King Country Chronicle. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1912. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 487, 31 July 1912, Page 4

King Country Chronicle. WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 1912. THE HOSPITAL DISTRICT.

The knowledge that King Country residents have in view the setting up of a separate Hospital District as soon as conditions are favourable thereto, has evidently impressed some members of the Waikato Hospital Board with the idea that n L ople at this end of the district are dissatisfied with the Board's administration. It is to be regretted that such an erroneous idea should become prevalent. The fact that conditions have arisen, which, in the opinion of many King Country residents, renders it advisable that a separate Hospital District for the King Country should be established, does not necessarily imply any sin of omission or commission on the part of the board which administers the affairs of the present district. The function of a Hospital Board are clearly defined and definite limitations are fixed to govern the board's activities. Of special importance are the financial limitations and responsibilities, as upon the ability to finance and upon the equitable levying of taxation for the purpose of providing to the utmost the necessary facilities to all portions of tho district rests the whole fabric of hospital administration. It is beyond question that the functions of the present board have been exercised in a manner altogether admirable, and in the broad interests of the whole district. It is equally certain that the activities of the board will continue to be exercised in like manner. Notwithstanding this, however if; cannot be gainsaid that the conditions existing throughout the King Country are such that special consideration is necessary in order to meet the reasonable requirements of the district. Moreover, the requirements are rapidly increasing, and bid fair to multiply at a much faster raie than they can be filled. What is true of the hospital requirements is equally true of other essential matters. The inevitable drawbacks incidental to rapid settlement in new districts can hardly be atttributed to any single influence. Much can be done towards the amelioration of hardship by the exercise of foresight, and of prompt action when necessity arises, but the birth of any district entails travail. The King Country, or any other new district, is perfectly justified in seeking to better local conditions, and in such efforts merits the sympathetic

co-operation of older districts. A Hospital Board is composed of a number of gentlemen who are the humble instruments, under Providence, of assisting a great causein the interests of humanity. The cause, presumably, is the thing that matters, and in promoting the interests of humanity calm and judicial consideration ia necessary apart from personal feeling. That the King Country is desirous of having a separate district set up should not incite Waikato members of the board to resentment, and lead them to hasten the separation irrespective of all consideration affecting the interests of the district wishing to separate. It is gratifying to observe that this attitude was adopted by the board at the recent discussion on the matter, and such action is in itself a tribute to the members of the board. The European settlers of the King Country have contributed well to tho Hospital Board—even better than is apparent from a cursory study of the figures. It is interesting to note that the

capital value in Waitomo County on

which the hospital rate is struck is £842,319, whereas the capital value

on which the county rate is struck is £813,545. The latter amount is presumably correct.ns it is certified to by the Government auditors. The excess represents about .£25 to the hospital rate. Again, the amount on which the hospital rate is struck includes native land, which have not been ratable until the present year. Even now a great proportion of the native rates

will not be collectable for some time, as they are charged against the lands and will not be paid until the lands are dealt with. This amount represents about £IOO. The position is, therefore, that out of the amount of £402 which represents the hospital rate only £277 ia collected by the county, yet the full amount '."-as to be paid by the county to the board. The excess of £125 has to be paid out of the European rates. For these conditions the board is in no way responsible; still,a revision of the conditions is desirable. Other King Country counties are similarly placed. The situation merits the attention of all the King Country local bodies, and in hastening the formation of a Backblocks Local Bodies' Association, the Waitomo County is taking the necessary steDS to have the matter properly

Curie's Picture have extended their circuit to Mangapehi and to-morrow evening a specially selected programme will be screened at the local hall. It is the intention of the v management to visit Mangapehi ,;'\, regularly providing sufficient support is accorded.

A very attractive array of golr goods is now stocked by Mr A. E. Robinson at his show rooms, Rora street. The prices at which the goods are sold are at Auckland prices and the quality of the goods are of the highest standard. With the range of goods to select from there is no need to pass Robinson's when desiring sporting requirements. Tho last isauo of the Government Gazette contains a proclamation to the effect that an area of ten acres one rood and two perches has been taken by the Te Kuiti Borough Council for sanitary purposes.

Hayward's enterprises have arranged to bring to Te Kuiti one of the most powerful engines on tour in connection with their weekly pictures shown in the Town Hall every Monday and Friday.

Lsst month the Taranaki County Council invited applications for the position of bridge foreman, and at its last meeting an appointment was made. Since then an applicant residing at To Kuiti has written in the following vein to the clerk—"My experience in roada is as follows: Practically laying off roads Forming, metaling, crushing, faciening cordaroy using Syracuse plough any kind of scoop and the Chnmion Grader Building small wooden Bridges and Culvers never drawn plans of large bridges and used Reienforcd Concrete in Bridges My age is 44 years and have 30 years Experience in King Country Roads and know how to use puinice or any other material the Reason I aply for this possion is that I know I have a far wider knowledge of Road works than any Road Engineer I have met in this King Country and if you Employ me You Employ the right Man put this Before Your Council and Oblige." Needless to say the man at present in the position will not bo called upon to resign.

The last issue of tho Government Gazette contains a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies intimating that His Majesty the King had approved of the title of Honourable being retained by Sir James Carroll, K.C.M.G., Messrs J. A. Millar, R. McKenzie, D. Buddo and A. T. Ngaia, whu had each served for more than three years as a members of the Executive Council of tho Dominion.

The life blood of every picture show is the film, and in his connection it is interesting to note that there has been an amalgamation formed in Australasia with a capital of £550,000. This organisation is to control two-thirds of the total importations of films into Australasia an.l Mr Hayward of Hayward's Pictures, is tho New Zealand representative in the amalgamation, which hat* the exclusive rights over twelve of tho leading makers, including Pathe Freres.

Tho usual fortnightly meeting of tho Loyal Te Kuiti Lodge, 1.0.0. F., M.U., was held last evening, N.G., Bro. Woodhouse presiding over a large attendance. Two new momberß were initiated. It was decided that the Lodge members take part in the procession to-morrow afternoon in connection with the fanry dress football match to be held in aid of the Hospital Fund.

Attention ia drawn to an inset appearing with this 'hsuc, inserted by Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains, notifying the fact that their winter sale commences to-day and ends on Saturday, August 17th. Conditions of sale are given and country customers are specially catered for.

Two Guineas for four lines of poetry! Read Tonking's Linseed Emulsion intimation every Saturday amongst news items.*

Next Sunday the collections in all Anglican Churches throughout the diocese will be given to the Maori Mission. The Right. Rev. the Bishop of Auckland, makes the following appeal on behalf of the Mission: —"To sustain the work we require a large sum this year, and we rely upon your generosity and your loving interest to provide it. I have had the joy of dedicating two mora now Maori churches, one at Peria and one at Miuaicai, both built by tho contributions of Maoris themsloves, the latter in the beautiful old style of their native buildings. We are hoping to have two Maori deacons ordained for the work at Advent and are sending three new students to College. May this holy cause have alike the support of your prayers and your alms, and both will be noted in Heaven."

Mr R. 11. W. Bligh, of the White Cross League, will speak in the Municipal Hall to-night at 7 to men and lads over 14 years on the dangerß of impurity, and at 8 to women on the influence of sisters. The men's meeting is being held at 7 so that they will be able to attend the hospital pictures at 8. The drill has been postponed for the same reason. This ia Mr Bligh's first visit to To Kurt', but his lectures throughout NeW Zealand are well known and appreciated.

Will the Massey Government wear well—equal, say, to the Roslyn allwool high grade clothing and unshrinkable underwear "Delta" finish? If so, New Zealand wili have reason to be proud of its new Prima Minister.*

King Country drapers defy competition in general drapery, Roslyn clothing, blankets, rugs, flannels, unshrinkable underwear "Delta" finish and Warner's famous rust-proof corsets.*

No cold will stay if driven away by Tonking's Linseed Emulsion. 1/6,