THE CONSUMPTIVE CAMP.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIII, Issue 13716, 5 April 1905, Page 9

THE CONSUMPTIVE CAMP.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Seeing that a petition has been presented to the Hospital Board, asking for tlie removal of the consumptive camp at Breeze’s Road, may I state a few facts about the matter? First, as regards the danger to the surrounding residents of having their health impaired by the existing camp. If the camp was not carried on in a systematic manner, there would, perhaps, be room for complaint. But I can safely say that the patients carry out the rules satisfactorily. lam sure that if any of the public who are in doubt were to visit the camp, they would soon come to the conclusion that the danger to the residents was nil. It is most peculiar that those whose duties bring them in touch with these diseases every day are seldom the victims of these complaints. As the nearest residents, excluding ourselves, are over ten chains away 'from the boundary of the camp property, it is unreasonable to put forth such a flimsy argument. It is also admitted by the medical fraternity that as long as the patient is careful in his habits, there is no danger to those, around him. Of course, there are people in this world who are too self-centred to think of the suffering humanity, who are dragging out a lifeless existence. We know not the .time wiien we may be in the same "position, through our own fault, as the patients at the present camp. Now, as to the next complaint, that of depreciation of property. It is very peculiar that land in the vicinity of the camp has risen 25 per cent within the last twelve months; also, that, property has been sold within the last twelve months at a higher price than was asked previous to the consumptive camp coming - to this district. It is good to know that there are people who are vailing to give their time to such a noble cause, in attending to the wants of the suffering men who have had the misfortune to contract this dire disease. And we trust that the pure air will soon restore these men to their health, so that they can take their place in this busy world as men able to work for those depending on-them. Let us do unto Others as we would have them do unto us. Trusting you will insert this on behalf of the suffering men.—l am, etc., ALEX. GORING, Jun. Breeze’s Road, April 3.