KUMARA HOSPITAL.

Kumara Times, Issue 1742, 1 May 1882, Page 2

KUMARA HOSPITAL.

[to the editor.] Sir, —I noticed in your issue of the sth inst. a report of the. Hospital Committee meeting, and was glad to see that Mr Toms (Committeeman) has given notice of motion for the next monthly meeting "That rule 3 be amended, to read as io\-lows-:—'That yearly and half-yearly ticket-holders be entitled to the benefits of the institution free of charge when resident in the Hospital. As outdoor patients they will be entitled to medical advice and medicines at the Hospital free of charge." I really think that the above is a step in the right direction, and if Mr Toms should be successful in carrying his motion the thanks of the community is due to him. It is my opinion that all who subscribe towards the support of the Hospital should receive the benefit of the institution free of charge when resident in the Hospital, for it is. evident that then they are not in a position to earn anything ; and as the institution is supported by contributions and subscriptions, it is only just and fair that those who support the institution, should, in the time of need receive its full benefit If it bs just to board, lodge, and give medical aid and medicine a subscribers, the committee must surely _ see the justice of giving medical advioe and medicine free of charge to subscribers who board and lodge themselves, and only wish to be on the outdoor patients roll. It is also fair to object to receive into the hospital non ticket-holders, except in cases of severe accident or on payment of a fair sum

weekly towards the support of the institution, and if those so admitted are not at the time Of admission in a position to pay, they should be held responsible for the Hospital charges; and if at any future period they should be able, but uuwilling to pay, they should be compelled to do so. In regard to the medicines being dispensed by Mr Porter, or a qualified chemist or druggist, I think all will agree that it is very desirable that no one but those who understand the nature of those drugs or chemicals that, are manufactured into medicine should be allowed to dispense them, otherwise the unsuspicious invalid might receive an overdese that might deprive him of reason or life, or perhaps ruin his constitution for ever; I may state that, this is one of the many faults complained of by the public, and one of the reasons why the public have lost faith in the Kumara Hospital. I hate shown the notice of motion to many, and all agree that such Amendments are absolutely necessary and if effected many who do not now subscribe would become subscribers at once.— I am, &c; We S. S. Stanton. Cape Terrace, May 1, 1882.