THE OLD MEN'S REFUGE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 81, 5 April 1900, Page 2

THE OLD MEN'S REFUGE.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Looking over your excellent report re the controversy between Mr. Roy and the Hospital Board, or rather the Chairman, my thoughts ran in the direction of an old saying, " Great men are not always wise." If I may be allowed to suggest to these great men I would certainly dosoasfollows : First, why build a new refuge so close to drains and hollows, instead of having a site further back and upon a rise where drainage would be easy and fresh air be allowed to sweep away bad odours? This would avoid friction with those living in the immediate vicinity, who have a right to protest against nuisance and the prospect, of pestilence arising from bad drainage. In due time the present site will be in the centre of a large population, so why not look ahead and keep pace with the rapid advancement of this fair city, so pleasantly situated on the hborcs of the South PaciuY Ocean, and which has such a groat future before it? Second, I would suggest the advisability ot having a few acres of ground attached to the homii for the purpose of making it partly Helf-mipportjng, as some who seek refuge in this institution aro able to work and ought to have the opportunity of doing so. Complaints have been madp about the intemperate habits of some who seek shelter in these homes for the aged poor—another reason why the home should be farthor away from the source oi evil which brings thousands to degradation, poverty, and death. Yet another question ia how can the custodian prevent the inmates from leaving the refuge unless thore is a proper system ofcgros.3and ingress' ISfotthatlwishto mako the rofugo like a prison ; far from it, seeing many who havo to se*k shelter havo done good service to the Empire both in the Army and Navy, and ought not to be treated either as' criminals or paupers.— J am, etc., Constant Visitor to the Home.