CONSUMPTIVE SOLDIERS.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15728, 23 October 1916, Page 2

CONSUMPTIVE SOLDIERS.

ARRANGING FOR SANATORIA

On the subject of providing accommodation and attendance lor soldiers suffering from consumption, the Hon. G. W. Russell made the following statement to a representative of "Tho Press" on Saturday:—

As the war proceeds new phases of sickness arising out of war service are making themselves manifest. The most painful is the steadily-increasing number of consumptive soldiers returning io New ZesiJand. One estimate is that we may anticipate that 1 in 30 of our soldiers v.ill be returning a<i consumptive patients, whilst anotner places tne proportion much higher than that. Tho Department I control dealing with sick and wounded soldiers is. therefore, confronted with even a greater problem than any that has previously confronted it. The accommodation at Te Waikato, Cambridge, a Government institution, is being largely extended. Recently 1 visited the sanatorium at Otaki, under the control of tho Wellington Hospital Board, and it is intended to make an offer to the Board that the Government should assume entire control of it. and extend it, in order that North Island men may then be provided with two Government sanatoria for consumptives. While in the south I propose to visit the Otago Hospital Board's Sanatorium at Pleasant Valley, near Palmerston, with the view of inspecting it with the view of the possibility of the Government taking it over if suitable arrangements can be made with the Board. As far as Canterbury is concerned, further extension will bo considered as the necessity arises but it may become a question with the Department whether, on account of the great expense of erecting suitable shelters at Cashmere Hills, there shall be another institution established, or whether the Cashmere Hills institution shall be extended. At present I am - disposed to think that- it may be necessary to consider the establishment of a second sanatorium for tins part of New Zealand, including Canterbury. Nelson, and Marlborough, at some other site, thus leaving the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium largely for civilian patients.