PUKEORA SANATORIUM

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 53, 26 November 1919, Page 7

PUKEORA SANATORIUM

Sir,—"Let justico bo dona though the heavens fall." Tho principle so apily expressed is my icason for writing' this letter. Tho report of tho returned soldiers' deputation as recorded in yours of Wednesday,' November 12, dealing with matters connected with the Pukeora Military Sanatorium, AVaipukurau, is not strictly in accordance with facte, at least in ono of its ■ statements. It is stated that the Y.M.C.A. is supplying a bowling green for the use of the patients. This is not true. It is being provided by the WaipuKurau Eed Cross Society, and the fund for iU installation was started by Messrs. i>. Hunter and J. D. Orinoml, who kindlv 'gave each. In view of all that tho Eed'Cross is doing for tho inmates ot the sanatorium it is only fair that this correction should bo made. The lied Cross and the Y.M.C.A. are co-operating in their endeavours to provide for tho wants of tile men. The Bed Cross has undertaken to supply all the men require in tho way of cakes, fruit, vegetables, extra medical comforts and clothing. It has provided a splendid piano, and four gramophones. It arranges picnic parties and co-operates with us in the organising of .weekly concerts. The Y.M.C.A. .has installed a fine hut with two full-sized billiard tables and a well equipped lounge. It has.nlso provided a kinoina machine and operator, and arranged for a supply of pictures twice a weok.' It arranges and supplies lectures, etc. Also games, such as croquet, golf, cricket, etc.

I take this opportunity o£ expressing my admiration of tho generous'manner in which tho residents of AVaipukurau, under the auspices of' the Eed Cross and tho Y.M.C.A., are catering for the heeds of tho men. Tho Eed Cross has arranged for each district to take its turn' in visiting the sanatorium. The visits are mado on Tuesdays. The party is generally from 20 to i(l in number, and they come loaded with the very .best their district can provide in tho way of cokes, fruit, eggs, and vegetables, and papers, etc.

The men certainly'-Intel ft Rood deal to complain of during tho first few weeks of their residence in the Sanatorium, duo, to its early, occupation, but that is past and done with. It lias been my pleasure to scire the men whilst installing the Y.M.C.A. hut, and so I write of that I know. I'desire to nay. my tribute to the manner in which the staff acquitted itself under difficult circumstances, and for kindness shown me by Major Short and those associated with them. Theirs has been no light task. Honour to whom honour is duo.— I am, etc., FLEWELLEN KING, ' District Secretary, Hnwke'6 Bay Y.M.C.A.