1915
dropped me a word a fortnight earlier, and my application went in on 31st December 1914. 3 ½ months without a word.
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John Albert English born 1st October 1915 at 4.50am at 59 Dekker Street West Krugersdorp Transvaal.
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Feeling run down I applied for a month’s holiday on full pay to go to the Modderfontein on the recommendation of Dr Stewart; leave granted from Wednesday 13th October 1915 inclusive.
William’s health has clearly deteriorated further as he enters Springkell Sanatorium in October for what he felt was a short rest. Unfortunately he died on 29 November 1915. His death notice showed that he died at Springkell Sanatorium. William was buried at Burgershoop Cemetery, Krugersdorp.
During 1908 to 1910, discussions took place between representatives of the Transvaal Government and the Transvaal Chamber of Mines. As a result of which an association named the Transvaal Miners’ Phthisis (tuberculosis) Sanatorium was formed. The objectives (amongst others) were to establish an institution for the reception and treatment of miners’ phthisis or any other disease to which miners or other persons employed in mining were particularly subject to. The government donated a piece of ground, about 20 acres in extent and the buildings therein known as Springkell Sanatorium near the Modderfontein Dynamite Factory. The Transvaal Chamber of Mines erected the sanatorium in 1911. The sanatorium was for white miners suffering from phthisis.
Springkell Sanatorium was opened in November 1911 with nominal accommodation for 70 patients. The daily average number of patients for the first few years was between 45 and 50.
Patients of Springkell were encouraged to do gardening and odd jobs like bricklaying, keeping poultry, painting, tailoring and carpentry. A billiard room and bowling green were provided for entertainment.
Source: The Heritage Portal