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the able assistance of the Acting Surveyor, Mr. Railton, I
was able to remove the labourers and their families to other
cottages, to furnish the hospital, and convey the patients
with their parents, in an ambulance, thereto in 24 hours.
The infected cottage was then thoroughly disinfected and
cleansed, and the parents were able to return as soon as
two efficient nurses could be obtained.
The prompt action of the Council on this occasion
undoubtedly stamped out a very virulent form of the disease,
which, had it not been so successfully attacked, would have
proved to be a source of great danger to the immediate
neighbourhood. Lessons like this should not be thrown
away. It clearly proves the need for an Isolation Hospital,
and the immense amount of good it would do when used.
The cost need not be great. But whatever it might be,
I feel sure that the ratepayers would not begrudge
the money, knowing that in the feeling of security thus
obtained they would be receiving good value for their
money.
The success of the temporary hospital above alluded to,
confirms me in the opinion I have always expressed, that
a small hospital of our own would best meet the requirements
of our district.
A brick building large enough to afford accommodation
to the adminstrative department and about five or six
patients would suffice, and in time of need, temporary
buildings could easily be put up as required, in close
proximity to it.