THE TIMARU HOSPITAL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, 18 May 1925, Page 6

THE TIMARU HOSPITAL.

To tho Editor of tiio “Ximaru Horald.” Sir, —From time to time you, and other writers, have bemoaned tho fact of the apathy shown hy Timaru citizens in matters of town government. To the reader of the daily paper, if he has interested himself sufficiently to read this controvery. is it any wonder? To criticise a man’s public life is quite legitimate, but to attack him in a veiled manner in regard to his private life is hardly British fairplay, and loading above plimsoll mark. It does not-re-quire correspondents to tell us that the Rev. Mr Potts is not a millionaire. He took up the wrong profession. We all know that :u. Congregational minister is. “Beatrice Paterson” says “hear, hear ” to "Ratepayer,” who, like herself, thinks it conceivable that those who voted as they did were ignorant of the real issues. What surprises many is that “Beatrice Paterson" and "Ratepayer” did not bring their big guns into action a month ago and leave the public a pronouncement of their calibre. Exception was taken at tho chairman sympathising with an unsuccessful candidate. Surely that was not a bad quality, and to my way of thinking it shows a lamentable lack of organisation on the part of the Friendly Societies that their nomlntee suffered defeat “Beatrice Pat.erson” Is now convinced that “Ratepayer’s” letter has left ho loophole for Mr Potts to get out. It is plain, however, that it has given her an opening to get in, and somj smashing broadsiders may be expected later on. “Beatrice Paterson” takes strong exception to the chairman's statement that most of the criticism comes from people with an “axe to grind”; her writing does not convert many from the chairman's opinion! No man is a more regular visitor to the public hospital than Mr Potts, and no man is held in higher respect by the patients. He is always unaccompanied, frank and sociable, and gives a patient every opportunity to air a grievance, if there is one. Patients and sympathisers with the present Board may not write letters to the pajter, hut it Is plain they exercise their franchise, and It is the ballot box that talks. My connection with the hospital goes back further .than any of your correspondents. I hav-’ conversed with many patients, all of Whom speak highly of those at present entrusted with their welfare. “Beatrice Paterson” argues Ingeniously, but hardly convincingly. Timaruvians, as also the people themselves who have been in the hospital, think it is now about time our benefactors buried this old bogey, never to be resurrected, about the high fees charged. Such utterances are bluff and humbug, and . their pet phrase “the poor sick,” is mere sentimental rubbish! For the services given the fees are not high, and anyone who has raised a family knows that the price charged at the hospital for a confinement is cheaper than it would be wore such allowed to take place in 4 the home. And better, an elastic and provident Board hustles no patient for money They must pay, certainly, but this is not asked for till work has been resumed, and then an extended is given and the smallest contribution fixed upon to meet the-account —l'am, etc., ' ' ' "" 1 - 70 NOT OUT.