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land in 1903, still gives justification for the earnest efforts which are being made to check this aptly called "white plague." Despite the excellence of our climate, it is disquieting to learu that 55 per cent, of the total deaths from consumption of the lungs occurred among New-Zealand born people. You have at various times drawn attention to the economic loss which the colony suffers from this absolutely preventable disease. Speaking at the opening of an annexe for the treatment of persons suffering from this disease at New Plymouth, you said,— To take a hand in tEe great war that was being waged against consumption was a privilege indeed, but to have been the first to adopt the suggestion that each district should look after its own sick, and grant to the sufferer —poor in purse as well as in health —an opportunity of trying what was now recognised as the best treatment of the fell disease was surely something to be proud of. In these days of incessant demand on the central exchequer, it was indeed a pleasure to find a community taking the lead in helping itself. The example set in New Plymouth has been followed in other places—notably, Nelson and Wellington. Apart from the blessings which come from selfdenial, charity blessed him who gave not less than him who received. The fact that the annexe has risen by reason of the people's goodness of heart created a local patriotism and interest in it which was sometimes lacking towards an institution wholly supported by the State. It was a matter for the utmost congratulation that a sum of £300 had been subscribed in shillings, showing that what might be termed the poorer classes had taken an active part in connection with the institution. The shelters had been built on the most approved plan, and would, he was certain, bring health and hope to many an aching heart. The campaign in which New Zealand was taking a part was being waged over all the civilised world, for it was fast coming to be realised that not only was consumption one of the greatest devastators of the race, but at the same time a very preventable disease. The deaths from tuberculosis in England and Wales were still over sixty thousand a year, and throughout Europe it was estimated that the annual loss from this scourge amounted to a million lives—or £400,000,000 sterling, calculating the value of a life on the lowest economic basis. In the United States and Canada tuberculosis was equally prevalent. It costs the United States, on the same basis of calculation, sixty-six millions of money a year. Another thing to be remembered was that phthisis, the commonest form that the disease takes, seized the majority of its victims in the flower of youth and the prime of life, when working-capacity and all other powers should be at the highest. The war against this disease knew no creed save that of love to one's neighbour and ones-self, and all classes had joined together to promote the welfare of humanity. While the completion of the building would bring hope to some poor suffering souls now afflicted, it must not be forgotten that in saving them people were saving themselves. The guineas given towards this object might rightly be looked upon as an insurance against the disease itself. There had been requests that the Government should set up another institution like that excellent sanatorium at Cambridge. He had steadfastly set his face against that —at least, for the present. So long as the people played the same generous part they had done fchere was no need, because patients would receive in these annexes treatment which would leave little room for complaint. There was another reason, and that was finance. If he mentioned money or economy in respect to such a matter as sickness, or, may be, death, he did not want to be mistaken. The present Government had never considered money when the safeguarding of the health >f the community or the welfare of the people was concerned; but he was convinced, from a careful study of the question, that in this system of annexes attached to already established hospitals was to be found not only the most economical, but the best method of dealing with this momentous question. By carrying out this system they would be able to cope with the enemy at once in the best and most acceptable manner. He had said on several occasions, and he repeated it now, that it would be unfair to dump down on any specific community all or nearly all of the sufferers from this disease. Every hospitalarea should look after its own sick. In the present state of public opinion, it could not be denied that to placard a place or town as being peopled in any large degree by persons suffering from consumption had the effect of lowering it in the estimation of intending settlers. They could, therefore, rest assured that their generous efforts in the setting-up of open-air shelters would not result in the district being inundated by sick from other districts. He would resist as far as the law would permit the importation of the outside sick, and he would ask all other districts that requisitioned him to break this statutory rule to look at the self-sacrifice of Taranaki, and go and do likewise. In connection with the splendid work Taranaki had done, he would like to add a tribute of praise to Dr. Valintine. Though he now resided in Wellington, for many years he lived in Taranaki, and gained the respect and goodwill of all who knew him, and it was natural in this great work that he should have actively associated himself with the residents of Taranaki. He had gone whole-heartedly into the matter, and was deserving of all praise. He was sure they would all join in congratulating not only him, but His Worship the Mayor, who had devoted a large amount of time and work to this object, and all those ladies and gentlemen who had done so much work towards the uplifting of humanity. Particularly did he refer to Mr. George, the Secretary, and Mr. Tisch, Chairman of the Hospital Board. He desired also to place on record his recognition of the work of the Chief Health Officer, Dr. Mason. He had, in season and out of season, by voice and by pen, done his utmost to impress on colonists the importance of stamping out this terrible scourge. When they had two such enthusiasts occupying the chief positions in the Health Department, it was only right for him to state that nothing would be left undone on the part of the State to'assist in the development of this great movement. Inquiry into the deaths of members of friendly societies throughout the colony has shown that in one case out of every seven the cause of death has been tuberculosis, and it might be worth the consideration of the members of friendly societies whether they should not combine and take united action to stem the inroads of a disease that was accounting for so large a proportion of the members, by establishing a sanatorium for

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