Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6th., 1929. TUBERCULOSIS CURE ?

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1929, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6th., 1929. TUBERCULOSIS CURE ?

jQESPITE the alleviation secured in late years through patient research and study by qualified enthusiasts, human suffering is still extensive, many a life’s happiness being shattered by inability to find effective remedy for this or that disease. The desire to obtain, or retain, good health is adequately catered for, as apart from the hospitals and orthodox medical and surgical treatment, there are innumerable remedies advertised, few of which are modest in their claims. In minor ailments, no great harm is done, perhaps, by reliance on these aids to Nature, but wholehearted dependence on some, of these nostrums has made bad cases worse, and it would have been wiser for the afflicted to have been guided by doctors, even if these did not promise speedy cures with little effort. No doubt, relief has been given to many by what are familiarly called “patent medicines,” and these have their place in the quest for better health, but I• . .

it is folly to expect too much from them.

Some patients take these medicines on the principle that if they do no good, they can do no harm. Moreover, great is the power of faith, for the time being, especially when stimulated by clever publicity. Yet, real injury may result if the ailments from which the stricken are suffering are neglected because of this reliance on the efficacy of “get-cured-quiek” preparations. A great responsibility rests on those who launch such claims, especially if positions are held by them, in which goodwill and sincerity are believed to be fundamental. Clergymen, for instance, should be very careful in such matters, and not hasten to preach a physical gospel that may or may not be true. The Anglican Church authorities in this Dominion cannot be satisfied with their experiences in connection with the Hickson Mission, which’ they fostered and encouraged. The actual cures effected were not such as to cause gratification to those who had lauded the faithhealing crusade, and the results must have caused intense disappointment to many patients who were led to expect so much. An Auckland clergyman, Rev. E. Ward, now claims to have discovered a cure for tuberculosis, and he has his Archbishop’s sanction to distribute the remedy to those suffering from the dread disease. Mr. Ward states that he has cured scores of tuberculosis victims. Conceive the effect this news will have on most of those suffering from tuberculosis. Eager to obtain relief, such invalids will not rest until they have obtained the Ward specific. Meanwhile, their orthodox treatment must suffer, and if the Ward claims ’ are not eventually substantiated, their last state will be worse than the first. Mr. Ward, apparently, has not taken medical men into his confidence, and these are naturally sceptical. Doctors have seen too many instances of hope fathering thought, and of the issue being stillborn, where cures for tuberculosis and other serious diseases are concerned. Mr. Ward may be able to do all he claims, but he is making a mistake in being secretive. Indeed, any person who discovers a cure for any dread ailment, has a clear duty to announce, as early as possible, the fullest particulars to the medical world, generally. If, then, it was found that convention or regard for tradition alone stood in the way of support ,from the doctors, the discoverer would be justified in working a lone hand. An Archbishop’s opinion on such matters may not be worth more than, say, a bookmaker’s. It will be interesting to await developments in the Auckland district, but, meanwhile, tubercular patients would be wise not to abandon the treatment laid down by acknowledged authorities.