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Hokitika Guardian, 11 April 1929, Page 4

Wjiicn disserting t.li<’ !iimmo of tiio Hospital Hoard at tin? Comity mooting on Tuesday. Mr Murdocli was const rainod to refer to the comparatively small amount received from “voluntary eontriluitions.” Actually the amount was £lO3 only, and the hulk of the sum came from socials and entertainments. The gifts from a philantrnphie public were practically nil. It was suggested very properly that this might, in fact should, be remedied. In the early days the spirit of giving with regard to the hospital was a very generous one. At the outset the institution was run practically on private philantrophv. When became necessary to move the hospital to its present site the bulk of the cost was subscribed locally in a Few boars. Since those balycon times, there were also many generous gestures, and worthy citizens either donated or willed considerable sums to the institution. Within recent times Air .Jeffries start'd an effort on behalf of the hospital which resulted in a large sum being found. That sp ntaneous effort should not be an isolated one rather should it Ik; an annual one. Those who contribute through the rates may have the satisfied feeling that their dutt ends there, is the strictly legal aspect hears out. Cut all folk do not pay rates, and it would be interesting if all such could be reai;lied. There d..es not seem any plan for doing so, but all have an equitable right to make some contribution, while those who may happen to feel their contribution through the rates is iiot an adequate payment in all the eir•uinstances, have the opportunity open to them to augment their contribution. by a direct subscription to the hospital. Any local effort by an organised committee would Ik* as successful to-day as in days past. It is a .iotaole fact that no local appeal goes unanswered, and none could he more genuine than on behalf of stieli an i.nititution as tiie local hospital. The public has the satisfaction of knowing that it is well and economically conducted. The records display that, apart from the knowledge to be gleaned by a visit to the institution. Time ami again our readers see notices of thanks from pleased patients at their treatment while inmates. The record of tlie hospital lias been good always, and to issist to maintain that high level, .it should be a pleasure for those who can to help. Mr Murdoch threw out the hint that the Hoard might organise on effort to increase the voluntary •ontributi ms. and such a step would be well in keeping with the record of the town and district for the free giving in the past.