OFFICIAL INDIFFERENCE

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14660, 8 May 1913, Page 7

OFFICIAL INDIFFERENCE

Tho reporter was informed on unimpeachable authority tliat Dγ- Newell had made full arrangements for tho unfortunato consumptive to bo taken in to tho Hospital at Christchurch. An officer of tho Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was communicated with by telephone, and ho is stated to have said that the man would become a charge on the Board if ho went into tho Hospital. It was pointed out to him that all the legal formalities required by tho Shipping and Seamen Act had been complied with, and that tho Union had entered into a bond for his maintenance for three months. This officer is stated tohavo replied that Wellington was tho proper place for tho man to go to, and that he would be given a free passage to that place, but this -offer was refused. Dr. Finch, District Health Officer, was then called up on the telephone and the position explained to him. _ He was also informed that tho condition of the unfortunate man was such that he was a danger to public health- The reporter was informed that Dr. Finch declined to act in the matter, and that, after, presumably, having consulted the Board's official, he stated that the man should be sent to Wellington. It was pointed out to him that the man was in too dangerous a state to bo permitted to travel by steamer, and that his quarters on tho Maori had had to be disinfected to obviate risk of infection for the other firemen. Dr. 0. H. Upham, Port Health Officer, gave a certificate that tho man was badly gone in consumption, and that it was dangerous to allow him to travel. - In tho meantime, Mr S. Booth, Superintendent of the Seamen's Institute, is onring for the poor consumptive, and tho snipping master at Lytteiton, has, at his own expense, provided a tent for the man's accommodation on a vacant section adjoining the Seamen's Institute, and- has communicated with the Marine Department at Wellington stating that this ha 3 been done until the health authorities arrange for proper accommodation for the man who is urgently in need of proper treatment, and that Dr. Upham is medically supervising his case until such time as tho authorities will act. Much indignation is expressed at tho action or inaction of the Hospital authorities, in debarring tho man from ordinary humane treatment by those who have interested themselves in the sad case, and it is hoped that something will speedily be done to secure humane treatment for the poor fireman.