THE HOSPITAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2228, 4 November 1907, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL.

[To Tnu Editoii.] Sir—Your correspondent “Ex-Pat-ient” appears to me very one-sided in bis opinions. He protests against the altitude taken up by “Enquirer, vet bo says, “I believe in speaking ol people as'l find them.” If so surely “Enquirer” is as much entitled to his opinion as lie is. He also says I have been treated as well as ill my own home.” That may bo true, perhaps he was treated better, for all wo know. “Ex-Patient” then says “that the insinuations made against the matron are entirely unwarrantable. I can inform “Ex-Patient” on this point his statements are not reliable. “Ex-Patient” may speak for himself, but not for others of whom he has no 'knowledge. The institution is liberally subscribed to by the public, and they have a perfect .right to know and demand an inquiry into any cause of complaint. The last inquiry was only a sham, and if the Trusters bolster up matters, the sooner they resign the better. I consider the recent case of Mr. O’Dowd’s boy appeals to every heart in Gisborne, and no one 'knows who may be next, if matters are not altered. “Enquirer’s” letter is true in every line. —I am., RATEPAYER. Gisborne, November 2.

CHILD LABOR ON TARANAKI DAIRY FARMS.

[To the Editor.]

Sir,—Re Mr. D. O’Sullivan’s letter in to-days issue of the Times. It has been my fortune to work for dairy farmers in various parts of laraliaki. and I regret to say that my experience has been very different from that of Mr. O’Sullivan. One dairyman that I was working for ' thrashed his son, a boy of twelve, for falling asleep one morning while milking. I left on account of this, but my next venture was little better, forty-nine cows being milked by boss, self, and three children —one a girl of ten. . They wore not robust children, and in the mornings looked the picture of misery. The children used to complain of chilblains and cold, but unless really ill they had to come to the milking. The father used to sit with them when doing their homo lessons, because if left alone they always went to sleep. Every dairy employee knows of similiar cases.—l am etc., J. H. Gisborne November 1.