LYTTELTON CASUALTY WARD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXIX, Issue 14681, 12 May 1908, Page 9

LYTTELTON CASUALTY WARD.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Having hoard of the proposal io close tho Casual Ward Hospital in Lyttelton, I would like to add my testimony to its usefulness. Having had occasion to hastily remove my soil who arrived from Sydney hy the s.s. Malieno, suffering from a dangerous illness, he would undoubtedly have succumbed had ho been taken to Christchurch by rail through the fumes, etc., entering the carriage when going through tho tunnel causing distressing coughing. My attention was also directed _to tho need of the 'Ward by two accidents which happened to two unfortunate men (one of whom died) who fell down the holds of largo steamers. 1 am much surprised that any attempt should bo made by the Christchurch Hospital Board to close tho Ward, especially in a seaport like Lyttelton, as accidents arc frequent and generally.of a very distressing kind, and as the trade of tho port develops will naturally become, more frequent. Having visited the Ward to see my son, it seems to me that instead of closing it the Board might with advantage add a few of the necessaries with which our hospitals are supplied, and without much expense. I am also sure, if a vote of the residents of Lyttelton were taken, there would be a unanimous vote to retain it.—l am, etc JOIIh. JACK. Oamaru, May 11, 1908.