Mangonui Cottage Hospital.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 41, 22 May 1906, Page 5

Mangonui Cottage Hospital.

Wt do no! identify ourielvet with opinion exprated by corrttpondentt.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The above question may well be a burning one for ratepayers. The sentiments expressed by “Locksley” and other correspondents are more in accord with public opinion and commonsense than the feeble satire attempted by your correspondent “ Buster Brown,’’ who must be fighting a weak cause when he comes down to raising such paltry questions as “hen roostß,” “dreams,” “ which donkey will kick Cr. Powell P” His idea of "an asylum” is nearly as preposterous as that of the hospital itself, but perhaps “ Buster ” has a foreboding of his future needs that way ! Nothing that “ Buster ” says alters the case against the hospital, but it is fair to assume he has made the most of the case for the hospital. Next time he might deal with tho knotty question of finance, showing how it will be possible to make the hospital pay its way without increasing the hospital contribution of this and other counties concerned, increasing Government grants, and lastly calling on the generosity of the public for subscriptions. “ Buster ” might also show how they can afford anything other than an indifferent staff of attendants, and how patients can trust their lives Jto local talent when Auckland is within reach. The public have been ignored all through. They did not want the hospital, and time will show that all the gloomiest predictions of its critics are amply justified. In the meantime it will have attained the aim of its promoters —a doctor for Mangonui—and ratepayers can foot the bill. —Tours, etc., A RATEPAYER. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The arrow I sped at the senseless way hospital matters have been carried on appears to have had more the effect of an expanding, exploding, lacerating shell on " Buster Brown)" than a simple arrow without a barb. It is quite clear that the arrow hit the bull’s eye fair in the centre. I had no idea of the wonderful effect it would produce. It is always satisfactory to a writer to know that he has been successful in making bis point, which in this instance is shown by Mr. 8.8. adopting the well-known legal axiom of “ When you have no case abuse the other Bide.” I was not aware that Mr. Brown was so urgently in need of hospital treatment for the disease he evidently suffers from (commonly known as swelled head). Generally speaking, it is best treated outside, but it is probably different in his case, as it would seem to have burst (actually acknowledged “Buster”). Mr. “Buster’s” effusion proves the cause of bis objection to the more profitable boarding-house, not only by his belief that he will have to take first advantages of the professional treatment in the hospital, but he does seem to fear that a boarding-house conducted on the lines of the Admirality House might not admit him as a boarder. He is probably conect in that; it is doubtful if he would shine as such. But he appears to have forgotten that there is another position where shining would be required, which would suit him better. It is a pity he was not a member of the old Paddy's Market in Melbourne. He is eminently qualified to be a bright and shining light there. By the way, I wholly disagree with Mr. “Buster Brown” thatherequires a lunatic asylum instead of an hospital, as I don’t think any two doctors would certify for bis admission. Possession of sense and brains are a tine <jua rum before they can be lost. Monomania or idiocy are not qualifications, although some people think they are. The brains shown by Mr. 8.8.’s letter will never give him a headache, although spleen might. That was surely a slip of the pen to mention hen roosts. I don't suppose anyone would doubt his knowledge and intimate acquaintance with such. It is obvious from the clapping of wings and crowing. He should be satisfied with that distinction, and let commonsense subjects alone. I was a little doubtful as to who considered themselves lower than a donkey, but the hen roost settles it, the crowing being an attempted intimation of the donkey’s he haul, he haw. Should any sensible person doubt the cost of hospitals I gave, a letter to Mr. Humphreys, Knitsbridge, Hyde Park, London, G.W., will get designs and prices post free. I wish to correct one of the erroneous impressions of Mr. “Buster Brown,” that of “Locksley” being a prophet. The original Locksley was a Freo Lance when John tried to usurp the throne of England. The present Locksley is a Free Lance who objects to usurping ratepayers’ rights.—Your most obedient servant LOCKSLEY. Kaitaia, 13th May, 1906.