. NJ. Lee and J.
u. Williams was appointed to look
after the raising of the funds. A furth-
er committee on advertising was ap-
pointed consisting Of the editors OF
the whole county and R. L. Christy
and Alfred Todd.
A number of strong addresses on the
various features of the work neces-
sary were made by u number OF the
business men present. Among the
speakers were Mayor S. ID. Church,
former Mayor C. Ray Strain, F. NJ.
Wilson, Judge J. X. Doughty, Judge
&. C. Goodale, C. p. Adams, Alfred
Todd, Drs Shelter. Burnett and kunck-
ey, and Mr.. A. Cleves, manager of the.
A. b. S. Co. farms.
This institution is one of the great
est needs Of the entire territory COM
prised Of Baca, Prowers and part OF
Bent counties, and our people are 60
ing into the campaign with their usual
vim which means success.