EPIDEMIC CERTIFICATES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1958, 29 March 1919, Page 3

EPIDEMIC CERTIFICATES.

CONDEMNED IN WELLINGTON. “THROWING MONEY AWAY.” Epidemic certificates Avere discussed at a meeting of the Mellinglon Hospital Board and group commanders who helped to tight the inlluenza in Wellington last year. Mr H. Tolan, who was in charge of the Haitailai district, said it was not, strictly speaking, a matter for the meeting, but he Avould like to kuoAv what'other commanders thought of Ihe idea. His committee Avas not in favour of it. In his opinion, no such certificate Avas necessary. Most of (hem had agreed that a Government certificate Avas quite uncalled for. They had not worked for payment or for a certificate, hut more in the spirit of (lie brotherhood of man. He Avas rattier surprised to find that the Government had thought fit to issue a bit.of paper with a signature attached to it.

A Voice: He likes the signature to get round. Another sepaker: There's an election this year! The Rev. Robertson Orr said that some of his people wanted the certificates. He had not the slightest objection—if I hey wanted them, let them apply for them. If the Government, in the goodness and generosity of its heart, Avished to tliroAV it way money in that direction he did not see avliv it should not have the pleasure of distributing the certificates. (Laughter.) Mr 8. G. Nathan disagreed absolutely with the certificate idea. They had done the Avork voluntarily in the interests of the community as a Avhole, and did not Avaul any certificates to show it.

Mr John Smith did not approve of the proposal, and Mr G. B. H. Burn, whilst not favouring the idea, said that those who wanted them had better apply for them personally. “Those who worked,” said Dir Baldwin, “gave their services for (lie love of humanity. I have advised my district against the proposal to accept the certificates.’’ Mr T. Gray said he personally was opposed to the Government idea. Finally it was moved that those present disapprove of the Government proposal to distribute certificates among epidemic workers. The resolution was carried witli one ironical dissentient voice—that of the Rev. Robertson Orr.