HOW SHALL THE DIAMOND JUBILEE BE CELEBRATED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10410, 7 April 1897, Page 6

HOW SHALL THE DIAMOND JUBILEE BE CELEBRATED.

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir,—Many suggestions, some interesting for their novelty, some valuable for their eminently practical character, have been offered as to what would be the most fitting means for celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. Judging from the recent addresses which have been delivered in all parts of the British Empire by men representing all the shades of political and religious opinion, a strong sentiment of patriotism has been given expression to by the whole British public; its strong sense ot loyalty has been thoroughly aroused, from the wealthiest to the humblest; all are anxious to show in some tangible manner their love of Queen Victoria, who represents the keystone which binds together the fabric of the English Constitution; all are anxious to show in a marked manner their appreciation of the blessings and privileges which they have enjoyed during her benign rule. All the home papers simply teem with items in connection with the preparations for the coming celebration, and one cannot but observe that the trend of public opinion is in the direction of the establishment, on a magnificent scale, of hospitals and institutions of a kindred nature, which may stand as lasting testimonies to the veneration and love which all true British subjects have for their Sovereign. In our Queen we have represented the highest aud best type of all that is good and beautiful in woman. In her well-known character for true womanly sympathy, gentleness, and kindness, the historian and poet may find a theme on which they may well expatiate in all the grace and beauty of poetic diction. Our Queen has always shown an active sympathy with the suffering, she has always evinced the deepest interest in the founding of institutions for the alleviation of sickness. The Prince of Wales' has given expression to the effect that in the establishment of hospitals as a means of perpetuating the memory of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee, her wishes would be best consulted. At the same time it is the expression of his own wish, and his utterances in the matter must not be taken as mere empty words, for he has proved himself something more than a mere ornamental figure, he has taken a prominent part in the erection of hospitals in the metropolis of our Empire. Only recently a very large sum (over £100,000) was raised through his instrumentality and energy as the nucleus of a fund which might wrest Guy's Hospital from the chronic financial difficulties from which it was suffering. Why not celebrate the Diamond Jubilee by adding a new wing to our Hospital ? One correspondent in your valuable paper on the .'list is anxious to know who is going to undertake the illumination of the city for the day. To my mind it is a useless waste of money, money which, if well and judiciously expended, may be the means of conferring untold blessings on suffering children. In the erection of a children's hospital, quite separate from the present Auckland Hospital, to be called " The Queen Victoria Hospital for Children," we have a splendid opportunity for keeping evergreen the memory of the " Diamond Jubileee." It is generally underStood that the children's ward at our Hospital, as at present, is totally unsuitable and inadequate to the requirements of a growing city like Auckland. From its position the ward is seldom bright and cheerful looking, ' the life and health-giving power of the sun's ravs is seldom felt within its walls. Not only this, the convalescent children very often give vent to their exuberance of youthful spirits within the hearing and to the annoyance of adult patients who seek quiet and rest. - I do not think we can celebrate the day in a more suitable manner than in the erection of such a childrep's hospital, the foundation stone of which might beset on the Jubilee Day with all the pomp and magnificence becoming, the. occasion, •?.' There should not be much difficulty in collecting subscriptions for the purpose. In a wealthy city like Auckland, with the prosperity we have enjoyed during the'last two years, with the generosity for which some ot

our citizens are known, a auihcieufc sum as a nucleus might be raised by ten citizens contributing £500 between them. The public would soon follow suit. One gentleman has promised £50, if nine others would contribute 'similar sum. My suggestion is, I think, well worthy of the consideration of the citizens of Auckland. It is high time decisive steps were taken by the authorities of our city to learn the wishes of the contributing Auckland public on the question. Tnauking you in anticipation for the insertion of this rather lenethy communication.—l am, etc., Edward W. Sharman. Symondsstreet. P.S.— should bo glad to receive any communications on the subject, with the idea of forming a provisional committee.