THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1907. THE MEDICAL FUND.

King Country Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 51, 11 October 1907, Page 2

THE KING COUNTRY CHRONICLE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1907. THE MEDICAL FUND.

The decision of the Te Kuiti District Medical Fund Committee to advertise immediately for a doctor will be welcomed by all the residents of the district. One of the initial requirements of any locality with the slightest claim to civilization or progress, is the providing of reasonable facilities for those who are struck down by accident or disease. Moreover, as settlement increases, the claims of family life render it imperative that medical assistance shall always be within reasonable call, and to those whose aim it is to make life worth living, and their district a wholly desirable one to abide in, the expenditure of a small amount to obtain a capable doctor becomes not merely an ordinary matter, but a most urgent duty. The pressing need has been felt in this locality for a considerable time, and it is common knowledge that many of our pioneers have paid a heavy price already as a result of conditions which are, unfortunately, not uncommon in newly settled districts. Another, and a highly-regrettable feature which renders the obtaining of a resident doctor a matter for congratulation, is the fact that while our township centres are growing rapidly, the measures necessary in all communities to ensure the very highest degree of health, and immunity from zymotic diseases, are noticeable chiefly by their absence. Warnings have been uttered from time to time by persons capable of judging, and Dr Cairns at Taumarunui, in speaking of the necessity for a hospital at that centre, predicted that an epidemic of

enteric was a certainty, unless prompt steps were taken to provide drainage and a sanitary service. That prediction applies with equal, or greater force to Te Kuili and Otorohanga. Hitherto, by reason of exceptionally fine position and natural advantages, we have escaped from serious consequences, but the rapid increase of population has rendered active steps imperative. The advent of a doctor, in addition to other manifest advantages, must serve to impress the town residents with a sense of their duty in this respect, and it is safe to predict that if a thoroughly capable man is chosen, one of his first efforts will be in the direction of having the township placed on a sanitary footing. While on the subject it is but filling that the members of the Committee who have carried the project to a successful issue, should be complimented upon the manner in which they have worked. Since the inception of the scheme the efforts of both town and country people have been whole-hearted, and, doubtless, the knowledge that their work has been fruitful of good results will be sufiicient reward for their efforts towards the public welfare. However, as time progresses they can rest assured that events will I reveal the fact that their action has been of far greater benefit to all than can be at present realised. A PUBLIC LIBRARY. New Zealand is ijustly famed for the progressive spirit of its people in many respects, and it is world history that pioneer districts have cradled those, who later, have enriched the world by their actions in matters political, patriotic, and scientific. Such examples, however, were due rather to the exceptional man than to exceptional opportunity. The tendency of modern thought, which governs action, is undoubtedly in the direction of making education as free to all as the air we breathe, and one of the great factors in education and in the cultivation and direction of thought is the Public Library. The school-boy is taught and grounded in certain methods, which have become recognised as averagely the best means lo a certain end. Such methods, however, are at best only preparatory and in order to obtain 1 breadth of outlook, and a sufficiently wide grasp of even ordinary affairs in life, the real education of the individual must begin after the schooldays have been left behind. In some homes are to be found the necessary facilities, but the great majority have to depend upon the public libraries for the enlightment to which all should have ready access. To our credit, be it said, that there exists hardly a township in the Dominion without a decently equipped library. In Te Kuili, fully six years ago, a small library was established, and the institution has lived along in an unobtrusive fashion up till now. The good that any library dispenses cannot be guaged, and if the local institution has done no more than lighten a heavy hour for the weary, or given sonic soul-hungry mortal a peep into paths for which his spirit yearned, it has filled an important mission. The institution, though in a flourishing condition in some respects, has to face an entirely new position in the near future. The ground upon which the building is located belongs to the Railway Department, and notice has been received directing the removal of the structure as soon as possible. The providing of a suitable site for a library will, therefore, have to be considered, and at the same time suitable premises for the housing of the books. The present building was regarded as merely a temporary ediface six years ago, and additional space is a first consideration. The matter is one which should appeal strongly to all, and it is to be hoped a suitable project will be undertaken, and both town and country people work hand in hand for that which is at present important, and which in future must become immeasurably more so. WILLOWS AND FLOODS Once again has the Mangapu rivetbeen flooded and railway communication between Auckland and Te Kuiti interrupted. If anything were lacking to impress on the authorities the necessity of starting and completing a crusade against the willows which choke our streams, and flood our lands, to say nothing of the damage caused to the railway line, the oft recurring interruptions to traffic should supply the necessary emphasis. That the Goverment is aware of the desirability of clearing the river is evidenced by the fact that a sum of £2OO has already been placed on the Estimates for the work. Presumably the Public Works Department will have control of the operations, and from all accounts it is only fair that such should be the case. It is wellknown in the district that the willows were first introduced when material for the railway was being punted up the streams, and the willow poles left sticking on the banks took root and laid the foundation of the present trouble. The evil has increased to such proportions that practically every heavy rain threatens to flood the river and work havoc with the railway. In undertaking the work the Department officials need not look further than Te Awamutu for a practical exposition of the best method of dealing with willows, and it is to be hoped advantage will be taken of the object lesson afforded by our neighbours. Moreover, it is time the initial operations were projected and arrangements made to take advantage of the best season for destroying the trees. It is to be hoped the settlers interested will keep the matter moving, as without continual agitation it is difficult to stir the authorities into action, even with regard to matters of the most urgent necessity.