Mean Old Man

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 563, 16 January 1929, Page 16

Mean Old Man

Story of Poverty Told at Hospital VEST CONCEALS £I.OOO To-dav's story of meanness comes from the Auckland Hospital. He shambled to the infirmary, a pathetic figure aud very old. His “looped and windowed raggedness” spoke eloquently of poverty. Could they do something for the eyes of a poor old man? He was an old soldier and had a very small pension, about £4 a month. He had no relatives aud had saved a little. But he could offer no prospect of payment. They would not turn him away because of that? He would so like to have treatment. Why, certainly, the hospital was for all. So the old man was X-rayed. Two guineas was the customary fee, but to one who could not afford —well, it would be all right if he paid what he could. Examination showed the necessity for hospital care and attention. It was while the pensioner was being put to bed that the sister made a discovery. She could not quite understand the old man’s peculiar attachment for his vest. Noticing an ample padding in the lining the sister asked its meaning. The patient was confused. To her astonishment she drew forth money—good honest notes, and no less a sum than £l5O. But that was not all. In the dilapidated coat reposed two bank-books. One disclosed a credit of £2OO, and the second a mere £700!