Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Specialists

Specialists.

Hall, John William, Turkish Baths, Manners Street. Telephone 816. Established 1891. The proprietor is a native of England, and gained his first experience in this business at Smedley's Baths in Derbyshire, where he was engaged for some years, Black and white drawing of the premises of Hall's Turkish Baths after which he launched out for himself and opened similar baths, which he sold out in 1876 and came to New Zealand the same year. On arrival he was so favourably impressed with this Colony that he decided to permanently settle here, and was not long before he opened the baths now situated in the Octogan, Dunedin, and personally conducted them for fourteen years, when he placed them in charge of one of his sons, who manages them at present. He next proceeded to Christchurch, where he opened a branch in Cashel Street, and after thoroughly establishing them there transferred the management to another of his sons and came on to the Empire City, Wellington, where he established the present Turkish, Hydropathic, and Steam Baths, which are conveniently and centrally situated in Manners Street. The premises—a two-story brick building—contain about 7400 square feet of floor space. All the baths established by Mr. Hall are constructed on the most approved design, and this establishment contains three hot rooms, heated according to the most modern system, which sets free the vitiated atmosphere and produces a continual supply of fresh hot air so as to be most beneficial to the bathers. The shampoo room is fitted with douche, shower, hot or cold, needle or spray baths. There is also a private steam bath which produces perspiration very rapidly and is highly commended. The baths are open daily for gentlemen from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday forenoon and Friday evening excepted; Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; single baths, 3s., or four tickets for 10s. Turkish baths for ladies—Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Steam baths always ready for ladies or gentlemen; single bath, 3s., or four tickets for 10s. Hot baths always ready for ladies or gentlemen, 1s. Even those who have never taken a Turkish or steam bath need have no hesitation in at once visiting Mr. Hall's establishment, as they will be well attended to, and receive advice or instruction where necessary. Mr. Hall has conferred a boon on the public of this Colony, and deserves every success for his enterprise in instituting such baths, and has fully carried out his motto, which is “Advance New Zealand.”

Pononga Electric Company, Manufacturers of Pononga Patent Electric Belts and appliances relating thereto, and Medical Electric Appliances, Batteries, etc. P.O. Box 112. Cable address, “Pononga, Wellington.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The business was established early in 1894, the patent rights for the Pononga Electric Belt having been secured for New Zealand and all the colonies throughout the world. The works are situated as above, and occupy about 650 square feet of floorage space. The discovery whereby dry batteries can be successfully applied in the belts has been wonderful in its effects. The subtle forces of nature which can be communicated through the electric current are beneficially applied by means of the Pononga Electric Belt. As the blood is the life of the body, so electricity is the life of the blood. The great difficulty heretofore has been in the application of the current to the proper parts of the human frame. Ordinary batteries required the constant manipulation of an attendant, and the patient often required to undress so as to receive treatment. This marvellous belt can be worn as required, and may be put on at bedtime and removed in the morning, or can be worn as any special time when needed, and removed when the object has been attained. The writer had the opportunity of testing a belt that had been in use for some months, and can testify that there was a sensible current of electricity being generated continuously. The belt is worn round the hips, the positive pole being placed immediately over the spine, while the negative touches the abdomen in front, or vice versa as may be needed according to the complaint. A gentle current at once passes through the vital organs of the body, whereby page 493 organic action is stimulated, the vital energy is renewed, digestion is assisted, and the blood, nerves, and tissues are beneficially influenced. Black and white drawing of the Pononga Electric Belt The Pononga Electric Belt has been tested, and proved to give a steady galvanic current equal to from 200 to 1000 milliamperes. Each belt has two patented dry batteries, which can be replaced at any time for a small consideration. Proprietors and manufacturers of electric belts have not been in the habit of giving any guarantee as to the existence of an electric current. Hence many purchasers of so-called electric appliances in this Colony, alike with others in the world, have been deceived, the article proving absolutely valueless. Again, many of these belts are very wet, being saturated with acid, and cease to generate electricity in a few hours, when they become dry by the heat of the body. In the case of the Pononga Belt, the company have proved beyond the shadow of a doubt that a steady current of the life-giving force is generated by their patent. In fact the current is so marked that it can be measured by a meter, and the galvanometer needle shows a material deflection immediately on connection. The company, with a view of making their patent more useful, have arranged that the electric current, which is conveyed from the dry batteries by means of flexible wires to two metallic surfaces, which are intended to come in contact with the body, may be transmitted by means of extra conductors to any other part or parts of the human frame. To those who suffer from spinal complaints this will prove a great boon, as the spine conductor carries the precious fluid direct to the seat of disease. In cases of weak heart or lungs, asthma and bronchitis, the chest-conductor acts like a charm, and if persevered in judiciously must be of lasting utility. For rheumatism in any part of the body, extra conductors may be adjusted by the use of garters, so that electricity may be conveyed to the ailing part. In special cases, belts can be supplied with any number of batteries. Some belts supplied to the public are so cumbersome as to be positively uncomfortable to wear. The Pononga Electric Belts are constructed with a view to the comfort of the wearers, and so as to be a support for the body. They weigh, when complete, only from six to eight ounces, according to size. Although these belts have only been introduced a very short time, they have already become very popular, and have been found most useful to many who were great sufferers from many of “the ills that flesh is heir to.” Many excellent testimonials have been received by the company, testifying to the great value of these excellent remedial agents. Space does not permit of their introduction, but the originals can be seen on application to the company, and there are many who do not care for the publicity of a testimonial have kindly volunteered to act as referees. An illustration of the Pononga Electric Belt appears above. The belts generate more electricity when warmed by the body than when cold. This is proved by testing the belts when taken off at night. The Company also make a specialty of surgical belts, the manufacturing of which is under the direct supervision of experts. Chief agency, Hudson and Co., Colombo Street, Christchurch.

The Private Hospital (Miss Godfray, Lady Superintendent), Grant Road, Wellington. Telephone 796. This excellent institution was established in May, 1893, to provide suitable accommodation for patients requiring skilled nursing with the comfort and quiet of a private house. The hospital has been
The Private Hospital.

The Private Hospital.

furnished with every requisite for the proper carrying out of surgical and medical treatment. Capital provision has been made for six patients, a separate room being available for each. These rooms are most comfortably furnished, and are fitted with electric bells, so that the nursing staff may be promptly warned when required. The house contains two good bath-rooms, supplied with hot and cold water, one of which is set aside solely for the use of patients. The dining-room on the ground floor communicates with a verandah, which has a conservatory at one end. On the first floor there is a capital snuggery, where the nurse on duty rests at night. It is also used as a reception-room for patients and their friends. The building is a fine two-story structure, having two bay windows facing the harbour. It occupies a high and healthy position, and fine views are obtainable from both upper and lower windows. The whole aspect of the Private Hospital is pleasant and cheerful, and it almost made the writer wish to be sick, that the quiet and rest which appear to dwell there might enter into his soul. From the well-kept garden access may be obtained to pleasant shady walks, which communicate with the Wadestown Road. Here convalescents may stroll undisturbed, resting from time to time on the seats by the way. This institution has already proved itself a boon to country people who required skilled nursing, while many city folks who needed perfect quiet and rest, which could not be obtained elsewhere, have derived the desired benefit. The lady superintendent, Miss Godfray, was born in Jersey. Specially trained as a probationer at the London Hospital, in Whitechapel, she afterwards acted as staff nurse for nearly four years, deriving large experience. Arriving in New Zealand in January, 1892, in search of health, Miss Godfray rested from her arduous labours for a year. Miss Wildman, one of the staff, is a certificated Masseuse from the West End Hospital, Cavendish Square, London. Before studying in London she was for nine years a nurse in the Leeds Infirmary. The entire staff of nurses were trained in London. Patients are attended by their own medical men while resident in the Private Hospital. The terms are from four guineas per week, payable in advance. Great success has been attained by the lady superintendent in her work. The medical men of Wellington speak in the highest terms of the Private Hospital.

Wildman, Miss Emma, Masseuse and [gap — reason: deletion]dical Electrician, Phœnix Chambers, Wellington

page 494

Roth, Hermann, Massage Specialist, Appointed Masseur to the Government Sanatorium, Rotorua. Black and white emblem of the British Royal Coat of Arms Mr. Roth will be in Rotorua every Summer during the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April; and in Wellington during the remaining months of the year, where rooms will be specially fitted up for the reception and treatment of patients, consultation free. Mr. Roth has also lady assistants. His address in Wellington can be easily ascertained from any chemist, or in the daily papers. His book “Massage, its History and Therapeutics” can be had gratis at chemists, or at his rooms. It is not perhaps out of place to give a short sketch of the treatment to which Mr. Roth has devoted a life long study, and we quote from his book the following:—What is Massage? This question has been very frequently asked since the re-introduction into Europe, within recent years, of this now famous remedy. It is seldom satisfactorily answered, even from a technical point of view; and the beneficial results, which almost invariably flow from its judicial employment, are less capable of being explained than appreciated and understood by those who have been indebted to it for the renovation of health, and the restitution of impaired energy. The history of massage is an ancient one. The value of the treatment was recognised, and the process to a considerable extent practised in Asiatic countries probably thousands of years ago. The success, however, of the remedy as employed to-day is greatly due to modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology, which aids vastly in the rational application of this now favourite mode of treating many complaints. The term, according to Lavery, is derived from the Arabic word “mass,” meaning to press softly. In practice much depends on the manner in which the various processes are carried out, and considerable skill is necessary on the part of the professional “masseur.” Massage is not for a moment to be confounded with “medical rubbing,” which is merely friction indiscriminately applied. The former, indeed, has exactly the same relation to the latter as a piece of music, carefully and skilfully executed on the piano, has to the sound produced by thumping the keys at random. Hence the definition given by Dr. Murrell: “Massage is a scientific mode of treating certain forms of disease by systematic manipulations.” It is a common error to suppose that this form of medical treatment is suited solely for specific complaints, as it is frequently invaluable where no well developed or definite form of disease exists. In cases where the constitution has run down, and vital functions as well as mental energy are at a low ebb, the process, if sufficiently long continued, almost invariably results in restoration of both. Then lassitude, weariness, disinclination for work or thought, depression, and other effects consequent upon living in defiance of the laws of nature, give place to cheerfulness, activity, and a desire to be “up and doing.” The effect is equivalent to that of taking exercise—the old muscle is replaced by new. From the feebleness, which is too often consequent upon disease, and when physical exertion and recreation are yet impossible, the subject rises from the hands of the “masseur” a new being, having obtained exercise without exertion, and strength without effort. The age is rapidly passing away in which drugs are relied upon as curative agents when nature has been abused and suffering incurred from living too artificially. Gradually, but surely, more rational systems are being adopted, and many now regard the personnel of a physician as of as much importance as his “posology.” It is to be hoped, as it is expected, that the skilful dispenser of “massage” will shortly become one of the strongest pillars of medical practice, and that the ancient and long-neglected art of massage will become popular with a knowledge of its merits. Its practice, begun with kings and emperors, is gradually finding its way downwards through the lower strata of society. As with persons so with places. Recently introduced in, Vienna, and other seats of medical learning, it has extended to other parts of Europe, and also to America, where it is largely practised and highly appreciated. In New Zealand, however, it is not known as it should be. Its utility and value as a curative and restorative agent might be vastly extended, and many might benefit from it who are not familiar with it nor even cognisant of its existence. Rheumatism, gout, lumbago, sciatica are among the diseases most amenable to this treatment, and it removes swelling and effusions, particularly in combination with baths such as there are at Rotorua, New Zealand. Paralysis, both adult and infantile, is very susceptible to its influence, more especially if combined with electricity. The judicious application of this, along with massage, greatly enhances its value as a therapeutic agent in many other ailmets. Diseases of the spine, chorea, hysteria, tic-doloureaux, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, sprains, neuralgia, anaema, all nervous and joint diseases, and that béte noir of the overworked and overstrained mind, “insomnia,” are not only relieved, but permanently cured. Massage not only treats the effects, but removes the cause. In short, massage is invaluable in all circumstances where exhaustion of physical and nervous energy, as the result of overstrain and overwork, has taken place. Mr. Roth, it may be added, has had a very wide experience in Germany, America, England, and Scotland; he has been attending hospitals, in addition to private practice, and had opportunities of working with some of the best surgeons and physicians in the world. He holds credentials from the following:—Sir George McLeod, M.D., LL.B., Regius Professor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, and Surgeon-in-ordinary to the Queen in Scotland; Sir Anthony Colling Brownless, K.C.P., K.G.G., M.D., LL.D., F.R.C.S., England, Senior Consulting Physician to St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, and Chancellor of the University, Melbourne; Dr. A. H. Molloy, Resident Surgeon, Melbourne Hospital; and Sir Donald Matheson, K.C.B., S. D. Moore, M.D., Medico Legal Examiner for Lanarkshire; John Lindsay Steven, M.D., assistant Physician and Pathologist, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and many others, including letters from some leading Physicians and Surgeons, and innumerable letters from grateful patients, also letters from Wellington doctors and patients.

Roth, Hermann