THE HOSPITAL STAFF.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 133, 18 March 1931, Page 4

THE HOSPITAL STAFF.

Sir,—While 1 intensely dislike participating in the acrimonious discussion which is taking place regardingHospital matters, I cannot allow “Face Facts” letter in last evening’s paper to pass unheeded. The • principle of attacking a public servant whose hands are tied and who has not the right of public reply is deplorable. 1 am not interested' in Hospital matters particularly, but myi commercial training tells me that the executive work required to control a large institution such as our Hospital with all its ramifications in the way of Charitable Aid administration, county maternity homes. T.B. Sanatorium, staff control, etc., with the hundred and one avenues there must be for leakages, through slack administration, calls for capable management. Has the present administration ever been questioned ? I challenge “Face Facts” to explain the measuring rod which he applies to the secretary’s salary. Has he any knowledge of the salaries paid in the commercial world to men occupying positions which call for similar abilities and attainments, or is he measuring the Ashburton secretary’s salary by that of other hospital secretaries in New Zealand. Criticism should always be founded upon knowledge. The letter in question appears to me t.» be dictated more by personal feelings than by the desire which we should all have in these depressing times to reduce the extravagances and high costs which so many of our public bodies and governments have been responsible for in the past. Attacks of this nature, made under cover of anonymity savour somewhat of cowardice and frequently allow suspicion to rest on innocent shoulders. As there is more than the possibility of this happening in this instance in view of the forthcoming Hospital Board elections may 1 suggest to “Face Facts” that he reply to my letter under his own name?

W. A. FLEMING

P.S. I apologise to the Secretary for prolonging a discussion which must be most distasteful to him. y