This proposal along with a request for financial assistance was pre- sented to Government on October 4th, 1949.

On November 3rd, 1949, the board was informed by Mr. A.W. Matheson, Minister of Health, that this proposal would be consid- ered by the Government at its next sitting.

Time passed and on January 26th, 1950 having heard nothing from Government, the Board took it upon themselves to enquire on the status of their proposal for a hospital. The Commission's response to the January inquiry was vague and the board was left with the impression that the O’Leary Hospital was not high on the Government's list of priorities.

Local community representatives continued to lobby for the hos- pital but the issue remained in limbo as there was no positive response forthcoming from Government.

By 1954, Dr. George Dewar had garnered much political influ- ence and he forced a re-opening of discussion regarding the hospital.

Dr. George was able to raise the interest of the Premier of the Province, The Honourable A.W. Matheson, whose support was cru- cial if the project had any possibility of succeeding.

Dr. George was tireless in his pursuit for support among govem~ ment officials and ministers of the crown. The key individual was obviously the Premier and when Mr. Matheson chose to support the project, a major hurdle was overcome.

In the end, Government agreed that if the public’s share of the funding could be guaranteed, the project would go foreword. A local campaign quickly saw several trustees agree to underwrite the remaining costs.

Originally, the Palmer house which was selling for approximately 38000 was considered as a possible site for the hospital. At that time it was felt that with renovations, the Palmer house could be convert- ed into a hospital.

Discussions were held with Department of Health officials and it was quickly concluded that it would be a better long-term solution to construct a new building rather than to attempt to convert an exist- ing one.

The local committee reviewed many possibilities but settled on land owned by Mrs. Alexander MacDonald who owned a thirty acre farm on the Barclay Road. Mrs. MacDonald was approached and agreed to sell the property for $7800 for the purpose of building a hospital.

Mrs. MacDonald’s generosity and public-mindedness should not go unmentioned. Her willingness to part with land more valuable

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