HANMER AND HEALTH

New Zealand Tablet, 1 August 1912, Page 43

HANMER AND HEALTH

THE SANATORIUM IN WINTER Most people think of Hanmer Springs only as a pretty and popular summer resort; but those who, taking their courage in both hands, brave the cold and the rough weather and make their visit in the winter season will find themselves amply rewarded and will begin to think that there is a good deal in De Quincey’s dictum that happiness, like ice-cream, requires a low temperature, and is in season only in the winter months. At Hanmer, as elsewhere throughout the Dominion, the winter this year has been quite exceptional; and the snow Out of the bosom of the air, Out of the cloud-folds of her garments shaken, has fallen to a depth and over an area altogether unprecedented in the history of the locality. The result is that the plains and township and surrounding hills present a scene of surpassing beauty. From the Waiau Ferry to Hanmer— short, safe, and comfortable run, in a well-protected motor —the journey is practically through a huge snow-field; and the heavilyladen, drooping trees, the long level —broken only by the streams running through them like silver threads,and the towering mountains, gleaming in an occasional glimpse of sun, furnish every variety of snowscape. At Hanmer itself, the scene, viewed from the spacious verandah of the Sanatorium, is eminently restful; and the beholder can fully enter into the spirit of Coventry Patmore’s lines: ‘ I, singularly moved To love the lovely that are not beloved, Of all the seasons, most Love Winter, and to trace The sense of the Trophonian pallor on her face. It is not death, but plenitude of peace.’ But the ‘ plenitude of peace ’ is not allowed to. pall on the visitor; for the Sanatorium provides ample recreations, some of which are quite other than peaceful. When weather permits, there are golf, tennis, croquet, bowls, etc., and at the present time ski-ing and tobagganing are in full swing, the frequent and fearsome ‘spills’ of the amateurs giving rise to endless merriment. All and sundry take part in the sport; and the way in which some of the ladies, on ejection from the toboggan, throw their arms around the snow evokes many a quip as to their evident long practice in the clinging art, Apart from its winter aspect and activities there is no doubt that, under its present successful management, Hanmer, as a health resort is coming to the front by leaps and bounds. In Dr. Duncan, who is at present in charge, the Government have an officer of rare tact, sound judgment, thorough all-round knowledge and exceptional skill in his profession, and high administrative capacity. To these desirable qualities he adds an unfailing courtesy and genial bonhomie; and his constant cheerfulness and good spirits are contagious. He is assisted by an able and courteous staff; and the matron, Miss Rennell, a lady of wide experience, great natural gifts, and altogether unusual attainments in her profession, is not only respected, but is very deservedly beloved by all the patients. In respect to the number of patients admitted, to the number- and variety of the cures, and to financial results, the past year has been the best in the history of the institution. Some of the cures have been more than ordinarily notableas, for example, the case of a little girl who came with an eczema that had baffled all the specialists, and under the healing influence of the waters and the skilled treat-' ment of Dr. Duncan departed perfectly cured. Dr. Duncan is arranging for radical and extensive alterations to the baths, and for the introduction of all the latest things in ‘ hydro ’ equipment. Wherefore we conclude as we began—that, given a continuance of the present progressive management, there are great things in store for Hanmer. ' &