Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1918.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 December 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1918.

The local bodies have been busy expressing what aro genuinely grateful thanks to all those who assisted to nobly during the epidemic. The expression might be accepted as on Wlialf of tho public as a whole, and too much cannot bo said to embellish the simple term of “thank you” to all the gallant workers. It seems though as jf the occasion should be marked in some more public way. Tho voluntary workers we understand have acted up to the spirit in which they entered + h o fray, and have refused any remuneration. This spirit is most commendable, and it should be recognised in some public way at a public gathering where there will be a fuller recognition of the great services rendered. The Hospital Board should not be overlooked in the matter of public commendation. Wo understand tho accounts for the epidemic will run ifnto something like £6OO, and this appears a very reasonable cost for all that was involved in tile rush of the three weeks during which the disease was rampant. The figures show that in the midst of all the rush and hurry, economy aud careful administration were not neglected, and the bill is certainly a moderate cost for the large amount of service involved. The Hospital Board proposes to deal with several phases of the epidemic at a special meeting next month, so that it cannot he complained that anything was omitted at the recent meeting. There is a general wish that the Board should go into the matter of securing additional medical services for the district and also that steps should be taken to complete the rebuilding scheme at the Westland Hospital. In this latter connection it is only necessary to recall tho late visit of the Minister of Hospitals, and Mr Russell’s many fair promises on the occasion. The recent experiences make more manifest than ever the necessity for th e works proposed on that occasion, and the Minister should lie reminded respectfully of the position and the occasion for him to act on the lines he then promised. A reference was made above to the necessity of some public recognition to workers, and if that took place, and a proposal were put forward for a nurses home at the local institution as a fitting memorial to'those who succumbed to duty during the recent epidemic, we feel sure there would be a liberal response on the part of the community to assist in doing honour to those who won it, and at the same t-ini* doing a useful service for those who come after. There is another phase of the late experience whicli requires to be dealt with, and that is in regard lo the distribution of benevolent aid. The recent discussion in respect to a family in want, shows that the average man deals with such cases not too adroitly. Women can deal with such matters much more to the point, and the time has arrived either to 6ee women on the local Board, or a separate benevolent branch controlled by women for tho benefit of the needy. This appears to he an outstanding lesson of the recent experience, and the Board might well take the matter up. The majority of the present members are showing a keen sense of duty, and have done such excellent service during the strenuous and anxious times, that the public will have the confidence that they are not likely to neglect the gener il interests where they can be at all advanced.