The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1903.

Evening Star, Issue 11897, 27 May 1903, Page 4

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 1903.

The Acting Chief Health Officer, for the Colony is manifestly a man iaftetiOM Dta- of action and thoroughly easts Hospital, alive to the duties of Lb important office. He most needs have impressed the Conference of Mayors yesterday with bis determination to insist on the Public Health Act in regard to infections diseases being complied with in regard to providing accommodation for patients, so that by their isolation and proper treatment such diseases might be successfully coped with and possibly prevented from becoming epidemic. Bpeaking as to existing condition*, Dr Valentine stated that scarlet fever was very general all over the Colony, and there were at present local cases and likely to be many more. Then, he continued, they were men' aced by the possibility of an outbreak of smallpox, provision for which must be made immediately, and action taken at the same time for the accommodation of j scsrlet fever v::'.h-U. There was no time, j ; ; * '";■'"■• i. i'ir "delay? and red tape." I .''"' v '"■'•' '?>.■'■'■■■* or im')-?iicce*K in com.biU- ] ii;-- the eykl-uji.; depended nractiwlly oa.:

the promptitude with which cases could be removed to the hospital. The question raised is no doubt serious financially, but the necessary expenditure will not fall heavily upon any section of the ratepayers, if, as proposed, united action ia taken by the City and suburban boroughs. The institution of a hospital in Dunedin exclusively for infectious diseases has long been advocated, but nothing practical haa ever been done. Immunity has lulled tha community into a state of false security, and now there is a rude awakening to a senso of responsibility and the realisation of statutory obligations in relation to the conservation, of public health. The matter is not one in regard to which there is any option. The local authorities can be compelled to provide suitable acommodatiou for patients suffering from infectious diseases, and l)r Valentine makes it understood very cle,arly that ha will bo prepared to take extreme measures, although very unwilling to do so, his desire being to assist the municipalities and, whilst insisting upon them meeting their obligations, to save them any unnecessary expense. The course adopted of the Mayors of the City and the several boroughs immediately concerned meeting in conference to consider the question in its various phases was a very judicious one, and is likely, we tliink, to lead to practical und immediate results. The Conference had the advantage of the counsel and expert advice of Dr Valentine and the District Health Officer (Dr Ogston), and were thus guided in deliberation and action. The resolution arrived at was in effect that the Mayors would call their respective Councils together in order to consider the erection of a hospital, and report results to a meeting of the Conference to lie held next Tuesday. An extension of time was proposed, but very strongiy objected to by Dr Valentine, who urged immediate action, without any delay whatever. "We are face to face," he said, " with an epidemic of scarlet fever, "and we may have cases of smallpox. 1 " want to know definitely what your various " local bodies will do fo'r any case of small"pox which may arise." He eventually declared himself prepared to make arrange ments for treating any emergency case of smallpox at Quarantine Island, "provided " that he had the assurance that the local " bodies would take steps to immediately erect "an infectious diseases hospital." He was anxious, he proceeded to say, that they should take the matter in hand deliberately end not work upon the ratepayers under the appearance of a scare. In the meantime he would try and meet them with regara t-> any fever or smallpox patients. It must hf. understood that the allocation of Quarantine Island as a site for a permanent infectious diseases hospital is not within the scope of the powers of the department, the island being reserved by statute for a quar. antine station, for which purpose it might be required at any time on very short notice. It is, further, manifestly unsuitable for smallpox or fever patients in consequence of the distance by water from the ' iiy and other conditions. The Pelichet

.. site would appear to be in every re-:-.vt suitable—isolated, yet easy of access, ..U'L-mitly situated, and within reach of in abundant supply of medical attendance. The Co3t of such a permanent' building as will be required is altogether of secondary importance. It need not, however, be very heavy, and the Government, under' the Act, have to subsidise £ for £. The new Mayor has shown an active, intelligent interest in this question, which is very commendable, and is giving the lead to the suburban municipalities, as the Mayor of the City should do, and this without any assumption of dictation. The whole affair in its development, wo cannot but think, is another object lesson as to the) desirability of the union of the boroughs with the City. With a united borough there would be no practical difficulties either in the erection or maintenance of the required institution. As things, are, complications which may at least delay immediate action are possible.