MORE SUGGESTIONS.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 4, Issue 177, 22 April 1896, Page 2

MORE SUGGESTIONS.

To the Editor. Sir, —As I see that your columns ate! open for the suggestions of visitors I would, with your permission, make one or two which may or may not have been previously offered, but certainly, as yet, have not been attended to. Eirst, in regard to medical supervision. I think it is very necessary that it should bo compulsory for all invalids to submit to a medical examination before taking a course' of the baths, and that the charge should be a nominal one, At present the charge is outrageous. I know of several people who would like to avail themselves of the doctor's services but the charge of one guinea is too much for their slender purses. I have no wish to interfere with the present charges so far as people who are able to afford it are concerned but I think an hour or so might be set apart each day when invalids might be examined at the Sanatorium at a nominal charge. The danger- of bathing in the more highly charged waters here unless under medical adviee has b«en made apparent to me on more' than one occasion. Secondly, it is i most necessary that a female attendant should be' stationed at the Postmaster Bath if not for the whole of the day for at least a part of it. Several cases have occurred of wo/nen fainting in the baths and having to be carried out by the male attendant. 1 understand that an appointment, of this sort is contemplated but that it lies with tlier Inspector-General of Hospitals, and (hat it is over a month ago since he was informed of the urgency of the matter. Surely so small a matter might bo left in the hands of the local medical officer who knows exactly what is required. Thirdly, I think that a better cover could be devised over the Postmaster Bath to protect invalids from the sun and rain. If it is not practicable to roof in the bath entirely a great improvement might be effected by carrying a verandah roof along the front of the dressing rooms. Fourthly, in regard to the Priest's liath it seems strange to a mere observer that something cannot be done to regulate the tempefature of the various baths. At present one bath is too hot and another alongside o,f it too cold. I am told that a panel lias been knocked out between the baths in question so as to allow the water to circulate but as that has apparently little effect the advisability of turning the t\Vo men's baths into one might be considered. The maintenance of an equable temperature in this, bath is of the greatest importance as it is looked upon as the most efficacious water for rnumatism in the place. In conclusion T wish to say that during my stay here of three weeks I have found the towels and dressing rooms the pink of cleanliness and the attendants at each of the bath-houses extremely obliging.—Yours, &e., A Visitor. [We are glad to have "A Visitor's" assurance as to the high state of cleanliness now observable at the various bathhouses. It confirms our statement that an improvement has lately taken place in regard to this matter—an improvement which wo trust will be lasting.—El). H.L.C.]