CORRESPONDENCE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2227, 2 November 1907, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

[Correspondence on public matters is welcomed at all times, but it must be distinctly understood that this journal is in no way associated with the opinions of its correspondents.] THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE TARANAKI FARMERS. [To the Editor.] Sir, —Mr. O’Sullivan notwithstanding, Sir Robert Stout’s remarks on child slavery in Taranaki and other places are as correct as they are timely. I have personally visited a large number of farms in Taranaki, and I have been painfully struck with the very fact that Mr. O’Sullivan so dogmatically denies. Not only so, hut a friend of mine who lived in the province for several years has been similiarly impressed. Not only in Taranaki, but elsewhere, it is an undoubted fact, often testified to, that hundreds of boys and gills are growing up on dairy farms without experiencing the joys of child life that should sweeten the memory in after years. Their daily programme is as follows—up very, early in the morning, off for the cows, then turn to and milk a number of them, then a hurried breakfast, then off to school (sometimes ,a long walk), quick return from same to bring cows in again, milk their quota, get their tea, and tumble into bed, completely done up. Mr. O’Sullivan has a very peculiar method of dealing with those whoso statements he denies—he says they were not there. He doubts whether Sir Robert Stout has ever set a foot on half a dozen Taranaki farms. Another gentleman is also among the “Absentees,” for, your correspondent says:—“it is very doubtful whether the Editor of the Rost ever saw the province ho so diligently vilified.” This method of disposing of the subject may be delightfully easy to Mr. O’Sullivan, but is hardly likely to convince his readers. —I am, etc, ONE WHO WAS THERE. Gisborne November 1. CEMETERY WITHIN THE BOROUGH. [To the. Editor.] Sir, —I should like to draw the attention of the health authorities through your columns to what I consider a menace to health. Wliat' I desire information upon is whether there is-any by-law in reference to cemeteries in the borough boundary. The one I refer to is situated in Crawford road, and lately, to my personal knowledge, there have been a number of burials there. Now, sir, for the sake of the growing.population and health of the surrounding residents, such a state of affairs should be discontinued. The particular cemetery is only about four or five hundred yards from the General Post Office and in the heart of a populated locality. There are by-laws in the larger cities prohibiting the burial of persons within the borough boundaries, and if there is not a similar by-law in Gisborne one should be passed without delay.—l am, etc , 'A RESIDENT. Gisborne, November 1.

THE O’DOWD CASE. [To the Editor.] Sir, —Hoping that you will again allow me space .in your valuable paper I wish to reply to “Ex-Patient.” I beg to ask this gentleman who has told him that I am taking the word of every Toni, Dick, and Harry for grantee!. I have said distinctly that I myself have been a patient and am speaking for myself, but have heard of many cases of the nature which I have stated. Ido not- wish to imply for one moment that everybody is treated alike. There are, I believe, some exceptions, but this only goes to prove the rule. It is not a likely thing that most patients will growl over the treatment if there was not some truth in it. However, we are only dealing with facts in this matter, and they will be brought forward in due course. I abn see that a public inquiry is taking place, which 1 hope will clear things up considerably. I can only state again facts will tell only, and not the petty grievances of natural grumblers. As t'he Hospital is one of our most beneficial institutions, we like to have confidence in going there to get treated, and not' to go to a place like this with fear and trembling, as it affects most people, which fact 'you can find out for yourself easy enough.—l am, etc.,

, inquirer. Gisborne, November 1.