Consumptive Sanatorium Asked For

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12435, 7 April 1908, Page 5

Consumptive Sanatorium Asked For

A deputation from, the Hospital- Board introduced the question of providing a consumptive sanatorium for the district.

Dr Batchelpr said since tuberculosis provided from 20 to 25 per cent, of the hospital cases, and occurred in patients usually between the ages of 20 and 45, it would seem that the Government was justified in going to any expense to cope with^the disease. The machinery of the Act for the protection of the public was quite inefficient. There was the requisite climate for the cure of consumptives in Central Otago, and it seemed to the Board that the Government might assist them. He did not think such an institution would cost a very great deal. There were always young medical men coming out from home who had, or were threatened with consumption, and who had special knowledge of the disease. These would be willing to undertake such a charge.

The Minister said that the Government was anxious to do everything to stamp out the disease. Otago, alone of the centres, had done nothing. Regarding the proposal that the Government should start an institution in Central Otago, there was not the slightest chance of that being done. The Government started a North Island station as a demonstration station, and, as far as entry went, there was no distinction made between the North and South Islands. vThe Board erected the institution out of its own funds. The Government found half the money, while, if it were raised by .private subscription, the Government subsidy amounted to 24s in the £. If the Otago Board did this, no doubt the smaller Boards in the surrounding districts would send to the Otago Sanatorium.