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Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 9427, 30 May 1891, Page 4

Thb announcement published in another column that the difficulties which impeded the progress of the Midland Railway have been removed, will be read with lively satisfaction by the people of Canterbury and Westland. The exact terms of the compromise between the Government and the Company are not yet made public, and they are really of little moment. The fact that a settlement has been agreed to is what interests our readers, and that, we are assured, is beyond the region of doubt. In advising, a week or two ago, that the Government should be trusted, we expressed the confidence we felt in the Ministers’ professions of friend-: ship towards the railway. The issues involved were too large and the points in dispute too insignificant to permit or excuse a moment’s, unnecessary delay. Now that the way is clear the Company will, we have no doubt, push on the work with all the energy that has distinguished its proceedings in the past,’ and we can look forward with confidence to the day when railway communication will be established between the East and West Coasts of the Middle Island.

A pew years ago Christchurch had, its Benevolent Association, well organised and well conducted, to act in the judicious distribution of private benevolence. Christchurch also had its Hospital Sunday, set aside by the churches irrespective of creed ; a day on which contributions were made to a fund for the comfort and relief of destitute patients. A beginning had been made, too, with the Hospital Saturday, a day when wageearners and non-church goers had a special opportunity to minister to the needs of suffering humanity. The Hospital and Charitable Aid Act killed these institutions. But although charity and the law appear to be as wide apart as the poles, wo hope and believe that the virtue which is above all others is only dormant. There is talk of reviving the Benevolent Association, and why should we not revive the Hospital Saturday and Sunday too F In Sydney the other day there was a great demonstration by the Friendly Societies in the interests of the various hospitals of the city and suburbs, and the men who assembled subscribed nearly <£2oo. In Melbourne, also, the people realise that one of the duties devolving upon them is to help those who, by reason of sickness or accident, are unable to help themseles. Is our generosity leas iu proportion than that of Sydney or Melbourne? Wo think not, but it remains for some one to give our charity the awakening touch.