THE HOSPITAL BENEFIT.

Kumara Times, Issue 1415, 14 April 1881, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL BENEFIT.

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir—l observe that a resident of the town, signing himself W. Nicholson, has indulged in statements concerning myself and my premises which are utterly untrue. He makes a mean attempt to injure me in my business, and certainly insinuates that I am the author of a letter signed “ Subscriber,” which appeared in your paper. I state distinctly that I did not write -the letter referred to, neither do I know who did. I notice that there is a singular contradiction between W. Nicholson’s letter and the programme of the perfoimance published in the same issue of the paper. The programme states that “ the entire proceeds” will be for the benefit of the Kumara Hospital. W. Nicholson, on the other hand, states that an amount

which barely covers their expenses will be paid to the Comedy Company. How does W. Nicholson reconcile these two statements t are the Hospital Conu mittee, as a body, responsible for W. Nicholson’s statements 1 oi‘ was it merely a small section of the Committee who authorised him to attack me I Perhaps W. Nicholson, whe-is-so ready to rush into print, will kindly give the names of the members of the Committee who authorised him to sign his name on their behalf to the wonderful production of his; for no meeting of the Committee was held, and perhaps a personal canvass took place. It is stated that the “ longest performance that has ever been in this town” waS assembled in the Adelphi for a Hospital benefit. Unfortunately W. Nicholson does not explain what he means by this. Does he intend to convey the idea that the performance extended over an unusually lengthened period} or were the performances longer, or was the building larger, or were : the proceeds larger. I can only say that it would be a good plan for W. Nicholson to look over the, balance-sheets con* nected with the Kuraara Hospital, and there he will probably find that he ha* made a most egregious blunder, especially when he states that the amount of expenses of the Comedy Company will be eleven shillings less than the last entertainment given by amateurs. Let W. Nicholson show this in, detajh and then the public may be convinces In the meantime, a most undeservep shir is cast upon the Amateurs, who have always been foremost in assisting any public institution here, especially the Hospital j and until full and sufficient explanation is given, I shall feel myself bound to doubt the statements of W. Nicholson. As for the’proprietor of one place of entertainment being “ more obliging” than another—theria may be a difference of opinion on that point ; and it is possible that’the public are better judges than the person who states that he is authorised to sign his letter on behalf of the Hospital Committee.—d am, air, yours, &c,, O. W. Anderson. April 14, 1881. [to the editor.] Sir—For the information of Messrs White, Hope, and others who may feel interested in die matter, please insert the following :—The expenses incurred at the Dramatic entertainment given by the Amateurs, in November last, in aid of the Hospital funds amounted to £l6 Os 6d. None of the Amateurs were paid for their services, nor do 1 think the letter from the Committee bears the slightest impression of that kind. The particulars of the expenses can be seen at the Secretary’s office, the committee not feeling themselves justified in going to the expense of pub. lishing a balance-sheet with the present low state of the fund. Mr White is quite correct in stating that the Comedy Troupe received £ls for their services. W. NICHOWOJf, Secretary Knmara Hospital. Kumara, April 14, 1881. [Note. —We think the public, of course more particularly that portion of the public who subscribe directly of indirectly towards the expenses of any charitable entertainment or object, are entitled to have placed before them a statement showing how the public money has been expended—not only for their satisfaction, but in justice to the committee, and more especially the secretary of such committee, who have the handling of the moneys collected.— Ed. K. T.]