UP-COUNTRY HOSPITALS: A SUGGESTION.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 188, 14 September 1871, Page 6

UP-COUNTRY HOSPITALS: A SUGGESTION.

(Tv the Editor. )

Sir, — I consider the Grovernmp.nfc in reducing the subsidy to Groldfields Hospitals have treated the miners very badly, and have placed the Committees in an awkward position by withholding moneys from them that they had calculated on receiving to meet their liabilities, which leaves them no alternative but to close the institutions.

It is nonsense to expect more money can be raised locally ; it will be the other way, for, with a few exceptions, the diggers are getting poorer, and are unable to subscribe so liberally as formerly. Hitherto the mining population, as a rule, have subscribed freely, and no doubt will continue to support an institution which all acknowledge is necessary, and for their benefit, and I hold that the Government Jiavo no right, as well as it bein» bad policy, to reduce the subsidy, as it is all the miners receive in return for the extra taxes they pay. In health and prosperity the minors contribute a large amount to the revenue of the colony, and are more heavily taxed than any other class. Through their perseverauce in enduring hardships, they have developed the resources of the country, and added to its prosperity ; but in doing so many have not benefited themselves in a pecuniary way, and instead have get broken constitutions and bad health. In the event of the hospitals being closed, what are the destitute, sidi, and maimed to do ? Shall they be taken to the nearest police station, and left as. paupers, or given in charge as vagrants who have no means of support? I fancy the Government will find it a penny wise and pound foolish policy. • Now, Sir, I think 1 can suggest a plan whereby fco raise funds to keep up the two pounds (£2) to one pound (£1) subsidy. There are a great number of Chinese in the colony, and although we can stop others coming, we cannot drive those out. Then let us make the best we can of them, and they owe us something for prospecting and opening the country to them. Do the same as was done in Victoria — tax them for protection and residence, and hand the money over to the hospitals, which would not only be the means of keeping those valuable institutions open, but would have a tendency to heal the sore that was caused by the introduction of Chinese into the colony. — Tours respectfully, Switzefs, Sept. 7. " E.V.