Masterton's New Hospital.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8939, 13 December 1907, Page 9 (Supplement)

Masterton's New Hospital.

THE FORMAL OPENING. 4 — Epoch in the History of Wairarapa. A NOTABLE AND INTERESTING FUNCTION. SPEECHES BY MINISTER AND MEMBER, LARGE ASSEMBLAGE OF SPECTATORS. WEATHER MOST AUSPICIOUS. WHOLE PROCEEDINGS COMPLETELY SUCCESSFUL.

The official opening day at the new Hospital was most auspicious from a meteorological standpoint. A suinmwflfcuu shone radiantly down on a sinilrclg landscape, while a gentle breeze tempered the heat, which might otherwise have been oppressive. _rAfc oue o'clock in the afternoon the flou. G. Fowlds, Minister for Public Health, was escorted to the Hospital in a landau drawn by two dashing greys. In the vehicle were also the member for Masterton, Mr A. W. Hogg, His Worship the Mayor, Mr J. M. Coradine, and the Minister's private secretary, Mr W. Crowe. This numerically small but somewhat notable party made a brief peregrination of the new Hospital and its grounds, the Minister paying great attention to all he saw, asking busi-ness-like questions about this feature and that, criticising where bethought necessary, aud also bestowing praise where he considered such was due. The exterior surroundings were first inspected, aud, truth to say, there was not much to inspect, as the new Hospital includes under its expansive roof practically all its departments, down to the most trivial detail. The lufectious Diseases Hospital and the Clerk of Works' office are the only two separate buildings on the any size, and it was explained Minister that the latter structure, a small wooden shed, was to be used as a morgue uutil funds were available to provide a brick building for that purpose. Someone remarked (it appeared to be the private secretary), "But you will not need a morgue in such a scientific place," and the genial M.P. felt constrained to heartily endorse this remark.

The Minister expressed satisfaction with the arrangements that had been made with the Borough regarding the water supply—such a vital matter to an institution like a Hospital and the difficulties surrouuding the final establishment of the service on a satisfactory basis were explained in detail.

The view of Masterton, aud the valley and hills generally, from the bank at the rear of the Hospital is very picturesque indeed, aud the Waipoua river, flowing directly underneath bordered by verdant willows, greatly enhanced the charm of the outlook.

The Minister remarked upon the natural beauty of the location selected for the Hospital site, and upon the general snitability of the place for erecting a consumptive sanatorium. No douM the fine situation of the Hospilienspired the earnest appeals which Mr Fowlds made during his opening speech; and under the prevailing weather conditions the suitability of all the environments and circumstances which make for the arrest of the great scourge of the European race impressed themselves upon his mmd. The grounds so far are absolutely devoid of shrubbery, no tree-planting having vet been carried out, and there is really no circumstance whatever, bo far, "to enhance the beauty of the outside view of the Hospital or to increase its exterior attractiveness.

THE NEW BUILDING AND ITS APPOINTMENTS.

The building itself is only saved -from being plain by its pretty tiled 'roof and bungalow verandahs on the two front wards. The actual beauty lies in its interior, where science and. art have been combined, without extravagance in favour of the latter, to furnish the district with a really magfor sick or injured humadV- As the inspecting party gteppedxrom the sun-dried ground, from which the heat was oppressively refleoted, into the delightfully cool -main corridor, with its glass sides and

prettily plastered roof, the relief was iustautaneously noticeable, and the coolness of the bnilding on such a tropical day spoke eloquently in its favour. As the place is plentifully supplied with steam heating pipes, there will be no complaints of the temperature ever falling too low in wiuter. The corridors are a noticeable feature of the new buildiug, and they have so many apparent advantages that any small inconveuiouces caused by their length and the expense of upkeep are more than compensated by their great utility from a scientific point of view. The designing of the building was the subject of adverse criticism by one member of the Wairarapa District Hospital Board, at a meeting held some time ago, but the same gentleman, who was present at the opening, candidly withdrew all he said when he was shown how certain seeming imperfections were really commendable innovatious.

MINISTERIAL APPROBATION

The Minister and party made a rapid tour of the buildiug, and throughout he spoke in terms of highest praise of the institution and its appointments. The ideas evidently conceived by the designers have been faithfully interpreted by the contractors in all departments. What was intended to be solid is uuniistakeably solid, and what was meant to have a dainty toucli of artistic beauty shows that feature to perfection. The white plaster of the walls does not pall, for it is relieved with charming facings wherever possible in pale pink, or pale green, or light blue. The nurses should have a comparatively easy task to keep their new quarters scrupulously clean and tidy, as they have every requisite convenience and appliance ready for every possible purpose, and there is none of that unnecessary oruamentationor furnishing which does little else for such an institution but provide unnecessary work for the staff. The wards are much smaller than in the larger city hospitals, bat this, of course, is no drawback, in fact, rather the reverse. The principal ward contains twelve beds, and that number of patients can be accommodated within easy distance of each other, and only hospital patients can tell how btmeficial is the influence of sympathy and friendly conversation on the most obstinate forms of sickness; and the weariness of hospital existence will be greatly relieved by the convenient size and arrangement of the wards.

The principal female ward has accommodation for eight patients, and there are two wards each with accommodation for three cases, which are to be requisitioned on special occasions. The lighting of the wards is a special feature, and ornate chandelier gas lamps are suspended from the ceilings, only incandescent burners being used.

The furnishing of the wards calls for special mention. The beds are of appropriate design, and are specially suitable for hospital work, and have a very comfortable appearance. In the centre of the wards are two tables and a sideboard. The tables are painted with white enamel paint, and from top to bottom show not a trace of their composition—they might be polished plaster, so clean and white are they. The sideboards are marbletopped and made of the best timber, artistically stained and made up, and give the ward quite an attractive appearance. As the Minister entered the wards his eyes were greeted with the beautiful effect of floral beauty. On the tables and sideboards were epergnes holding the loveliest blooms— carnations, roses and the most exquisite Christmas lilies. Their odour was as refreshing as their bright colours were captivating; and the party lingered admiringly round tho

floral decoratiou, which the nurses had so tastefully arranged.

Tlio wards are warmed by radiators, which are steam fed, aud groat length of pipos have been used for this purpose. The veubilation is ou fcho latest aud most approved phiu, and the wards should be fonud to maiutaiu au evou temperature at all soasous. Each patient lias a uoafc aud compact locker to keep clothes aud private belongings iv, while there is uo oud to the uumber of liueu presses, bathrooms aud lavatories.

BATHROOMS AND LAVATORIES

Passing round the latter convenience the Miuister found his ouly real fault with the construction of the appoiutnioufcs of tho buildiug. He thought the bathrooms might have been a little more effectively ventilated, but ho admitted that the drawback was capable of speedy amelioration. The bathrooms are all that could be desired iv other respects. Large enamel baths of the mo it elaborate aud substantial nature have been set in a room fitted with every possiblo convenience aud modern sanitary provision. There has been no mistaken economy iv the fitting out of the bathrooms aud lavatories. The trustees wisely recognised that in tho purchasing of lavatory conveniences they would bo well advised in following the example of modern builders, of ocean steamships, by procuring, regardless of cost, material that would last a lifetime and would always look well; aud the first impression one has on entering the lavatory section is the similarity of the appointments to tho conveniences on au up-to-date ocean leviathan.

THE OPERATING ROOM,

Moving along to the operating theatre, the party were greatly impressed by the unequalled sanitary arrangements in this leally splendidly appointed room. The theatre lies well out of the track of the other departments, and its floor, walls aud ceiling have a scheme of colouring all their own. The floor is of solid coucrete, and its taps aud drainage system are wouderfully ingenious. A doctor, or assistant, when he requires to wash his bauds merely touches a lever with his foot, which at ouce turus ou a steady flow of hot or cold water from a bright silver tap into a heavily enamelled white basin. The advantage of this is too obvious to enlarge upon aud the doctors will now have facilities for surgical operations, with an assurance of sanitary effectiveness of which tho old building could not boast. When the whole of the fittings for the operating theatre have been installed it will be found that Masterton Hospital will boast one of one of fcho most up-to-date surgical rooms in the colonies.

THE CULINARY APPOINT-

MENTS

At the entrance to the administration section the Minister and his escorts were met by the enthusiastic matron Mrs Morrison, who was beaming with pride and satisfaction at the completeness of her now quarters. She was introduced to the Ministerial party by Mr Hogg, who spoke most highly of her capabilities and enthusiasm. She accompanied the party into the kitchen and it may bo said without hesitation that not many hospitals can boast of two such capacious ranges as are provided at the Mastertou institution. The pereuuial shortage of firewood and incroasecl price of coal should not matter to the Hospital Trustees when they cau fall back on the magnificent Parkinson gas range to tide over ordinary fuel difficulties. The gas range was in use for tho opening ceremony, and worked splendidly, being especially admired by ladies present. The auxiliary kitchen apartments are on the same substantial scale as the kitchen itself, the scnllery being particularly large, well appointed aud convenient in all respects. The kitchen, laundry and wash-house are all located at the east end of the buildings. Both the ranges, it must be mentioned, have hot water systems connected with them. There are specially constructed drying-rooms, deriving thoir heat from radiators, which are to used for drying the Hospital linen when sun-drying is impracticable. The Minister concluded a thorough though necessarily brief tour of inspection by visiting the rooms for the nurses' accommodation, and there was no fault to be found in this section of the premises. Each senior nurse has a room to herself, while every two junior nurses or probationers will share a room. Each room is furnished in a comfortable style. The location of the nurses' apartments is on the second floor of the west wing of the hospital.

MINISTERIAL GUESTS ENTER-

TAINED,

At 1.30 o'clock the Minister and other guests were entertained at an informal luncheon in one of the ante-rooms off the main corridor. The tables were daintily set by a ladies' committee, who saw that they were most effectively set out, there being a profusion of flowers in epergnes, which had for their base a large Maltese cross. The luncheon party was composed of the Hon. *ho Minister, and Messrs Hogg,

J. C. Boddiugtou (Socretary of tho Hospital Trustees), H. M. Boddiugtou (who has had iv hand the supervision of the opening arrangements), W. Grown, T. Moss Ekotahuua), aud M. J. Jackson (Featherstou), members of tho Wairarapa District Hospital Board, T. Te Tau aud Coradiue. Tho Minister is au exceedingly affable aud pleasaut gentleman, and iv tho conversation during lunch was treated to some good humoured criticism regarding departmental methods all round, aud he submitted to the ordeal most cheerfully. Tho popularity of a goutlemau iv his exalted position, haviug Mr Fowlds' uuassniuiug aud genial disposition, is easily understood when oue has had personal contact with him, aud to say lie created a favourable impression will bo readily endorsed by all with whom lie came in contact at yesterday's function.

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

As tho time for opouiug wore ou, a crowd begau to assemble in tho main corridor iv which a largo number of chairs had been placed for the occasion. There was evidently no doubt in the feminine mind about the weather being settled, as only light or bright dresses of every seasonable material seemed to bo in ovidouco, aud tho gay-coloured parasols, made the whole scene a striking aud most picturesque one, with the snowy white walls of the corridors as the background of what was a particularly effective aud, in many respects, a notable assemblage.

Some pi'omineut officials were present on the verandah at the opening ceremony. The Health Department was represented by the kind-featured aud jovial District Health Officer, Dr J. P. Frougley, who conversed earnestly with the Minister iv a corner out of the way of the crowd. A well-known aud popular Wellington M.D. aud specialist, Dr Wallace Mackenzie was to be seeu shaking hands vigorously with local brother professionals. The Mastertou medical fraternity were represented by Drs Archer Hosk'iug aud J. A. Oowie. Crs Harris (Mastertou County) aud P. W. H. Kummer members of the Hospital Trustees, Mr E. G. Eton, Chairman of the Wairarapa District Hospital Board, aud Cr Moss (Eketahuua Couuty), Cr J. C. Ewiugtou (Masterton Borough), tilstJ members of the District Hospital Board (the latter also of tho Hospital Trustees) were Hospital officials present. Mr J. C. Scott, District Road Inspector, Mr W. T. Mansfield, Borough Engineer aud Town Clerk, Messrs H. H. Beetham, A. R. Bunny and M. Oaselberg were also prominent citizens, who took a keen interest in the proceedings. Out of some five hundred present, fully three hundred were some of the district's best kuowu ladies, who have always displayed a disposition to lend williug practical assistance to charitable objects, aud particularly Hospital fuuctious. The interest which they mauifested iv the new building and iv yesterday's proceedings generally showed they realised to the full the importance of the occasion.

Iv an iuelosure adjoining the maiu corridor, aud iv full view of the crowd through the glass walls, was to be seeu the first iuinuto. of the new building—a black-faced solitary-look-ing hat slock lamb, presented to the Hospital by Master W. Platt. The lamb is to be put up for sale, the proceeds to go to the Hospital fuuds. At 2.80 o'clock Mr Hogg took his station on the verandah off No. 1 Ward, facing the north-west, and opened proceedings by reading a number of apologies from promiueut gentlemen interested in the Hospital opening who found themselves unable to attend the function. Anioug those who forwarded messages of regret at their being absent aud congratulations to the people of Mastertou at the epoch-marking event, were the Inspector-General of Hospitals, Dr T. H. Valentine (who is now in Westlaud on departmental business), Dr Makgill (formerly District Health Officer for Wellington), Dr J. M. Mason (Chief Health Officer), Drßoss, Messrs W. Moore (Mayor of Carterton), D. P. Loasby (Mayor of Greytown), F. Mead, Eketahuna, Cr W. J. Welch (Chairman of Master ton 0 muty Council aud a member of the District Hospital Board), Messrs W. Fisher (Hospital Trustees), aud O. Oonsidine (District Hospital Board), and Messrs Crichtou and Mackay (architects). Mr Hogg then made reference to an unfortunate accident which that morning had befallen Mrs Coradine (wife of his Worship the Mayor), which prevented her from attending the function. A runaway horse and van had been the cause of Mrs Coradine sustaining somewhat severe injuries, news which would be learned with regret by all present. The speech that then followed from the Member for Masterton was in characteristic vein, and greatly interested the assemblage, who listened with the closest attention.

MR A. W. HOGG'S SPEECH,

The genial and popular Member for Mastertou spoke as follows :—

Ladies and Gentlemen: —Before asking the Hon. Mr Fowlds, who has honored us with his presence, to de-

Clare the U3w hospital open, let me briefly toll you why this edifice came to be erected. People uuacquaiuted with the facts may think that in leaving tiie old premises, with their well improved surroundings, the trustees were influenced by unwise aud extravagant uotious. Those who think so are iv error. No British bull-dog over stuck to a joiut of in out more determinedly thau wo stuck to the old premises. Of course we differed. We had a lot of roagh aud tumble work. Tho Hospital Trustees have never beeu a mutual adtniratiou society. We have had our Dotmybrooks aud Waterloos iv abundance; sometimes fightiug tho public, sometimes squabbling among onrselves. Still our watchword has beeu "progress," aud to-day we are outifclod to a good crow. We have triumphed over difficulties. Our motor car has beeu driven over logs aud boulders, through swamps, and across rivers, aud 10, we have lauded it high aud dry ou the banks of the Waipoua, aud wo all feel proud of it! How we cluug to the Old Hospital! It was a good old relic. To part with it cost me a bitter paug. I never like to part with old friends. When, some years ago, you gave me tho gold watch I am wearing, I could uot help almost shedding a tear for my good, old, faithful Waterbury. Dilapidated though it was prououuced, the Hospital had many tender associations. No nurse attouded more lovingly to a hopeless patient thau did the trustees to their venerable institution. When the shingle roof was tumbling in we were couteu; to patch it. When the creek ran dry we used to flash it. I thought of the broken legs and arms aud ribs, aud the sick uuto death and much bandaged patients I had seeu wound up like an old clock aud started going again. I remembered the man with the brokeu neck who cheated the undertaker because the general election was impending aud lie wanted to vote for me; aud I thought of the patients with lumbago that used to get their backs blistered aud the man that took poisou aud refused to open his mouth till tobacco juice was squirted up his nostrils. But all these fond recollections aud old association were unavailing. Dr. Valiutiue would have no special pleading. The grounds were too small; the building was dilapidated aud germs aud microbes abouuded. We were served with a notice to quit and shift wo must. What a treat was iv front of the Trustees! We have dust storms now in spite of the municipal water cart, but not the kiud of dust storms the trustees had to face. Every step tho trustees took excited alarm or indignation. The proposal to invade Worksoproad aud decorate it with a squiutiug building produced a whirlwind of displeasure. When werauged the borough through in quest of a suitable piece of laud, property swelled like a bullfrog. Prices simply boomed. Owners of vacaut sections had never before appreciated the value of their properties and £300, £400, and £500 an aero was demanded for laud nearly a mile away from the Post Office. The Mayor (Mr J. A. Reuall) would have given us a lump of the Reuall estate, but he had others to deal with. In despair I was beginuiug to thiuk we would have to travel to Mount Holdsworth with our new building, when one of those happy ideas that come sometimes like an inspiration led me to look at the green flat before the old hospital grounds. Here was au education reserve ready for occupation. I consulted my fellowcommissioners aud found them eager to help me. The application for a hospital site commended itself to Mr Blair aud his colleagues. We were offered a long lease ou a pepper-corn rent, but our legal adviser enjoined us to get the freehold. This we obtained after some mouths speut ou proclamations, gazette notices, and finally a sale by auctiou. Nobody would bid against a hospital—we got nine acres for £270— a thief's bargain!

Wo had now to set about and erect our buiidiugs. The task seemed formidable, but it proved not uupleasaut. How the mouey rolled in to us! The floodgates of providence and benevolence wore thrown opeu. As usual, when big enterprises associated with the cause of humanity have to be undertaken, the ladies led the way. A Fancy Fair at the Agricultural Grounds produced £300; a floral fete at the Public Park, £215; subscriptions and donations amounted to £781; and thus with the Government subsidy we soon had about £3000 in hand. Then we had £800, the proceeds of the sale of the old site; several grauts from the District Board, for which we felt most grateful; and a grant of £2000 from the Government,for which our respected friend—the Hon. George Fowlds, is I believe, very largely responsible. Messrs Orichton and Mackay, the architects, who had been preparing and altering plans siuce the dark ages, saw finality in view. Tenders were invited in the local and city news papers and again we were fortunate. Five tenders were received, the lowest being that of Messrs Ooradine and Whitaker for £8233, or just £1000 below the next one and £3000 below the highest. We were all gratified that the work was let to a local firm in which everybody had entire confidence. We are now opening a fine block of buildings, more than equal to actual requirements, a little in

advauce of the times, well furnished, lighted aud hoatod iv tho best modern style, equipped with au efficient nursing staff and enjoyiug the confidence ami assistance of tho combined medical taleut of the town and district.

We have spent a lot of money, but I don't think we can bo accnsod of extravagauco. If you look at the buildings, although everything is good aud substantial, you will fail to find any superfluous ornament. I little thought at one time the cost would ruu into live figures. The amount expanded exceeds £10,000. Wheu architect's fees, clerk of works' salary and extras are added to the contract-price tne buildings have cost a little over £9,100. The furniture aud gas fittings make an additional £850. Septic tank, drainage and water supply, with feuciug and gates ruu into another £400, and tho outbuildings aud road have yet to be provided for.

As far as practicable aud consistent with economy we have endeavoured to make the new hospital a local product. With tho exception of the tiles on the roof, the building material is the product of tho district, aud the furniture aud beddiug have been made in our local workshops. The buildings, as designed, speak for themselves. They reflect the genius of the Health Department, Dr. Valiutine. Dr. Hay, aud our local medical officer included; aud the techuical ability of the architects, Messrs C rich toil and Mackay. Mr John Rose, the clerk of works, has been assiduous in the discharge of his duties, aud the architects have spoken in the highest terms of the way in which the work has been carried out. The assistance rendered cheerfully by the Borough uouucil with regard to the water aud gas supply; aud the help giveu by Mr Blackmail, gas manager, in connection with the installation for cooking aud lighting purposes, deserve to be acknowledged. Dr. Archer Hoskiug and Dr. Ross, the medical staff, have spared no pains in endeavouring to make the equipment of the new institution as complete as possible. Tho sewing-machine has been at work night aud day; chestfnls of linen nave been prepared by the nursing stall: aud the Matron, Mrs Morrison, has fairly broken down aud made herself ill from over exertion.

One word for my co-trnstees. I regret that Mr J. A. Renall, who did so much for the new hospital, is not with us to-day. While my colleagues have differed, and we have had plenty of keen debates at times, I believe we have invariably been actuated by the purest aud worthiest of motives; aud, looking over the vista of the past, during my term as Chairman, I can say that I would not wish to work with a better team. Our endeavour lias beeu to faithfully perform the service entrusted to us, by providing an asylum where the beneficent example of the great founder of Christianity when Ho healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, aud enabled the lame to walk, may be emulated by His humble followers.

THE MINISTER'S SPEECH

The Hon. the Miuister for Public Health in his speech said lie felt sure the occasion was oue of great irnportauce to Mastertou, aud the residents of the district had every reason to be proud of having such a hue institution in their midst. In these days it was felt that whilo provision was necessary for suffering and sickness of all kinds, it was tiuiversally recognised that what was good euough for twenty-five years ago was not good eijough for to-day, as the great advance in science had proved that much alteration was necessary. When the Mastertou Hospital was in full working order it would be found ouo of the most complete and best equipped in the Dominion. In Mastertou the community was peculiarly fortuuate in haviug favourable local conditions, aud further the town had benefitted by sotting apart of substantial reserves in the exercise of wisdom and forethought, aud on oue of the latter had been found an admirable site for the new Hospital. He was personally pleased with the construction of the new building, aud its design and the grouuds allowed ample room for expansion in the future. ludeed he was sure it would be a very long time before the Trustees would find them selves so cramped for room that they would have to "rnovo on," and this was a matter of verygieafe importance. In looking over the building aud grounds the speaker said lie had noted that provision had been made for cases of infectious diseases in a separate building. There was, however, oue thing—and he hoped the Hospital Board representatives were listenipg —which he considered was required before the Board could say that they had faithfully fulfilled their functions, aud that was the making provision for cases of consumption. The Minister contended that there was no more reason why cousumptives should not come to the Hospital and receive a bed and treatment than any other sufferer, in fact their case was almost more appealing than others. In many instances persons were received into Hospitals and received treatment rendered necessary by their own misconduct, and why, he asked, should the unfortunate consumptive be ex-

eluded, when his complaint was not due to a fault of his owu? He hoped the Hospital authorities would seriously think this over. Iv New Zealand a great battle was being waged against tuberculosis, and iv time it was hoped to exterminate this dire aud deadly scourge. Wheu it was contemplated how many fell victims to its ravages year by year, the taking of measures to prevent its spread were rendered plainly apparent. It was the opinion of nigh medical authorities that iv time cousuinptiou could be stamped out if efficient aud stringent measures were only persistently adopted. Again he said he hoped that the Hospital Trustees would see their way to assist in the great fight being waged with the white man's bane. A great out-cry is heard when au outbreak of plague or small-pox occurred, aud yet consumption carried off more people auuually than even a small outbreak of either diseases. The cities were putting up a great fight against tuberculosis, aud they deserved assistance. The 'Minister said lie had not much more to remark. The building lie was opening was a very handsome aud commodious one, aud cost a good deal of mouey, but doubtless Mr Hogg's well-kuowu teuacity would see that all official sources were tapped until the cost was finally defrayed. He hoped that those connected with the new building would do as good work in the future as they had been justly credited with in the past. The Minister then declared the building open.

Mr Hogg here said, in explanation to the Minister, that the cost of the building was already provided for, aud it was opeued free of debt.

The company then adjourned to the corridors, where afternoon tea was dispensed by the Ladies' Committee, the Muuicipal Baud playing outside. The following interesting telegram was received from Gore from the Right Hon. the Premier (Sir J. G. Ward) about an hour after the proceedings opened:—

"I regret exceedingly that it was impossible for Lady Ward and myself to be present at the opening of the uew buildings aud grounds this afteruoou. I trust the ceremouy passed off successfully. J. G. WARD.