HEALTH CAMPS

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 2, 4 January 1916, Page 3

HEALTH CAMPS

FOR CONVALESCENT SOLDIERS.

A HISTORIC SITE.

In five weeks there has been erected at Pukeroa Hill, overlooking the village of Ohinemutu, at Rotorua, a camp for 150 to 200 soldiers in the convalescentstage. The hospital is most pleasantly situated; the locality is healthy and elevated, and the range of vision takes in the picturesque and historic island of Mokoia lying in the centre of the lake. At this spot, many years ago, the first missionaries under the guidance of Henry Williams establshed themselves, and ministered to the Maoris, winning them from warlike ways, and teaching them the blessings of peace and good will to men. Time brings many changes, for where white Christian teacher and savage met half a century ago, Maori and Pakeha are now to lie side by side regaining health and strength after wounds received in fighting, as brothers, against a common overseas foe.' The Hon. G W. Russell, who is Minister in Charge of Hospitals, in describing what has been done at Rotorua, said last night that provision would be made for a water storage of 16..000 gallons. A large workshop was to be erected, where men could be taught trades. The work to which the first party of men would be set would be the construction of lockers for the wards. At the Rotorua Hospital, accommodation had been extended, so that 84 men could now be taken in. It was not intended that the camp should be used as a place for sick men. but for convalescents, where they would have the means of recreation aid exercise. The architects for the Pukerua Camp were Messrs. Hoggard, Prouse, and Cummer, of Wellington, and the builders Messrs. Campbell and Burke, of Wellington. N