Caterham Sanitarium Praised in The Christian Commonwealth
UNDER the title, “Hydrotherapy and Good Health: How They Mingle at Caterham,” The Christian Commonwealth of London prints an article from a correspondent, dealing with the work of our sanitarium at Caterham, Surrey, England. The correspondent was evidently well pleased with what he found at the institution. We quote the following paragraphs from his article:— Rather more than a year ago I joined a party which inaugurated the re-establishment of the Surrey Hills Hydropathic Institution at Caterham on “good health” lines. What these are may be found set forth monthly in a well-edited and illustrated little magazine with the title of Good Health, obtainable through any bookseller. The spirit underlying this mission is not one of money making. Nobody’s bank account is swelled because all the beds are occupied. The terms are moderate to start with; continual additions are made for the comfort and rest of visitors; but any surplus is devoted to receiving special cases at lower rates. It is clear, too, that the institution is conducted in a religious spirit, but there is no sort of compulsion. On a small blackboard, written in chalk, were the words, “Vespers at 7:30 in the drawing-room.” I did not enter, but sat in the garden, and as I read, strains of hymns were wafted to my ear. On Sabbath morn at eleven a simple service was held under the trees, in which all the house workers joined, and many visitors. It was interesting to hear a lady who sat at my table remark: “This is a curious place; there is such freedom; one does almost as he likes, and there are no servants. The helpers are considered equals, and all addressed as ‘Mr.’ or ‘Miss.’” So I found it. We were courteously waited on by ladies of education and good breeding, who were part of the intelligence of the home itself. This attitude finds its most delightful expression in the young physician, who is the head of the Caterham and Leicester homes. A good-looking young fellow, hardly thirty, he has a soft, persuasive voice and winning smile, which are most refreshing. But behind these are strong convictions and considerable ability. The Surrey Hills Hydro is situate five minutes from Caterham railway station—the terminus of a branch line from Purley—and only nineteen miles from London. . . . The institution has been enlarged, and includes a group of houses with a spacious lawn in rear and the mountainside rising from its fence.