The Daily News. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1905. THE HOSPITAL ANNEXE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7831, 25 May 1905, Page 2

The Daily News. THURSDAY, MAY 25, 1905. THE HOSPITAL ANNEXE.

The opening of the annexe for tho treatment of consumptive patients at the New Plymouth hospital marks a new phr.se in the usefulness of that institution. That the ceremony should have taken place on the dayset apart for commemorating tho ibeneficent reign of "Victoria the; Good" .was in every way most fitLting Although the annexe wast not: [built as the outcome of any loyal , sentiment, the funds for the pur- ! pose were contributed by. the donors in the same kindly spirit aa that which prompted, our late Queen to be ever ready and willing to help forward, by every means in her power, any movement which had Tor iU object the relief of suffering humanity. To have allowed the opening of the annoxo to take place without marking the importance of the event in a special manner would have boon, a great mistake, inasmuch as it is hoped that, the example set by New Plymouth will be followed in many other districts ol the colony. Tho presence of one of the leading members of the Government, and of tho two chief officers of the Health Department, at yesterday's ceremony stamped the proceedings with being, of colonial, rather than local importance and yet there was a homeliness about the affair wheh accentuated tho fact that a new era was dawning for the victims of consumption—an era of hope in the efficacy of the open-air treatment, and in the prolongation of many useful lives. It is only right that the chief credit for the progressive movanent, which has resulted in this annexe being estab-j lished here, is due to Dr. Valintine, who is doi«g his utmost to fight disease with the most up-to-date weapons that science can place atbia' disposal. It frequently happens that! those who occupy the responsible position of officers oj health meet with a good deal more criticism than praise in carrying out their onerous duties, but there can be no two opinions with regard to tho propriety of their advocacy of the open-air treatment for consumptives, and it must be gratifying to them to be backed up so heartily as is the case at New. Plymouth. The chairman of the Hospital Board, Sir G. Tisch is also to U'J congratulated on the energy i and zeal displayed by him in tho [ administration of hospital affairs. It is evident that every effort is being made by the Hoard and tho medical and nursing staff to maintain the hospital in the highest state of efficiency, so that the greatest good may result to the patients. In enlargi tag the sphere of its utility a good jaind praiseworthy work is rendered still more beneficial to the sick and suffering, and tho knowledge of this fact should be a source of much satisfaction to all those who have contributed to tho fund which enabled tho new work to be carried out.

ON THE FOURTH PAGE. General. Literature.