THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1869.

Grey River Argus, Volume VIII, Issue 541, 6 July 1869, Page 2

THE Grey River Argus. TUESDAY, JULY 6, 1869.

The principle upon which the Westland Hospitals are at present managed has worked well, at least in the case of the Grey River Hospital. This has been solely owing to the exertions of the Committee of Management, and the general interest taken in the institution by the public. But it is a fact that up to very lately the miners, who are the principal recipients of the benefits of the Hospital, did not subscribe towards its funds in a proportionate ratio. During the past year, owing to the personal exertions of Mr Dutton, then Warden on the Nelson side, a larger sum has been subscribed by the miners than formerly, but this is an exceptional case. A good many of the miners do their part as they ought, but they are the exceptions to the rule, the body of the people do not subscribe, and, consequently, a heavy tax is imposed upon those who are charitably disposed. This state of things has suggested the advisability of levying a tax on the mining population for the construction and maintenance of hospitals and lunatic asylums within the County. The matter was mooted during the last session of the County Council, and Mr Harrison promised to bring it before the General Assembly, in order to obtain for the Council the necessary power to' levy the tax, which may take the shape of a small addition to the price of a miners' right, or business license, Avhile a direct rate could be levied in the towns. The Council has no rating powers, and as it was necessary to obtain them, Mr Harrison some time ago placed a notice on the paper of the House asking for a Committee of the whole to consider the propriety of giving him leave to bring in a Bill for that purpose. The Ministerial crisis caused its postponement from time to time", and by the last advices it was again adjourned until Thursday next. We know that the late Government were favorable to the principle to be embodied in the proposed Bill, but it is difficult to say in what light it will be regarded by the Fox Administra tion, who look with the gravest suspicion upon any proposition which emanates from Westland. They are more likely to oppose than support it, as we gather from a remark made by Mr Fox on the last /occasion when the question of postponement was before the House. He said " the Government would reserve the light of opposing the Bill on its second reading" — rather a plain statement to make before leave was given to introduce the Bill, Whether the present Ministry will be in office when the second reading comes on, or whether leave will be given to introduce it, is hard to predict, but we are inclined to the belief that it will be well received in the House, as it embodies a spirit of fairness — that of throwing upon the class which obtains the larger benefit from the Hospitals a proportionate share of their cost. We trust the hon. member for the Westland Boroughs will be su - cessful in carrying the Bill through, as it will place the Hospitals in a better position than they at present occupy. It is not intended h the Government of

Westland should be relieved of its present liability for the maintenance of these institutions, or that the entire cost of them should be levied as a tax upon the people. It will only make certain what is now continually a matter of uncertainty aijd anxiety to the members of the Managing Committees that the " voluntary" subscriptions will amount to a certain sunn so as to. ensure obtaining a proportionate subsidy fr.oin the Government. The rate, levied generally over the whole population, would amount to a very insignificent sum, and would never be missed, but it would place the Hospital Committees in the position which they ought to occupy, that of knowing what their income will be, and that they will be able to meet their engagements without incurring any personal responsibility. We have drawn public attention tt) this matter, in order that it maj r be considered, and an opinion expressed upon it at the public meeting which is to be held on Monday next, for the nomination of a Committee of Management for the Grey River Hospital for the ensuing year. Any resolution carried on an occasion such as that would have a direct influence either for or against the progress of the Bill to which we have referred, and the inhabitants should not miss the opportunity of expressing their opinion upon it.