ON DOMINION BASIS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 274, 19 November 1943, Page 4

ON DOMINION BASIS

COMBATING TUBERCULOSIS WANGANUI BOARD’S VIEW An indication that the war against tuberculosis is being waged on a Do-minion-wide basis by the Department of Health, with the co-operation of hospital authorities, was given when a letter from the department was received by the Wanganui Hospital Board at its monthly meeting yesterday. The department had suggested that as part of a scheme for combating the disease in the southern portion oi the North Island, hospital boards in this area take over the administration of the Otaki and Pukeora (Waipukurau) sanatoria, but in the letter received yesterday regret was expressed that the Wanganui Hospital Board had decided against this proposal.

It was explained that only the board’s preliminary approval was sought at this juncture, as details of the group scheme could not be prepared till there were indications that the majority of boards would favour the change of control. Of the 10 replies received by the department, that from Wanganui was the only one not favourable to the proposal, though certain other boards had suggested modifications in the scheme outlined by the department. In asking that this question be reconsidered, the department added that the board would reserve the right to decline to join in th scheme when full details had been formulated by the provisional committee appointed for the purpose. “I don’t want to throw cold water on the scheme,” said the chairman, Mr. W. E. Broderick (Maxwell). “At the same time I don’t think it wise that we should take over those old buildings. When we go into this T.B. scheme properly we must have new buildings. I suggest that we advise the department that we are wholeheartedly in favour of the scheme, but are against taking over Ihe old buildings at Otaki and Pukeora.’

The medical superintend--nt, Dr. H. L. Widdowson, said the department was seeking preliminary representation of all boards on the committee concerned.

“We could give preliminary approval and reserve the right to act as we think best,” said Mr. T. C. Kincaid (Taihape). Dr. Widdowson: The department us . .Join in with the scheme. Mr. Kincaid: We could always reserve the right to i eject the whole or any part of the scheme at a later date.

“I would suggest a conference of all local bodies along this coast to discuss this question.” said Mr. A. S. Coleman (Martx.;,

The department’s scheme was sufficiently w.’de to cove- all T.B. problems and took in all the southern part of the North Island, said Dr. Widdowson.

The chairman said three schemes were being put forward for combating tuberculosis in New Zealand. The South Island would have one of its pwn, and another was being formed in North Auckland for trie northern portion of th? North Island. The board agieed to the department’s suggestion and wili be represented at preliminary discussions to consider the administration of the scheme.

The department also approved of the board’s decision to appoint a medical officer at a slary of £lOOO a year, with car provided, who will deal exclusively with tuberculosis in the board’s extensive area.

In reply to a question, the mang-ing-secretary, Mr. L. V. Kerby, said applications had already been called for this position.