Untitled

Thames Guardian and Mining Record, Volume I, Issue 59, 14 December 1871, Page 2

In our issue of last Friday, we directed the attention of the Thames population to the necessity for at once securing a proper site for a new hospital. Since then, we understand, the subject has received some attention from those who have the welfare of the institution at heart. It is a cause which should commend itself to the mind of every person resident at the Thames. The necessity for greatly increasing the hospital accommodation here is admitted ; and although the present building, with the additions in progress, may meet the more pressing requirements ol the district, this cannot long continue to he the case.

But in one essential to the recovery of health, the Thames hospital is sadly deficient. The vacant space around the building leaves no room for recreation ground. The recovery of a patient to health may thus be delayed, and doubtless is delayed in many instances, from the cause named. It requires no argument surely to convince our readers that this is clearly a money loss to the institution, and limits at the same ti ne, its usefulness. To remedy this defect, should be the earnest endeavour of the hospital committee and the whole body of subscribers. They should take steps to ensure that the greatest amount of hospital accommodation should be provided for the greatest number of persons, and at a minimum of cost.

Of course, this result cannot be a J tained at once. It must take time, with perseverance, and good management to accomplish it. But preparation should begin without delay. The change which we suggest must he made gradually. It will likewise he contingent on the one point, to which wchave already referral, namely, the procuring of a suitable site for a new hospital. This once secured, a special fund might be opened, to be called “ the building fund,” which would be formed of special subscriptions and donations, aided by concerts, lectures, and bazaars. Meanwhile, the ground could be fenced, and laid out and planted, and every preliminary preparation made for building when sufficient funds had been raised. The site of the present hospital and buildings would fetch, when sold, much more than the structure cost, and the money so acquired would go towards augmenting the building fund. In this way, we apprehend, that in the course of say three years, or four at the farthest, it would be possible to commence the erection of an hospital and infirmary worthy of such an important mining community as that at the Thames. Should an epidemic break out here, we are not prepared with hospital accommodation to meet the demands which necessarily would be made upon our local institution, nor would the Provincial hospital at Auckland, in that case, be any relief to us. The sick could not be removed there; and were it possible to forward the casualties to Auckland from the Thames, the beds are so scant, and the local demands so large, that our sufferers could not be admitted. .

These are points which should be borne in mind by this community. They should come home to everyone. We" have no immunity from fevers ; on the contrary, as the vacant spaces which gave breathing room to the townspeople become built upon, the chances of fever breaking out are greatly increased. M e have, moreover, set all* sanitary laws at defiance. There is no sewerage or drainage system. What, with the want of water, the absence of drainage, and the accumulation of filth and decaying vegetable matter the only wonder is that the townships have been spared so long. It is only the cool evening and morning seabreeze, and copious showers of rain, that have prevented the breaking out of fever of a malignant type*. But. the time must come when these natural ameliorations will be ineffectual: and then, in what state of preparedness will we be to meet it ? Should we remain content with our present hospital, built round, and blocked out from pure air and light, the consequence will be fearful to contemplate, But if we take t :nely

precaution, and anticipate the wants of the community in respect of hospital accommodation, the scourge may be rendered comparatively harmless. * In our previous article, we suggested that ; he Pro uncial Government should procure a proper site for an hospital. AYc hold that it is their duty to do so ; and that duty, if necessary, should be pressed home to them. We rely on the public spirit of the goldfield to provide a building fund, which would be ample for the purpose. We trust this matter will not be overlooked at the annual meeting of subscribers. It will be the most favourable opportunity that can be found to consider it. The attendance at the annual meeting will be large, and the opinion of a great number of people would then be elicited. We leave this matter with them now, confidently believing that there is public spirit at the Thames, sufficient to accomplish this great object. It is an effort in the cause of humanity. Sickness is of no faith or creed. Misery and affliction are the common lot of mankind; and it is the first duty of those who enjoy health, and arc possessed of means, to alleviate the sufferings of their fellow creatures.