The Nenana news., 1923-05-05
COMMITTEE FINDS PIONEERS
 AT SITKA ARE COMFORTABLE

IId4Se FOI llie present HdudSe- ment of the Pioneers Home at Sitka and the new system inaugurated there since the last Legislative in- spection is contained in the formal report of the Joint Legislative Com mittee recently inspecting the in- stitution. The report was made by Senator Snodgrass, chajIman of the committee from the upper House. -
 Improvements and additions to the property are recommended, amount ing to an estimated cost of approxi- mately s16,OO0. These include paint ing of buildings, repairs to founda- tions, new flooring. rehabilitation of walls further partitioning at what is known as the barracks building Equipment for the hospital is recom- mended. alteration in the heating system of that building and other supplies and furniture at cost of s2,5Qo are favored. Purchase of a new washing machine for the laund- " is said to be necessary. Repairs to the office and quarters of the super intendent of the Home, rehabilita- ton of the old quarters of the nurs- ing staff as a place for caring for insane patients are also recommend ed.
 The desirability of adding to the land area of the instutation was touched on by the Committees re- port. which said:
 "The grounds are kept in good condition about the buildings and are pleasing 10 the eye The garden is inadequate for the needs of the Home. Your Committee recommends that efforts be made to secure Q tract of land from the Governor Brady homestead for gardening and other purposes. either by purchase or lease. that beneficial voluntary employment may be furnished the old pioneers of the Home. Prize gardening would tend to interest many of the men and make them more contented, and at the same time furnish the Home with fresh vegetables. 4 greenhouse would prove a very profitable addition to the instution. Your Committee re- comments that s2,00o be appropri- ated for that purpose"
 I. is also recommened that addi- tional land be provided for burial purposes, the present cemetery be ing full. II is estimated that s1,500 will be required for this. A small dental fund is also suggested.
 Relative to the management and general conditions. the report said {:
 ''The work of the superintendent seems very satisfactory and all de partments are conducted in busi- ness-like manner. ..........
 "The attending physician has giy- en satisfaction in every respect and gets along with all the old pioneers without friction. Those under his care have great faith in him and his ability to restore them to health. The nurses employed at the Home are giving full measure of time and their strength in their care for the feeble and suffering under their care. The wages of nurses were cut SIg1Ily m oFder 10 get LHloHsii without deficit. The wages should be raised at once, to the scale before the cut, at least. We recommend a substantial increase" The kitchen help was found to be Overworked and employment of an additinal cook is asked.
 In conclusion the report said: "A liberal fund should be provided , for incidental and emergencies tha' ; always confront the management . The present method of management with an active member of the BoarC