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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 7402, 10 August 1885, Page 4

The subject to •which Colonel Haultain draws attention in an article appearing in another column is unquestionably one of considerable importance. It certainly concerns the people of Auckland not a little that the bequests of the late Mr. Oostley to our charitable institutions should be judiciously administered. The writer, however, is slightly mistaken in supposing that the silence of the public on the subject is due to any lack of interest in the matter, or any foregone conclusion concerning the difficulties which surround it, or the unquestioning confidence in the ability of the trustees to perform the duties they have accepted. Nor so far as the Press is concerned is the imputation of silence well founded. On several occasions attention has been directed in these columns to the irresponsible way in which these trusts appeared to be dealt with and the necessity that exits for the administration of them being rendered more amenable to public supervision than is at present the case ; and nothing will give us greater pleasure than to find that the agitation which it is the-aim of Colonel Haultain to create may contribute to some beneficial outcome. Referring to the particular trust commented on by him, it may be said that the claims of the aged and infirm, and, let us add, of those suffering from incurable disease, who are obliged to be indebted to some public institution for the comforts of a home, will be freely acknowledged by all. The necessity for accommodation sufficient to provide relief for all such cases as may occur will also be admitted. All will allow, too, with Colonel Haultain that neither in point of extent nor in comfort is the existing accommodation such as it ought to be. The question therefore which this state of things raises is, should the Costley bequest to this institution be wholly or in part appropriated for the erection of suitable buildings. It may be true as is contended, that the donor intended that the bequest should all be devoted to such a purpose, instead of being invested, as an endowment for the maintenance of its inmates. Still there is room for difference of opinion on this point. If it be, as is alleged, that the Government will, in consequence of the more pressing claims of other plans, and the non-availability of funds, be unable to grant any money towards the erecting of buildings in Auckland, this may be a good reason why a portion at least of the bequest should forthwith be utilised for the purpose. The amount, close on £4000, which is said to be lying idle, might surely be employed for this end; and it is quite possible to make that go far enough' to meet the demands for relief for some time to come. The idea of Colonel. Haultain that the building should be of permanent material has much to commend it • but it is yet worth while considering whether it would be judicious to undertake the putting up of a building of this character at present. It might be possible to obtain a wooden erection with the requisite accommodation for the sum that appears not to be in-

vested, while the portion of the bequest now yielding income might be allowed to accumulate with a view to the permanent structure. This latter could be undertaken at different times, according to a well-devised plan and as circumstances might render necessary. It is not always wise to exhaust the bequest for such an institution at once. More may be done for its enlarged usefulness by holding a part of it in reserve, and reckoning on its increase. In this way it is possible both to meet the present distress and make provision for future wants. Colonel Haultain has, with a commendable regard for brevity, abstained from supplying an account of the management of the charitable institutions in Australia, which he had an opportunity of observing during his recent visit to that country ; but on another occasion he will, we doubt not, furnish this for the benefit of the public. Meanwhile it is to be hoped that some practical result will flow from the discussion of the matter which he has dealt with so opportunely.