HOSPITAL FOR SOLDIERS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23080, 24 July 1940, Page 10

HOSPITAL FOR SOLDIERS

SCHOOL CONVERTED AT HAMILTON INFLUENZA IN HOPU HOPU CAMP HAMILTON, July 23. With no signs of the influenza epidemic at Hopu Hopu Military Camp abating and with the Waikato Hospital already overcrowded, the hospital authorities have decided to take over the new Hamilton West School and convert it into a temporary ward for soldiers.

Immediately upon the decision being taken, all movable furniture was removed from the school and the school children were instructed to attend the old school in Anglesea street until further notice.

During the last few days influenza at the camp has been spreading, and more soldiers have been admitted to hospital than the number discharged. Over the last fortnight nearly 140 soldiers have been brought to the hospital, and yesterday morning 80 soldiers were still in the institution. Late in the morning a further draft of sick soldiers was brought in, and when it was stated that more were coming the hospital authorities decided to make special arrangements for them. Altogether yesterday more than 40 soldiers were brought in to hospital. , It was this and the fact that 413 patients, a much larger number than usual, were being treated, that prompted the authorities to complete the arrangements for the temporary hospital. .