The Waipawa Mail SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1880.

Waipawa Mail, Volume 3, Issue 211, 18 September 1880, Page 2

The Waipawa Mail SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1880.

That “ nothing succeeds like success” is a trite but true saying, which finds a pertinent illustration in the past history and present prosperity of our County Hospital at YYaipukurau. For nearly twelve months now this institution has heen open for patients, and quietly and unostentatiously doing an important and beneficient work in our midst. Whilst under construction, and even after completion, some sections of tile community, of sceptical tendencies, would seem to have had their doubts of the necessity for any such institution in the locality, and looked with anything hut favor upon it. Some were disposed to regard the money expended in building as a mere useless outlay ; whilst others prophesied that when erected the building would prove a “ white elephant.” One sapient journal went so far as to foretell that soon it would have to be turnod into an “ Old Man’s Refuge." A proportion of these surmises doubtless sprung from ignorance of the real wants of the southern district of the province of Hawke's Bay. Of others, it may be presumed that the “ wish was father to the thought.” but in every case, unfortunately, these vaticinations have proved incorrect. We say “ unfortunately,” because the success of any such institution as a public hospital implies the presence somewhere of a very considerable amount of suffering, ill-health, and pain. If, however, we are to form an opinion from the number of cases which has already passed though the County Hospital at Waipukurau, it is very manifest that it has proved more than a success, and is at this moment supplying an important want in the district. In a district like this, with a large bush population, amongst whom accidents are unfortunately of frequent occurrence, a local hospital is of the greatest importance, and should command very general support. It may here be mentioned that the committee of management consist of the Waipawa County Council and three members elected from amongst the original subscribers to the building fund, the chnirman of the County Council for the time being being also chairman of the hospital committee. The hospital is presided over by Mr and Mrs Pitman, whilst Hr. Reed discharges the duties of surgeon and physician. Both of these appointments have proved highly satisfactory. The matron is well qualified for her work ; and from his extensive experience in hospitals, it would have heen difficult indeed to have found a man moro suitable for his work than Hr. Reed, or who would take a more kindly interest in the welfare of the patients. The secretary, Mr Wilding, lias also taken the deepest interest in all that pertains to the prosperity of the institution, and the comforts of the inmates, and in season and out of season, has sought to commend it both to public sympathy and support. Baring the eleven months which have elapsed since the hospital was opened, 3!) patients have been admitted. Of these, 27 were males and 12 females. At present there are seven patients in the institution. So far, the number of deaths has been three. An analysis of the cases which have been under treatment shows that accidents form a no inconsiderable proportion of them ; and in tho person of the patients, all parts of the county have been fairlv represented. The bush has supplied the largest number of accidents, but whilst such might have been expected, this class of eases has been by no means confined to the bush. In short, it is no figure to say that the patients have come from the north, and the south, and the east, and the west The hospital is chiefly supported by a grant of money from the County, subsidised £ for £ by the Government. The committee have, however, as far as possible, endeavoured to make patients pay their own way. All having the means are expected to pay at the rate of 3s per diem for board* and so far this regulation has been cheerfully complied with. \Ye think, however, that something farther should yet be done to lighten the public* burden. Now that the shearing season is again at hand, the committee, acting upon the suggestion recently thrown out in our columns, should at once provide printed lists, and send them to all runholders or station managers in the County. If this is done, a considerable sum of money would, we believe, be sub scribed, which, when subsidised by Government, would considerably swell the hospital revenue. Something of this sort should be done at once. We understand that there are still some important additions and requisites lacking, and that during the current year every available penny of revenue will be required. The present kitchen being too small, will have to be enlarged without delay, and some of the ventilators will required to be altered.-

These improvements would greatly conduce to internal comforts and convenience, and should be attended to as soon as fuuds are available. And here wo would point out tl at a good library is greatly required. A proper collection of general literature would prove an invaluable boon, and wo hope that some day this want, too, may be supplied. In the meantime, we would suggest that those who have spare volumes on their shelves of a readable and interesting nature, might do worse than forward them to the secretary to form the neucleus of a hospital library. But despite all present wants and drawback, the hospital is a credit to the county. The site is a valuable and beautiful one, comprising five acres, and the buildings are ad-» mirably adapted for their intended abject* and will long stand, we trust, as a memento of the energy and liberality of the Hon. H. B. Bussell. But for his generoritv in giving the land whereon the building now stands, and his influence and efforts in obtaining subscriptions and enlisting Government interest and support, it is not too much to say that some considerable time would yet elapse before the Waipawa Comity would have enjoyed the benefits of such an institution.