H. 19b

outbuildings and isolation ward could accommodate comfortably thirty patients, and in a squeeze at least forty patients. The marquees erected, he said, could easily accommodate sixty-four men. He stated that there were four marquees erected, exclusive of the orderlies' hut, and each marquee was capable of holding sixteen patients; but tlie nurses and other witnesses only mention three marquees, which number we believe to be the correct one. According to the evidence of the Director of Medical Services, the Berhampore buildings and the marquees could comfortably hold ninety-four patients, and at a squeeze 104 patients. Dr. Valintine reported that "the place should not accommodate more than forty or fifty at the outside —that is, with the marquees." 73. The Director of Medical Services in his evidence stated that Berhampore was at no time intended for the treatment of serious cases, and that any patient there who showed signs of developing anything serious was to be sent at once to Wellington Hospital. The sister in charge was to use her own discretion and judgment as to which patient should be sent away. On the 4th June one man, X , was sent to Wellington Hospital from Berhampore, and died there on the 10th June from pneumonia following measles. Private A. McF was sent from Berhampore to the General Hospital on the 2nd June, 1915, and died there on the 14th June, 1915, from pneumonia following measles. Private E. P was admitted to Wellington Hospital from Berhampore on the 11th June in a delirious state, and died in the hospital from pneumonia and meningitis following measles. S. C was sent from Berhampore to Wellington Hospital on the 10th June, and died there on the 11th June from pneumonia. Privates F— - and P died at Berhampore from pneumonia following measles on the 2nd July. These instances show that serious illnesses did occur at Berhampore. 74. The overcrowding was evidently due to some want of system by which Medical Officers at the camp could be kept informed whether there was room at the other end for patients proposed to be sent in. 75. The Director of Medical Services informed us he paid visits to Berhampore on the following dates: April 16th, 17th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th, 28th, 30th; May 3rd, sth, Bth, 10th, 12th, 14th, l7th, 19th, 21st, 24th, 26th, 28th; June 2nd, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 12th. 76. On the 2nd June the Director of Medical Services left Wellington for the South Island on administrative duties connected with the hospital ship " Maheno," and did not return to Wellington till the 6th June. He left for the South without definitely appointing any doctor to actuai medical charge of the hospital during his absence. He had, however, asked Dr. Elliott to visit the hospital if his services were sought by the nurses in charge. During the absence of the Director of Medical Services no application was made from the hospital for Dr. Elliott to visit any patient. His visit of the sth June was at the request of Headquarters. 77. It is noted that no visit was paid to Berhampore by the Director of Medical Services or any one on his behalf the day after he had been informed of the overcrowding, and that during the period of increasing congestion from the 28th May to the 2nd June —a period of four days—he had made no visit to the hospital. 78. It seems to require explanation why the Director of Medical Services, whilst occupied with the general duties of his office, should have undertaken the personal charge of the patients at Berhampore instead of detailing some subordinate officer to make daily visits. 79. In addition to securing a definite number of beds at the Wellington Hospital in order to relieve the congestion, Dr. Valintine, with great energy, set about procuring further hospital accommodation and beds. He obtained Mr. Izard's premises at the Upper Hutt, which has previously been offered to the Government as a sanatorium for returned troopers. This provided room for fifty patients, and was occupied on the Bth June. 80. It must be recollected that in providing accommodation outside of previously equipped hospitals, beds and other requisites have to be procured, and sanitary and cooking arrangements and other details have to be attended to before such accommodation can be properly occupied.

Serious cases at Berhampore,

Overcrowding at Berlin in poT-e. Dr. I'urdy's visit there.

Leaves for South on 2nd dune.

No visit for four days.

Requires explanation.

Further accommodation secured. Mr. Izard's house.

Equipment to be provided.

XX