THE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 10415, 13 April 1897, Page 3

THE DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Without taking into account the proposal of one of your correspondents herein to illuminate the city, there are now before the public three suggestions, any of which, if carried into effect would accentuate this event of the century in strict harmony with the spirit and genius of that beuignant reign which has received much of its lustre and power from direct association with the beloved Queen whom we all feel it a privilege to honour. 1. A convalescent home. The benefit and desirability of such an institution his been' forcibly advocated by Mr. P. A. Philips. I may state that, at the instance of Mr. Battley, who laudably desired to the dying wishes of the late Dr. Lawryj.l laboured earnestly but in vain to bring into existence a cognate institution for consumptive patients. A Liberal Government shuts the door in the face of valetudinarians, writing thereon " Undesirable Immigrants." Altruistic citizens gladly would bind up their broken hearts and staunch their bleeding wounds. 2. A hospital for children. Ihe claims of this establishment have been admirably set forth by Dr. Sharman, and further recommendation on my part would be superfluous. 3. The erection of a permanent structure in brick tor the Blind Institute. I regard this work as a matter of paramount importance for the following reasons: The whole «i the pitiuit' boiicUoga tie constructed of ; \

wood, are inconvenient, unsuitable, liable to risk from fire, and are constantly dilapidating. It was never intended that they should constitute the continuous theatre of operations. The trustees had to take the house as it was, supplementing its deficiencies by temporary additions without reference to harmonious plan. The new buildings were detached and so constructed that they might be serviceable in a subordinate sense, and will therefore, in the event of a main building coming into evidence, be utilisable as hereinbefore stated. The public, who subscribed so handsomely, have in a thousand ways testified to the good fruit which this tree of their recent planting has already produced, and I feel ed they will delight in carrying up a suitable edifice on the lines suggested till the top-stone of supreme satisfaction is brought on, saying: "Grace, grace unto it." If the Mayor were to convene a public meeting, these and other schemes might be ventilated on their merits; and I feel convinced the right one would be selected, and a modus operandi initiated. A strong committee could thereafter set to work, and the overflowing liberalities of a, community ever ready to respoud to the appeal of the sick and destitute, would require only to be garnered and devoted to one or other of the noble objects to which reference has been made.

When the roaring flood caused disaster and rain to colonists at Brisbane, we subScribed £2000, and promptly remitted this sum, together with large shipments of seasonable produce. When the loud long wail from famishing millions in India reached us, we gave our mite of about £SOO. This was " weeping with those who weep." On the unparalleled occasion in which we are speedily to take part, the scene will change, and then will come the rejoicing of " those who rejoice." The more we become acquainted with the motives, memorabie words and deeds of Her Majesty, the higher will rise our admiration of her person and character. Recognising the rare tact, souud judgment, coosummate skill, aud fulness of knowledge, in which the Queen has discharged the delicate and difficult fuuetions of her exalted office, we may, I think, thereby be stimulated- wisely and well to generate and foster one or other of thoso philanthropies in which her soul delights, When the press in its might shall go forth through the length and breadth ol her mighty Empire to chronicle the number and variety of philanthropies that have sprung into existence to earmark her unparalleled Diamond Jubilee, she will regard them as the brightest ornaments which cluster rouud her neck and the richest gems that sparkle in the immortal diadem of glory which encircles her august and virtuous brow. It is a good and a pleasant thing to behold an aged Queen, chastened by bereavement, still reigning and ruling iu an Empire girdling all the zones, and ou which the sun novor sets, Happy ami glorious, (JoJ save the Queen! I am, etc., John Abbott. Hnrstmere, April 12,1897.