TRENTHAM BASE HOSPITAL.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2368, 26 January 1915, Page 2

TRENTHAM BASE HOSPITAL.

HELP OF WOMEN. Tho Mayor's room proved all too small for the number of women who attended the meeting called by Mrs. J. P. Luke to consider what could be done to help equip the Base Hospital at ' I'rentham, so a move was mado to the Council Chamber, which was well filled. Apologies were received from Mrs. Massey ana Miss Coates, who wore unfortunately unable to be present, but expressed sympathy and - a desire to help in any way possible. Mrs. Luke presided, and introduced Colonel Purdy, Director of Medical Services, and Major Elliott, who attended the meeting to explain exactly • what was required in ihe way of help. Dr. Elliot explained the need of the hospital, and said that the Medical Association wero giving £2000 towards it. Not all the amount was yet raised, but vory nearly, and he was quite confident that it would be soon provided. He had received that day a telegram from Lady Liverpool giving her patronage to the organisation, and expressing her sympathy with the objeot in view. The list of requirements for each bed was given, as also the whole list for twentynve beds, with which it is proposed to start.

The list is as follows:—90 sheets. 30 small draw sheetß, 8 dozen pillow-slips, 50 pairß pyjamas, 6 dozen towels, 6 dozen night-shirts, 5 dozen white hand kerchiefs, 20 bedjackets, 100 white blankets, 25 Marcella quilts. Dr. Purdy explained that the Govwas quite prepared to equip the hospital with everything necessary, and to do so liberally but offers had been made of help, many women being anxious to have something to- do with making things comfortable and safe for sick soldiers, in whom all took tho greatest interest. "At a time like this all help was very welcome, and would be thankfully accepted. A movement was on foot to provide motor ambulances for the front, and the Government had ordered 14 of them, though Lord Kitehener had only asked for 10, as being quite sufficient for the use of our men at the front. In England far more ambulances had been subscribed for than were needed, so it was suggested that instead of sending more of these motors, which at present were not needed, it would be better to provide a Base' Hospital here, which is really necessary. It will cost tho Government a large Bum of money to equip, find is to be quite up to date. A nurses' kitchen inside is being provided for (as well' as a separate supply kitchen outside), with a hot-water stove, so as to ensure a good supply of hot water, so necessary in a hospital. Quarters would bo provided for fivo nurses, ancj. more if necessary. If more than twenty-five beds should be required, hospital huts would be easily erected. Dr. Purdy explained that while the weather is mild, certain cases can be safely attended to at Trcntham, but later on, in winter weather there would be great risk, and it is not fair to overfill the Public Hospital with soldiers. So far, all measles had been sent to Wellington Hospital, to avoid of pneumonia.

AVhen wounded men return later on, as is quite possible, they could bo cared for at Trentham as long as it should be necessary. Dr. Purdy thanked Mrs. Luke for calling the meeting, and expressed his pleasure at the numerous attendance.

Mrs. Luke expressed the feeling of the meeting that women were anxious to help, and also that they understood very well exactly what was needed, and would see that everything was quite ready if the doctors would give a date, and she ascertained from Dr. Purdy that if everything was ready iii a month's time that would be soon onough. Mrs. Luke proposed, and Mrs. L. Bhmdell seconded, the following resolution:—"That the women citizens agree to equip 25 beds, as schedulod ey the doctors, and any further in addition if necessary." This was carried.

Tho following subscriptions were received :—Miss Cootes, £5 ss.j Mrs. L. Bhmdell, £5 55.; Mrs. H. A. M'Gregor, £1 Is.; and Miss M. H. Archibald, £1 Is; total, £12 12s. ' Miss W. Nathan moved that those present form the committee. This w.as seconded by Mrs. Salok. the Mayoress aßked those present who were willing to be monibers of tho committee to notify her before leaving, anS the following ladies were elected:— Mesdames Nathan, Blundell, Purdy, Crawford, Salek. Preston. Mackenzie, Bayfield, Myers, Chatfield, Mason, Gyles, Elliot, S. Kirkaldio,, Moorhouse, Townsend. Crump, Bunny, Hamerton, Lady Gibbos, Miss Coatcs, Misß' Speed, Miss Myers. _ l , Mrs. Luke was appointed president. Miss S. Nathan hon. secretary; and Mrs. Tripp hon. treasurer. _ An executive was formed also, consisting of Mesdames Purdy, Nathan, L. Blundell, Townsend, Hosking, Presten, and the officials. Tho Trained Nurses' Association are equipping a bed, Mrs. Walter Nathan one, Mrs. Bayfield two, South Wellington Nursing Guild ono. The Mayoresses in other places havo communicated with Mrs. Luke, and are prepared to help. . So it is anticipated that there will be' no difficulty in providing the beds. If citizens wish, they can give the beds as well as the equipment. Mrs. Luke wishes it to be known.that proper patterns for all garments in tho equipment must be obtained from her. .