THE TUAPEKA HOSPITAL

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 185, 24 August 1871, Page 5

THE TUAPEKA HOSPITAL

(To the Editor.)

Sir, — In scanning over the various discussions and pr-oeuodinya of the different meetings that have been held respecting the affairs and management of the Tuapeka Hospital, I was forcibly struck by the tone assumed by some, and the evident ill-feeling in others who have taken pprb therein, one in particular denominating the recipients of the Hospital under the degrading name of paupers. Now let us see what the class is made up of that this Samaritan kindly gives such a dignified title to. (To digress slightly) — I think, Mr. Editor, you must allow that the whole community belong to the genus adventurer, i.e., we all came here to better our worldly condition. Some have happily succeeded ; but -what about the unsuccessful ones ? men with sterling good parts, of health, strength, and intellect, able and willing to do and to suffer — who, when in health, fostered every good work of benevolence— men who have paved the way for civilised communities to follow in this semi-desert land, and who for the last 10 years have been working their life out fen kaep life in. These are the men when sickness befalls them that are stigmatised by your would-be philanthropist as paupers. T would advise the party alluded to not to interfere in matters beuevolent in future, simply because I consider, aud I believe the public, think with me, that it is not his role. Si vis pacem para bellim is a good old Latin maxim, and I think people interested in Hospital affairs would do well to follow it instead of squabbling and lighting their own private battles in public places — alike disgraceful to themselves and subversive of the interesting and momentous questions they meet to discuss. About the present committee T have not much to say — although I believe a radical change in its members is imperative for the public weal — say one half the committee composed of working miner 3. I think an infusion of such blood would have a very beneficial effect, inasmuch as the patients are principally of the mining class. Who so suited to minister to their wants and requirements ? Who so able and willing to render aid to the maimed, the sick, the lame, and the blind ? To forward this object let there be sub-committees in favour of the Hospital, established at Waitahuna, Waipori, Teviot, and at all other centres of population that forward patients to the institution, and T will guarantee to say that there will not be much need of overwheming retrenchment. Hoping these remarks will meet your approval. — I am, &c-,

Sam. Suns. Waitahuna, July 30th, 1871

[The above letter was accidentally mislaid, which will account to our correspondent for its non-appearance sooner. — Ed. " T. T."]