ORTHOPŒDIC UNIT AT CHRISTCHURCH.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17376, 25 July 1918, Page 4

ORTHOPŒDIC UNIT AT CHRISTCHURCH.

SIR JAMES ALLEN'S PROPOSALS.

NOT ALTOGETHER ACCEPTABLE.

(Pkb United Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, July 24. At a meeting of the Christchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board to-day the special committee appointed to consider details of proposals made by Colonel Valintine with regard to the establishment of the orthopaedic unit at Christchurch Hospital was presented. The following telegram was received from Sir J as. Allen with regard to the ortnopoedic unit arid its housing in Chalmers Ward:—"l ain quite in nccord with the proposal -to use Chalmers Ward for sick and, wounded soldiers. My department thinks it unnecessary, however, to build other wards, and now proposes to make provision for gymnasium, electrotherapeutic, and balneological rooms in tho corridor adjoining- our massage room, at a cost of, say, £1000; also a new workshop costing, say, £500; also £100 for the reappropriation «cf a room in tho old residential wing, together with £500 for the housing of the medical officer, this being an extension of tho present junior resident officer's quarters; making a total of £1900. These proposals are subject to your board's approval. I have consulted the Minister of Public Health, and he concurs, on the understanding that the Defence Department pays for the rent of the building to house those civilians for whom accommodation cannot be found. I have informed the Minister of Public Health that the Chalmers Ward may be required for three years, after the war. and that tho Defence Department. would piy the rent of the building." The new proposals wer3 criticised adversely by several members. However, it was iinally decided to leave tho wholo matter in abeyance in tho hands of the special committee.