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109
Enclosing Site.—I suggest that the site be enclosed generally
with oak park-fencing. In the front of the low buildings by the
entrance, a dwarf wall with railings would be suitable, and the large
yard at the East corner should be enclosed by an eight-foot wall.
Estimate of Cost.—I have endeavoured to give every care to
the preparation of the estimate, and I believe my figures will be found
to be approximately correct.
I am of opinion that the cost of all the buildings, fencing, drainage,
roads, paths, laying out grounds, lighting, heating, hot-water supplies,
boilers, engine, laundry machinery, &c., &c., complete, will be
£73,260, as detailed, page 111, and I think it will be found that this
compares favourably with the cost of recent London hospitals.
Building by Instalments.—On the question of building
the Hospital by instalments, there is no difficulty in doing this, so far
as the pavilions are concerned, but it will be realized that it would be
unwise and wasteful to build "The Home" in this way.
It is recommended to build the administrative buildings to suit
the ultimate requirements. The steward's stores and the men servants'
blocks could be postponed, and temporary provision made for their
housing in " The Home," until all the pavilions are built.
The stables could also be built at any time. The laundry ought
to be built at the outset.
Of course, it would be better if the Council saw their way to
complete the Hospital at once. They would then be equipped for any
emergency, they would be able to get a lower price for the whole,,
than if it were done piecemeal, and the result would be in every way
more satisfactory.
Building is not likely to decrease in cost, but rather to increase,,
so that delay is not financially desirable.