THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1880.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1895, 20 March 1880, Page 2

THE GLOBE. SATURDAY, MARCH 20, 1880.

Judging from tho application made by tlio Lincolnshire delegates to tbo Auckland Waste Lauds Board relative to the To Aroha Block, the avant couriers of the English farmers have determined on the North Island as their future homo. Tho cause of this is not far to seek. Here in the South almost every acre of available land—that is, land such as would be required by tho Lincolnshire farmers—has been taken up. To acquire any extent of really first class land, in tho Provincial District of Canterbury at all events, would require a largo expenditure of capital. On tho other hand, tho To Aroha block can be acquired not only at a very much less sum per acre, but also on tho deferred payment system. Thus there is a double advantage gained, that of time to recoup some of the purchase money out of the produce of the land, being exceedingly

valuable. It affords the new comers time to turn round, and to get fairly started in life. All these things being considered, it is scarcely to be wondered at that the choice of the delegates has fallen on the North Island. Whilst regretting that they have been unable, from the reasons spoken of, to acquire the requisite land in this island, we cannot but express satisfaction of the probability of the colony shortly receiving so welcome an addition to its residents. Not only will it receive a body of thoroughly practical agriculturists, thus adding to its producing power, but nearly all, if not all, will be capitalists. Each one of the proposed settlers will bring with him a certain amount of money wherewith to begin life in this new country. In the case of most special settlements —as pointed out by Mr Rolleston recently—they have become dependent almost from their start on a paternal government. Hence those now existing are not fulfilling to a very great extent the glowing promises held out at their foundation. This has to a great extent been brought about by the settlers themselves having no other capital than their labour to depend upon. But with the settlement which wo hope to see formed by the Lincolnshire farmers this will not obtain. As wo have said, nearly all of them have more or loss capital, being holders of large farms in England, and men of substance, and should they, as we hope they will, take up the block of land referred to, they will do good, both for themselves and the colony at large. They are colonists of the most desirable type and therefore every assistance should be offered to enable them to settle amongst us. In accordance with the request of the Government the City Council last night considered the proposed Hospital and Charitable Aid Bill. The Council start by laying down a general principle in dealing with this matter, in which they invite the co-operation of other bodies interested. That principle is that the cost of maintenance of hospitals and charitable aid shall be paid out of tho consolidated sund. Of the equity of this proposal there can bo little doubt. Under such a provision every one would contribute towards the cost of what is undoubtedly a duty cast upon the State. The responsibility of the State to provide for its afflicted or indigent members is unquestionable and therefore it is only right that the burden should be borne equally by all. This is not the case as the law stands now, because it presses unequally on the centres of population as against country districts. But with a charge upon the general revenue, to which all contribute, it becomes a fair and equitable arrangement. What weight the recommendation of the Council will have with the House and the Government remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that tho adoption of such a principle as that proposed is the right course to pursue. Having disposed of this, the Council proceeded to consider the Bill itself, in which very slight amendments were suggested. During the discussion, however, one or two points were raised which may be of importance when the proposed scheme of the Government is in operation. As provided by the Bill, the Board of Control of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions is to be selected jointly by the Government and the local bodies, the latter contributing in proportion to the amount contributed during the year. This Board has power to make regulations, and last night his Worship the Mayor called attention to the desirableness of some provision being made whereby private benevolence might find scope for exercise. What the Mayor evidently had in his mind was the adoption of a similar course to that pursued by many Hospitals at home, where the payment of a certain sum annually gives the donor the right of nomination of one patient or inmate. Such a provision would bo a very valuable one, because it would induce many of the charitably disposed to take advantage of it, and thus relieve tho burden of the general community ; besides, it would induce a more personal interest in the welfare of the institution on the part of the public generally. The other suggestion is that there should be a residential clause inserted in the Bill giving the Board optional power to require not less than three months’ residence (except in cases of accident) in cases of patients for tho Hospital or recipients of charitable aid. The clause as proposed is supported on the ground that Canterbury is looked upon in the light of a happy hunting ground, both by those who are unfortunately afflicted and those who are destitute. It is affirmed that persons of the class referred to come from all parts of the colony to this district, where they are sure of kindness and consideration, the greater portion of the cost of which has to be defrayed by the ratepayers of Christchurch. If the suggestion now made will have tho effect of cheeking this undesirable practice, a very good end will have been served. Altogether, though but few alterations were proposed in the Bill, some very valuable suggestions were elicited, which may perhaps bear fruit in tho future.