DISTRICT NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 December 1918, Page 3

DISTRICT NEWS.

OKATO.j (From Our Ovvu Correspondent.) On Tuesday last the wind-lip meeting of the Okato Health Committee was held, and the filial finds us in a very good position. I think the chairman of Egmont County Council said Major Keenan congratulated tiicm oil the economical manner in which tin; temporary hospitals had been run in the Egmont County. At one of these, several orderlies were employed at so muck per day, to I do not know if wo deserve similar congratulations, where all orderly work was done by volunteers; in tact, no wages were paid out. Even the laundry work was done voluntarily. ill' Fox's report read at the meeting is pleasant reading, and is as ibelow. We were approached by a deputation from New Plymouth on Saturday, November 10, and acquainted with their experience and their method of dealing with the malady On tlreir recommendation, a meeting of Okato settlers was held on Wednesday, ivhcn it was decided to divide the district extending from the Puniho Road on the south to the Katakara river on the north, into sections- Patrols were appointed for each section, these patrols to visit eaeii house in their section and to report every morning by 10 o'clock. On Thursday Dr. Wado advised the opening of a I temporary hospital at Okato, and the [•Hempton Hall was got ready and opened as a hospital on Sunday morning, 24th inst. Throughout that day 13 patients arrived- From then on to the 7tli of December 30 patients were admitted and one was re-admitted, the youngest being four years of ana the oldest 62 years. Out of a total of 30 patients 11 were sent to New Plymouth Hospital at different dates, tvro of whom died. The rest were discharged and are at present making good improvement. The hospital was closed on Thursday, December 12th. The total number of cases throughout the district was 159, and of these 134 case.' were waited on by Messrs Larson and Hunter, the M.A.'s, at their respective homes. It will therefore be noted that one third of the population was attacked by the malady. This ia exclusive o"! the natives. When the hospital was opened Mrs Hasell, of New Plymouth, j was appointed matron with Mrs Fox as first assistant, the night nursing duties being undertaken by various local lady volunteers" The orderlies were also local volunteers, and they undertook the night duties of attending to male patients. Owing to illness Mrs Fox was unable to continue, and Miss Cassie, V. A.D., was sent out by Dr. Walker to be second in command- Later, owing to further illnesses in the lady volunteer ranks. Miss Williams, of Xew Plymouth, volunteered to take on the night duties. Dr. Wade, medical officer, was untiring in his endeavors to make things run smoothly. He saw that all patients had the best possible and suitable attention. On behalf of the Okato district we thank most heartily Nurse Hasell for her ready and prompt help. At great self-sacrifice she left her home and family to come amongst strangers to «uccour them in their trouble. Her practical and sympathetic help has been much appreciated by all the patients, und to us who have daily seen her numerous and onerous duties undertaken with pleasant and efficient cara, it was n. pleasure to be associated with her. To Misses Cassie and William?, V.A.D's, ive also tender our grateful thanks. We appreciate most fully the generous impulse which made tliem come fin-ward with tlieir services when they were so much requiredOf Dr. Wade we cannot speak in too flowing terms. He has been a tower of strength to us at this time, giving conlidence to all with his ready help and Advice given cheerfully under very trying circumstances. Dr. Walker, at headquarters, Xew Plymouth, has also our •.noil- grateful thanks for his help and guidance. To all lady helpers we extend our most sincere thanks. Tlieir unselfish devotion to the call of duty, ivas admirable. Verily we do not know ■each other until trials and adversities beset its. Special thank,s are due, and are heartily given to Messrs Larscn and Hunter tor their untiring services and advice. They have both had a strenuous time answering the calls of the sick bed. To Mr Ji. F- Roebuck we also give oui thanks and gratitude. To the patrols and to all ethers, both male and female, we convey grateful thanksmany of these were of great assistance, who did not appear in the limelight. Gallons of beef tea, broths, jelMs, etc., were daily sent to the hospiatl. Eggs, butter and milk came in useful quantities. To all those who gave the use of motor cars, a special word of praise and thanks is given; also to those who lent beds, bedding, furniture and kitchen utensils the committee extend hearty thanks- Mention should also be "made of those who came forward and helped the farmers who were ill, with the cows and farm work. These actions were most commendable. To the New Plymouth Committee we tender our hearty and appreciative thanks for advice and services most freely given. Never was a call on them made without receiving prompt and efficient help. Especially would we mention the labor department. This branch of the New Plymouth Committee came to our rescue with helpers at a grave and opportune time.

Lastly, I would extend my hearty thanks to this committee, every one of whom hris worked splendidly. I never heard a cross \Vord uttered or a refusal made, and yet we hare had a strenuous time and have had many unpleasant duties to perform.