The Dunstan Times. 'Beneath the rule of men ENTIRELY JUST, the PEN is MIGHTIER than the SWORD!" SATURDAY, 3rd FEBRUARY, 1866.

Dunstan Times, Issue 197, 3 February 1866, Page 2

The Dunstan Times. 'Beneath the rule of men ENTIRELY JUST, the PEN is MIGHTIER than the SWORD!" SATURDAY, 3rd FEBRUARY, 1866.

It will bo seen by our report of the meeting oT the Dun?tan Hospital 0 rmnittee thrt some very areai in [lie trstem of

some alterations have already been made. The Visiting Committee whose term of office hitherto onl; extended over a period of on< month, will now hold their ap pointment for three months, whib the Finar o i Commit'e), who used to serve for a like period, will con tinue their duties for six months Both of these alterations are a great improvement upon the old system,, as the members of neithei of these Committees could, in the short space of four weeks, make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the nature of the duties their office involved; or, if they did so, their acquired knowledge could not have been of much benefit, as 'heir term of office would have expired bef-re they could judge of its uses by the test of practise. The new arrangement will remedy this defect. The members of these committees, after devoting themselves earnestly to become thoroughly acquainted with the details and requirements of the institution, will be enabled to see their actual working and adaptability to the occasion. The other proposed changes are of a more sweeping character, and will require grave consideration Such, however, appears to be the opinion of their proposers, as each | has given notice of an intention to introduce his measure at a future meeting. The first innovation is by Mr. Barlow, who advocates the appointment of a sub-committee to revise and alter the code of rules. This may doubtless be done to advantage, as they not only require to be simplified, but also to be reduced in number. Tn looking over the book of rules and rculations w n nnd niinv clauses positively inapplicable, whileothers are of a most clumsy character At the time these rules were made they, perhaps, suited very well, and taking into consideration that it was a first attempt on the part of their framers, there is not much cause for complaint. Hospital management has, however, become familiar to many. A number of the present committee have held office from time to time extending over a period of two years, and doubtless numerous important improvements have suggested themselves to their minds during that time. The gentleman who will bring forward this motion has had considerable experience as a member of committee, he having also held, upon a number of occasions, office m subordinate committees, whose business it has been to enter fully into the details of the management of the institution; consequently we deem him in every way competeut to take a leading part in the sub-committee foi whose appointment he has given notice to move.

The fourth change is suggested by Mr. Copo, the Secretary, who has given notice that he will move for the appointment of local committees in the outlying districts. This is an improvement which we have long wished to see carried out, as with our greatly reduced population the collection of funds must be attended with much difficulty and expense. We do not, however, think that the services of a collector can bo altogether dispensed with, but local committees could ma(erially assist in the collection of funds, and would be the means of keeping the institution constantly before the public. They would be able to recommend patients from their respective districts, and see to their conveyance and admission to the Hospital. In numerous instances poor creatures, prostrated by suf fering, have been left at stores and other places, not knowing how to obtain medical assistance, nor could any advise them, and much valuable timehasbeenlostbefore the unfortunates were admitted into the Hospital. With local committees this difficulty would lie obviated; there would be some one to direct and give information; it would bo Inr-wii from whom ord:T:- of ad mi. ..' r> coul '■'■■■■ ■

so situate that they had no use for heir admission tickets, could hand them over to the local committees to be disposed of as circumstances night require. Much trouble would be saved to the general Committee, as there would be the guarantee that a patient recomnended by a local committee was i deserving object of charity. Al tour or five different centres of thr local committees night with advantage be formed, and if each were visited, say quarterly by an authorised member of the general Committee there is no doubt but that the system would work well, and be productive of much benefit to the institution, especially in a monetary point of view.

The Secretary for the Hospital begs to asknowledge from " A friend " the gift of fourteen vols of sermons for the use of the

patients. Mr John Bathgate has retired from his candidature for Port Chalmers, although the electors had assured him of his unopposed return. His retirement is iu Consequence of information received by the last mail that the Court of Directors, after maturely considering the question of h:'s entering the Assembly, have come to the conclusion that it was not advisable he should do so. We understand that the Government have decided to open telegraphic communication between Dunedin and Clyde forthwith, and that on officer of the Generai ; Government will shortly visit this iown for the purpose of completing the nccesI sary arrangements.

Mr. M'Connell, who was charged with the murder of Mrs. Farrar, in Spey-street, Invercargill, in November last, has been tried before Mr. Justice Richmond, and acquitted. The evidence tended to prove tiiat no violence had been used, but that death hud resulted from apoplexy.

Mr Wilson Gray will hold a Court at Clyde on the 12th March, for the hearing of cases under the Resident Magistrate's Extended Jurisdiction. Summonses must he taken out 14 days previous to the sitting of the Court.

The Clyde punt is again in full working order. The owners have spared neither expense nor labor to make everything secure, and the punt itself has had a thorough overhaul. On Wednesday and Thursday evening the Leo Trope gave entertainments at the Clyde School House. The attendance was somewhat limited. The company excitrl themselves to please their audience, and apparently with fair success. The successful tenderers for the grand

stand at the forthcoming races (Messrs. Hawthorne and Cibbs) have already commenced erecting the building. We have seen the plans, and can safely say that when carried out visitors will have no reason to complain of the acctmmodation provided for them.

It will be scon by our advertising columns that the member for the Goldfields. Mr George Brodie, in conjunction with Mr Walker, the late Provincial Secretary has commenced business in Dunedin as mining agent. We wish the new linn every success.