CODFORD HOSPITAL.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 23 January 1919, Page 3

CODFORD HOSPITAL.

OUR LIGHTLY WOUNDED

AND SICK

[By H. T. B. DREW, 2nd Lieut.]

THE pleasant, picturesque surroundings which will make evergreen the memories of the Walton and Brockenhurst Hospitals contrast considerably with the bare hills and valleys of the less advantageously situated No. 3 Hospital at Codford. Here we are back again in the Southern Command of the Salisbury Plains ten miles north and west of Sling—a very handy situation from a military point of view, as a stone's throw away from the hospital is the great New Zealand Codford Convalescent-Depot, and, being so handy, to Sling, men falling sick there can be easily run across in' ambulances.

But though the environment is somewhat dreary^ the hospital is as comfortable' and cheery as faithful service can make it. The accommodation is] provided in huts and a few auxiliary tents, much the same as at Hornchurch, the hospital being tucked tightly in under the shelte* of two enclosing hills. There are beds altogether for 250 patients.

The hospital staff is a large one —a Commanding Officer, and thirteen medical men, a Quartermaster, and Chaplain,- and Pathologist, forty-two sisters (all New Zealanders), twenty-six V.A.D.S, and equivalent orderlies.

Not many wounded men come here from France. The institution is chiefly for the sick New Zealanders from the whole Salisbury Plains district and London, and the lighter cases from France. Under arrangement with the Imperial authorities 100 beds are set apart for British and Australian sick from the adjoining camps. When our men recover they are sent either to the Codford Depot, near by, or to Hornchurch, according to the degree of their recovery and strength, to continue their convalescence. New Zealand took over this hospital two years ago Jrom the R.A.M;C.

The patients lack nothing in the way of diversion, entertainment, or amusement. TheSalration Army hut, under the charge of the busy Army Chaplain, i§ perhaps the central attraction here. Very good work is done. About three first-class concerts are held a week, while pictureshows are given every night. Most afternoons some form or other of entertainment is ar~ ranged, either in the hut or wards. The N.Z War Contingent Association greatly assist the Chaplain in getting them up, and the N.Z Depot adjacent does its share, especially in sending along its band, whose martial music is also supplemented by bands from the adjoining camps. There is also a good recreation room available, with billiards and other games, library and reading-room, gramaphones, etc.

A certain amount of instruction is given in carpentry work, basketmaking, and fancy work. Gardening has been developed, but most of the agriculture is done by the depot. The hospital pigsties are rapidly increasing as the litters present themselves, and poultry-raising is keenly pursued and many eggs obtained for the hospital.

In the wards you see the sama scenes of industry as at the other hospitals—the patients busying themselves, under instruction, with raffia-work and needlework. They all looked as happy as their illness would permit; and meanwhile, with good wholesome food and the best care found the days pass not unpleasantly.