HOSPITAL CONTROL.

Evening Star, Issue 21079, 16 April 1932, Page 13

HOSPITAL CONTROL.

10 THE- EDITOR. Sir,—l have always, to some extent, entertained the idea that those who are elected to fill the responsible positions upon the various local bodies are persons who truly desire to render service to the community, free from all bias or prejudice, for what they sincerely believe to be in the best interest of those whom they are elected to servo. Feeling quite confident in my belief, I recently approached the various members of the Hospital Board with what 1 believe to he a just and reasonable proposition. On the advice ot the chairman and the members, I was advised to submit the proposition in writing to the members of the committee and the question would be dealt with in the council. This advice I adopted. 1 now understand that my proposition was discussed but failed to obtain a favourable recommendation. The reason for its rejection 1 am at a loss to understand; thus my reason for seeking publication of the matter. During my lifetime 1 have been closely associated with land development. 1 learned that the members of the Hospital Board are trustees of a property at Wakari comprising 50 acres of land. Approximately 20 acres of this land is utilised by the Hospital Board for buildings and the growing of vegetables for the board’s requirements. Upon the remaining 30 acres a dwelling house was built winch has been unoccupied for a number of years, with the result that it is fast falling into a state of disrepair. 1 made an offer of £lO5 a year tc the Hospital Board for this latter property, firmly believing that the members of the board would be willing to lease the said property and have the residence occupied, and the idle land utilised to a greater degree of efficiency during these hard times. To my surprise, and for no apparent reason, my application was declined. This decision, so far as my personal knowledge is concerned, seems to be exceedingly ridiculous, and in my opinion if these people are elected upon the belief that they are in possession of some exceptional business ability, one need not be surprised to read of the periodical outbursts against the continual display of inefficiency by the Otago Hospital Board. It appears to me as though the property in question is controlled by two paid servants of the board, and if those who have been appointed by the public are not capable of doing so, then the sooner they are replaced by people possessed ot more business acumen the better it will bo for all concerned. 1 am not writing in the dog in the manger spirit, but for the purpose of trying to bring before the public what seems to me to be a fundamental weakness in our system of democratic control, and what without doubt calls for an immediate remedy.— I am, cfc., ,J. S, Tayi-or. April 15,