H.—l9b

XXIII

Wished till the 12th July, this diagnosis must have been made on or after that date in respect of those admitted during June and still under treatment in July. 95. From the opening of the camp to the end of July the total number of cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis is given as twenty-nine. The total number of deaths was six, making a death-rate of 20-69 per cent, on the figures supplied, which are only accurate for the period following the bacteriological report. It is highly probable that there were deaths from cerebro-spinal meningitis anterior to the date of this report. For example, Private E. P died on the Ist July in a delirious state, and the cause of death is returned as para-typhoid meningitis. Other such instances could be cited, thus showing that the returns of the numbers of cerebro-spinal meningitis cases and the death-rate are open to some question, and cannot be accepted as a true representation of the actual state. 96. On our first visit to Trentham Camp and the racecourse hospital on Sunday, the 18th July, deeming it desirable to obtain independent medical evidence as to the state of the racecourse hospital and the treatment of the sick therein, we called upon seven Wellington medical men to form a committee to visit and inspect. We chose for this purpose Drs. Herbert, Mason, Christie, Gibbs, Pattie, Elliott, and Giesen. This committee visited the Trentham racecourse hospital on the 19th July in company with the medical member of the Commission, Dr. Martin. The committee again visited the hospital by themselves on the 31st July, and deputed one of their number, Dr. Elliott, to place their views before the Commission. Dr. Elliott did so, and in his evidence said that after their first visit they drew up a short report as follows : — " 1. We are not satisfied with the accommodation at Trentham for infectious cases. "2. We consider that there is need for a change in the method of administration and supervision. " 3. There is urgent need for a proper system of — (a) Hospital records; (b) up-to-date steam sterilizer; (c) increased medical equipment; (d) increased help to Medical Staff; (c) pack storehouse for equipment; (/) proper hospital clothing for lying-down cases; (g) a change in the present system of wet sterilization with formalin, which is bad, useless, and inadequate; (h) we are of opinion that all details of nursing and equipment require organization. "4. We are concerned that at the present time men are being sent out on sick-leave who may possibly be a menace to the health of the community. " 5. We consider it to be absolutely necessary to appoint a bacteriologist to be in constant touch with the Medical Officers of military hospitals, and who will be able to offer his help and service's at all times. "6. This committee consider that the authorities acted rightly in making the Trentham racecourse buildings a temporary expedient for the accommodation of the sick, but consider that more suitable quarters are urgently required for the treatment of the very dangerous cases. " 7. We are strongly of opinion that a separate hospital staff is required in every large camp in addition to the Regimental and Ambulance Medical Officers. " 8. We consider that all the present cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis, in view of the inadequate accommodation at Trentham, should be removed, and in view of the probable extension of the epidemic we strongly recommend that a properly equipped central hospital should be at once arranged for "9. * * * * * " 10. We consider that a fully equipped hospital train should be arranged for the conveyance of sick men from any camp to any recognized hospital centre receiving from that camp.

Deaths.

Visit of medical men on I7tli and:. Ist July.

Opinion of first visit.