PREMIER IN THE NORTH.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 895, 19 May 1903, Page 4

PREMIER IN THE NORTH.

VARIODS OPINIONS.

By Telegraph—Press Association— Waiiii, last night.

Tho Premier presided at the opening of the hospital, and addressed a gathering of iiOOO people, confining his remarks entirely to hospital matters. Ho referred to tho sourco of the revenue of hospitals, and said that during 1901 there were 1787 patients in tho colony’s hospitals, costing £67 per patient, tho total cost boiug £114,128. He regretted to learn from reports that tho inspection and rnanagomont of hospitals were not as they should bo. Though the Government contributed moro than half the hospital revenuo, it had not tho control, and was absolutely powerless. Ho considered there should be some supreme tribunal to inquire into and supply the necessary remedies. Tho Premier was presented with a solid silver key, with gold ornamentations, as a memento. Paeroa, last night. Tho Premier was banquetted by the Ohinemuri Council on Saturday evening. Mr Graham, of Ivarangahake, who proposed the toast of “Tho Ministry,” referred to the Employers’ Liability Act as requiring amendment. Contractors and subcontractors should be placed on the same footing as workmen, This great need was constantly brought forcibly before tho Union. The Premier said there was every probability of the law being amended in the direction desired. The contractors in mines were in a true sense of tho term out piece-workers, and piece-workers should be placed iu the same position as workmen.