OTAKI SANATORIUM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 215, 11 August 1937, Page 8

OTAKI SANATORIUM

WIRELESS INSTALLATION. PLEASURE FOR PATIENTS. The new wireless system at the Otaki Sanatorium was brought into use foi the first time at an official ceremony held at the institution last evening. Air J. A. i\ash, chairman of the 1 aimerstou North Hospital Board, presided over a large attendance, which included representatives of the Rotary movement. Proceedings opened with a snort broadcast talk from 2YA Wellington by Sir Alexander Roberts, past Governor of ltotary in New Zealand and past president of tiie Wellington Rotary Club, who conveyed greetings to the patients and the staff. The broadcast concluded very appropriately with a song of happiness. , in opening his remarks, Mr Nash tendered apologies for absence from Mrs M. Aitchison, Messrs G. A. Monk, A. E. Mansford, <j. liodgens, M.P., V. E. Smith and M. A. Moody (members of the board), and extended a welcome to President Telford and Past President Anderson of the Wellington Rotary Club. He said he had been requested by the hoard to convey to the Rotarians of Wellington and adjacent districts the board’s thanks for making the new radio installation possible.

BOARD'S GRATITUDE. • “The old installation,” Mr Nash added, “was in poor condition when the board took over the sanatorium from the Health Department four years ago, and no attenfnt had been made to give the patients individual headphones or other listening-in devices. Tlie only wireless was provided from a loudspeaker on a verandah. To Dr. Macdonald Wilson, of Wellington, must be given credit for stimulating action in this matter. The board lias certain funds available, being the income from a bequest which is applied towards general comforts at the sanatorium but there are all sorts of demands on this fund and a limited amount only can he taken from it for such a purpose as wireless. We have to provide a regular picture entertainment for patients. Christmas gifts, and maintain a good library, etc. ; consequently when, at the instigation of Dr. Macdonald Wilson, the Wellington Rotary Club interested itself in this matter last year, the hoard was more than grateful.”

Mr Nash went on to say that he understood that Mr Anderson the president of the Wellington Rotary Club, had put the matter before a meeting of Rotary clubs which was held at Wanganui, and the outcome was that the Wellington Rotary Club guaranteed tlie sum of £BO towards the wireless installation, and received in return some small contributions from other clubs in adjacent districts. A specification had been prepared and tenders called for the work, the amount of the successful tender being £lB5. In addition, a microphone had been installed at a cost of £9 10s and that microphone would be most valuable to the medical staff in enabling the doctors to give the patients lectures and advice, which was an essential part of sanatorium routine.

The chairman made eulogistic reference to the staff at the sanatorium, paying a tribute to Dr. Francis (superintendent), Dr. McMicken, and Matron Aitken. who, he said, were rendering a wonderful humanitarian service. He gave the assurance that the board was most sympathetic towards the work at the institution. HELPING THE SICK. Messrs Telford and Anderson spoke on behalf of the Wellington Rotarians, giving an assurance to the board and the patients that the Rotary Club was only too pleased to do anything that would bring liappiness and sunshine into the lives of tlie sick and suffering. Mr A. J. Phillipps, managing-secre-tary of the board, conveyed his greetings and read a letter from Mr Iv. G. Chamberlain, of the Palmerston North Rotary Club, who forwarder, good wishes. Mr M. E. Perreau, Mayor of Foxton, also spoke, congratulating tho staff and inmates on the realisation of their hopes. The installation would, he felt sure, bring much pleasure into the sanatorium.

About forty of the patients were able to bo present at the function, and the remainder, by medium of the microphone, were kept in touch with proceedings. Messrs Telford and Nash told several amusing stories and a pleasing ceremony concluded with a community sing. The visitors were later entertained at supper by the matron.

Those visiting the institution for the first time were particularly impi'ssed by the beautiful setting and the splendid environment in which the work is being carried on.