THE ORTHOPOEDIC UNIT.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 July 1918, Page 5

THE ORTHOPOEDIC UNIT.

PROPOSALS FOR HOUSING IT. Christohurch, July 24. At a meeting of the Ghristchurch Hospital and Charitable Aid Board to-day, the report of tlio special committee appointed' to consider details of the proposals made by Colonel Valintine in regard to the establishment of the orthoipaedic unit at Ohristehurch 'Hospital waa presented. The following telegram was receivtd from Sir James Allen: "In regard to the orthopaedic unit and its housing in Chal* mers Ward, I am quite in accord with the proposal to use the Chalmers Ward for_sick and wounded soldiers. My Department thinks it unnecessary, however, to build other wards, and now proposes to make provision for a gymnasium, elec-tro-therapeutic and balneological rooms in the corrider adjoining our massage room, at a cost of, say, £ 1000; also a new workshop, costing, say, £300; also £IOO for. the re-appropriation of rooms in the old residential wing, together wit!f £SOO for housing of the medical officer, this being an extension of the present junior resident officer's quarters, making a total of £I9OO. These proposals are subject to your board's approval. I have consulted the Minister of Public Health, and he concurs, on the understanding that the Defence De.partment indicates how long the Chalmers Ward may be required, and the Defence Department pays the rent of a building to house those civilians for wfliom accommodation cannot be found. I have informed the Minister of Public Health that the Chalmers Ward may be required for three years after the war, and ■that the Defence Department would pay the rent of the building." The new proposals were criticised adversely by several memlbers. It was, however, finally decided to leave the wliole matter in .vbeyance, in the hands of a special committee.