CORRESPONDENCE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XIII, Issue 5, 5 January 1878, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

To the Editor ov the 'Evening Mail.' I Sir,— ln your issue of the 30th ultimo, a correspondent calls attention to what he is pleased to designate as « the shameful treatment accorded to the remains of those dying in the Hospital or Lunatic Asylum." , It appears that your correspondent is " informed " that the coffin is put into a cab, and s6 conveyed to the cemetery— so far correct, not the best method certainly, but not very objectionable, the present contractor not being bound to hire a hearse. The " information " on which your correspondent grounds hi 3 assumption that no provision is made for religious service at the burial of those dying here is not correct not only is notice given to the ministers of the denomination to which the dead belonged but the Hospital Committee, recognising the inconvenience to which ministers are put by a journey to the cemetery, have lately allowed a fee for conveyauce. There is this to be said, that on two occasions, about two years ago, when the services of a minister, from unavoidable causes, were not obtainable, the undertaker^did read one or more prayers. This may in the eyes of your correspondent be " shameful treatment." It would have been much more to the purpose if your correspondent could have specified the occasions to which allusion ia made v and thus demonstrate bis bona fides. I am, &c, Leonard B^oob, Resident Surgeon. s Nelson Hospital, Jan. 4, 1878.