King Country Chronicle Saturday, March 2, 1912. THE HOSPITAL PROJECT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 444, 2 March 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle Saturday, March 2, 1912. THE HOSPITAL PROJECT.

A matter which from time to time has aroused considerable interest throughout the district was referred to at the Borough Council meeting this week when it was stated that a sum of money towards a hospital fund was lying in the bank. Periodically, as cases bearing on the subject come before, the public notice an agitation in the direction of having a hospital established is undertaken by those whose humanitarian instincts have been aroused in consequence of needless suffering which has to be undergone by unfortunate victims o! accident in the district. Cases o! ibis description are unfortunately not, infrequent, and it is remarkable that something tangible has nei, ere this, been accomplished in the matter. The fact that an admirable and well equipped hospital is in ex istonce at Hamilton is, doubtless, responsible for the lack of sustained effort which has hitherto marked the agitation ior a local institution. Still the matter is of such importance 1 that a properly organised movement, should meet wit;» widespread support. An up-io-oate and well-staffed institution such as the Hamilton Hospital is doubt Ic-s v\ much more material In ne'it than the usual country hospital, ami is in every way worthy of support. However, an von e intimaJ- y ooani mt oil with on *

district, and possessing a broad conception of its ultimate deßtiny, cannot fail to realise the necessity for prompt steps to establish an independent hospital district for the King Country. The financial aspect of the question is naturally the first thing to be considered, and in that respect all information on the subject should be acquired and furnished to the public. In any civilised community certain public requirements are'indispensible to the general welfare, and foremost among these must come adequate provision or the sick and maimed. In thia matter the normal attitude undoubted is that the question of cost ranks aB a secondary consideration to human suffering. However restricted the actual limit may be set by the financial side of the case, every effort should be made to work up to such limit, with the further view of expanding the same as opportunity allowed. It is to he hoped the matter will be taken in hand by our public men and by the inhabitants of those districts which are affected by the matter. The necessity is plainly apparent, and is becoming more urgent as our population increases. In order to reach the objective united action is necessary, and by efficiently organising the movement the end will be attained within a reasonable time. The dictates of humanity should forcibly urge oar people to beßtir themselves and assist the movement upon every available opportunity and in every possible manner.