Correspondence

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 24 September 1915, Page 3

Correspondence

PROVISION OF SECOND NEW 7- l: aland hospital TO T:l K EDITOR. To tl : P*. of New Zealand, Com: • . lions have recently been r.-e to the effect that the “ Mu.s. 1 ” has,proved of the greatest assistance in attending to tho ne.’ds of tho sick and wounded and that, in the course of her valuable work over two thousand cases have been dealt with in a space of eight days. Taking into consideration this testimony to the value of the “Maheno,” and the increasing demand for the treatment and conveyance of sick and wounded, the New Zealand Government, with the advice of the Imperial Authorities, who state that an additional ship would be a real and substantial help and would be eagerly welcomed, have decided to fit out and despatch a second Hospital Ship witli the least possible delay. In view of this it is proposed to equip the new vessel on the same lin js as the " Maheno ” and, with regard to the question of gifts in kind. I desire to make a further appeal to t! e generosity of the people of New Zealand, for the undermentioned articles on behalf of .he new ship 2000 feather pillows to fit pillow slips of size given beiow. 3000 sheets (two yards by three yards). 2000 draw sheets. 3000 pillow slips (twentyone in. by thirtytwo inches), i2CO quilts (bolton sheeting). 2000 bath towels. 600 wat r b ttles and covers. 500 C face and hand towels. 3000 pairs of p jamas. 1200 nishting-les. 1200 bed jackets. 1000 night shirts. 2000 day skirts (flannel). 2000 under vests (not thick). 2000 bed socks. 1003 pairs felt slippers. 1600 pairs ul socks (knitted). 2000 face Wash cloths, 6000 handkerchiefs (large). 1030 flannel drawers (not too thick). 1000 flannel dressing gowns. ICOO flannel waistcoats (without sleeves). 30 gross of various buttons. 600 hair combs. 600 hair brushes. 750 reels of cotton thread(black). 750 reels cotton thread (white). 100 packets of needles (various) 250 pieces of tape (black). 250 pieces of tape (white). 200 pounds of worsted (various), in one-quarter pound packets(twenty pounds equals thirty pieces). 50 sets of shoe brushes (patterns 15 to 17, various assorted). 1500 tooth brushes. 1500 tins of tooth powder. 430 deck chairs. 1000 cushions. 1000 mufflers. 1000 balaclavas. An unlimited number of surgical towels and oi calico gause, crepe velpeau, Crepe fardar, flannel, many tailed. Two additional motor launches are also required up to 16 h.p„ 28 leet long, 2 feet 6 inches, or 9 feet beam. Particulars can be obtained from Brigadier-General A. W. Robin, C. 8., C.M.G., Defence Office, Wellington. I have purposely omitted blankets and rugs from the above list owing to their being somewhat costly ; and, 1 propose to purchase the requisite number out of the funds already at my disposal.

While old linen is, I understand very useful in hospital, lam advised that only new linen should be placed on the hospital ship. I am prepared to receive communications from Mayors of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin (who, it is understood, will in t tain cases be asked to act tor outlying districts), and also from the four centres of the Order of St. John. Where this, however, is not practicable 1 should like ait communications to pass through local Mayors. But 1 hope, owing to the great amount of work which will fall upon me prior to the despatch of the ship, that Associations will band themselves together in order that matters may be expedited.

All cases of goods, with a list of ■ the’contents on the top of each, should be addressed to His Excellency the Governor, Government House, Wellington, but 1 should like to be advised prior to their despatch thr ugh channels mentioned above. In tho case of Wellington other arrangements will bo made. The advice should state clearly the number of articles, from where sent, and when despatched. I should he glad to receive any contributions of the above articles as soon as possible and not later than November 10th in order to allow time for any further articles, if needed, to be purchased. It is particularly requested that, owing to Lhe time available, the various articles contributed sliyujd he packed in separate n

cases as far as possible so that the store-keeper on the ship will know which cases contain pyjamas, which bath-towels, which face-towels, etc., etc., and will thus be able to at once lay his hand on any article required. it will be noticed that the public have been asked to contribute goods' in kind which are most readily available. The cost of instruments, drugs, etc., will bs‘) met out of the money already in hand, as it is absolutely essential that the Medical Officer in charge of the ship should personally supervise and select these stores. Should their be any surplus articles after completing the equipment they will be utilised for the benefit of New Zealand sick and wounded wherever required. The Government is providing for the hire of, and all the costs of fitting up and maintaining, the Hospital Ship in every respect, including wards, bedsteads, oinerating rooms, laundries, bakeries, wash houses, etc. LIVERPOOL, Governor.