The Westport Times. FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1874.

Westport Times, Volume VIII, Issue 1190, 3 July 1874, Page 2

The Westport Times. FRIDAY, JULY 3, 1874.

Perusal of the Annual Report presented by tho Westport District Hospital, should convince all readers of the absolute necessary for prompt aud earnest action to provide means for keeping the institution open. Granting that a District Hospital is either a necessary evil or a necessary benefit, it behoves all who directly or indirectly obtain advantage therefrom to weigh well tho question of how much —not how little— support they can yearly give thereto. It may be that many may aver that they gain no benefit either direct or indirect, from the Hospital and that contribution thereto is but a misdirected charity. But it is necessary to remind them of a charity that thinketh no evil, and of the necessity for abiding faith in ail things good. It may be that the Hospital, like all other similar institutions is open to abuse, aud that those who claim the greatest benefits are at times the greatest loafers, but on behalf of poor suffering humanity, it is yet necessary to plead that the " greater joy" over one real case of relief compensates for all possible imposition by unworthy recipients. The question devolving on present or probable subscribers is just this : —-Is it, or is it not, necessary, that a hospital or place of shelter should be supported, whither all, lame, halt, and suffering, by accident or disease, may go for assistance? Or shall such unfortunates be loft to the tender mercies of their personal friends, or the casual help resulting from solicited contributions. If the former proposition is held worthy of approval, then it at once becomes necessary that all who approve thereof should strive earnestly to ensure a financial support to the Hospital that will suffice to keep it in efficient operation. A glance at the figures set forth in the report will show that all economy consistent with efficiency has been observed in the conduct of the institution for tho last fep].ve ui nionths. Fifty-nino patron's gross outlay on the hospital, including all direct or contingent expenses, has been but £9lO 10s id, or a fraction over£Ls 10s for each patient. It is a question, supposing any one of the cases under treatment had been left to the care of private charity, whether cure or even temporary relief could have been gained at anything at all within or approaching such economical limits. The whole question in fact of Hospital management versus private contributions in aid of the sick and suffering, is but a question of pound", shillings, and pence. Do away with the District Hospital, crush it out of existence, because of niggardly support from the Provincial Government, and falling off in contributions from the public, and what remains in its place ? Who will save money by objecting to make donations to the Hospital funds ? Who, on the other hand will lose money by doubling their subscriptions, and referring all cases of distress to the Hospital authorities for relief. Let subscribers think of this, in all its points and bearings. Whether it is better to " cleave to tho evils they have, than fly to others they know not of." Whether in fact, it is better _ to pay a moderately liberal subscription to tho Hospital fund, and refer all cases of bodily distress thither, or to be continually subject to claims for casual aid.