RESTORING OUR WOUNDED To health

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2936, 23 November 1916, Page 6

RESTORING OUR WOUNDED To health

NEW SYSTEM OF TREATMENT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, November 22. The Hon. G. W. Russell states that a new development regarding the treatment of wounded soldiers, especially those suffering from muscular or nervous ailments, is tinder consideration, and will be put into practice without delay. The work is being concentrated at Dunedin. The scheme'represents a departure from orthodox_ methods, in that it involves the exercise of the patient's will-power in co-operation with, medical and mechanical treatment. The system is known as mechanotherapy, and is practised successfully in France. It is now being adopted in England. Its initiation here is due to Dr. Marshall Mac Donald, of Dunedin, who had experience of the treatWhile in France he made experiments, with remarkable results, on soldiers.' While, returning to New Zealand the doctor was asked to visit Eotorua and inspect the equipment and appliances there. He has submitted a report to the Minister, who has decided to utilise Dr. Mac Donald's services to the greatest possible degree. Several necessary electrical appliances have been cabled for. The_ Minister will invite the co-operation of the Otago Hospital Board to provide the necessary accommodation, also the services of a gymnastio teacher and senior massage students at medical schools. The Minister states that excellent work is being dqne regarding the taking of a complete-record of deaths and the graves of Maori war soldiers. Arrangements have been made for the maintenance of such haljowed grounds. A similar record is being taken regarding deaths in New Zealand of all soldiers who took part in the present war. v