Amongst whom, unhappily, must be found many affected with what has come to be known as the ''white plague'' - that there is an institution almost at their doors where, as he can testify from personal experience - this dreadful disease can be, and is, radically cured, provided the patient is taken in hand in the early stages of the disease.
The commission referred to has decided that the claim made on behalf of the Friedmann treatment has not been substantiated by results, and many who actually made the trip to Europe to undergo the supposed ''cure'' have returned, wiser and sadder - if not, indeed, much the worse for the experience.
The institution I have referred to is situate in an ideal position in Central Otago - itself an ideal climate for anyone suffering from any disease of the chest.
The sanatorium is some 300ft above the neighbouring village of Waipiata - at a place known as ''The Fortifications'' - and commands a splendid view of the surrounding plain below.
The air there is keen and bracing, and very dry, and is free from the dust which is a feature of the plain below; and in winter is clear of fogs.
When the writer entered as a patient, he was at a very low ebb - even the doctor in charge, and the nurse, regarding the case as an all but hopeless one; yet, in less than three months he was not only cured of all active disease, but was once more able to resume his professional duties. In the three months, he had put on about 17lb in weight.
Others could relate similar results in their case. The treatment is a sane and ''natural'' one - sunshine, fresh air, and good food (and plenty of it) being primary considerations.
To this is added expert treatment of the individual patient - not merely as ''one of a bath'' - combined with the devoted and sympathetic care of the nurse in charge.
The virtues of the Central Otago climate are not sufficiently known in connection with the cure of consumption in particular, and chest troubles in general; and it is for this reason that the writer is desirous that many may thus hear of a chance for recovery in their case similar to that in his case. - I am, etc., One Who Was Cured.
• When visited by the police at Oamaru a few days ago, a woman was innocently carrying a spade. Investigation on lines of action deduced from this fact revealed 23 bottles of whisky in the cool mould under a corner of the house (says the Mail).
Traces of the interment had been so skilfully removed that but for the presence of the spade the haul might not have been made.
The whisky represented the contents of two cases, one bottle, the fate of which is unknown, being missing. The cellar is now empty, but it is probable that the woman will shortly be required to account for having laid in such a large stock of New Year cheer.
- ODT 6.1.1915.
