HOSPITAL MATTERS.

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 505, 2 October 1912, Page 4

HOSPITAL MATTERS.

A recent article in the Chronicle, in which the necessity for careful consideration of the position of the King Country in respect to hospital matters was emphasised, has met with a cold reception at Taumarunui. The local paper in an article, takes strong exception to the statement that: "The possible revenue derivable from the King Country by hospital rate is inadequate to Dear the burdens which would be entailed by the setting up of a separate hospital district." The Press holds a contrary opinion,and oresents it thus: —

"A casual inspection of the rating for hospital purnoses supplied by the Counties, etc. in the King Country, show that, with the Government subsidy, there would be almost sufficient income 1 from the start to carry on an efficient hospital." 1 The Press strongly repudiates any intention of parochialism. Presumably it considers a comparison of the above statements is calculated to convince its readers of its breadth of outlook. There happens to be a hospital at Taumarunui, and the remainder of the article is devoted to showing the desirability of enlarging the local institution and constituting it a district hospital. The ingenuous remark that the hospital ratß of the King Country would almost suffice for the upkeep of an efficient hospital can therefore hardly be termed parochial. It is the brand of liberality, and breadth of conception calculated to inspire the most complete confidence. A humble apology is apparently due to the Press for somebody having made use of the word parochialism. In further reference to the quotations from the articles mentioned it should be noted that the Chronicle does not contend that the revenue derivable by hospital rate from the King Country is insufficient for the up keep of an efficient hospital. Such a narrow aspect of the question has never been considered by the Chronicle. There is an inestimable difference netween the upkeep of a hospital at Taumarunui or at Te Kuiti, and the provision of adequate hospital facilities for the whole district. The provision of these facilities constitutes the burden which would be entailed by the setting up of a separate hospital district, and it is this broad aspect of the case which we have sedulously endeavoured to place before the public. With all due deference to the views of tho Press, we would again emphasise the necessity of considering the position carefully, and approaching the matter free from any suspicion of parochialism. The question of setting up a hospital district is of infinitely greater importance than the establishing of a hospital at Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, 01 Utorohanga. The lack of adequate hospital facilities throughout the whole district is creating a certain amount of discontent, and the Waikato Hospital Board, as the authority administering the hospital affairs of this, and other districts, is naturally looked to in the first instance to effect an improvement in conditions. There is no evidence to show that the board has not done all that could be expected in providing much needed requirements. Whatever has been the board's attitude in the matter there is every reason for the whole of tho people affected acquiring as much information as possible on the subject before committing themselves to any line of action. The information furnished by tho Press that Taumarunui is the centre of any King Country hospital district, and therefore the only possible centre for a district hospital may be valuable from the Press point of view, but that it can advance tho cause of the district in seeking to obA l nii. M .fi. ll , l hr < -fr""-"pnt "f conditions is i

The estate of the late Mr H. 0. Wills, of tobacco fame, has been sworn for probate at £5424, .'SSG. Mr J. Walker has opened up for four days with a choico selection of plants and birds, next to Lissaman's, Rora street.

Mr Richard Ormsby, lato with Mr John Ormsby, has commenced business at No. 2 r Mercnatilo Chambers, Sheridan street, Te Kuiti. Tired of tho labour disputes by which its tram service is every now and then being disorganised, the Rapid Transit Company in Philadelphia is experimenting with tho employment of women an conductors on the street cars. Tho company is well pleased with the rosuit of the innovation as far as it has been tried and believes that it has hit upon a solution of the strike problem. Professor Anderson Stuart, of tho Sydney University, who has returned from a visit to Europe is convinced that an outbreak of war is in evitable. It is impossible to say whether it will bo to-morrow or will be staved off for a few years. The state of apprehension is quite extraordinary.

The Cinderella assemblies were brought to a conclusion for the season last night, when a highly successful ball was held at tho To Kuiti Skating Rink. Tho hall wan beautifully decorated and tho members of the committee are to h'o congratulated on the result of the elforlH. In tho capable hands of Mr Christian tho music was all that could be desired, while the supper provided by the ladies was highly appreciated, and tho floor was excellent. A most enjoyabe dance was brought to a conclusion shortly after 2 a.m.

The advent of fine weather is stirring the followers of summer pastimes to action. It is intended to hold u meeting of the To Kuiti Cricket Club at the Chronicle: office on Tuesday evening next. Owing to the bad weather experienced hist .season the club was unable to arrange a good programme of matches. This season it is anticipated a much morn elaborate set of fixtures will be arranged. Mr Graham holds a special furniture sale at the mart on Saturday, when both new and second-hand furniture will be offered. The goods will be on view on Friday. For particulars see advertisement.

The event of this wool;; is the big bazaar, which vviil be opened this afternoon at M p.m. in the Town Hall. This interesting festival will continue both to-night and 1.0-morrow evening. A great amount of work has been don« towards making the bazaar unique in the mailer of dceoratiun, entertainment and general satisfaction. The town band has kiiuly consented to assist by enlivening the proceedings with music each evening, and given fair weather great success should reward the ladies' efforts. Competitions such as wood-sawing, nail-driving, clothes-pegging, potatopeeling, etc., will bo held, the prizes being both valuable and useful. Young people should not fail to see "Santa Claus" and the "Fairy Garden," while adults desiring to procure serviceable and beautiful Christmas presents, will find great variety to choose from. The charge for admission will be—afternoon (id, evening Is. The proceeds are towards the extinction of tho Presbyterian Church debt.

People who enjoy walking are among tho salt of tho earth. They do not lose their savour; they are tho kind of folk to cultivate assiduously. Walking is a glorious privilege, little appreciated by the many. In spite of the advanco of tho ways and means of arriving, there is still no satisfactory substitute for the good old fashioned "shank's" mare. Great men and women of all times and climes have been ardent walkers. To walk correctly, however, one must be attired in a fitting manner. A lady should wear a neat skirt that hangs correctly, is not too narrow and of a length to ensure ese of movement, for tho feet. Such skirts are being " mailed to many from John Cobbo's Mail Order House, Feilding, and they are very good value indeed; the designs being oxcollent and the finish well up to the standard set at that progressive store. The strong feature about buying skirts at John Cobbe's is that they are sold with a definite undertaking that your money is to be returned if you are not satisfied with the value obtained. A Press Association message states that the Australian cricketers in America were defeated in their first match by tho Gentlemen of Philadelphia by two runs, the scores being 257 to 251).

At Raurimu on Friday evening last, a largely attended social was held in the hall, the occasion being to farewell Mr and Mrs Gould, who were leaving for Te Kuiti. Dancing was indulged in, the music being supplied by an excellent local orchestra. During tho evening Mr and Mrs Gould were the recipients of handsome presents. Mr Gryco, chairman of the Kaitieko County Council, in making- the presentation, spoke of the very high esteem in which Mr and Mrs Gould were held throughout the district. Mr Gould suitably responded. An enjoyable evening terminated with tho singing of Auld Lang Syne.