TUAPEKA RAILWAY WORKS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume VII, Issue 331, 18 February 1874, Page 3

TUAPEKA RAILWAY WORKS.

{To the Editor.)

Sib, — There is a question frequently asked here,- viz>: ' How is it there is no collection made oh these works for the benefit of the Tuapeka Hospital, for such has been the course taken in places where- wages did not range so high as on Tuapeka at the present time, and<where the benefits derived were not anything in like proportion ? On contracts like those of the Tuapeka Railway works men are liable to an accident any day, arising from various .causes, and they naturally will seek the benefits of the Hospital, and by all means there should be somo provision made to meet such an emergency. But even admitting that no accidents occur, there is an opportunity of raising, a little funds which' may assist those who are unable to assist themselves. lam not aware of the number of men employed on these works, but I am confident that every man employed on the line would willingly pay. one shilling, per man per month to the funds of the Hospital, and this would be no small sum at the end of twelve months. There is,. I believe, a reluctance on .the part of the employers that this should originate . with them, but had better be initiated among the men themselves ; but this should not be the case. I would suggest that Messrs. Hunter and Co. make it a rule, to be adhered to in future, that one shilling per man per month be stopped out of the men's wages for the funds of the Tuapeka Hospital, and the amount collected in this way to be handed over by these gentlemen quarterly to the Secretary of the Hospital. lam i ertain, if this 'rule was made, it would bo cheerfully complied with, for no working man will hesitate to pay his shilling monthly towards so laudable an object. These lines may come under the observation of those who take an interest in the above suggestion, so I will at the present conclude this letter by recalling to their minds the old Scotch proverb, that " Every little maks a muckle." — I am, &c, Willie, Tuapeka Railway works. February 16th.