The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 27, 1903. 'A' PUBLIC NEED.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1058, 27 November 1903, Page 2

The Gisborne Times PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. GISBORNE, NOVEMBER 27, 1903. 'A' PUBLIC NEED.

Better accommodation has recently been provided in Gisborne for old men in need of a home.. The duty cast upon the public in this matter has been carried out in a commendable way,; but the fact is becoming ciear that something more must be done than simply to provide - for the ir.en. A home for women is also becoming badly needed. A case thathas recently come under our notice pitifully bears out this contention. An elderly woman, living in solitude, has been found in a condition ol actual want, and in a state that the kindness of friends is rathor_resented than appreciated. It is not'a case of poverty, for the woman lias sufficient means at command to keep her in comfort for a considerable period. But she has allowed herself to lapse into such a state that for the sake of humanity it has been found necessary for some one to intervene. The problem is what to do under such circumstances. The poor woman cannot be dealt with as an offender against the law ; it is necessary that she should not be left in solitude, and naturally no private household can be found to give her accommodation and care. In the case of a man the Old Men’s Home would be an excellent resort ; but no public provision whatever is made for a case of the kind in which a person happens to be a woman. The authorities cannot permit a person to starve to death ; but the question arises as to what is to be done. The case of the woman referred to is not the only one that has occurred showing the need for some provision to be made for the housing of elderly women. A short time ago it was found that no provision could he obtained throughout the colony for a young woman afflicted with consumption, although the Charitable Aid Board were prepared to see that payment was duly lr.adf- for services. That c<ise, and the one under notice, are not alike, but each in its way serves to show the need of provision for women as well as for men in. connection with our public institutions. This has not been lost sight; of in the matter of Hospitals, but has invariably been neglected in regard'to'other institutions. This charge to a large extent' applies to the larger centres as well as to such towns as Gisborne. The subject should certainly have the attention of the authorities at an early date. . It is possible that something can be devised that will, at no great cost, he found suitable for the purpose.

THE LIBRARY. A meeting of subscribers to the public library is to be held this evening to consider a proposal for obtaining more suitable accommodation. The Committee has wisely decided to discontinue any further attempts to obtain a grant from Mr Carnegie, owing to the conditions imposed, and now the question arises as to making better arrangements for the future in regard to buildings. The report, which appears elsewhere, offers alternative proposals, to lease the present buildiugs to enable other premises to bo obtained, or to borrow money for the erection of new buildings. There can hardly be any difference of opinion as to the most satisfactory course to pursue. Mr Townley has made the committee an exceptionally liberal offer, enabling excellent accommodation to be obtained in a new brick building in the very centre of the town. The building will in every possible way suit the requirements of the library for many years, and the offer is one that should be acoopted without the least hesitation. The library has been admirably managed in the past, and no mistake will bo made in adopting the first of the proposals to be submitted by the trustees tonight.