NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 23 June 1926, Page 2

NELSON MENTAL HOSPITAL

XEEIIS roiTOliili STRESSED

iTo The [■alitor.) Sit',— -to!lowing the publication of my recent, letter, I read in your hval columns that Mis Worship the May,.; had noted mv complaint, had staled thill it was the duty of the Government to see that the Mental Hospital was properly equipped, and that he (the Mayor) had referred the matter to Mr Atmore, as member for the district, to attend to.

Now, Sir, if I may do so without appearing to demonstrate personal prejudice, which is farthest from my mind. I would like, to tell His Worship that it. is equally his duly as Mayor to investigate the matter, am! if lu l finds the position to he as I slated, In. ask his Louneil to support him in a definite resolution protesting against a continuance of such a state of affairs, and demanding that the Government provide the general up-to-dateness that the institution requires. 1 haven't any doubt about Mr Atmore taking lip the matter seriously, and prosecuting the claim that the position warrants, and that the institution must have before it can be referred as a credit to the city that bolds it. but if a single member of Parlaimenl is to reach the ear of. Government, he must have very definite backing, and be able to produce evidence of bis constituents' determination to get what they through him demand. This is more than ever necessary with the present big majority Government. The people must he heard, and as tl,ie Mayor and his councillors are a reflex of the people, lot the Council strengthen the member’s hand by providing him with the necessary ammunition to move the Government to action. The same can be asked, and expected, from local County Councils and other influential bodies, arid then, but not till then will Nelson citizens get for tiiis splendid institution what if justly deserves. Let the writer tell Tlis Worship, arid very humbly .too, that had lie (the writer) taken the count in every day life, every time it has been handed out to him, lie would not be in the position to offer the donation stated in his former letter. The Government have only to meet a fighter who will hand out the right stuff, and continue, mind you, to do so, and they will very soo<n choose the line of least resistance, and provide what is demanded, particularly, where the urgency of the position warrants it. as in the case under review.

I appreciate. Mr Editor, your willingness to publish my letters, written as they are, only in my desire to do as a citizen what T regard to be my fluty to those less fortunate than myself. 1 am, etc.. OBSERVER.