HELP THE HOSPITAL.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1675, 15 February 1913, Page 4

HELP THE HOSPITAL.

The publio /will be afforded an opportunity to-day and to-morrow of contributing towards a. fund which serves a purpose that should appeal to the sympathies of all. Any reasonable appeal for assistance for tho care of the sick and_ afflicted must always win sympathetic support, and especially is this the case in respect of the call for contributions which goes forth on Hospital Saturday and Sunday. Citizens who may be inclined to view with doubt the indiscriminate demands for charitable assistance so often mado under the impulse of a momentary wavo of emotion can havo no occasion to question the merits of tho annual appeal put forward with ihe object of augmenting the funds of tho local Hospital; and, what is equally important, they can feel some confidence that such donations as they inay be inclined to make will bo put to good use. One cannot fail to admire tho enthusiasm and kindly feeling which prompt those who annually come forward and offer their services as collectors for this fund. It is no light task to stand at a'street corner the day through and make appeal to citizens to contribute, even to so deserving an object, and it is well that this should be recognised, and that work of this nature, which, after all, is in the interests of the whole community, should be encouraged by a generous response. Last year the collectors were very successful in their efforts, and tho city did itself credit; this year an equal measuvo of success is hoped for. The fact should not bo lost sight of that tho funds so collected aro subsidised

by tho Government to tho oxfcont of twenty-four shillings in tho pound. This is a very material consideration,' and should stimulate thoso who realise how much it means to tha commuuity to placo the Hospital authorities in a position to add still further to the already high standing of tho equipment and accommodation of tho institution. If sufficient funds are available as tho result of tho' collections to ho made, certain important and needed extensions of the Hospital will bo put in hand, and much good may" bo expected therefrom. The occasion is one which citizens should bo glad to take advantage of; thero aro few who cannot spare something for so worthy a purpose.