NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16020, 11 September 1915, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL

THE OPENING CEREMONY. GATHERING AT WALTON. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S" SPEECH. The New Zealand Military Hospital at Walton-on-Thamos was formally declared open by the High Commissioner on Saturday afternoon, in the presence of one of the largest gatherings of New Zealanders that has ever assembled here. writes our London correspondent, under date August 4. The afternoon was devoted to tea and inspecting the hospital and grounds, and the general impression was that the Hospital Committee of the War Contingent Association, Lord Plunket, Sir James Mills, Mr. R. D. D. McLean, Mr. George Beetham, and Mr. Norman Dalstonhad been singularly fortunate in their choice of house and locality.

The wards have been named .iftor Auckland, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Westland. Southland, Dominion, and Otago. There is also the Hinemoa wing, operating theatre, and quarters for matron, resident medical officer, and staff. From the Wellington ward a splendid view of the lawns and river is obtained. Accommodation is provided at present for 110 beds, and this can be extended to 170 if necessary. The grounds overlook the river for a considerable distance. A Great Responsibility. The High Commissioner apologised for the absence of Sir Joshua Williams and Lord Islington, and expressed his pleasure to find that so many New Zealanders had responded to the invitation to be present. It showed the deep interest taken by all in the welfare of those who were doing so much for us. Explaining why a hospital was being opened instead of a convalescent home, the High Commissioner said that with the development of the war the War Office found it necessary to ask New Zealanders to substitute a hospital for a home. The thanks of the committee were due to Ladv Islington for having discovered Mount Felix. A sub-commit-tee at once energetically devoted itself, in conjunction with the executive committee, to carry out. the work of preparation as expeditiously as possible. That work, of course, necessitated taking on a responsibility somewhat beyond the usually ascribed limits. Still, the work had to be done, and he could not speak too hiehly of the unsparing devotion of Lord Plunket and the work of the members of the various committees. It would take from £15.000 to £20,000 to run the hospital, and it was with much pleasure that he was able to say their finances were in a satisfactory state. All the same, the figure had rather staggered Mr. George Beetham and Sir James Mills, who were the brakes on their expenditure. (Hear, hear.) " Our finances," reiterated Mr. Mackenzie, " are in a satisfactory condition, but even if they were not, we have the whole body of New Zealanders behind us to back us up in what we do for the brave young fellows who are giving their lives for their country." (Applause.) Major Bernard Myers, R.A M.C., was their chief medical officer. Miss Tombe the head of the nursing staff, and a large oroportion of the staff were New Zealanders. Up to the present, the New Zealand men had been scattered throughout the length and breadth of England, and it had been very difficult at times, to find out really where they were. The consequence was that some felt neglected, but immediately the Record Office had word from them, their wants were attended to.

The Ladies' Committee. The Ladies' Committee had been responsible for collecting and making a large .number of warm garments for the troops. In the work of knitting, they had received great assistance -from many schools throughout the country. To date the following articles had been made :—12,110 pairs of socks. 4048 pairs of cuffs and gloves, 2610 mufflers, 2573 body belts, 340 helmets, 230 Cardigan jackets, waistcoats, and chest protectors, in addition to a large number of sundry articles. Great quantities of these goods had been distributed in the United Kingdom, Egypt and Tenedos. To Mount Felix the following comforts have been sent:—7l convalescent kits (sent by Mrs. Young, hon. sec. to the Scottish Committee), 50 pairs of bed socks, 119 suits of pyjamas. 456 shirts, 134 dressing gowns, in addition to vests, pants, chest protectors, convalescent jackets, surgical bandages, night shirts, etc.

Probable Visit from King. Funds raised by the association in England reached a sum of nearly £9000. For ■the hospital and other work which the association had done, expenditure and commitments nearly approximated the total. It was with great pleasure that Mr. Mackenzie announced the probability of a visit to the hospital from the King. He concluded by saying that it was the desire of the committee to give effect to the wishes of the association so that the soldiers who had, by actions in the field, placed the name of New Zealand in the most honoured position should have everything -done for them that it was possible within reason to carry out. The New Zealand War Contingent Association is now issuing a " kit " to the soldiers in England, both to the men in hospital who are without the necessary articles, and to the convalescents when they come to London. The kit consists of razor strop, brush, shaving stick, toothbrush, tooth paste, mirror, comb handkerchief and socks. Many New Zealand soldiers have written to the association expressing their appreciation of what has been done for them.