THE RADIUM APPEAL

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 22, 26 January 1924, Page 6

THE RADIUM APPEAL

Wellington is to be congratulated on the success thus far attained ip the appeal for a special fund to provide radium treatment at the Hospital. Credit is also due to those districts, some near at hand and some distant, which have shared in the campaign and contributed their quota for a humanitarian purpose. The spirit; in which the appeal has be'en taken up in some of these districts is especially creditable. There have been no parochial objections or petty haggling, as to special benefits. The general good of the community has been considered first. The sum aimed at has, however, not yet been obtained. There is still scope for the generosity of those districts or individuals' who have not helped with the fund. No doubt many people are still waiting for (i personal request, and v.:o_uW give, feeely if .asked directly.

But in this matter they should take a wider view of their public duty. Personal canvassing is undoubtedly the best method of bringing in the money, but who is to do it? The committee which, has been responsible for. organising the/campaign has worked long and steadily; and iL. has not been overwhelmed with offers of personal assistance. Is it fair, then, that members of the public should expect voluntary workers to wait upon them and beg for their donations'! These voluntary 'workers will derive no special benefit from the success of the appeal. Their efforts are prompted only by a keener perception of their obligations to society, and the public should assjst them in. fulfilling those obligations. We trust that intending contributors will quickly provide the balance of the fund, so that the Government subsidy for the full amount may be applied for and the work of installing the plant may proceed.