KUMARA HOSPITAL.

(Zfa the Editor.) Sib,— lt would appear that your correspondent " Pick Handle," could not have been at the entertainment given by the Hart Company for the benefit of the Kumara Hospital, or he would have seen not only the secretary but most of the commit'ee present ; in fact the committee paid for admission, one-seventh of the whole amount taken in connection with the entertainment, so that " Pick Handle " ! must be either ignorant of the subject on ! which he writes, ov be a wilful perverter of the truth. It is the height of meanness on the part of " Pick Handle " to attack a body of men, who give their time, their energies, and their money, for the benefit of those, who through sickness or accident, are unable to help themselves. Instead of rushing into print, " Pick Handle " would have shown the interest he took in hospital affairs to a better advantage, had he allowed himself to have been nominated at the last annual general meeting of shareholders, to act on the committee for the present year, as on that occasion there was not a sufficient number of subscribers present to elect a full committee from, and members who had served two years on the committee, althrough some of them felt desirous of retiring, had to allow themselves to be nominated again, or there would not havo beeu more than half the number required to form the committee, nominated. If ''Pick Handle" had regretted that there is not more subscription to the Hospital Funds ; and that the public did not show more spirit and attend the general meeting and the entertainment, I would agree with him, as

there was publicity given by advertisement in the lo Ca i paper, and by the bel man who went through the whole district on the day on which the entertainment took place. I consider that should be sulhcient to secure a bumper house when the object is one so worthy of patronI am at a loss to undersland what he meaus by hi« allusion to petty jealousies and business consideration, as all the commiteemen who are engaged in business, attended the performance alluded to. I hope the next time "Pick Handle" writes on hospital matters, be will sign his own name. Tho committee will then know if they have to reply to the complaint of a subscriber or to one of those who are always ready to find fault, hut who do not like to put their shoulders to the wheel, or their hands in thoir pockets to assist in making this institution a success. In conclusion I would remind "Pick Handle " that there is to be an entertainment held on the 19th mat, the proceeds of which will be given to the Hospital Funds, aud I shall be happy to supply him with any number of tickets he may require. Apologising, Mr Editor for taking up so much space in your paper. I am, &c, W. Nicholson. Kumars, August 4.