THE THERMAL SPRINGS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2480, 20 April 1909, Page 5

THE THERMAL SPRINGS.

TREATMENT OF INDIXGENT INVALIDS.

[Per Press Association.]

CHRISTCHURCH, April 19. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, who has been on a visit to Otago and Southland, returned to Christchurch by the first express on Saturday evening, and leftby the evening’s, steamer for Wellington. Interviewed with regard to the thermal regions of Hanmer and Rotorua, the Minister stated that ho intended to place before the Government a proposal by which accommodation might be provided for invalids suffering from rheumatism and other complaints, who were unable, through lack of funds, to visit- the health resorts. His idea was to reduce the present charges for treatment, the balance of the expense being borne by ihe boards of tho hospital and charitable aid districts from which the patients came, thus relieving the Government of any extra expense in connection with those already expensive and practically nonrevenue producing places. The Minister pointed out that the subsidies and rates received by the local bodies in question would enable, them to bear this charge; and many invalids who, through straitened circumstances had to linger on in ill-health would have a good opportunity of being cured. The Minister added that he had been very busy lately in generally organising tho" Tourist Department, and would probably have a communication to make public in regard t-o new schemes at an early date.