SOLDIERS IN HOSPITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11732, 23 June 1916, Page 2

SOLDIERS IN HOSPITAL.

———♦ THE ROTORUA INSTITUTIONS. LATITUDE. COMFORT AND BASE. j There aro now two military hospitals I at Rotorua, namely, the Sanatorium ; and King George V. Convalescent Home. The worst cases are treated at j the Sanatorium, also all those that 1 need Constant supervision, in addition to cases where injury to foot or leg makes it impossible for the soldier to walk up the hill to, tho George V. Home. Tho average number of soldiers undergoing treatment at tho Sanatorium is between fifty and seventy. The Sanatorium has been practically given over to the use of the returned men, only about a dozen civilian cases now being treated there. A largo number of these men are suffering from shell-con-/cussion and injury to the nervous system, many feeling acutely now the

strain undergone in those hard days and nights on GallipoK Peninsula. A descriptivo article in tho "New Zealand Herald " states that there is little of tho stiff and stark, immaculate neatness peculiar to hospitals iu the rambling, sunny, one-storeyed building which the men have madetheir home. The place looks as if it was lived in, and everywhero on the wide verandahs, in tho wards, strolling ithe paths outside, are groups of men in khaki taking their ease or pleasure. If they feel like taking a rest there arc no snowy counterpanes to mutely reproach outdoor clothing and boots, for all the beds are wisely covered with rugs that may be lain on with impunity, the men leave their books, their pipes, their caps in the first place that comes to hand, and no fuss is made. There are certain rules that all men are requested to observe, but tho fact that these are requests, and not orders, makes a great difference in the spirit in which "they are carried out. A strict roll-call is made at half-past ten o'clock every night by an orderly, who goes from bed to bed with an electric torch, and thus keeps an entirely effective check on those who may be disregarding the rule as regards home-

coming. Late passes are Issued, and permission must bo gained from the doctor before long excursions axe made, owing to the possibility find danger, of over-exertion. A J recent innovation at the sanatorium is a basket-making class, started by one ov two guests at a private hotel, and several of tho men have taken up the work with keen interest. Others devote their attention: to fGn" painting, wood-caxving and photography, the latter being, perhaps, the favourite hobby. Interest at present, however, is centred in the building o£ a new billiard room, where, in the wet, cold days ahead, when outside trips or recreation are impossible, the men will be able to amuse themselves to their hearts' content at the game that never tires. Tho room will also bo fitted up as a writing and reading room, and, although there is as yet no library at the home, and very little reading matter of any kind, it is hoped that these may be forthcoming, and that, with the addition of a few good pictures, tho new room may become thocentre of social life at the Sanatorium.