RURAL SICK.

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 3048, 19 September 1916, Page 4

RURAL SICK.

FACILITIES FOR THEIR CARE

It was urged by the Dominion Conference of tho Farmers' Union that all hospital boards should mako arrangements whereby all xoarts of their districts might bo provided with suitable medical and nursing attendance.

Replying to this resolution, the Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister for Public Health, states: "The matter referred to deals with a largo question of policy, and in fact relates to the whole basis and superstructure of the present hospital system. At present the administration of tho law is based on the broad principle of largo and fullyequipped base hospitals, which are open to residents of town and country alike. There is, however, a growing demand by country residents that they should moro directly participate in the benefits of the system by the establishment of country hospitals and special nursing services for their districts. I gather the resolution of your union favours this development. As already indicated, this represents a wido change of policy from tho existing system, and cannot bo brought about' without a clear mandate from tho people through Parliament. if this mandate is given, I shall bo at once prepared to submit to Cabinet proposaLs to give effect to the suggestion of your conference."