LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 444, 1 March 1909, Page 9

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I UNEMPLOYMENT. Kir, —The most recont demand oil the part of labour—a right-to-wcrk Bill—surely accomplishes the possible in irony. ltig'iit to wont:' Why the present condition of affairs lias been biought about to a great extent by tho refusal to work. For instance, I rend or stagnation in tho building trade. I should think there would be. No one daro do anything in that way unless lie is absolutely compelled to. The mon have never ceased demanding increased wages, and every advance has been accompanied by a decrease in the amount of work done iii a day. The dawdling and-loafing are so marked that one hates to see t.hc3o so-eallcd workers crawling about his place. Consequently, we liavo learned to do without them. Work that is absolutely necessary represents but a small proportion of tho money that is spent, and would be spent, in the year, ami the working man has cleliliora'toly set himself to harass and defraud anyone who is fool enough to employ him. Hence, in a considerable" measure, the dearth of that employment, nor will liboiir effect much by donning n red tie, or electing one or two members of Parliament. Labour again expects to be immune from the effects c>f depression to which all the rest of us must cubmit. The price of our produce may fall, but the price of labour must be stationary. With wool at a shilling I may employ some carpenters at twelve shillings a day, but not with wool at sevenpence. So with butter, meat, and flax. The attitude of labour has l>een clearly shown in the past. When tho. master fcllmongers urged that to comply with the demands of labour would land them in Absolute loss, tho reply was at once, forthcoming: "Give less for skins." To-day, a-3 you have shown, Mr. Millar can k>o 110 way out of his difficulties except by putting up rates. Notwithstanding a falling trade, his rages' bill is mounting up so that ho must increase rates and fares. Yet how often have we been told that to increase business you should lower rates? Look at the penny post, for instance. Would it pay to increase the rate of postage? Work is scares now. It is going to be scarcer. Ilow can -it be otherwise. Tho disinclination to put up with the insolence of labour is becoming more marked.every day. And our sheer inability to give employment has been brought about by the law. Ido not bclieyo that tho Arbitration Act has done much to increase wages. Flush times and shortago of labour would have seen tho tunic rise without any Act. But this same Arbitration Act is to-day keeping men out of work, and their number will increase. Though a destitute and starving mail should bog mo to engage him at, say, two pounds a week, I dare not do so. If I did lie could round on me —through his union—for the full twelve shillings a day, with a fine of ten pounds and costs tacked on by some local [ Dr. M'Artihur, Tho present demand is that, -whereas owing to financial conditions we arc in many cases individually unable to • spend money, wo should be compelled to do so collectively, and, of course, wages must remain at the level fixed in flush times. Surely such a demand need only be stated.—l am, etc., EMPLOYER. February 20. NATIVE LEASES. Sir, —Tho Kathleen Mavourneen methods of the Native Land Court are causing great inconvenience. AH possible restrictions arc pleoed in the way of intending settlers, .who Imvc to pay rent from the day that they Kgreo to leace from tho Native, and perhaps it may be years before ho holds'a registered lease, which secures his interest legally. He has to get the consent of the Land Board first, then the Native Land .Court is tho place ho has to go for thin title from the Natives, _ As this board has no definite timo of meeting, there is usually six months between each meeting; whore there are a succession order and a partition it means "two most/jugs, one yc-ar." Then there is the chance of the Court refusing to take partition orders at t-lie meeting, after waiting six months. There are often 50 Natives interested in the one lease. In event of ia death there is another succession to prove, and this means another year. As" anvono can soo.therfl.is. a lot of. timo lost.. Tile heartbreaking part of the whole question ia that, although everything is in order and approved, there is a great delay before thejudge, whoso signature is necessary, will sign.—l am, otc., TAIHOA. February 20. HQROWHENUA A. AND P. SHOW. Sir,-A great many people on this coast will read with interest your oxcellcnt report of tho Horowlicn.ua A. and P. Show, hold at Levin pn Febrpary II). The day was really delightful, tho weather perfect, and tho attendance from the immediate neighbourhood all that could be desired. But, if it had been generally known that excursion tickets were obtainable both from Wellington and Painicrston North, there is no doubt a great many more visitors from theso places and the intermediate stations would have availed themselves of tho opportunity of taking a pleasant outing. It was a most regrettablo oversight on tho part of the management that the fact that excursion fares Were granted by tho Government was not advertised in the Wellington - and Palmerston papers, as without doubt tho attendance suffered considerably in consequence of this omission,—l am, ctc., VISITOR, February 11. THE UNEMPLOYED MEETING. Sir,—The unemployed meeting hold last Monday night- was amusing, if not instructive. Tile people of tho city were depressed pondering over a sad and tragic occurreiico, and the prgnriisers of thp meeting treated jhem to. light comedy at the Town Hall. There is an old farco entitled ''What is What," wherein parts and actors get inextricably mixed up. Tho meeting of Monday night, was a counterpart of this with a new doiioucmont, Onp fpcls inclined to sympathise with the Mayor. He must at times during the meeting havo experienced feelings akin to theso ot xMr.cbotn when ha saw Banijno's ghost making for his chair. It K'aj n good performance „withput rehearsal, and if ail entertainment is wanted for spmo charitable purpose tho promotprs will know where to find actors to draw a full liouso. Every crank in tho city was there, with his abstract theories, except the Single-taxer, who lamented an absent chief. " The organisers wero represented by deputy, and the deputy bowled'himself out as a false prophot, for twelve months ago he contended that there was plenty of room for allcomers. Tho next speaker did nob wait for an introduction to the audience; lip started out on noxious weeds and their destruction as a remedy for existing depression. The next was a Socialist, who asked them to be logical by-pulling _ down thp old fabric and Upsetting tho existing order of things without telling liqw ho was going to start the now •Jerusalem. Then others followed, until all ivas confusion. Quo of the speakers pn tho platform said there was something wrong with "economic conditions," a hackneyed Pnraso that has done duty for the same gentleman for a long time. Between tlicm they somewhat rosomblcd those who advised tho old man how to carry his ass, with tho result that tho Labour ass got tied up in a discussion altogether foreign to tho subject rtt issue. Tho man who suggested the suspension of tho Arbitration Act perhaps suggested tlip most rational remedy, but I do not say that it would bo right to do so. lhero is a limit tq a country's resources ior giving employment, and if it maintains a 't'gh rate of wages by Act of Parliament it must have unemployed sooner or later. It will attract the worst men from other places, because they know if they got work at all they must get the highest wages. When things begin 'io got bad employers will pick the best, and the others form unemployed coloni»s. Then the Labour leadei advertises himself by asking the Government to find them work or supply them with money lo take them home. One could not find greater humbugs anywhere than amongst these same Labour leaders. They prate about opening up land for settlement, but is there ono of them that would go on land if he got it for nothing? Someone referred to a statesman last week as.a man who never trimmed his sails. Well, the Labour sails arc always sproa'd for any puff of wind— wind that "shod barley" for the Labour mill. —I am, etc., I'.D.S. February 17.

ONE PEOPLE—ONE CHURCH, .Sir, —In 188Q I published an amendment ol tho Book of Common Prayer, with a suggestion for the establishment of a "Church of God" in New Zealand. Tho committee of the Convocation of Canterbury has now presented its report, and 1 would ask to bo allowed to call the attention of my fellow settlers to tho practical outcome of my amendment. In 1888 I sent that amendment to tho masters of caclv of tho colleges of Oxford and Cambridge (SO colleges in all). The plain common senso of my amendment must have struck some of them, seeing that now, in 1908 and 1909, Ave havo such far-reaching alterations. Of course 1 have not seen "the altered Burial Service of great beauty and simplicity," but I would like those of my friends who havo copies of my amendment to turn to them and road the ono I suggested in ISSG. What I have been driung at is the prevention of this one New Zealand people being divided up into two hostilo camps, with our children Hying at each other's throats, perhaps in the near future, as is alvcady tho caso m Sydney. Why should wo New Zenlanders bo divided up into Anglicans, Presbyterians, Romans, Wcsleyaus, Unitarians, etc., etc., etc.? Aro we not all just the one people? Why should wo ho drafted on ono day of the week into different churches? Cannot wo all worship God together? Why arc wo to ho called pagans aiul heathens for wishing this? The following arc tho present alterations allowed now by tho different Churches:— Anglicans.—(l) A revision of tho Lectionary. (2) Tho optional uso of Kuolmristio vestments. (3) Tho optional uso of tho'Athanasian Creed. (4) The optional use of the words "in remembrance that Christ died for thee" and "in remombranco that Christ's blood was shed for thee" in the-Communion service. (5) Immersion to bo optional in the baptismal service. (0) A new alternative burial service of great beauty and simplicity. Presbyterian.—Dr. Denny, the eminent Presbyterian divine, now- frankly admits that —(1) The Virgin birth; ('2 the consubstantiality of the Father with the Son; and (3) tho personality of tho Iltfly Spirit aro nonessential for Church membership. Ex-Mod-erator Gibson Smith, of Wellington, takes strons; exception to tho past viow of tlio doctrine of Atonement. Congregationalist.—Mr. R. J. Campbell, of <?'"mI 11 ' f'isagrocs with the doctrino of_ "the Fall," stoutly and properly maintaining that man has always advanced or ascended from a savage state. (It will bo seen that Mr. Campbell's abandonment of the doctrine of tho Fall follows word for word my amendment. Not that I suppose he had read my little work, but he was unknowingly influenced by other minds who hid read it.) hero is certainly tho strange tiling/ that an amendment written in a scholarly, inoffensive way, for tho simple good of one's fellow man, in far distant New Zealand, should havo appealed to tho scholarly mind of England in a far greater degreo 'than all the diatribes of tho non-Christian newspapers! Boing unaware of what the groat Anglican Uiuroh was doing in London, I have been restive lately at the non-fulfilment of reforms I saw wero bound to come, and perhaps I havo spoken somewhat strongly upon the matter. For that I ask to bo excused. Like a greyhound, held in leash, I have be.en anxious to dash upon my prcv, that prcv bcmg_ tho tearing to pieces tho terrible sectarianism which threatens to divide otir children trom each other. For this the clergy, not tins people, aro responsible, and I should not bo at all surprised at the New Zealand pcoplo, within twenty years from to-day, turning upon their clergy and rending them for the evill that has been done. Thcro is but ono pMform for us to stand upon, that of the Church of God in Now Zealand." *nd it is positircly sinful of tho bishops calling us pagans and heathens" for wishing that. J Jus report of Convocation of Canterbury is_ fortunately dead against them. To my mmd, New Zealand only requires one salvrtion, ra., getting saved from the torriblo r-cctarian differences of Christianity. Wo aro but onp people, New Zealandcrs nil, in' tho first place. I hope and trust that the amendments now looming ill tho different Church services may have the cffcct of that which 1 have so long wished to see. , "i.V 'amendment was before, them, I no not think the masters of Oxford and Cambridge realised how easy it will bo to set matters right in the English-speaking world. But the present Reformation may hp ns important as tho ono in the time' of Henry Yin. lo my mind it is the only wnv to keep New Zealand , a united and happy .'people. Jo .speed the good work, I shall bo happy to send any New Zealand clergyman a copy of my amendment.—l am, etc.," i COLEMAN PHILLIPS. Carterton, February 20, 1909.

SHAMEFUL RAILWAY RUNNING. Sir,—Permit me to lodge a complaint on i ln ,. 1 ""l? 4 te ™ shameful management }' ~ Wmlway _ Department in tlje running or tlio local trains. There is a train timed to leave Taihape northwards at G. 20 n.m anil in tlie ordinary courso of my business as it commercial traveller 1 boarded this train on the morning of tlio 23rd inst. in tho hope of doing my business and returning to Hiingamil by tlie evening train, as per published time-table. The tale is too dreary En . T nV"i ln,t S,lflißQ ifc sn - v that WO landed at Olmkune station at 11-.SO p.m. six hours and ten minutes doing 38 miles! l<ns gavo me. live minutes, instead of three Hours, and tlio township was still l.i miles away. 1 have since discovered that this is tho usual running of this train, and, indeed somotimos it is worse. —i am etc. • ' CpmimClAL TRAVELLER. lailmpe, February 23. [From inquiry at tlie Traffic Superintendent s ollioe of the Railway Department, it is earned that the train should have reached Ohakune at 9.40. It is reallv a goods train,. but to convonience travellers who aro not in a hurry, a pasr.eno-er car is attached. Sinoo passenger traffic, 0 therelore 13 only an incident of tlio service, it is hold that passengers should not complain of any drdinary dolay. The reason ior tho alleged excessive delay on the occasion oited, is being inquired into by tho Superintendent oliico, and the explanation will bo published when it comes to hand, llio Uepartment denies emphatically that there is gr9ss habitual delay. The train in question is crossed by tlie 'Auckland mail train daily, and tho mail train, it is stated, has not been late in arriving at Wellington since tlio present servieo was started.] ANGLICAN CHURCH LITURGICAL CHANGES. Sir, In yours of February 10 there appears under the abovo heading statements fii roferenco to proposed changes, as put forth by a eomnutteo sot up by Convocation of Canterbury It may not ho generally known what was the cause of this committee being sot up, lo go back a number of venrs, there was a general cry throughout England against tho alleged Ritualist practices that wero going on m tho Church of England. Some throe Bills wero presented to Parliament, but none- of them seemed to go to the root of tlio matter, with the result that tho Government sot tip a commission to inquire into these alleged pract tices. Tho chairman was Lord St. Aldwyn, Evidence was put forth by hundreds of witnesses from all parts of England. Tho commission sat for two years. In July, JOOti, it issued its report, which was unanimous. It Urged tho Government to issnci " letters of business" to convocation, so your cablegram hear jog on samo is the outcome of the commission. In tho eoursa of tho commission's deliberations, it found a number of illegal practices wero followed in somo of tlio Churches of England—34 different practices in all—and heading the list of theso was tho use of vestments with some hundreds of instances. The commission found that this practice had been followed for a number of years, and some had bocomo to regard it as "use and wont," so it will bo seen that tho committee has made the usn of thein optional. No doubt tho committee had tlioir eye on Scotland, as at the present timo that. Church has a committee of its consultative counsel revising its canons. Also it has decided to recommend to tho Episcopal Synod (that is the Bishops) the revision of tho Psalter, also, subject to tho will of tlio Bjsliop, tho use of tho Revised Version of tlio Bible, also tho uso/of tho Hovised Version for tho Liturgical Epistles and Gospels, also, in the Communion Servieo, on the proposal of the Bishop of Edinburgh, it was agreed to use tho following:—"That on Christmas I)pv, Eastor Day,, ami Whitsunday, and on special

occasions approved by tlio Bishop, and, in the case of pressure caused liy large nml unexpected numbers, tho priest, having first read the wholo words of both formulas in tho singular number once for nil, the communicants may use the first half of tho words in communicating individuals." Hie Consultative Counoii further adopted a new form of burial service for children and young persons, also Canon xxxvi, The vesturo of priest* and deacons was agreed to, and as some of your reader? might like to know what this .brunch of tho Anglican Church allows, with your permission I will give it.

1. In tlio performance of tlio public officer of tho Church, it shjll suflico that priests and dencoiiß bo vested in Kurjilirc3, With reward to tho use of other vestures, instead of or in addition to tho surplice, seeing that tho kinds or forms of tho clergy aro ill their own naturo indifferent, and yet that sundry inconveniences do often arise from Budden changed in local uses (hereof, if objection ho taken by nny considerable number cf the communicants in any congregation to tho proposed introduction of vestments other than those previously in use, or to tho proposed disino of vestments customary in that congregation, tho matter shall bo referred to tho Bishop, who may forbid or modify such introduction or disuso, subject to an appeal to tho Episcopal Synod. *2. Nothing in the preceding section shall bo taken to prohibit the clergy from wearing a stolo and a scarf, or prohibit graduates of universities, or any who tave passed through recognised theological colleges from wearing then- proper hoods. - From the above it will be seen that any proposed change is opon to opposition on the part of communicants. It is a common saying with some: "In things essential, unity; m things non-essential, liberty; in all things, charity," but in tho non-essential tho liberty is generally claimed on the clerical sido. I noticed the remarks of two of our Bishops in regard to tho proposed changes. I think it is nnito time tho Church hero set her house in order, and in doing so I would humbly pray, seeing that she is so varied in character, to proceed on a via media course in Ritual and ornaments.—l am, etc., m . . THOS. M. MILLIGAN. Taitvillo, February 22, 1909. ROUND THE SOUNDS. . Sir, —In tho articlo "Round tho Sounds," by a passenger, published on December 10, theso sentences appear: "Then tho reporter had no berth. Ho paced tho wharf nearly all night, and said, with a disguised threat, that ho would go back to his comfortable homo. placated by a member of tlio clan vacating his bunk in his favour." What happens to a reporter is not usually taken mucli notice of by himself or Viybody else, and tho statement of "a passenger 1 ' would not be anawerod by mo were it not that, taken with its context, thcro is a distinct infercnco that I was treated with discourtesy. The reverse of this is the case. I know before joining the Hinemoa that tho berths wcro all taken, and that I should have to put up with a shake-down somewhere, and tho bunk allotted me in tho saloon was quito comfortable. Unfortunately I was not very well, and could not Bleep, owing to the follows talking at first, and then owing to a clicking noico in a steam pipe, so I got up anu remained up, and when Captain Bollons camo on board at 6.15 I told him that I had made up my mind to go ashore in preference to risking moro sleepless nights. Hie captain cheerily asked me to hopo for the best and give the Hincmon a fair trial, and, not wishing to appear churlish, I remained on board. Ono of tho Hon. T. Msckcnr.io's sons good-naturedly guvo up his berth to mo tho following night, for I was ill for want of Bleep. After that night I went hack to tho saloon, and Mr. David Mackenzie resumed his berth. I am loth to troublo you with my experiences, but in justico to the Minister and all concerned tho explanation seems to be called for. I was treated with tho greatest courtesv, and feel grateful for that, also for being left free to writo an independent report.—l am, ctc.,

THOS. JAS. WALKER. Dunedin, February 12. RAILWAY CARRIACE WINDOWS. Sir, —May I, through your columns, suggest to those oflieers of the Railway Department concerned, that the lower metal clips, fixed, as at present, in the railway enrringo window frames, aro quite useless'? Tho window, when lowered, does not, of its own accord, spring up; therefore, a. clip to hold it down is unnecessary. AVero tho clip [ reversed, it would then bo possible to havo tho window open about two inches only, whereas now it must bo eithor opened 18 inches, or olosed. —1 am, etc., E.J.H. | STATE IOU'S. Sir,—ln an article in to-day's issue, ro State I 0 IT's, you emphasise tho fact that : State notes would bo useless for foreign i trade, without gold to back them up, with [ which I quite agrfo. Now, sir, somo months ago you published a letter from me, in which I adrocatcd the establishment of a mint to celebrate the attainment of a million of population, seeing that the Government are equipping prospecting parties for tho purpose of opening up ne* fields for enterprise, and also stipulate that all minerals discovered shall belong to tho State (it should never havo been otherwise). I fail t-o sco why we cannot mint our own Sold, and obriato tho necessity of using paper (except only lor economy sake). I think it is n subject well worthy of consideration, and if thero are any serious difficulties in tho way, I should i>o glad to he enlightened on tho matter. Hoping some abler pen than mine will elucidate the subject,—l am, etc., „ R. C. NOEDL. Xvoodvillc, February 22. A COMPLAINT,FROM HILL STREET. Sir, Please allow mo to ask, through your why does tho City Engineer allow Hill Street to remain in such a disgraceful state; the footpaths, in particular, aro a deplorablo eyc-soro, and in no wny a credit to tho city authority. It would be well if the City Engineer explained the reason why ho singles out this street in particular, and why are not the clay-banks removed 1 rom the footpaths, ami tho street in general put in a proper and respectable repair, to bo a credit to the, city.—l am, ctc., ! „. ... t OBSERVER. Wellington, February 20.

DR, MASON ON VACCINATION. Sir—Dr. Mason's report ro vaccination in this colony rouses tho passion of that medico-autocrat, "Tito Hospital" (vide your issue of rccent date), so ho proceeds to "voiit his ire upon tho "Conscientious Objector," by branding him as one who wins all lie fought for, .tho right to bccomo a danger to his follow n\eu, tho privilege of posing as a martyr, while he is not far short of a murderer. Really? 3voss suprising than this anger-madness, is the ignorant credulity that accepts Dr. Mason's statements of the conditions of vaccination exemption, and hectors its Government for allowing tho transgression of its laws. "The Hospital" ought to know that tho exemption conditions here aro precisely tho s.iine arbitrary terms that wora in force in England until repoaled by John Burns's Declaratory Act of 15)07, and that since the establishment of the I'ublic Health Department nine years ago, there have been more or less frequent absurd and abortive prosecutions of vaccination defaulters.

The matter is not "entirely in tho hands of the parent," as Dr. Mason affirms, but when and wherever the vast majority aro opposed to vaccination, as in New Zealand, it certainly ought to be. When the moral instincts of tho peoplo aro spontaneously opposed to a dogma; bo it medical or pricatly, the instincts aro right, tho dogma is doomed. From the first- until now, the common people in whoso collective judgment dwells common-sense, if anyivhero, have been, and aro, opposed to vnccination. John Burns mado it a plea for his Amendment Act, that tho unceasing protests and disputes in Magistrate's courts had becoiuo an intolerable "nuisance"! If in ConservatiTo England ' theso protests, and the silent growth and welding of popular conviction won this substantial, though partial, concession, democratic New Zealand will claim, I and will bo satisfied with nothing less than, the entire abolition of all vaccination legislation, .Between these tiro great conflicting

tendencies lies tho destiny of tho world. Mnny believe that Kngland's danger is tho resolute and persistent atteinpt to bend its proud, Imperial ncok to sacerdotal obedience I its great, danger, sir, I submit, is Stato medical despotism I Tho union of Churah and (state is virtually dissolved! Tho union of tho medical hierarchy and the Stato is being riveted by legnl 'enactments fortifying and enlarging medical prerogative and control, until tlio formula "1 adyiso" has become "1 direct and command." Of this medico-priestly autocracy, "Th 6 Hospital" is an oli'spring, and a representative, It does not discuss whether vaccination is prophylactic of smallpox, it assumes it. It docs not wove that compulsion is requisite and right, it assumes it. On what ground? Upon that of professional authority, and a consensus of opinion that amounts to infallibility I Like all despotisms, it shrinks from "tho light of day. It may toll tho truth, but not the whole truth. If vaccination woro a fraud, it exclaims, it could never have beguiled a whole profession, and bccome established and endowed by England's Royalty and Parliament. If, therefore, tho people dissent, and speak of common rights and self-owner-ship—its moral suasion is tho policoman's baton—its argument contemptuous abuse I And yet, tho supremo and eternal laws move on, and hold those assuming, deluded 111011arclis in derision! Blindness has in part happened to them, and they do not sea (though' claim infalliblo perception) that tho history of vaccination is weary and heavyladen with records of disaster, disease, death, and desolation! They will not (though they can and might) read its central lesson: Zymotic disease, such as smallpox can only be prevented and abolished by sanitation and hygienic treatment, .complete, persistent, universal I

Consider I Germany expended its vast Franco war indemnity in a huge, continuous method of national sanitation, and sinca then, until quite recently, has had unwonted immunity from smallpox, incurring, nevertheless, greater penalties from its assumed prophylactic. Japan recoived na Russian war indemnity—its towns and cities wero left in flagrantly insanitary conditions. Hut its entiro population (after tho example of Germany) was "protected" and "rc-pro-tocted," and yet, "to-day and for a year past, a fearful epidemic of smallpox has been raging among the vaccinated in Japan! In one city of Japan, Kobe, there were from, November to about March last, Slßl cases, with over 2000 deaths. In Japan, there is a rigid compulsory vaccination and revacoinntion law, which has been strictly enforced since 1884 j yet from 188G to 1905 in- j elusive, there wore 209,182 pases of small- , pox in Japan, with 71,034 deaths, and near- ■' ly all vaccinated." 1 quote this terrible record from tho address of Mr. C. Oscar Bcasley, chairman of the first Anti-Vaccina-tion Conference in America, held at Philadelphia last October. It covered threo wholo days, six meetings of the conference, and threo public? meetings in tho evenings, which wore crowded, and intenso enthusiasm prevailed I There wero representatives from England and Canada, and delegates from twelve American States. Amoriea is awakening! Dr. Hadwen predicts that in livo years vaccination will be legally abolished 1 Before "the Throne of Right," I ask, who is "not far short of a murderer," tho conscientious objector, or tho Stato Official Vaccinators' Dr. Alfred Russell Wallace, recently ; awarded Royal honours for his scientific) < work and discovery, after many years of investigation, declares "that the total of dcatli3 caused hy vaccination is not' known, and never, will bo; that it had never saved a single life, that it has been tho causo of so much disease, so many deaths, such a vas! amount'of utterly needless and nltog«thoi undeserved suffering, that it will bo classed by tho coming generation among tho greatest errors of an ignorant and prejudiced age, and its penal enforcement tho foulest blot on the generally beneficent course of legis- . latioi). during our century.",—l am, etc., EDWIN COX. Cambridge, February 10, 1909. THE FEVER HOSPITAL. Sir, —Tho Hospital Trustees have decided to ask the board for £15,000 to build a fever hospital for Wellington city. As ono who pays hospital rates in tho country, I think that if Wellington city wants a fever hospital, it should pay for it itself, If tho hospital is built by tlio trustees, it will be paid for by tho whole districts extending from Wellington to tho Manawatu on ono sido, and tho Wairarapa on tho other. Now, tho hospital will bo used, only hy fever patients in Wellington city and suburbs. No ono with scarlet fever or dipththeria would conic from Otaki or Levin, or even tho TJppyr Hutt, to Wellington. _ If • they wanted to they could not, for it is a criminal offence, for pcoplo with theso; troubles to .travel by railway. Such being tho case, why is Wellington trying to tako advantugo of us up-country people, hy making us share in paying for tin institution which is no uso to us ami never will bo. I do not know what tho local bodies aro! thinking of to allow their ratepayers to bo ] exploited in this manner for the advantago; of tho city. If there is to bo a systematic; attack made on scarlet fever, why not erect 1 temporary buildings in each centre of population ill the district, and lot tho Health Department justify its existence by stamp, ing out the disease. Wo got on all right and had a lower death rate before the Health Department started: hut in advising a huge, permanent, brick fever hospital it looko ns. if the Health Department expected that after this we were to liavo an epidemic of fever all the time, Trusting ■ the contributing taxpayers will look into ; this matter,—l am, eto., "WORKING BULLOCK."