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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 75, 5 May 1914, Page 6

Having cared so energetically for the sufferer actually, afflicted with consumption, the North Canterbury Hospital Board, with a progressive instinct that is distinctly meritorious, has decided to go still further, and look after' those children who are predisposed to, or threatened with, the insidious complaint. To this end a meeting is in progress this afternoon, when a proposal to establish an open-air home for children, in danger of consumption, either inherently or by contact, is being discussed. As an adjunct to the sanatorium on Cashmere Hills and the dispensary, the establishment of a refuge (the term is used in its kindest sense) on the lines indicated is a necessity—a necessity which, we believe, will be recognised by that large body of citizens whose lot is cast in happier circumstances. There can be no doubt but that applications for admission to the various sanatoria throughout New Zealand would have been reduced materially if such a scheme had been promulgated in the initial stages of the war against this grave menace. It is gratifying to know that, as statistics inform us, tke campaign is meeting with such success, and that success would be multiplied if the children under the shadow of the disease were removed from and protected against its influence. The setting up and equipping of a fresh air home for children will mean considerable added expense, but expense should not be allowed to stand in the way. We hope that the citizens, who, after all, have a moral responsibility in these matters, will provide the support such a venture deserves. Dr Blackmore can be trusted to make out a good case for the board. As a modern commentator has expressed it: Better the fence at the top of the precipice than the ambulance at the bottom. It is sound philosophy. We commend the idea to the public, and we trust that means will be found by which a strong fence will be erected immediately. For this will mean the "scrapping" of the ambulance*