THE HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume I, Issue 80, 24 July 1876, Page 2

THE HOSPITAL ENDOWMENT.

TO THE EDITOR. OF THE EVENING MAIL. -Sir,—Your correspondent "Civis,"in his zeal for Mr. Steward, gives that gentleman credit on one point far more than he was fairly entitled to. He says, "To him (Mr. Steward), more than any one, we owe the splendid Hospital Endowment of 4,000 acres, now producing to that institution £2OO per annum, and which may some day produce as many thousands." Having seen similar remarks on this subject, on former occasions, I infer that the public generally are not aware of the real facts of the case. Whilst giving Mr. Steward credit, in conjunction with others, for successfully carrying the Bill through the House of Representatives, when it reached that stage, and. making satisfactory negotiations with the Hon. Robert Campbell, as to leasing, &c., it is but fair to Mr. Sumpterto remember that he, by his efforts in the Provincial Council, obtained the present endowment of 4,000 acres of pastoral land (in exchange for the 2,000 acres at Doctor's Creek, first set asidr, wh:c:i, being considered suitable for agricultural purposes, could not be alienated in the manner proposed), Mr. Sumpter had previously tried to secure a money grant of £I,OOO, but the motion was lost on division. I feel quite sure that Mr. Steward himself would not wish .to have his services overestimated at the expense of others, and would, if necessary, corroborate my statement, which is fully borne out by the records of the Provincial Council for 1871 and. 18/2. —I am, See., Onlooker.