NAPIER’S FINE SPIRIT

Taranaki Daily News, 9 February 1931, Page 7

NAPIER’S FINE SPIRIT

response in emergency FEAR OF SERIOUS EPIDEMIC. STRICT PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. Unstinted, praise of the way in which every department of the Public Service, the people themselves, the medical and Purging professions and the hospital authorities have met the position in Napier and Hastings is offered by Di-. T. H. A. -Valintine, ex-Director-Gen-eral of Health, who has just returned to Taranaki. “Through the courtesy of Mr. E. Gilmour, a member of the Taranaki Hospital Board, I was able to leave my home in Eltham -and visit the earthquake area,” said Dr. Valintine to a News representative yesterday. Accompanied ‘by two volunteer nurses and Mr. Gilmour’s son we reached papier at 2 o’clock on Thursday after a twelve hours’ run. Dr. McGibbin had preceded me by two hours, and I felt my first duty wail to help him. I have retired from the department, of course, and I was visiting Napier merely as an onlooker. However, on the arrival of Dr. Watt and a full staff from the department I thought it my duty to return to Taranaki and not embarrass the officials.

“I may say that I have always been extrtmely proud of the work of the Health Department, but never has it risen to greater heights than in the pre--sent crisis. The way in which the hospital was established at Napier Park within 24 hours speaks volumes not only for the officers of the department and the hospital (board but also for the medical and nursing profession, who without Exception 'are working splendjd; ly. Although it must have been a great disappointment to many members ■ of both professions that their services -were not required, they have no doubt received great comfort from the fact that they volunteered for service under- such, trying conditions. WONDERFUL EFFICIENCY. c

“I cannot speak too highly-.of...Drv. Watt, th© present Director-General of Health, who is facing the.situation.with, such courage and efficiency. I know that in Dr. Watt the department hasa more capable officer' in control..than I have ever been. It was really wonderful to see th© organisation materialise, not only under my old department but also under all th© other Government departments, which are all working in' complete harmony. I have ever been proud of our Government service, but never mor© so than at present. It would be invidious to single out any of the Government departments for special comment,.but the work of the Post and Telegraph, Public and Railways have”under the circumstances been magnificent. The medical and nursing professions are as usual ‘ gpleiidid and doing all they can fey example and precept to encourage those who have been sorely tried. “That the Railway Department was able on February 6 to start a train from Napier was indeed wonderful, in view of’ th© twisted rails, and demolition of approaches to. somp of ttye railway bridges that one saw al! the why from Waipukurau after th© earthquake. “I fear,” said Dr. Valintine, “that with the disruption bf the water service and drainage, that unless great care is shown there is a possibility of a horrible epidemic. Conditions of great mental distress and privation, together with bad sanitary arrangements, tend as we all.know to bring about, epidemics.of a disastrous nature. The- health-o.t-fieialz, however, are trying their best to prevent such an epidemic. f The town has been parcelled out by Dr. divisions, but it will be some time before anything like real sanitation can be brought about. “I do hot believe for one moment that Napjer has ceased as, .a town, aflded Dr. Valintine. “I am confident . new town will arise■" outuf-the asliesof th© old one and will, prove itself just as important a borough as in the- past, - “'Every man who is fortunate enough to be •"independent should ”place. his‘ gratuitous services at the disposal _ of . the Government. Whatever our political opinions may be let us all at this, juncture back up the Prime Minis ter in the stupendous task that he has to face. Mr. Forbes is indeed batting on a sticky wicket. Let us do the spoiling thing and help him as far as lies in our power.”