ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume I, Issue 66, 6 March 1877, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

[We are at all times ready to give expression to every shade of opinion, but in no case do we hold ourselves responsible for the sentiments of our correspondents.]

VOX POPULI VOX DEI,

to the editor of the akaroa mail. Sir, —Seeing a report in your paper that the Mayor and Mr. Justin Aylmer of Akaroa, having conferred together, sent up to the Government the names of several of their friends to act as committeemen for our local hospital, now, as a citizen and. expected supporter of the public hospital, I must protest against any hole and corner work, and, especially so in nominating friends. Such an election is unprecedented in the annals of New Zealand hospitals, and deserving severe censure. No hospital in the world ever had a committee who elected themselves and friends without appealing to the public. Surely a public hospital ought to have public representation when dealing with public monies, unless the R.M. and His Worship the Mayor intend to do all the subscribing. What views the Government may have taken in appointing two such gentlemen to elect 'a private committee I cannot say. From considerable experience in hospital matters, I have always found petty Government officials the worst class to be on committees for the public good and general welfare. What peculiar aptitude these two above-mentioned gentlemen may possess for hospital management, is only patent to themselves. The illustration of R.M. and Mayors sitting on hospital committees has been illustrated on all the West Coast goldfields, and especially Boss and Hokitika, and several gentlemen, now living in Akaroa, can well remember the old R.M.S of those towns. If even the members privately selected by my two cousinly companions were suitable, which I deny, it would be a sheer impossibility for them to attend any of the hospital meetings when living five, ten, or twenty miles away, and the management would be a farce, and only in the hands of two or three of the " beloved ones." The Government requesting Mr. Aylmer to confer with the mayor was clearly to induce " His Worship "to call a public meeting. And I now say, that His Worship the Mayor, and our astute R.M., have grossly insulted the people of Bank's Peninsula in declaring that only persons of their school and opinions are eligible, or duly qualified to act on a hospital committee. There are several gentlemen residing in the district, who have been connected with hospitals for years, and yet our very respected R.M. and His Worship the Mayor will not allow the public voice to be heard in the election of the most suitable candidates. I trust, however, if funds are required from the public that its voice will be plainly and effectually heard in these words—get your money where you got the committee. I feel confident that the matter is already laid before the Government, and a speedy enquiry made into this sub rosa affair. I am, &c, PRO BONO PUBLICO. Akaroa, March 6, 1877.