Consumptive Sanatoria.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXIV, Issue 3752, 8 April 1908, Page 2

Consumptive Sanatoria.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Might. Dr. Mason, Chief Health Officer, who arrived from Wellington today, was waited upon by a Press representative in reference to the subject of consumptive sanatoriums, touched upon by a deputation to the Minister for Health in the South. Dr. Mason remarked that the results at the Te Waikato Sanatorium, which had been mentioned by the Minister as a demonstration station, had proved eminently satisfactory, the percentage of cures having been approximately 21 per cent, which, considering the general lateness at which cases were received, would compare favourably with the continental institutions. The Otago Hospital Board's suggestion, that a sanatorium be established in Central Otago by the Government, was entirely opposed tq> the usual policy by which each board looked after its own sick, as the Cambridge institution was a national one, and received from all parts of the Dominion patients who, it was believed, would benefit by that particular climate. "I am glad to note," said the doctor, "that, after many days, Auckland is, beginning to realise its responsibilities in this direction. There are at present 11 cases at the Costley Institute, and I am pleased to see the effort being made by he Board to cope with the matter. Provision has been made in Taranaki, Nelson, Wellington, Whangarei, Thames and and Christchurch is carrying cut a scheme for the same end, and it now only remains for the two centres, Dunedin and Auckland, to tall into line. I am strongly of opinion that Auckland should make accommodation for at least 50 patients within the district, and thus put an end to the present state of affairs. Of course, there is not nearly sufficient accommodation in New Zealand for all consumptive patients, but the various districts, by doing their share, are gradually increasing it to meet the requirements."