CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2733, 11 February 1910, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(Correspondence on public matters in welcomed at all times, but it must b<‘ distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opin ions of its correspondents. All letters must be legibly written and inscribed on one side of the paper only, otherwise they will not be published. *An asterisk at the foot of a letter indicates that some portion has been excised.]

HOSPITAL SATURDAY. (To the Editor.) Sir, — I notice that there is one ■’Ratepayer” in the district avuo is willing. and pleased to pay his rates for Hospital and Charitable Aid purposes, and, no doubt, if ho has the patience, lie ivill duly be asked to pay his quota towards the cost of a new Hospital. As this cost, -it is said, ivill amount to from £IO,OOO to £15,000, it is hard to see why lie should complain so bitterly at the trustees trying to relieve the rates by a Hospital Saturday collection. Does ’’Ratepayer” know that the Hospital ivill get 24s subsidy from the Government for every pound collected on Saturday? The subsidy on funds derived from rates is not nearly "so largo.—l am, etc., * “FRIEND LY SOCIETY. ’ ’

[To The Editor.] Sir, —I am grateful to you for the remarks at the foot of my letter, for they more than confirm my view that a Hospital Saturday is misplaced. The only argument you adduce in its favor i s that a more convenient structiire and site is required. In. this I quite agree with you, but this is not a matter for charity, but a duty which devolves upon the ratepayers and taxpayers by law, and is amply provided for in this way. A model institution which should be a credit to tho town is certainly desirable, and the trustees have ample powers to enable them to obtain the necessary funds. My contention is tiiat frequent calls for miscalled charity tend to sap*and dry up the fountain, of true benevolence and charity, and therefore should not he encouraged. While t]ie people of Gisborne “are wealthy enough and generous enough to contribute towards more than one deserving object,” uur necessary calls upon their purses arc likely to make them eloso their pockets and harden their hearts when truly deserving obiocts need lieln. —I am. etc., “RATEPAYER.”