BOUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 46, 22 February 1913, Page 3

BOUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS.

((To the Editor “Stratford Post.”) Sir, —I was somewhat surprised on reading the report of the Cov.ntj Council meeting (which is usually full and fair) wherein Cr. Smith i‘ reported as saying, or implied as such that the ratepayers were being spoon fed. Believe me, such is contrary to fact, for, as a ratepayer, my pie; was all the other way about—on be half of the ratepayers—who are longsuffering as regards hospital maintenance and are carrying too much ol the white man’s burden. True, I die say that the tendency of our people as a nation were in the direction o. spoon-feeding, and that wo had not sufficient self-reliance amongst us But I likewise qualified my remarks by saying that a large number of peo pie who are non-ratepayers are onlj too pleased to avail themselves of hospital treatment during a time ol sickness, but when restored to health refused to pay their hospital fee or the plea that the Government subsidises the amount contributed by the ratepayers. And I likewise said that the only fair and equitable way to get at such people was through the Consolidated revenue or the general taxation of the County, one member of the Council pertinently remarking that the Hospital Board were bad debt collectors. That may be true. I don’t deny that perhaps we are too sympathetic in some cases, but if there is any fault I feel sure it is not the fault of the Board, but rather that of the law, which allows magistrates too much discretionary power in such cases. As for the idea that .by supporting the motion of the Bruce County Council, it would tend towards waste and extravagance, I fail to see it. No doubt every system of hospital administration has its defects; all the sfime, it is best to think all men honest until proved otherwise. Personally, I have every sympathy for the aged, the infirm, and the indigent ; but I have none for those who, after due course of time, are able to and won’t pay their just obligations— I am, etc., J. SMITH. [Councillor Smith is in error. He was not reported as saying that the ratepayers were being spoon-fed. Councillor Marfell, however, appears to have arrived at the conclusion that Mr Smith so intended, judging by the remarks ho made in referring to Councillor Smith’s speech. Possibly it is here that confusion has arisen in Councillor Smith’s mind.—Ed., “Evening Post.”]