Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1891. Loafers.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 10 January 1891, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 1891. Loafers.

• ♦ The administration of the so-called Charitable Aid Acts needs much revision. With such revision arises the question of how the idle and drunkard who get sick are to be treated. Very large sums of money are now, year by year, simply wasted in doctoring those who have brought their ills upon themselves by dissipation. The ratepayer's money is also given to assist the needy sick, needy at the time, owing to sickness, but who afterwards arrive at a position when they could pay, if only they would. We are fully aware that the Boards are supposed to possess power to obtain a refund from those who have partaken of their services, but, at the same time, we are fully assured that a very few really make such restitution. The difficulty in the way to the Board's following up their claims arises from the moving

character of the filiation that loaf upon tlleni, and when a patient once loaves the institution he is "lost to sight, though to memory dear." It is imperative that public bodies render assistance at the time when applied for, if really needful, as we cannot stand men dying ats bur doors, but it Is as necessary that the p&tient, on return to health, should pay the costs incurred. The recovery of such sums appear to be necessary to be placed ia tile hands of the pdlice> sd thai-, somewhat under the system, ftl present in force with jirtibationers under " The First Offender's Act," the patient on leaving hospital could periodically report himself to the nearest constable, until the time had arrived when he had settled his account with the State. Most extraordinary applications have been known to be made for both a free ticket to the hospital, as well as for Charitable Aid. "We have known men in receipt of army persons repeatedly indulge in " bursts " on receipt of pensions, and on becoming ill, apply for medical aid, Yet directly on recovery they are permitted to draw their pensions, to spend in the same manner, whilst indebted to the public for their health. We look Upon our present system as one beautifully conceived to encourage pauperism, not only on the part of those who take the advantage of the Acts, but of those who have, out their hard earnt gains, to find the rates, yearly increasing. We trust that this mattei will receive earnest consideration in Parliament, and that no sentimental nonsense will be indulged in about the poor working man. The man who sponges upon his fellow settlers who are placed in the same position of life as he is, only are more considerate in their acts, deserve to be made to act honestly in this case, as in all others.