TUBERCULAR PATIENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19743, 16 September 1927, Page 8

TUBERCULAR PATIENTS.

KEMOVAL TO NEW SITE. PATRIOTIC SOCIETY'S WORK.. EXTENT OF HELP DISCUSSED. PROVISION OF COMMON ROOM. The coming removal of the tubercular patients to another site in the Domain was one of the subjects discussed at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland Provincial Patriotic and War Relief Association yesterday. The chairman, Mr. V. J. Lamer, said comments had appeared in the press concerning the future location of the unfortunate men, but he thought ho was perfectly safe in stating that whatever site might be decided upon it would surely have brought with it objections from one source or another. "In considering this matter I think a good deal of weight and importance should attach to the wishes of the men themselves," stated Mr. Larner. "From them we have received a petition stating they will be pleased to be removed to the site in the Domain adjacent to the hospital buildings, which overlooks Grafton Read and the harbour, and for the use of which permission has been granted by the City Council. There are some who hold the opinion that this association should take sole control of these men and erect, equip and maintain a special institution for them. While we as a Patriotic Association yield to none in our solicitude for tho happiness and welfare of these unfortunate sufferers, we should not, in tny opinion, be justified in expending a largo sum of money for such a purpose." Government's Responsibilities. Continuing, Mr. Larner said ho well remembered the public meeting held for the purpose of raising their patriotic fund, when it was clearly and definitely laid down that the money subscribed would not be used to relievo the Government of its just responsibilities, but would be made use of to supplement all that the Government could reasonably be expected to do. They had hitherto kept this principle ever before them, and ha trussed they would continue to do ac> .until the end. "Surely tho onus of this removal and re-erection is on the Government, who were responsible for the erection of the shelters on their present site, and not on the Patriotic Association," proceeded Mr. Larner. "If so, ought we to take our funds—never mind how large they may be—to relievo expenditure which is not our responsibility and thus restrict our future opportunities of helping tho great mass ot men for whom the funds wens primarily subscribed! In March, 1922, the Government entered into a monotary arrangement with the Hospital Board for the maintenance of the men in the shelters, handing over the huts and equipment to the board's charge. The chairman of the Hospital Board intends proceeding to Wellington next week for the purpose of finalising, if possible, the respective liability in this connection between tho Hospital Board and tho Health Department." Proximity to Hospital. They had always looked upon the men's common room as belonging to them m the same way as the KeU Cross had looked upon the kitchen as their pioptnty He would suggest that their coutnhutiun ba confined to a sum to be determined by the executive, to be expended on the removal of the present common room or the erection of a new one. It was possible that the City Council would make them an offer for the room as it stood. Mr. Larner said that Messrs. A. G. Lunc, E. J. Phelah and E. F. Andrews, who acted as a special committee to look after the welfare of the men in the she! tors, were unanimous in their opinion that, in view of all tho circumstances, the site in the Domain was the best possible one obtainable. This opinion was also shared by tho Mayor, Hospital Board and its medical staff. He took it that they, as a Patriotic Association, had no ground for criticism concerning tho proposed Domain site, provided they were satisfied it was a healthy and suitable one. In the opinion of the special committee, the site was infinitely better than the one at present occupied. It was high and easily drainable, and had the advantage of being in close proximity to the hospital staff and doctors, which meant efficient and speedy medical attention, should it be required. Oomlortg for tie Men. The Patriotic Association was supplying for the benefit of the m<% daily papers, books and rnagauncs, the use of a barber, arrangements for picnics and motor-cars, wireless outfit, can« for basketmaking, gramophone records, playing cards and writing paper and envelopes. The Red Cross Association was providing a cook, extra foodstuff# and fruit, vocational instructress for cane and leather work, clothing and cigarettes and tobacco. In conclusion, Mr. Phelan said the special committee endorsed all that had bren said by Mr. Larner. They would like the executive to express approval of their actions in the matter to date. He felt that if they erected a common room they would be doing all they could be expected to do in the matter. Mr. H. f forton Raid he t bought the men should be treated very liberally by the®. His private opinion was that it was a pity the Domain was ev«r selected as a site for the men, but now that the qnestion appeared to settled they should see they had every comfort, even to the extent of spending thousands. The question o? whether the site was to be used by men already on the old site alone Or whether the number would ba added to was raised by Mr. Morton. Mr. Phelan said a City Council resohij tion provided only for the men who were : already there. "This raisps a very delicate paint, but ! I have no doubt wide discretion will ba used," stated Mr. Lamer, The executive finally approved the actions of the special committee to ds'e and the commit***, toother witb Mr. Lamer, was deputed to arrange for 'he removal of the common room from the old site or the erection of a new one, no financial Itmii \rnng placed on the work.