A MATTER OF URGENCY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9141, 17 July 1908, Page 4

A MATTER OF URGENCY.

The matter of the erection of a hospital ward for elm reception of diphtheria, and enspelas, and such like cases, is one of undoubted mgency, and Dr. A. Hosking was right when he told the Hospital Trustees that it was a dreadful thing that a diph theria patient should be bachelorising with several other men in a whare in town because there was no proper place provided by the authorities to accommodate him. Another suspicious case of diphtheria under treatment increases the necessity for immediate action on the part of the health authorities. There appeared to be a slight doubt at the meeting of the Trustees on Wednesday as to which body, the District Board or the Trustees, should erect a temporary or parmanent ward, whichever were decided on. However, the Trustees set up a sub-committee to meet the emergency, and it is to be hoped for the sake of the health of the town that they will not hesitate to shoulder a responsibility wliich there is little doubt falls upon them. The Health Department delegated its powers regarding infectious diseases hospitals maintenance to the Trustees last >ear, and tnis shoul i be sufficient authority to the 'lrusfcees to meet the present emergenoy. Whosever the responsibility, red tape should be subordinated to public health, and no doubt if the Trustees do decide to erect a new diphtheria ward without having full power to do so their action in the circumstances will be appiovfd by the Department.