Report of the executive committee : 1924 / Cambridgeshire Tuberculosis Colony.

Papworth Hall Tuberculosis Colony (Cambridge, England)

Date:: 1924

Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the executive committee : 1924 / Cambridgeshire Tuberculosis Colony. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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Such an idea was foreign to our thoughts a few years ago, and it was said by those who had concerned themselves with tuberculosis schemes that it was im¬ possible to get sanatorium patients to work except in rare instances. The flourishing condition of the Industries gives the answer to this criticism. Again, we were told that even if goods were made, they would not be sold for very obvious reasons. The answer to this is self-evident in the balance sheet of the Industries. Provided the environment is right, that full opportunity is given to the consumptive, there need to be no fear as to the result. Fear need only be experienced when the proper environment is not provided; when the ex-patient sees there is no possible outlet for his energy; no prospect of a fair wage for a fair day’s work; no prospect of advancement and no likelihood of a house for his wife and children. Once make a sound business offer, and there are no refusals. We are still building houses in the Village Settlement, and as fast as they are ready for occupation, they are filled. There is a long waiting list. This is the answer to the criticisms that the con¬ sumptive will not accept work and residence in a settlement such as this. He is no friend of the consumptive nor is he in favour of progress, who makes such a remark. I am often asked: How are the settlers in the village recruited? How are they selected? It as well perhaps that I should supply the answer in this report. The Settlers in the village are those who decide to throw in their lot with the scheme—after they have been in residence as patients for at least six months. No colonist is asked to come into the Settlement. It is an entirely voluntary act on the part of the man himself. If he thinks the proposition is a sound one, and if he thinks that his home life will fit in with the standard of the village, he quickly makes up his mind. There seems to be an impression abroad that there is a vigorous selection of candidates made by the Medical Director. On the contrary, once a sound public opinion is formed, that public opinion alone is responsible for the selection of settlers. This is the natural course of events and when wonder is expressed at the