MR ROBERT Lucas Tooth officially opening the hospital, as reported in the Bega Standard, said "In speaking of hospitals, the name of Florence Nightingale came to one's mind; a name that was known wherever the English language was spoken, and which would be handed down in history for her kindness to our soldiers in the Crimea.

He hoped patients in the hospital would receive comfort and assistance in its walls. The people should now take this opportunity of helping the committee in their good work, and he begged to hand a small contribution to the president. He then said 'I now declare this hospital open for the whole of the Bega district'. " The audience cheered.

The president then announced that Mr Tooth had handed him a cheque for fifty dollars, and three cheers were then given for Mr Tooth. The honorary treasurer, Mr Scott read a few figures. "The total receipts to date were 2041 pounds 17s 8d. Against this the expenses of the building were 1775 pounds; plans etc 81 pounds 11 shillings; incidental 87 pounds 11 shillings and tuppence: a total of 1941 pounds two shillings and tuppence, leaving a credit balance of 97 pounds 15 shillings and sixpence. Sundry liabilities, fencing etc, would come to 316 pounds, and with the subsidy due from Government of about 151 pounds, this would leave 150 pounds wanted for urgent necessities. The sum of about 70 pounds was given including Mr Tooth's cheque, 10 pounds 10 shillings from Mr Lingen and his wife, the latter a sister of Mr Tooth."

"Champagne, liquors and light refreshments were then partaken of by those present, and success drank to the institution. After this the buildings were viewed and admired, and towards five o'clock a start was made for home, everyone pleased with the pleasant and unostentatious little ceremony of opening the Bega District Hospital." The reporter from the Bega Standard described the hospital. "The main building is of brick, with wings of wood, and faces the north. It is a neat comfortable looking edifice and has the appearance of a villa, except for the four boxes at each of the four corners."