GRAVE HEALTH PROBLEM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17275, 26 September 1919, Page 6

GRAVE HEALTH PROBLEM.

VENEREAL DISEASE CASES.

QUESTION OF A HOSPITAL. [BY telegraph. — press associa .ton.} CHRISTCHURCrT. Thursday The question of providing a special hospital for venereal cases was discussed at yesterday's meeting of the Nori h Canterbury Hospital Board. The discussion arose out of the following clause in the Institutions Committee's report:— Through the amendment of the Public Health Act the patrols appointed are finding cases that require to be treated in an institution, and it will be a matter for the board to consider at an early date the best means of providing the accommodation and attendance required." The chairman said the board had power under the Social Hygiene Act to establish a special hospital. Mr. Norton, chairman of the committee, said the matter was a serious one for the community, and something must be done. They must handle the question fearlessly and all put their shoulder to the wheel. Mr. Bradley said that great objection had been raised by the women folk to the proposal to set apart a special hospital for these cases. It was pointed out by a lady member of the board that women did not object to a hospital where all case* would be treated, but they objected to the women being singled out for treatment while the men were left scot free." It was decided to refer the question of establishing a hospital for venereal case* to the Hospital Committee.